Buzz
Immerse yourself in the splendid golden hues and the enticing fragrance of ripe rice in Yen Bai, Lao Cai, and Ha Giang during this exceptional time.
Embark on 3 picturesque routes to witness the golden rice season in the Northern mountainous region.
Discover the Allure of Tú Lệ and Mù Cang Chải in Yen Bai
Nestled beneath the Hoang Lien Son mountain at an altitude exceeding 1,000m, Mù Cang Chải boasts mesmerizing terraced fields that stretch across La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha, and De Xu Phinh communes. During the ripe rice season, these fields transform into a radiant sea of yellow, creating a dreamlike panorama.
Apart from Mù Cang Chải, visitors to Yen Bai have another captivating option in the terraced fields of Tú Lệ (belonging to Van Chan and Mù Cang Chải districts). The best views are from Khau Phạ Pass, where the alluring aroma of sticky rice, a local delicacy, fills the air. The rice season in Tú Lệ spans from mid-September to mid-October, featuring pleasant weather and occasional rain that minimally affects travel and sightseeing.
Embark on a mesmerizing journey to Tú Lệ and Mù Cang Chải by either motorbike or public transport. If you're a confident driver, follow Route 32 from Hanoi to Sơn Tây, crossing Trung Hà Bridge, passing through Thanh Sơn (Phú Thọ), Thu Cúc, Nghĩa Lộ, and finally reaching Tú Lệ. The transition from Tú Lệ to Mù Cang Chải is remarkably straightforward.
For those seeking a more relaxed travel experience, opt for the overnight bus departing from Mỹ Đình or Giáp Bát bus terminals, priced at around 250,000 VND per trip. Alternatively, there's the Hanoi – Lai Châu route originating from Mỹ Đình bus station.
Explore the beauty of Sapa – Mường Hoa, Tả Van Village, Cát Cát Village – Y Tý, Bát Xát (Lào Cai)
Lào Cai takes center stage as the 'golden season' for tourism unfolds every September and October, featuring numerous routes and valleys adorned in the golden hues and fragrant aroma of ripened rice. In Lào Cai, you can witness this picturesque scenery at various stops such as Sapa, Mường Hoa, Tả Van Village, Cát Cát Village, Y Tý, and Bát Xát.
Some rice fields in Cát Cát and Tả Van start changing color as early as the beginning of September, with the rice ripening rapidly in the following 1-2 weeks. The road from Sapa to Tả Van and Tả Phình boasts stunning terraced fields, and the journey to Tả Van also leads to Bản Hồ and the ancient rocky plateau of Sapa.
Y Tý, located approximately 70km from the town of Sapa, offers a challenging route for adventurers. However, this path also traverses through breathtaking landmarks such as Bản Xèo, Mường Hum, Dền Sáng, Dền Thàng, and concludes in Y Tý. Beyond admiring the terraced fields bathed in golden hues, this destination is renowned for being a hotspot for cloud chasers.
To explore the most beautiful golden rice terraces in the North, it's ideal to allocate around 3 days and 2 nights, perfect for a weekend getaway.
Hoàng Su Phì – Xí Mần (Hà Giang)
Hà Giang is often mentioned as a must-visit destination when the golden season arrives. However, the rice in Hà Giang ripens later than the routes further north, usually after the 10th of October. If you miss the prime time to conquer the stunning terraced fields above, you still have the opportunity to experience the late harvest season in the enchanting landscapes of Hoàng Su Phì and Xí Mần.
The terraced field system includes points in Bản Luốc and Sán Sả Hồ, inhabited by the Dao áo dài and Nùng people; Bản Phùng by the La Chí people; and Hồ Thầu, Nậm Ty, Thông Nguyên by the Dao đỏ people.
The road to Hoàng Su Phì splits into two branches: one from National Highway 2 via Tuyên Quang to Hà Giang and the other from Bắc Hà (Lào Cai) via Xín Mần.
Ascending to Hà Giang, the journey is challenging, but if you're a skilled rider, you can conquer the breathtaking mountain passes on a motorbike. Otherwise, travelers can opt for a safe and less strenuous option by taking a comfortable bus.
As per Ngôi Sao magazine
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourSeptember 23, 2016
