The rice terrace fields in Sapa are popular among locals and international tourists but the North of Vietnam has plenty of other dreamy destinations for that stunning view when the harvest season comes.
Tu Le, Yen Bai Province
Not far from the most well-known Mu Cang Chai, if we move on highway 32 from Nghia Lo town for about 50 km, we will get to Tu Le Commune, a valley of approximately 3,000 ha in Van Chan District valleyed under Khau Pha, Khau Song and Khau Than mountains. The place is known by the Vietnamese for its fragrant special sticky rice, the spectacular landscapes, and the Thai tribal community. When fall comes, from August to October, De Xu Phinh rice terraces in Tu Le transform themselves from lush green to shining bright yellow paintings. The rice terrace here is not lying on the hills or deeply hiding in the valley but it brings a feeling of closeness and reaches out of your hand.
Y Ty, Lao Cai Province
Located near the Chinese border, Y Ty is known for its beautiful rice terrace fields and an authentic hill tribe culture that is unique, well reserved, and untouched. The land remains remote to tourists mainly because of zigzagging, and unmaintained with small settlements looming in the fog and cloud road condition.
Den Sang and Thau Pa valley are the two highlight places for rice terraces in Y Ty. While Thau Pa has thousands of terraced and winding fields stretching for approximately 5 km from Cho Chon to Thien Sinh, Den Sang covers a massive area over the town and it is located right next to the main road to Y Ty creating a sea of yellow rice terrace fields in the harvest season. The fields are mainly cultivated by Ha Nhi and H’Mong people.
If you are interested in unique hill tribe villages, Y Ty is a place for you. There are nearly 800 households in 16 villages shared by Ha Nhi, H’Mong, Dao, and Kinh. The majority of those tribes still live in their traditional houses and retain their traditions and cultures.
Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai Province
Mu Cang Chai, the most beautiful rice terrace in the world- the words have said it all. The unique and stunning yellow rice terraces in this region were cultivated by Red Dzou (Giao), Nung, Tay, and H’Mong tribal people a thousand years ago and they cover more than 2,200 hectares of land in the area. There is so much more to do than just a vỉew when we are here, trekking and cycling are popular, as taking a photography tour. The easy trek will pass through breathtaking yellow rice terrace fields and ethnic hill tribe villages where you could taste the local food and stay to experience the tribal authenticity. And if you dare, there is an opportunity to do Paragliding on one of the most beautiful rice terraces in the world.
Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang Province
Approximately 80km away from Ha Giang city center, Hoang Su Phi offers more than a rich hill tribe culture and lifestyle. Similar to Mu Cang Chai, it is first well-known for its majestic natural landscapes and picturesque green and yellow rice terrace fields spread in several villages such as Ban Phung, Ho Thau, Thong Nguyen, and Ban Luoc but fewer tourists. Motorbikes are available for rent if you want to see all the villages and places that are painted in yellow during September and October period.
Tu Le rice terrace fields normally reach the harvest season in its fullest beauty first, followed by Y Ty (end of August), Mu Cang Chai (middle of September) whereas Hoang Su Phi is usually from the middle to the end of September. However, the rice harvest seasons between those places are quite different each year depending on the pouring-water season of each place. To make sure that you are there at the right time for the stunning rice terrace field seasons, contact our local experts for advice and more information!
In addition, the way to the above places, especially Hoang Su Phi, might be challenging for people who are not used to traveling by local buses or by motorbikes. At Ftrip, we offer exclusive packages that cover many stunning places in the North in different styles from adventure, kid-friendly, and leisure to tailor-made.
Founder & Photography Guide
Specialties: Culture, landscape, portrait, hiking, active and adventurous tour
Besides my unlimited passion for traveling, a professional tour guide for over a decade, I have been taking photographs since sitting at Hanoi of the University of Culture in the early 2000s. Photography started as a hobby but it was seriously taken due to my work relations and my significant passion for the beauty of our world, especially in Southeast Asian parts such as Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.
Within a few years of taking photographs, my works began to be recognized by many reliable international publications such as AFAR Travel, The Times, and The Daily Telegraph newspaper. In addition, I continuously add to my growing profile by winning numerous major awards: 3rd Position of The Independent Photographer 2018, 1st Position of Amateur Photographer of the year 2018, Grand Prize Winner of the AFAR Travel Photography 2019, and a Gold Award of San Francisco Bay International Photography 2020.
I photograph a wide variety of subjects, from travel to landscapes to street scenes. I enjoy documenting the East’s rich cultural heritage and its land soaked in glorious sunrise or sunset light in remote and secluded spots. And, I am very happy to share my knowledge and experience with you. You can visit Luminousvietnamtour to explore tour!
