Vietnam is predominantly an agricultural nation where rice farming has been a cornerstone for centuries. By mid to late September, the renowned rice paddies start to thin out, transforming the scenery into a breathtaking greenish-yellow expanse. This creates a unique, unparalleled landscape. Curious about the best rice fields in Vietnam? Let Ftrip Vietnam explore them now!
7 places to find the best rice fields in Vietnam
1. Tam Coc rice fields (Ninh Binh)
Tam Coc, situated in Ninh Binh province about 100 kilometers south of Hanoi, is easily accessible for a day trip from the bustling capital. Known for its stunning rice fields, Tam Coc offers unique and enchanting landscapes reminiscent of Halong Bay. Instead of cruising on a junk boat over the sea, visitors glide through flooded rice paddies on small rowing boats.
Locals in Tam Coc grow only one rice crop per year, making the best time to visit during the rice harvest season. From mid-May to the end of June, the area is surrounded by beautiful golden rice fields. During this period, visitors can enjoy the sight of the sparkling new rice under the morning sun, a view that has captivated many with its charm and beauty.
2. Bac Son Valley (Lang Son)
If you’re passionate about photographing Vietnam’s rice fields, Bac Son Valley is a prime spot for capturing golden rice fields. Located in the rural Bac Son district of Lang Son province, about 250 kilometers northeast of Hanoi, this valley is encircled by stunning mountains perfect for hiking and sightseeing.
This area is home to six ethnic groups, including the Tay, Kinh, Dao, Nung, and H’Mong, and is predominantly agricultural.
The ideal time to visit Bac Son is during the ripe rice season, from late July to mid-November. During this period, the rice fields create a golden carpet effect, blending with the hues of the sun, sky, and clouds around the high peaks, enhancing the tranquility of the villages along the winding river.
3. Sapa golden rice terraces (Sapa)
If you enjoy trekking, Sapa is a must-visit in Vietnam. Located near the Chinese border in northwest Vietnam, Sa Pa is renowned for its mountains and some of the most stunning terraced rice fields in the country.
The region is not only rich in natural beauty but also in cultural heritage, home to various tribal groups such as the Black Hmong, Red Dao, Pho Lu, and Giay, who have been cultivating these terraces for centuries. The landscape features dramatic elevations and plunging rice terraces, integral to the hill tribes’ traditional way of life.
Sapa experiences only one rice harvest each year, during summer and autumn. Planting starts in May, turning the fields into large mirrors that reflect the surrounding mountains and sky. The rice ripens and is ready for harvest in September and October. To witness the most beautiful and poetic scenery, visitors should come in early September when the rice fields are golden and lush, extending endlessly along the village roads.
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4. Y Ty rice terraces (Lao Cai)
If you want to avoid crowds, the Y Ty rice terraces are your best bet.
Y Ty, situated in the mountainous Ban Xat district of Lao Cai province, is gaining popularity among photographers eager to capture the stunning rice terraces and majestic mountains, often cloaked in a captivating sea of clouds. This charming town is home to several indigenous tribes, including the Hmong, Giay, and Ha Nhi.
The water season, similar to that in Sapa, takes place in May and June when ethnic minority groups start planting rice on the terraced fields. By July, the fields are lush and green. The prime time to visit the Y Ty rice terraces is from late August to early September, when the fields turn a mesmerizing golden hue.
5. Mu Cang Chai (Yen Bai)
Mu Cang Chai is a rural district in Yen Bai province, renowned for its stunning rice terraces and being one of Vietnam’s top rice field destinations. This tranquil and isolated area is home to several ethnic minorities, including the Hmong, Dao, and Thai, who continue to maintain their traditional culture and lifestyles.
The rice terraces, spanning 2,200 hectares of rolling hills, can be seen from Mu Cang Chai. On December 31, 2019, these terraces were recognized as a Special National Heritage site.
Visitors to Mu Cang Chai can explore the beautiful landscape through trekking, cycling, and participating in field work with local farmers. For a more immersive experience, some travelers opt to stay with local tribes in homestays, gaining insight into their unique culture and way of life amidst Vietnam’s rice paddies.
6. Pu Luong golden rice field (Thanh Hoa)
This destination in Thanh Hoa is a top attraction for Vietnam’s rice fields and a favored weekend escape for urban residents. In this nature reserve, visitors can marvel at stunning landscapes featuring rice paddies, serene rainforests, towering mountains, and a wide variety of plant and animal life.
The rice fields in Pu Luong are particularly distinctive due to the presence of bamboo water wheels, which enhance the scenery’s charm. These water wheels play a crucial role in irrigating the rice fields, contributing to their productivity.
Exploring Pu Luong’s golden rice fields and natural beauty is best done with a local guide. If trekking isn’t your preference, you can still enjoy the scenery by walking or cycling through the rice paddies and interacting with the locals.
Optimal visiting times for Pu Luong rice fields are May and September. With two annual harvests, the rice fields are at their most stunning between May and September, presenting a breathtaking golden landscape.
7. Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta, spanning 40,000 square kilometers in southern Vietnam, boasts stunning rice field landscapes. Known as Asia’s “rice bowl,” this region’s rice paddies produce 70% of the country’s rice, thanks to its fertile soil and extensive river systems.
Interestingly, the picturesque province of An Giang in the Mekong Delta features rice terraces, typically seen in northern Vietnam’s mountainous areas. For panoramic views of these terraces, hike up Mount Ta Pa. Additionally, Mount Co To, a popular tourist spot with serene forests, Khmer temples, and local guesthouses, offers equally impressive scenery in An Giang.
Conclusion
Rice fields in Vietnam are a testament to the country’s agricultural heritage and natural beauty. From the iconic terraces of Mu Cang Chai to the serene paddies of the Mekong Delta, each location offers a unique glimpse into the rural heart of Vietnam.
Visiting these top 7 best rice fields in Vietnam not only provides breathtaking views but also a deeper appreciation for the hardworking farmers who sustain this vibrant culture. Whether you’re an avid photographer, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes, these rice fields are sure to leave you spellbound.
