Autumn Gathers for Terraced Fields Exploration in Northwestern Vietnam

Around September and October, the Northwestern routes dress in a shimmering golden hue. The golden season witnesses the simultaneous ripening of rice across the majestic terraced fields. Since it occurs only once a year, everyone desires to witness this splendid scenery firsthand.

Autumn beckons for a journey to admire the terraced fields of Northwestern Vietnam

1. Tu Le – Cao Pha

The expansive terraced fields in Tu Le, with cascading steps, create endless waves of golden crops. Stretching from Tu Le Valley (Van Chan) to Cao Pha Valley (Mu Cang Chai) at the foot of Khau Pha Pass, these fields are a familiar sight for backpackers and photography enthusiasts.

From atop the pass or high slopes overlooking Tu Le town, wooden-roofed houses blend harmoniously amid mountains and terraced fields, curving along the clear stream. In addition to marveling at the terraced fields of Tu Le, don't miss out on local specialties such as fragrant sticky rice, stove-cooked buffalo meat, stream fish, black chicken, and young rice flakes.

2. Mù Cang Chai

Recognized as a National Monument since 2007, the terraced fields of Mù Cang Chai stretch across the La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha, and De Xu Phinh communes, attracting countless visitors each year. The highlight of Mù Cang Chai is the enchanting terraced field known as the 'Mam Xoi' terrace. The terraced fields of Mù Cang Chai resemble undulating waves of golden beauty, layer upon layer endlessly extending over an area of approximately 3,500 hectares.

The terraced fields of Mù Cang Chai bear witness to the diligence and ingenuity of the local ethnic communities in the process of transforming nature, creating a spectacular landscape. Coupled with a rich cultural identity, this place has become increasingly famous, drawing travelers to immerse themselves in the golden season of ripe rice covering the hills and mountains.

3. Sapa – Y Ty

Anyone who visits Sapa is captivated by the beauty of the terraced fields. Whether large or small, these terraced fields are meticulously crafted for visual appeal and ease of cultivation. Among them are vast terraced fields covering hundreds of hectares in Ta Van, Lao Chai, Ta Phin, resembling gigantic landscape paintings with soft, meandering lines created by the 'earth artists.'

In recent years, the destination of Y Ty has become a famous tourism 'brand' for both domestic and international tourists, especially during the harvest season. When you ascend to Y Ty, you'll be pleasantly surprised to find magnificent terraced fields amidst deep valleys. While terraced fields can be found in most districts of Bat Xat, the most beautiful ones are in Y Ty, Lao Chai, Khu Chu Lin, and more.

4. Hoang Su Phi

Encompassing an area of approximately 760 hectares, the terraced fields of Hoang Su Phi are predominantly concentrated in Ban Phung, Ban Luoc, San Sa Ho, Ho Thau, Thong Nguyen, Nam Ty, and scattered across 19 other communes in the district. As the golden season approaches, the lush green of the young rice plants transforms into a vibrant yellow.

From the center of Ban Phung commune, one can cast their eyes in every direction, witnessing layers upon layers of terraced fields with ripe golden rice, extending from one village to another, from one mountain peak to another, stretching down to the stream valleys. Viewed from above, the terraced fields resemble a golden ribbon fluttering in the expansive wind, spanning kilometers from the mountaintop down to the foothills.

By Nhu Y

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide