Where to see the most beautiful rice fields in Vietnam ?

Originating from an agricultural country and associated with a wet rice civilization, Vietnam's scenery is always attached to the image of beautiful rice fields. Have you ever had the feeling of peace and fullness when accidentally passing through ripe rice fields, and want to find them back? Where to see the most beautiful rice fields in Vietnam? To answer these questions, in this article, Vietnam Original Travel will take you to the top 8 places to see the most stunning rice fields in Vietnam

 

What to know before visiting top rice fields in Vietnam?

One of the most common and special sceneries that you can easily find in Vietnam is the endless Vietnam rice fields, and many tourists travel to every corner of Vietnam every year just to admire that beauty.

The lowlands are covered with rice paddies, while the high hills surprise visitors with terraced fields. Although located in different areas, you will surely fall in love at first sight with this magnificent view.

There are many beautiful rice fields in Vietnam, especially in rural areas from north to south. If you want to witness the majestic picture of rushing waters and glistening rice terraces like mirrors, you should come to these areas around March to June. The best time to see rice fields in Vietnam is late September or early October during the harvest season, tourists will have a chance to watch golden ripe rice sparkling under the sun.

 

1. Hoang Su Phi

Located about 300km from Hanoi, Hoang Su Phi - the must-experienced destination in Ha Giang is a border district located in the west of Ha Giang province. The terraced fields here are recognized as a national relic. However, Hoang Su Phi is still one of the most pristine attractions due to the long distance and rugged terrain. Coming here in September and October, visitors will be amazed by the majestic beauty of golden high terraced rice fields built in the mountains, it’s like watching golden stairways to the sky.

The most ideal places for you to watch ripe rice are in Ban Luoc, Thong Nguyen or Ban Phung, and even in Ho Thau or Nam Ty in where the scenery is also excellent. In particular, local people have built many scenic spots so that tourists can stop by the roadside and take pictures.

 

 

2. Sapa

If you love hiking, it will be a pity if you skip Sapa in your Vietnam travel itinerary. Located in the Northwest Vietnam near the Chinese border, Sa Pa is known as a popular mountainous town that you must visit whenever traveling to Vietnam. The area boasts breathtaking natural scenery, including terraced fields grown by ethnic minority groups such as Black H'mong, Red Dao ao, Giay,...through many generations.

The golden Sapa rice fields are also one of the most popular tourist attractions, especially in Muong Hoa Valley located between Sa Pa town and Mount Fansipan. This terraced field is said to date back to the 15th century. Surely the beautiful scenery of this place will make you feel peaceful and have unforgettable memories.

 

3. Mu Cang Chai

Located more than 300 km from Hanoi, Mu Cang Chai (Yen Bai) is no longer a new place for those who want to explore and immerse in the beauty of nature. It boasts one of the most iconic mountainous scenes, attracting a large number of visitors who come to watch the enchanting beauty of the Northwestern highlands.

Coming to Mu Cang Chai rice terraces, especially Mam Xoi hill or Mong Ngua hill during the harvest season, standing by the roadside watching the ripe rice terraces, you can truly admire the delicate and skillful winding lines in the creation of terraced fields of H'mong people. Renting a traditional costume to take pictures with the view is also one of the most favored activities by tourists.

 

4. Tam Coc - Bich Dong

Heading 100km from Hanoi to the South, we will visit Tam Coc - a famous destination in Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh. Tam Coc is one of the most beautiful rice fields in Vietnam.

Just like Trang An, to visit Tam Coc, visitors have to go by boat along the Ngo Dong River. The ticket price to visit Tam Coc is currently 120,000 VND per person and 150,000 VND per boat. Each boat will carry a maximum of 2 foreigners or 4 Vietnamese guests.

Through the river sections, visitors will be able to witness with their own eyes the ripening rice fields on both sides. If you want to watch the whole green rice fields, March and April are the right time. For people who want to see the golden ripe rice, arrive in early June. Pay another 100,000 VND, you will be able to take pictures of the whole ripe golden rice fields from the top mountain of Mua cave.

 

 

5. Y Ty  (Lao Cai)

Located about 70km from Lao Cai and Sapa, Y Ty is a mountainous commune in Bat Xat district, Lao Cai province, located on rocky mountains with a height of about 2,000 m above sea level. Thanks to the high altitude and mild weather, Y Ty is always added in list of the Top 10 most beautiful rice paddies in Vietnam. The slope to Y Ty is pretty difficult to ride. But for those who are adventurous people, and love to experience and explore the beauty of Vietnam rice fields, this is truly an exciting experience.

On the high hills, terraced fields appear as soft as golden bibs, embracing villages and small houses on the hillside. Y Ty in autumn is fragrant with the smell of ripe rice, freshly milled rice, and the afternoon blue smoke flies over the roofs.

You can sit quietly watching the clouds and terraced fields in front of the door, enjoy a cup of tea, feel the breeze, smell the aroma of rice, and listen to music. What a wonderful moment !

 

6. Mai Chau (Hoa Binh)

Tucked away in a tranquil valley in the Hoa Binh province, about 130 km from the southwest of Hanoi, you will visit Mai Chau. The peaceful scenery and lifestyle of the Thai ethnic people here have created a very unique Mai Chau.

There are two periods to see rice fields in Mai Chau in which each season brings a different beauty. March to  May and August to September are when the fields are fresh and green, tourists can rent a bike to leisurely cycle through the green rice fields, enjoy the strong smell of new rice, or go for a walk. July and October are probably the most beautiful season to travel to Mai Chau – the harvest season. The whole Mai Chau valley is covered with a golden color and the aroma of ripe rice that is sure to captivate the heart of any fastidious visitors.

Mai Chau is a place where you can feel peace, feel idyllic in everyday life, where you can breathe fresh air deeply, can indulge in the local culture of the Thai ethnic group and watch the beauty of the Northwest in the green and yellow color of rice.

 

7. Cao Bang

Located near Ha Giang, Cao Bang is a place with many famous tourist attractions such as Pac Bo Historic Site, Ban Gioc Waterfall, and Nguom Ngao Cave... In mid-September and October every year, the golden ripe rice here is as beautiful as a painting, creating a picture of Cao Bang that is both majestic, poetic, and romantic.

Ban Gioc Waterfall is a must-visit destination of Cao Bang province. When autumn comes, the ripe golden rice fields add more charm to this majestic waterfall, turning it into a fairyland of the Cao Bang. With only 50,000 VND per person, visitors can sit on a boat to go around the waterfall for about 15 minutes to enjoy the impressive scenery.

 

Best ways to see terraced rice fields in Vietnam

Take the Fansipan Cable Car

Prepare for an unforgettable adventure on the Fansipan cable car - the longest cable car in the world! On the journey to the top of Fansipan mountain, the highest peak in Vietnam, you will experience the feeling of euphoria when watching the panoramic view of terraced fields in Muong Hoa Valley. This is a great opportunity to see the stunning beauty of the rice terraces from above.

 

 

Catch the Sapa mountain climbing train

Try joining the Sapa mountain climbing train to discover the beauty of terraced fields. Sapa mountain climbing train is a unique experience to enjoy the incredible view of the rice terraces, making it a distinct attraction. On the journey, you can look down and see the Muong Hoa valley stretches out at your feet, with forested mountains, green terraces, and blue skies surrounded by the dense white clouds that Sapa is famous for. The train even stops for a minute at the best view, giving visitors a photo opportunity before continuing through tunnels and overpasses on their way to the cable car station.

 

Trek to hill tribe

Take the option of trekking to the hill tribes to explore the rice terraces authentically and up close. You can hire a local guide or join tours to see the Hmong, Dao or Dzay tribes. On this walking journey, you will get to see the authentic beauty of the rice terraces and experience the unique culture and lifestyle of the locals.

 

Take a boat tour in Ninh Binh.

Enjoy a boat cruise to explore the rice fields in Ninh Binh. As we mentioned above, Tam Coc and Trang An area will be the perfect destination for you. On the boat, you will experience a journey through the clear blue rivers, watching the beauty of limestone and rice fields stretching on both sides. This is a unique and interesting experience to discover the wonderful natural beauty of Ninh Binh.

 

Conclusion

Apart from these destinations, you can also find many beautiful rice fields in other places such as Pu Luong, An Giang, and Bac Son,... No matter the destinations you choose, there will always be beautiful rice fields to see, either on the terrace or on flat ground, nestled in the heart of a peaceful valley. You will be impressed by the beauty, understand more about the importance of rice farming in Vietnam, and meet hardworking farmers who have been attached to rice fields all their life. In conclusion, we believe that this answer to the “Where to see the most beautiful rice fields in Vietnam?” topic can provide you with valuable information and get ready to explore the beauty of Vietnam.

 

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