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These magnificent terraced fields are like a masterpiece given by Mother Nature. You will be absorbed in the beautiful natural scenery and enjoy the fresh and pleasant taste of the atmosphere here. Asia King Travel provides you with the 5 most beautiful terraced fields in Vietnam.
First, let’s explore how these rice terraces were formed. About four centuries ago, ethnic peoples migrated to the Northwest to settle there. But at that time, the four major valleys of the Northwest region were already inhabited by indigenous communities.
Terraced fields in Muong Hoa Valley, Sapa
Therefore, they had to choose mountain ranges like Khau Pha, Hoang Lien Son and Tay Con Linh, 1000 to 1600 meters above sea level to build villages and establish hamlets.
More than 1000 meters above sea level, they had to find solutions to grow food plants in the mountains. At first, rice fields were only formed at the foot of the mountains so that water from streams could be used for irrigation.
Sunset on terraced fields is always a golden time for photographers
Later, with the increase in population, they started cultivating rice terraces. They gradually expanded to the tops of the mountains, creating the magnificent rice terraces that envelop the mountains as we see them today.
Read more: Vietnam Trekking Tour 5 days: Hoang Lien Son National Park
There is no specific time to visit because each period of terraced fields in Vietnam has a unique beauty. However, better to travel to these terraces during the pre-harvest period (May to June) and harvest (from late September to early October).
Before the harvest season, local people often call this time the pouring water season. About a month before harvest, farmers irrigate the fields, turning them into giant mirrors. In the morning and afternoon, the fields reflect the sun's rays, making the landscape picturesque.
Hoang Su Phi is like a giant mirror on days of pouring water
If the pre-harvest period brings unreal, splendid and magical images, the harvest period is the perfect time for green or golden field sightseeing.
Hoang Su Phi is known for the most beautiful rice terraces in Vietnam with a bright yellow color among the majestic mountains. They are running along 6 communes in Xin Man District, Ha Giang Province, about 300 kilometers from Hanoi.
Standing in the center of Ban Phung Commune, travelers can admire the panorama of rice terraces with colorful stairs stretching from the mountain top to the small stream. This masterpiece was created by the skillful hands of the Nung, La Chi and Dao ethnic minorities for hundreds of years.
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Hoang Su Phi is known for the most beautiful rice terraces in Vietnam with a bright yellow color among the majestic mountains
The scenery of terraced fields is spread out evenly, winding around hills and mountains, creating a very peaceful and simple scene. The harmonious combination of natural scenery and people here has attracted tourists, especially those from urban areas.
Hoang Su Phi seems to urge them to put aside the hectic life in big cities and come here to live in fresh air, a peaceful life, without pressure.
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Picturesque scenery of Hoang Su Phi in the ripe rice season
Mu Cang Chai is a mountainous district in Yen Bai Province, located 280 kilometers from the capital Hanoi. The district is famous for 500 hectares of magnificent rice terraces in the communes of La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha and De Xu Phinh.
These rice terraces are recognized as a National Relic and one of Vietnam’s most unique tourist attractions. They were created by the H’Mong ethnic minority on medium-sloping hills to take advantage of rainwater and springs for rice cultivation.
Mu Cang Chai rice terraces are recognized as a National Relic and one of Vietnam’s most unique tourist attractions
The beautiful small town of Mu Cang Chai is nestled between two mountain slopes with peaceful villages in the green valley or on Khau Pha Pass. Accounting for 90% of the district's population, the Mong people in Mu Cang Chai have 4 different groups.
They reside on mountain slopes from 800 to 1,700 meters high with rich cultural features that always attract many researchers. Coming here, visitors can visit Mong ethnic villages, explore the culture and customs of the Northwest highlands with many unique folk cultural and artistic values and famous products.
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Mu Cang Chai terraced fields sparkle under the golden sunshine. Source: dulichnhatky
Sapa is not only famous for being the highest mountainous town in Vietnam or for being a picturesque misty town but also for its stunning terraced paddies named Ta Van - Hau Thao - Lao Chai in Muong Hoa Valley.
About 320 kilometers from Hanoi, you'll find these stunning terraces in Sapa Town, tucked away in Lao Cai Province. The largest rice terrace community in Sapa covers an area of 1,000 hectares. Additionally, the district has the rice terraces with the highest number of steps, with 121 levels.
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Sapa's pouring water season is breathtakingly beautiful
The owners of these staircase-like fields are the ethnic minorities H’mong, Ha Nhi, etc., who have lived there for hundreds of years. Travelers visiting Sapa often take part in treks to enjoy the beauty of the rice terraces and experience the unique culture of the local people.
Layer upon layer, the terraced rice fields with their lush green hues interspersed with ripe golden colors run to the horizon. Surrounding them are towering mountain ranges beneath a high blue sky, creating a vast and poetic landscape.
Mountains and terraced fields in Sapa Town
Located at an altitude of over 1,200 meters above sea level, Hong Thai terraced fields in Khau Trang Village, Hong Thai Commune, 250 kilometers from Hanoi, are one of the highest communes in Tuyen Quang Province.
Hong Thai is blessed with a fresh climate, rolling mountains and winding terraced fields on beautiful hillsides. Visitors can walk here and freely explore the natural landscape and rich culture of the Dao and Mong people.
With skillful hands sculpting unique natural works, you will feel more clearly the beauty of the enchanting terraced fields. That is the beauty of the diligent and creative work of the Dao, Mong and Tay communities living here.
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Hong Thai is blessed with a fresh climate, rolling mountains and winding terraced fields on beautiful hillsides
Coming to Hong Thai regardless of the season of the year, visitors can experience various activities. After hours of conquering nature and exploring the beauty of the village, tourists can observe the daily life of ethnic minorities.
In the typical cold of the Hong Thai night sky, visitors gather with the local people around a red fire. Here, travelers can enjoy national cuisine and sip some freshly brewed corn wine.
You also have the opportunity to listen to daily stories from the locals. Moreover, visitors can immerse themselves in the melody of "pao dung" singing performed by local boys and girls.
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In the typical cold of the Hong Thai night sky, visitors gather with the local people around a red fire. Source: vanhoanghethuat
Y Ty is compared to a dreamland in Northern Vietnam. It is a high mountain commune in Bat Xat District, Lao Cai Province, nearly 380 kilometers from Hanoi. Y Ty is over 2000 meters above sea level, which has a cool climate all year round. It has long been inhabited by the Mong, Dao, Giay and Ha Nhi ethnic minorities.
It is a great place to combine with Sapa or Bac Ha for a trip to northern Vietnam. Here we find the residence areas of ethnic minority people, with their enchanting traditional costumes and houses made of mud walls and thatched roofs.
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The harmony of the scenery with the weather creates an idyllic picture for Y Ty
Each September, the landscape transforms as the rice ripens. The fields don a new golden attire and the fragrance of mature rice wafts through the air. This peaceful atmosphere soothes the soul, bringing a welcome respite from life's burdens and allowing one to momentarily forget their worries.
Above are the 5 most beautiful rice terraces in Vietnam that you should not miss. If you have a chance to travel to Vietnam, more specifically to the mountainous region of northern Vietnam, try to experience the landscape it brings, it will definitely be unforgettable memories.
Do not hesitate to contact Asia King Travel if you are interested in this beautiful country, we will help you design your itinerary according to your wishes!
Read more: Northern Vietnam Tour 10 days: In-Depth Discovery
