Buzz
If you ever find yourself unwilling to drive far on the long roads of Hà Giang, pause right near the city center to immerse yourself in two distinct seasons at the same time – the flooding season and the ripe rice season. The ideal time to experience both seasons in Hà Giang is around June - July.
A serene village amidst the ripe rice season.
Hà Giang during the ripe rice season.
You don't need to drive far or tackle treacherous roads to behold a radiant golden season in Tha village, Phuong Do commune - just about 5km from downtown Hà Giang city.
From Hà Giang city, along the route to Thanh Thuy International Border Gate, you'll spot signs leading to Tha village. The expansive rice paddies surrounding Tha village are easily visible from the highway. Tha village is part of an ecotourism chain linked with Lup village, Me village, Ha Thanh village, and Lung Vai village, forming a cultural, ecological, and community tourism area very close to Hà Giang city. Tha village's ecotourism and cultural identity are evident with around 150 households of Tày ethnic people living there, characterized by traditional stilt houses with thick palm leaf roofs. Nearly every house here has a fishpond in front and flowing water nearby.
Vast rice fields spread out in Tha village.
Tha village is a community cultural tourism village, where the rustic charm is preserved with stilt houses, low rice fields, and fish ponds surrounding the houses. Walking through Tha village, you'll experience the refreshing and pleasant air, mingled with the scent of ripe rice and fragrant grasses in the fields.
Charming stilt houses amidst golden rice fields.
Though only low terraced fields, the fields in Tha village still offer a unique beauty. The old, rustic stilt houses nestle among large trees, hidden behind the golden rice fields, creating a serene watercolor painting. Looking far into the direction of Thanh Thuy border gate is a range of majestic, towering mountains.
The terraced fields in Tha village may be low but they are truly beautiful.
You can explore more beautiful landscapes in Tha village on foot or by motorbike. There's also a stunning 'horse's hoof' here that rivals those in the Mù Cang Chải area.
The 'horse's hoof' in Tha village.
If you continue driving along the road from the entrance of Tha village towards Thanh Thuy border gate, you'll see vast golden rice fields stretching endlessly.
Wide fields line the highway leading to Thanh Thuy border gate.
Hà Giang during the flooding season.
Less than 15 km from Tha village lies a secluded place full of tranquility with immensely majestic terraced fields. Continuing towards Thanh Thuy border gate, when you're about 5 km away from the border, pay attention to your left side where there's a concrete road leading straight up the mountain. You can find the route on Google Maps under the name Xa Phin village, Phuong Tien commune.
If you're a fan of exploring highland roads, try riding a motorbike once on the road leading to the foot of Tay Con Linh mountain to admire the grandeur of Xa Phin's terraced fields. Xa Phin is located on the route to conquer Tay Con Linh peak, and the road leading to Xa Phin is concrete but quite damaged with long steep slopes and many sharp curves. Amidst the myriad shades of greenery, the terraced fields in Xa Phin during the flooding season appear like soft silk ribbons winding around the hills.
Riding on the long concrete road leading to Xa Phin, on your right side will be the immensely majestic terraced fields. Unlike the fields in Tha village, which can be cultivated twice a year, the fields in Xa Phin can only be planted once a year. Therefore, the period from June to July is the flooding season in most terraced fields in highland areas, including Xa Phin.
Amidst the vast expanse of land and sky, the flooded terraced fields of Xa Phin stand out prominently. The golden sunlight of the summer days makes the water surface sparkle. The large fields reflect as if holding an entire azure sky.
The rice fields resemble mirrors reflecting the entire sky.
The alternating flooded fields amidst the lush greenery add more colors to the terraced fields in Xa Phin. Don't worry about waking up early to catch the sunrise because even in the middle of the day or late afternoon, these terraced fields still hold a special allure.
The harmonious combination within the terraced fields.
In fact, Hà Giang always remains an evergreen destination for travel enthusiasts. Whether you visit in any season of the year, Hà Giang always welcomes you with breathtaking landscapes. If you're undecided about where to go in the summer or want to change your summer atmosphere if you've been to the beach too much, try visiting Hà Giang to experience the blend of two seasons in one.
Some tips for visiting Hà Giang in June - July
Author: Đỗ Ngọc Hoài Thu
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