Rice terrace fields in Hoang Su Phi

Unlike other places in northern Vietnam, the rice terrace in Hoang Su Phi spreads stunningly through many villages and they are all topographically different from each other. Bản Phùng rice terraces are cultivated by the La Chí tribe and listed as the highest terraced fields in Vietnam whereas Hồ Thầu belongs to the Red Dao ethnic group and here, local farmers plant their rice fields on the same pieces of land as the forest to prevent flood and landslide. Thong Nguyen is ranked as the most beautiful rice terrace in Hoàng Su Phì, Nam Ty’s terraced fields are recognized as national monuments.

Trekking & hiking

With an altitude of 2419 m, Con Linh is the highest peak in Northeast Vietnam and is ranked among one of the highest mountains in Vietnam. Whereas the bottom of the mountain is a preserved subtropical primeval forest, the top is a geodetic landmark.

Chieu Lau Thi belongs to the Tay Con Linh ranges with a high altitude of 2,402 m above sea level. The mountain is untouched and still retains a diverse ecosystem demonstrated by thousands of ancient trees of all kinds and rare herbs and it’s the home of the famous ancient “San Tuyet” tea, a signature of Hoang Su Phi.

Although Chieu Lau Thi and Tay Con Linh are not the highest peaks in Vietnam, the hikes here are considered much more difficult than the ones in Fansipan which is the highest mountain in Vietnam and the Indochinese Peninsula. Adventure and magnificence are probably the two perfect words to describe the hikes.

Hill tribal market

Situated at the foot of the majestic Tay Con Linh peak, Hoang Su Phi market is held every Sunday mainly by Dao, Nung, and Co Lao (Gelao) and it’s not a typical market where the good exchange is the main activity, it is also a spiritual exchange event. Indeed, besides selling locals growing vegetables and handpicked stuff from the forest, the market here is a place for locals to meet, see and show their best outfits. The youths meet and get acquainted, the seniors meet their old friends, and the husband and wife take each other to buy goods. On a visit to Hoàng Su Phì market, we will be immersed in the colorful dresses and the special energy of the hill tribes.

Festivals – cultural diversity of ethnic groups

If cultures and ethnic lifestyles are your travel priorities, note down Hoang Su Phi on your bucket list.

The spiritual festival remains an important aspect of life among the ethnic groups in this region. When spring comes, Red Dao people celebrate the Quỹa Hiéng festival (Lễ hội qua năm) with many unique folklore activities such as catching turtles and fire dance wishing for a better bountiful harvest, good health, and luck; the ceremony of forest god worshiping is held every year on 30th of January by Nung people, and H’Mong people gather, dance together, exchange and tighten their friendships in Gau Tao festival- one of the most important festivals of the year of the H’Mong ethnic group. There are a few more festivals held in July (according to the lunar year) such as Khu Cù Tê of the La Chí people and Forest worshiping of Nung people (one held on the 30th of January and the second held on the 2nd of July)