Top 5 most beautiful rice fields in Vietnam

Which are the most beautiful rice fields in Vietnam ?

Who has never thought of rice fields when thinking of Vietnam? The rice field is indeed the emblem of the country in the shape of an S. Rice fields are present throughout the country but it is in the north of Vietnam that they are the most spectacular. In this mountainous region, the rice fields sculpt the mountains and are laid out in terraces, creating landscapes of rare beauty. Even if Sapa remains the most famous destination for admiring the rice terraces, others deserve to be known. Here is a tour of the most beautiful rice fields in northern Vietnam. Watch your eyes!

1. Rice terraces in Sapa

Ranked first among the best places to admire rice terraces in Vietnam, Sapa is the ancient health resort created by the French at the beginning of the 20th century. The mountains around Sapa are home to some of the most breathtaking rice terrace landscapes in the country. The best way to discover these fabulous landscapes is to go hiking, from a simple stroll of a few hours to a hike lasting several days with overnight stays in a local’s home. It is in these splendid natural settings that a beautiful ethnic mosaic lives fiercely attached to their ancestral traditions. Each of these ethnic groups is distinguished by the color of their costume.

During your visit to Sapa, we advise you to visit the ethnic villages of Lao Chai of the Black Hmong, Ta Van of the Dzay or Sang Ma Sao of the Hmong for a better understanding of the culture and a discovery of rice growing.

2. Rice terraces in Bac Ha

The town of Bac Ha, east of Sapa, is a place not to be missed to discover a concentration of authenticity. During a hike or trek around Bac Ha, you can admire some of the most beautiful rice fields in Vietnam. If they are not as spectacular as those of Sapa, they have the advantage of being less crowded.

Some families are happy to show travelers their daily and artisanal activities, such as making alcohol with corn dregs. Finally, a night and dinner with locals, mainly from the Tay ethnic group, allows you to learn more about their ancestral way of life.

Finally, if you are passing through Bac Ha, you must visit the Bac Ha market, the largest ethnic market in Vietnam which takes place every Sunday morning. An unmissable meeting place for the different ethnic groups who gather in Bac Ha to exchange goods, news, drink and eat with friends. Fruit and vegetable stalls, meat stalls, multi-colored textiles, live animals, livestock and buffalo markets, this is a weekly event not to be missed!

3. Rice terraces in Bac Ha

Mu Cang Chai in Yen Bai is one of the regions most photographed by nature lovers. This is the land of rice terraces. These panoramas are absolutely beautiful. The rice terraces are harmoniously nestled to the right and left of a deep canyon, a delight for the eyes! If you visit it in July and August, you will have the chance to admire the green or golden rice fields, a postcard beauty!

During your visit to Mu Cang Chai , be sure to pass through the Khau Pha pass. Along the way, you can overlook the beautiful rice-growing valley of Tu Le. Then, you will cross the Hmong villages of La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha, De Xu Phinh and their splendid rice terraces. A stay with a local will be pleasant to spend a moment of conviviality with your hosts and a stroll at the Mu Cang Chai market will allow you to discover the lively and authentic atmosphere of Vietnamese markets.

4. Rice fields in Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang

Located near the Chinese border, Hoang Su Phi is considered the wildest region in the country. It is a paradise for lovers of nature and hiking away from the masses. The rice fields in Hoang Su Phi are recognized as a national heritage site. Hiking off the beaten track, you will admire spectacular rice terraces. The spectacle of thatched stilt houses surrounded by elegant rice terraces is fabulous. A hike will allow you not only to observe the characteristics of these rice fields of Vietnam but also to cross forests of palm trees, bamboo, ancestral green tea plantations, streams…

5. Rice fields at Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Do you want to go on a nature excursion in the mountains without going too far from Hanoi? Set off to explore the charming Pu Luong nature reserve. Recently opened to tourism, this region attracts more and more travelers in search of beautiful rice fields, rural authenticity, captivating encounters, swimming in waterfalls and still very well preserved nature.

A paradise for hikers, the Pu Luong nature reserve is also very popular with cyclists who, by getting lost in the maze of small roads and paths, will be able to discover magnificent panoramas of rice terraces and the villages of houses on stilts of the Muong ethnic groups. and Thai.

Take advantage of your trip to the Pu Luong reserve to spend one or more nights with locals. This will be an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and discover the habits and customs of these fascinating ethnic groups renowned for their great hospitality.

When are the best times to visit the rice fields ?

In general, the period from March to September is the best season to travel to these regions.

If you want to witness the majestic season of rushing waters and shimmering mirror-like rice terraces, you should come to these areas around May-June.

Late August early September is also a great time to visit. You will be able to admire the fields of ripe and golden rice which deliciously scent the air. It is during this period that the landscapes are most spectacular, when the rice fields are adorned with a hypnotic bright yellow, just before the harvest.