Buzz
If you've exhausted Y Tý, Sa Pa, or Mù Cang Chải, why not give Hoàng Su Phì (Hà Giang) a try for a fresh perspective on the golden rice fields on terraced slopes.
Hoàng Su Phì is a highland district bordering Hà Giang province to the west. It's also a land of diverse ethnic groups such as Dao, Mông, La Chí, Tày, Nùng...
Rice in Hoàng Su Phì ripens later, usually in mid-October. Known as the culmination of the entire northern highlands' rice terrace viewing circuit, Hoàng Su Phì offers breathtaking views.
While not as famous as Y Tý or Mù Cang Chải, the terraced fields here are equally magnificent. Bản Luốc, Bản Phùng – home to some of the country's highest terraced fields, or the national scenic spot of xã Thông Nguyên, Nậm Ty… are interesting stops in Hoàng Su Phì.
Here are some suggestions for travelers to easily explore the golden season in this highland area of Hà Giang.
Best Time to Visit
Every year, right after the rice harvest in Mù Cang Chải, it's the golden time for the terraced fields in Hoàng Su Phì. Depending on the area, the rice will ripen sporadically over about a month, but the most beautiful period usually falls around the second week of October.
Transportation
Currently, Hoàng Su Phì has a greatly improved road system, allowing cars to reach directly. However, since attractions are scattered throughout the district, traveling by motorbike is most convenient due to its flexibility. Alternatively, you can catch a coach from Hanoi to Tân Quang town, then transfer to an inter-district coach to Vinh Quang (the central district of Hoàng Su Phì).
Main Attractions
If you consider Vinh Quang as the center, all the main attractions in Hoàng Su Phì are within a radius of 30 – 40 km.
Heaven's Gate Pass and Thông Nguyên, Nậm Ty National Heritage Site: At the Tân Quang crossroads, one road leads to Hà Giang city, while the other leads to Vinh Quang town. You'll pass through Heaven's Gate Pass to enter the Thông Nguyên valley and then loop back through Nậm Ty to the town center. A national scenic spot with continuous sharp curves through treacherous mountain passes, you'll have the opportunity to admire the magnificent terraced fields nestled against the sky.
Pố Lồ, Thèn Chu Phìn, Bản Luốc, Bản Phùng: These are the most beautiful rice viewing spots around Vinh Quang town, Hoàng Su Phì, each about 20 – 30 km apart. While Bản Luốc boasts the largest area of terraced fields in the country, spanning 200 hectares, Bản Phùng offers a perfect view of terraced fields in the valley.
Xín Mần, Bắc Hà: To complete the circuit, if you're combining a visit to Hoàng Su Phì, be sure to also visit these two major destinations. Explore the border at Xín Mần border gate or the famous highland markets of Bắc Hà (Lào Cai).
Specific Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi – national highway 2 – Tuyên Quang – Tân Quang – Heaven's Gate Pass – Thông Nguyên – Nậm Ty – Vinh Quang.
Day 2: Vinh Quang – Pố Lồ – Thèn Chu Phìn – Bản Luốc – Bản Phùng.
Day 3: Vinh Quang – Xín Mần – Bắc Hà – national highway 70 (or Hanoi – Lào Cai expressway) – Hanoi. Day 3 can be split into two days if the schedule is too tight.
According to Vnexpress.net
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Reference: Travel guide by Mytour
MytourOctober 19, 2016
