Have you visited the terraced fields of Vietnam?

Have you visited the terraced fields of Vietnam? If you haven’t, then you’re missing out on one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. These terraced fields, carved into the sides of mountains, are a testament to the ingenuity and hard work of the Vietnamese people. From the vibrant green rice paddies to the winding pathways that lead through the mountains, there is no shortage of stunning vistas to take in. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting to explore the world, the terraced fields of Vietnam are a must-see destination that will leave you in awe.

Have you visited the terraced fields of Vietnam? What does a beautiful terraced field look like?

The terraced fields in Vietnam are an iconic feature of the northern mountainous region, particularly in the provinces of Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, and Hoang Su Phi. These fields are often carved into the steep slopes of the mountains, creating a series of steps that cascade down the hillsides.

What makes these terraced fields so captivating is the way they blend into the natural landscape. They are carefully crafted to follow the contours of the hills, resulting in a harmonious flow of curves and lines that are both pleasing to the eye and functional for agriculture.

In addition to their agricultural importance, the terraced fields are also a symbol of the culture and heritage of the ethnic minority groups that inhabit the region. The Hmong, Dao, and other groups have been living in these mountains for generations and have developed unique farming techniques that are tailored to the rugged terrain.

Terraced fields: Each season has its own color

During the different seasons of the year, the terraced fields take on a different appearance. In the spring, they are filled with water as farmers prepare the fields for planting. The fields then transform into a lush green carpet as the crops begin to grow. In the summer, the fields are a vibrant green, and the farmers can be seen working hard in the fields, tending to their crops. As autumn arrives, the crops begin to turn golden, creating a beautiful contrast against the greenery. Finally, in the winter, the fields are left to rest, providing a tranquil and serene atmosphere to the surrounding landscape.

Overall, the scenery of terraced fields in Vietnam is truly stunning and captivating. It’s a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the local farmers, who have created a sustainable and beautiful way of farming in the harsh mountainous terrain.

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Have you visited the terraced fields of Vietnam: The best time to visit terraced fields

Travel in September to witness the ripe rice season of the terraced fields

The mountainous region of Northwest Vietnam is known for its harvest season. This season takes place in September and October. During this time, the image of flooded fields disappears. Instead, visitors can witness the unique sight of shimmering golden terraced fields. The cool autumn breeze adds to the beauty of the landscape.

At an altitude of over 1,000m, surrounded by hills, and with a September climate of clear blue skies, the ripened rice fields sparkle with color. This is the most beautiful time of the year, where on the undulating hills, the heavy, curving rice stalks glisten in a bright golden hue. The faint sound of flute music, the occasional kite flying, and small wooden huts dotted around create a magnificent landscape. This is the perfect time for a terraced field tour.

Every year, during this time, many tourists come to visit the Northwest mountains, attracted by the natural scenery and the simple charm of the land.

August – the season of lush green rice fields

If you love the freshness of greenery, then August is the ideal time for a terraced field tour in the Northwest mountainous region. The simple and peaceful beauty, with the green waves preparing to turn into dreamy yellow, creates a magnificent natural painting that leaves everyone in awe.

May and June are the seasons of flooding

The months of May and June mark the season of flooding, creating a picturesque landscape resembling a watercolor painting. It’s the time for ethnic communities to start a new crop season, welcoming the summer rains that fall on the terraced rice fields, forming a lush and lively green region. You won’t see the aridity of this harsh climate here, instead, you’ll witness the dreamy beauty of nature and the smooth water flow that will captivate you.

In addition to the stunning scenery, many cultural activities and festivals take place during the harvest season. Visitors can witness the local farmers using traditional methods to harvest their crops, as well as participate in various cultural activities such as folk games, dance performances, and food fairs.

The most beautiful places to admire ripened terraced rice fields in Vietnam

Mu Cang Chai:

Located in Yen Bai Province, Mu Cang Chai is renowned for its terraced rice fields, especially during harvest season. From mid-September to mid-October, Mu Cang Chai will be ablaze with golden rice fields, the weather is beautiful and favorable for visiting.

Sapa:

A popular tourist destination in Lao Cai Province, Sapa is known for its stunning landscapes of rice terraces, valleys, and mountains.

September – October is the time when Sapa dons a stunning golden coat of ripened rice fields. This is considered the best time to visit Sapa according to many tourists.

Sapa has many terraced fields, but the most notable ones are Ta Van – Hau Thao – Lao Chai (in Sa Pa district), located in the Muong Hoa valley. This is the largest and most beautiful terraced field complex in Sapa with a total area of nearly 1,000 hectares. Vu Lung Sung terraced fields, in Trung Chai commune (in Sapa district), are the terraced fields with the most levels in Vietnam (121 levels).

Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang Province:

Located in Ha Giang Province, Hoang Su Phi boasts breathtaking terraced rice fields and is a popular spot for trekking.

The terraced rice fields in Hoang Su Phi are located in six communes: Ban Luoc, San Sa Ho, Ban Phung, Ho Thau, Nam Ty, and Thong Nguyen. They are considered to be the most beautiful in Vietnam, with a history of hundreds of years of cultivation by the La Chi, Dao, and Nung people. Generations of locals have worked hard to create these stunning and winding fields.

When talking about the Hoang Su Phi terraced fields, it is impossible not to mention those in Ban Luoc and Ban Phung. They are truly magnificent and almost unreal.

From the center of Ban Phung commune, you can see layers upon layers of golden terraced rice fields. Stilt houses and terraced fields adorn the landscape, forming a silk ribbon that stretches for kilometers from mountaintops to streams.

These destinations offer a unique and breathtaking view of Vietnam’s countryside and are sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveler.

1. Sapa:

• By train: Take an overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, then a shuttle bus or taxi to Sapa town.
• By bus: Take a bus from Hanoi to Sapa town.
• By motorbike or private car: Drive from Hanoi to Sapa town.

2. Mu Cang Chai:

• By bus: Take a bus from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai town.
• By motorbike or private car: Drive from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai town.

3. Hoang Su Phi:

• By bus: Take a bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang city, then take another bus to Hoang Su Phi.
• By motorbike or private car: Drive from Hanoi to Hoang Su Phi.

It is recommended to hire a local guide or take a tour to fully experience the culture and history of the terraced rice fields. This will help you learn more about the area and appreciate its beauty even more.

Information about some bus companies

Traveling by coach is also very convenient for the majority of tourists during their terraced rice field trip. The price is relatively cheap, only from 200,000 – 300,000 VND per ticket with full amenities. Tourists prefer starting from Hanoi to their destination, so here are some reliable coach companies to consider.

Son Phuong coach

• Departure – Destination: Thai Nguyen – Nghia Lo – Mu Cang Chai – Lai Chau
• Time: 17:00 (Thai Nguyen and Lai Chau) – 20:30 (Mu Cang Chai)
• Contact phone: 096 122 2525

Thao Nguyen coach

• Departure – Destination: Hanoi – Mu Cang Chai
• Time: 10:00 (My Dinh) – 21:00 (Mu Cang Chai)
• Contact phone: 0978 991 992

Manh Tuong coach

• Departure – Destination: My Dinh – Mu Cang Chai – Than Uyen
• Time: Contact the coach directly
• Contact phone: 0978 649 351 – 0915 645 199

Khanh Binh coach

• Departure – Destination: Hanoi – Nghia Lo – Tu Le – Mu Cang Chai
• Time: 10:00 (Hanoi) – 21:00 (Mu Cang Chai)
• Contact phone: 1900 8021

Toan Anh coach

• Departure – Destination: Hanoi – Mu Cang Chai
• Time: Contact the coach directly
• Contact phone: 0974 462 264

Hoang Anh coach

• Departure – Destination: Giap Bat – My Dinh – Nghia Lo – Mu Cang Chai – Than Uyen – Lai Chau
• Time: 17:00 (Giap Bat) – 17:00 (Lai Chau)
• Contact phone: 0912 524 066 – 0912 212 418 – 0984 971 999 – 0912 317 515

Ngan Ha coach

• Departure – Destination: Hanoi – Mu Cang Chai – Lai Chau
• Time: 17:30 (My Dinh) – 19:30 (Lai Chau)
• Contact phone: 0912 131 215

Hung Thanh coach

• Departure – Destination: My Dinh – Nghia Lo – Mu Cang Chai – Lai Chau
• Time: 19:45 (My Dinh) – 17:00 (Lai Chau)
• Contact phone: 0969 535 757 – 0975 559 911

Anh Tu coach:

• Departure – Destination: My Dinh – Viet Tri – Thanh Son – Nghia Lo – Mu Cang Chai – Than Uyen – Lai Chau
• Time: 17:30 (My Dinh) – 18:45 (Lai Chau)
• Contact phone: 0986 025 569 – 0399 286 488 – 0213 628 6909 – 0986 392 081

The terraced fields of Vietnam are a must-see destination for any traveler who wants to experience the country’s stunning natural beauty and learn about its rich agricultural traditions. Whether you explore the iconic rice paddies in Sapa, the lesser-known fields in Ha Giang or Mu Cang Chai, or any of the other locations across Vietnam, you are sure to be rewarded with unforgettable sights and experiences. So, have you visited the terraced fields of Vietnam yet? If not, it’s time to add this remarkable destination to your travel list!