Are you a nature lover eager to explore Vietnam’s majestic landscapes? Then you absolutely cannot miss the enchanting beauty of its rice terraces. These “stairways to heaven” are not only a testament to human creativity but also a symbol of a unique agricultural culture. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around the World) to discover the most beautiful rice terraces in Vietnam, where you can admire breathtaking scenery and deeply connect with the land and its people.
Mu Cang Chai – World-Class Rice Terrace Masterpiece
Mu Cang Chai, a highland district in Yen Bai province, has long been renowned for its breathtakingly beautiful rice terraces. In 2018, its beauty was recognized on the global tourism map when it was listed among the top 12 most beautiful rice terraces in the world by Telegraph. Mu Cang Chai’s rice terraces are not just a tourist destination but also a unique work of art, born from the diligence and creativity of the Hmong ethnic people.
Rice terraces in Mu Cang Chai during the water season, viewed from above, resemble giant mirrors reflecting the sky.
Mu Cang Chai is located at the foot of the majestic Hoang Lien Son mountain range, about 300km from Hanoi. Due to the terrain and climate, locals here cultivate only one rice crop per year. The water season, around May – June, when the first rains water the dry fields, is also when Mu Cang Chai puts on a new coat. The small terraces, formed at an altitude of 800 – 1700m, sparkle with water, reflecting the sky, creating a stunning watercolor painting.
In the harvest season, around September – October, Mu Cang Chai is ablaze with brilliant golden hues. The scent of new rice wafts in the air, captivating anyone who sets foot here. Standing on the high hills, looking into the distance, you will witness a golden sea stretching to the horizon, a majestic and magnificent sight.
Rice terraces in Mu Cang Chai during harvest season showcase simple and prosperous beauty, with golden fields stretching across the hillsides.
Sapa – Immerse Yourself in Picture-Perfect Beauty
Sapa, the misty town in Lao Cai province, is a famous tourist destination known for its cool climate and stunning natural landscapes. Sapa’s rice terraces, with a history of over a hundred years, created by the diligent hands of ethnic minorities, are a must-visit for those who love the majestic beauty of the Northwest mountains.
Sapa’s rice terraces also only have one rice crop per year. The water season takes place in May – June, and the harvest season usually starts from mid-August to the end of September. From afar, Sapa’s rice terraces resemble a miniature Alps, embracing the mountainsides and surrounding the majestic hills.
Sapa rice terraces in harvest season paint the sky with gold, creating a magnificent and poetic scene.
Walking among the rice terraces, breathing in the fresh air, and admiring the beautiful natural scenery, you will feel peace and tranquility in your soul. The most beautiful rice terrace viewing spots in Sapa include Muong Hoa valley, Cat Cat village, Lao Chai – Ta Van village, and Ta Phin village. Each location has its own beauty, but they all share a common thread of majesty, poetry, and charm.
Rice terraces in Muong Hoa valley, Sapa, showcase the harmonious beauty of nature and humanity, creating a vibrant and colorful picture.
Hoang Su Phi – Majestic Beauty Amidst Ha Giang’s Clouds
Hoang Su Phi, a border highland district of Ha Giang province, is famous for its rice terraces stretching across the hillsides. With a total area of about 3000 hectares, Hoang Su Phi’s rice terraces are a unique cultural heritage, demonstrating the creativity and ingenuity of the local people in conquering nature.
Like other highlands, Hoang Su Phi cultivates only one rice crop per year. The water season takes place from April to June, and the harvest season is usually in September – October. During the water season, Hoang Su Phi’s rice terraces are like a giant mirror reflecting the blue sky, creating an extremely impressive scene. When harvest season arrives, the fields are dressed in a golden coat, creating “golden waves” undulating on the hillsides.
Hoang Su Phi rice terraces shrouded in mist, creating a mysterious and poetic scene, especially in autumn.
The best time to visit Hoang Su Phi is from April to September, when the weather is mild and cool. Especially, if you want to “hunt for clouds” and take beautiful shimmering photos, visit Hoang Su Phi in September.
Hoang Su Phi rice terraces during the water season, like a giant mirror reflecting sunlight and clouds.
Y Ty – Misty Land with Endless Beauty
Y Ty, a highland commune in Bat Xat district, Lao Cai province, located at an altitude of over 2000m above sea level, is an attractive tourist destination with majestic rice terraces and pristine natural landscapes. It is also home to the Ha Nhi ethnic people, with unique and distinctive cultural features.
The water season in Y Ty takes place in May – June, and the harvest season is usually from late August to almost the end of September. Y Ty’s rice terraces are built on narrow mountains and steep hills, surrounded by primeval forests.
Y Ty rice terraces during the water season reflecting the beauty of labor of the Ha Nhi people, with farming activities on the flooded fields.
During the water season, Y Ty’s rice terraces are filled with water, reflecting the diverse colors of earth, sky, and clouds. When harvest season comes, Y Ty is covered in the golden hue of rice, creating a simple and poetic scene.
Y Ty offers peaceful beauty with rice terraces transitioning to golden harvest color, creating a tranquil countryside picture.
Pu Luong – “Northwest Vietnam” in the Heart of Thanh Hoa
Pu Luong, a nature reserve located in the Northwest of Thanh Hoa province, is a newly emerging tourist destination with picture-postcard rice terraces. This place not only has majestic natural landscapes but also unique cultural features of the Thai ethnic people.
Unlike other highlands, Pu Luong can grow two rice crops a year. The water season takes place in July and February, and the harvest season is in late May – mid-June and late September – October.
Pu Luong rice terraces exhibit the beauty of Northwest Vietnam with sprawling fields and simple stilt houses.
Pu Luong is likened to “Northwest Vietnam” in the heart of Thanh Hoa with vast rice terraces, majestic mountains, and lush green primeval forests. Coming to Pu Luong, you can not only admire the beauty of rice terraces but also explore other famous tourist spots such as Don village, Kho Muong bat cave, Uoi – Lan village, Hieu waterfall, and Cham stream.
The pristine beauty of Hieu waterfall in Pu Luong contributes to the special attraction of this land.
Hong Thai – Discover the Beauty of Tuyen Quang Rice Terraces
Hong Thai, a highland commune in Tuyen Quang province, is a newly emerging tourist destination with rice terraces that are nearly 200 years old. With advantages in ecology, landscape, and cultural identity, Hong Thai’s rice terraces are being oriented to develop into a unique tourism product of the locality.
Hong Thai’s rice terraces are created by the hands of the Dao Tien ethnic people, with only one crop per year. The water season usually takes place at the end of March, and the harvest season starts in September – October.
Hong Thai rice terraces in Tuyen Quang during the water season create a stunning watercolor painting with flooded fields reflecting the sky.
Located at an altitude of 1,280m above sea level, Hong Thai’s rice terraces are surrounded by rolling mountains. The fields have varying lengths, winding through many curves and connecting between hillsides.
At the end of March, water flows into the fields, turning this place into a shimmering mirror, stretching to the horizon. When harvest season arrives, Hong Thai’s rice terraces turn to a brilliant golden color, undulating and swaying in the wind like soft golden waves.
Hong Thai rice terraces hidden in misty clouds, creating a peaceful and poetic scene.
The most beautiful rice terraces in Vietnam are not only attractive tourist destinations but also invaluable cultural heritages that need to be preserved and promoted. Come and discover the magical beauty of these “stairways to heaven” to feel a deeper connection with the land and people of Vietnam.