Standing at the top of the list of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Northern Vietnam during autumn, Mu Cang Chai always attracts numerous visitors in September. Although not the largest rice field, here the golden ripe rice is always abundant, spreading evenly across the terraced fields, creating a mesmerizing sight.
The characteristic terraced rice fields are already golden throughout the area. @xone
For those seeking an additional challenge, you can head to La Pan Tan commune to get a clear view of the terraced fields here. Despite the somewhat difficult journey, the rice fields here have been designated as a national scenic spot.
Panoramic view of the rice fields from above. @Mytour Golocal
The beauty of labor cannot be expressed in words. @Mytour Golocal
Since there are few opportunities to drive around the most beautiful tourist destinations in Northern Vietnam, you should take the chance to visit Mam Xoi Hill, Tu Le commune, Lim Mong. If you go from late September to early October, you can also admire the enchanting buckwheat flowers on the Khau Pha pass.
2. Hoang Su Phi - The hidden gem of Ha Giang
While every road leads to Mu Cang Chai, Hoang Su Phi becomes a peaceful place where you can admire the ripe rice fields. The best idea is to immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Mu Cang Chai in September, and reserve October for peace in Hoang Su Phi.
The golden shimmer of rice has begun to replace the lush green of leaves. @Mytour Golocal
Although the rice here ripens later than in the list of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the North, the golden color still paints every road you travel. Each rice plant sways gently with every breeze that passes by. The locals here are calm as they eagerly await the day to harvest and bring home each bundle.
The space is serene and peaceful. @Mytour Golocal
Hoang Su Phi will bring a very different feeling compared to other beautiful tourist destinations in the North. Everything here is slow and relaxed, leisurely. The quiet roads winding around the foot of the mountain, the deserted rice stalls still serve delicious and fragrant hot meals. Isn't it amazing?
3. Mường Than - A fairytale field in Lai Chau
Mường Than is folk-ranked third among the four largest rice fields in the mountainous region. So it's natural that this name cannot be excluded from the list of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the North.
The Mường Than field in the early misty morning. @Mytour Golocal
Connecting Mù Căng Chải district and Than Uyên district, Mường Than field is busy during the ripe rice season with farmer uncles and aunts heading to the field with their sun hats. With a total agricultural production area of up to 2,000 hectares, every September is also the time of abundant harvest in this golden season.
Rice flowers swaying in the wind. @Mytour Golocal
Heavy-laden rice flowers. @Mytour Golocal
Because Mường Than is not only the third largest rice field but also in the list of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the North to admire the golden season, you shouldn't overlook this place. Running through Mường Than, heading towards Than Uyên, you will feel the bustling labor life here.
4. Mường Thanh - The heart of Điện Biên
If you've already explored all the most beautiful tourist destinations in the North, why would you overlook the largest rice field in the highlands? Mường Thanh sits over 400 meters above sea level and stretches over 20 km with an average width of 6 km.
Mường Thanh during the abundant golden season. @internet
The vast expanse of Mường Thanh seen from above. @internet
To reach Mường Thanh, you can pass through the Pha Đin pass, one of the four great mountain passes in the North. If you enjoy challenging yourself, then you must make a trip here. Looking down from above, you'll be mesmerized by the vibrant yellow of the rice fields surrounding every corner of Dien Bien, looking very picturesque.
Late blooming fields. @youvivu
If you have the chance, try having a meal here. The rice grains in this area are small and very fragrant. When eaten, they have a rich flavor and the rice is very tender and sweet. This is one of the few places among the most beautiful tourist destinations in the North famous for its rice.
5. Sapa - The world above the clouds
Sapa has always been beautiful with a very different atmosphere compared to other beautiful tourist destinations in the North, but now it is adorned with the golden color of rice fields every autumn, making it even more beautiful. However, if you want to admire the golden season here, you have to go to Tả Van village to fully experience the ripe rice season.
Clouds blanket the rice fields in Sapa. @internet
The locals are beginning to head to the fields. @internet
The road to Tả Van village is winding and complex. You have to navigate narrow asphalt roads and dirt paths. But don't lose heart! When you arrive, you'll feel truly deserving of the challenges you've just overcome.
Rice fields in Tả Van village. @Mytour Golocal
Nighttime in Sapa. @Mytour Golocal
Because Sapa is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the North attracting visitors from all corners of the globe year-round, hotels have sprung up like mushrooms. If you take the opportunity to come here to admire the rice fields and explore Sapa, you can check out some of these hotels.
Pao's Sapa Leisure
It's been a year since Pao's Sapa Leisure opened. This is one of the first 5-star hotels in Sapa and is located in a prime location. From modern facilities, luxurious design to professional services, delicious food, and stunning mountain views, a night here will surely make your trip truly fulfilling.
Pao's Sapa Leisure is like a magnificent oasis. @Mytour
All rooms are very comfortable and offer outdoor views. @Mytour
Pao's Sapa Leisure is surrounded by the Muong Hoa valley. If you come here during the ripe rice season, you will have the opportunity to admire a charming Muong Hoa valley, adorned with a layer of golden rice fields interspersed with the green hue of vegetation, resembling a earthly painting.
Traditional dishes are uniquely arranged. @Mytour
Sapa Jade Hill Resort and Spa
Located in Lao Chai town and just under 2 km from famous attractions like Sapa market, stone church, and Ham Rong mountain, Sapa Jade Hill becomes an ideal resting place for groups of friends or families. At Sapa Jade Hill, you'll immerse yourself in a tranquil space amidst the mountains and enjoy leisurely cycling.
Sapa Jade Hill is like a separate fairy tale world. @internet
The cozy fireplace. @ngtran_huyenmy
Everything is made of wood. @Mytour
The style at Sapa Jade Hill is very rustic. A sense of familiarity and comfort envelops the entire place. In the early morning, you can sit on the balcony and have breakfast while admiring the thick fog enveloping the hills. Late at night, everyone can gather around the cozy fireplace and share stories. Just hearing about it feels absolutely delightful!
Cycling around in the early morning. @tuan.luu.anh
Amazing Sapa Hotel
Amazing Sapa is located right in the center of Sapa town. The hotel is only about 500 meters away from the night market, the stone church, and Ham Rong mountain. This location is perfect for those visiting Sapa not only for relaxation but also to explore the surroundings and experience the bustling atmosphere of the highlands.
Impressive architecture of Amazing Sapa. @internet
No different from the West. @kinkpai
The hotel boasts a quite impressive and prominent exterior architecture. Inside Amazing Sapa, there's even an indoor swimming pool that still receives natural light thanks to a transparent glass wall. You can indulge in plenty of Instagram-worthy moments here.
Luxurious and modern interior style. @ja.nguyen
The indoor swimming pool is very private. @internet
When it comes to choosing the best destinations in Northern Vietnam to admire the beauty of ripe golden rice fields like that, you should select a few spots and gather a group to go together. I guarantee that this trip, no matter where you go, will bring you very new experiences of Vietnamese nature.