4 Best Places to See Golden Rice Fields in Vietnam

One of the most significant and special views you can find in Vietnam is the endless paddy fields as rice has been the staple food of Vietnamese people for thousands of years. The country is covered with beautiful rice fields at several locations in the countryside from north to south. The lowlands are covered with rice fields, while the high hills benefit travelers with terraces carved out of the fertile soil, both are magnificent. Especially, in late September and early October, the change of the seasons is so vivid, and it is also the start of the traveling season.

The second half of September and the first half of October is the best time to enjoy the golden paddies.

The famed rice fields begin to brighten in the middle or late September carpeting the landscape in a stunning greenish-yellow. A scenery that can’t be made up. Where are the best places to see mind-blowing rice fields? Let’s check them out!

1. Tam Coc (Ninh Binh)

Tam Coc is located in Ninh Binh Province, about 100km to the south of Hanoi which can be visited easily in a day trip from the hustle and bustle capital city. Copying on the world-famous Halong Bay, Tam Coc is considered the glamorous land of unique landscapes and myths. Except you are not sailing on a junk nor on the sea, but on a wee paddling boat on the submerged rice fields.

If you don’t like boats and want to explore the area in a different way, you can choose to bike around the area (and get maybe even more impressive views). Apart from inspiring scenery, you have a great chance to observe the rural way of living. In late September, the fields are still green with patches of golden color, making a picturesque view, mixed with imposing mountains and peaceful villages.

Let's join Ninh Binh Tour to have a wonderful view of yellow rice fields

Tam Coc in harvesting season

2. Bac Son Valley

Bac Son valley is located in the heart of the rural district of Bac Son in Lang Son province in the Northeast region of Vietnam, about 250 kilometers from Hanoi. The valley is surrounded by incredible mountains where you can hike and enjoy a breathtaking view. This mountainous region is home to 6 ethnic groups including the Tay, Kinh, Dao, Nung, and H’Mong. This is mainly an agricultural place.

Its flat surface, climate, and rich soil make Bac Son Valley ideal for planting rice and other crops. To see the pinnacle of Bac Son's beauty, take a hike to one of the tops of the surrounding mountains where you can behold a panoramic view of the breathtaking landscape. 

The beauty of Bac Son valley lies in the contrasting colors of its prosperous rice fields and elegant winding rivers

3. Sapa

The Northern region is nothing short of stunning. Rice terraces were carved into the hilly or mountainous slopes for crop farming, usually by ethnic minority people. Some are hundreds, some are even thousands of years old. The curving terraces, although man-made, appear to be incomplete in harmony with the landscape, creating a hypnotic patterning across the hills and valleys.

They make spectacular places for hiking and photography. Aside from notable rice terraces, the mountainous region is also a good place to experience ethnic cultures and customs.

Terraced fields and ripe rice seedlings are mixed under the hands of nature, creating a splendid natural painting

When you're a big fan of trekking, it would be a regret if you skip Sapa on your trip to Vietnam. Sa Pa is a mountainous town in northwest Vietnam, not far from the Chinese border. The area boasts breathtaking natural scenery, not to mention significant cultural importance. Sapa is home to a number of tribal groups such as Black Hmong, Red Dao, Pho Lu, and Giay, who farm the terraced rice fields. The region surrounding the town rises high and plunges low into stunning rice terraces. Growing and cultivating fields of rice is the way of life for the hill tribe people for hundreds of years.

The rice terrace fields, among the most popular tourist attractions, can be found in the Muong Hoa Valley between the town and Fansipan Mountain. The rice terraces are believed to date primarily from the 15th Century. Everywhere you turn is unbelievable beauty that overwhelms and inspires. A trekking tour in Sapa takes you to hill-tribe villages atop magnificent verdant stacks of rice terraces with stunning mountain vistas and provides an insight into houses and the life of ethnic groups of the region.

Read more: Best Time to Visit Rice Terraces in Sapa

Sapa is a famous tourist attraction for beautiful rice terraces, imposing mountain landscape, and unique tribal customs

4. Hoang Su Phi, Mu Cang Chai, and Y Ty

However, being famous has its price. Aside from the breathtaking view of the terraced rice fields, when trekking in Sapa you should be expected to be followed by the hawkers (young and old) trying to sell you souvenirs. To find Vietnam’s ‘true north,’ where nature and customs have been kept pristine and preserved, venture to the less-known area.

In the northernmost regions of Vietnam, Ha Giang, Mu Cang Chai and Y Ty which are among the poorest places in the country have drawn the attention of visitors with their striking terraced fields for a long time. The crop season lasts from September to October. In those days, the landscape treats you with the marvelous beauty of yellow paddy fields, spreading all over the place. 

Find out more: 5 Best Ways to See Rice Paddies in Vietnam

Below are some pictures that will take your breath away. Enjoy them!

Hoang Su Phi

Mu Cang Chai

and Y Ty are among the poorest places in the country

Ancestors of the local hill tribes created the terraces some hundreds of years ago

The rugged beauty and well-preserved tribal culture give a true impression of Vietnam

A truly magical view and one of the best times for photographers

If you find yourself in Vietnam, this journey is definitely worth the effort

Don’t leave Vietnam without visiting the rice fields and terraces

Let's join our Hill Tribes of Northern Vietnam - Private Tour 9 days which covers all places above and enjoys yellow terrace rice fields or searching more Vietnam tour packages that match your interest on our website.

Xuyen

Image Sources: Internet