Every year in May and June, as summer rains begin to fall, the highlands of Northwest Vietnam “change their coat,” adorning themselves with a lush, enchanting beauty. This is the water season, when terraced fields are like “mirrors,” sparkling under the sunlight, creating a majestic scene that amazes everyone. Let’s explore this unique beauty and enjoy unforgettable experiences in the terraced fields during the water season.
Water Season – A Symphony of Water and Earth
The water season, also known as the plowing season, is when people bring water into the terraced fields to prepare for the new rice crop. This is a crucial period, determining the success of the entire season. Unlike the Mekong Delta’s flood season, the water season in Northwest Vietnam has a distinct beauty, both majestic and poetic, becoming a unique “tourism specialty” of the northern mountains.
Stunning scenery of the water season in Northwest Vietnam
The terraced fields in Northwest Vietnam have steep and winding terrain. Bringing water from streams and high mountains down to the fields requires the skill, meticulousness, and experience of the local people. They build dams, dig irrigation ditches, creating unique “works of art” on the mountainsides. This ingenuity has turned the water season into a unique travel experience, not to be missed when visiting Northwest Vietnam.
When Does Water Season Occur?
The mountainous Northwest region usually cultivates only one rice crop per year. When the summer rains begin, it is also when ethnic minorities start to bring water into their fields. The water season typically takes place around May and June. At this time, hillsides and mountains are covered with shimmering terraced fields like mirrors, reflecting the sky and majestic mountains. Interspersed are images of diligent farmers working, creating a vivid and colorful picture.
Water season in Northwest Vietnam – Perfect background for beautiful photos
Discovering Stunning Destinations During Water Season
To have the best experiences during the water season, you can visit the following destinations:
Mu Cang Chai – Yen Bai
Mu Cang Chai is famous for its golden terraced fields during the rice ripening season. However, few know that Mu Cang Chai also possesses a “deadly” beauty in the water season. The terraced fields are like “changing clothes,” wearing a shimmering water color, creating a magical, enchanting scene.
Picturesque water season in Mu Cang Chai
When visiting Mu Cang Chai during the water season, you can admire the panoramic beauty by paragliding. However, the number of participants is limited (about 100 people per day), so you should register in advance to not miss this opportunity.
Tu Le – Yen Bai
Tu Le is also a destination not to be missed if you want to see beautiful terraced fields during the water season. This place has a gentle, seductive beauty, attracting visitors by the magical atmosphere of the highlands.
Charming and graceful Tu Le in the water season
Visiting Tu Le in early May, you will admire the fields like giant mirrors, reflecting the sky and mountains, creating a sparkling, magical space. Also, don’t forget to enjoy the famous grilled sticky rice of this land.
Sapa – Lao Cai
Sapa in the water season has a different beauty compared to the ripening rice season. The terraced fields are like “reborn,” full of life. Across the hillsides, you will encounter images of local people busily planting rice.
Beautiful terraced fields in Sapa during the water season
Traveling to Sapa during the water season is an opportunity to get closer to the lives of local people, learn about farming work, and capture beautiful moments.
Y Ty – Lao Cai
Y Ty is a highland commune in Bat Xat district, Lao Cai, located at an altitude of 2000m above sea level. Terraced fields in Y Ty stretch across hillsides and mountains, creating a majestic and poetic scene.
Giant mirrors in Y Ty during the water season
The best time to admire the water season in Y Ty is at dawn or dusk, when the sunlight is not too harsh, creating favorable conditions for you to take the most beautiful photos.
Water Season – A Unique Cultural Experience
The water season is not only a time to admire the beautiful scenery, but also an opportunity to learn about the culture and customs of the highland people. You can participate in activities such as planting rice, harvesting rice with locals, enjoying local specialties, or participating in traditional festivals.
Conclusion
Experiencing the water season at Vietnam’s terraced fields is a journey to discover the majestic natural beauty, unique culture, and friendly people of the Northwest Highlands. This will surely be an unforgettable memory in your life. Plan your trip today so you don’t miss the opportunity to admire this wonderful beauty!