Where to see Vietnam's rice terraces

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Top 10 Places to see Vietnam's rice terraces

Vietnam offers some of the world’s eye soothing rice fields, rice terraces and rice paddies to see. The colorful yet golden rice fields of Vietnam attracts visitors to its dreamy postal card sceneries.

Rice terraces in Vietnam taking you to visit some of the world’s most beautiful rice fields. Northern Vietnam is famous for its breathtaking vistas of terraced paddy rice fields cascading in swirls down into a valley. For hundreds of years, the paddy fields remained unknown to travelers, then everything changed in the 2008 when a photographer moved here and his images of the scenery amazed the world and put Vietnam rice fields firmly on the tourist trail.

Mu Cang Chai rice terraces, Vietnam

Mu Cang Chai host some of the most stunning terraced rice fields in Vietnam and they are best visit from early September to the mid October. Mu Cang Chai is about 350 KM west of Hanoi and it well-worth a trip to admire the magical yet simple beauty of rural life in Vietnam. Locals work daily on the rice fields and they live by farming.

The rice fields of Mu Cang Chai are a mesmerizing tapestry of terraced landscapes that beckon travelers seeking natural beauty while exploring cultural richness. This UNESCO-recognized site, situated in the Yen Bai province, is a testament to the ingenuity of local farmers who have sculpted the hillsides into cascading tiers of vibrant green rice paddies.

Tourists will find themselves captivated by the mesmerizing layers of terraced fields that stretch as far as the eye can see in Vietnam’s Mu Cang Chai rice terraces. Visitors should not miss the iconic Mam Xoi Hill, where the terraces resemble a round tray of steamed sticky rice, creating a truly picturesque sight.

For thrill-seekers, paragliding at Khau Pha Pass delivers an adrenaline-pumping experience, offering breathtaking views of the Cao Pha Valley and the terraced fields of Lim Mong Village. Ultimately, Mu Cang Chai stands out as one of the best rice terraces in Vietnam.

Rice terraces in Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang

Renowned for its captivating beauty, especially its exquisite Vietnamese rice terraces, Hoang Su Phi in Ha Giang lies nestled at the foot of the majestic Tay Con Linh Mountain Range. The serene and picturesque paradise that awaits rewards every effort, despite the challenging journey to reach Hoang Su Phi.

In autumn, the rice terraces in Vietnam’s Hoang Su Phi transform into a breathtaking sight, displaying shimmering golden hues. The terraced fields, filled with water, boast vibrant yellow blossoms that resemble scattered patches of sunlight on the mountainside.

Visitors can immerse themselves in unique experiences beyond simply admiring the magnificent rice terraces, such as exploring the vibrant highland markets. Among the lively attractions, a local liquor shop offers an abundance of corn and cassava liquor. Ultimately, Hoang Su Phi represents a remarkable example of the best rice terraces in Vietnam.

Tam coc rice fields, Ninh Binh

Located in Ninh Binh, Poetically penned ‘Halong Bay on ground’, the area around Tam Coc boasts stunning sceneries of beautifully carpeted rice terrace Vietnam. While Halong Bay has rugged rock formations jutting out of the sea, here they soar skywards from a sea of green rice terraces in Vietnam. Tam Coc is named after the low caves through which the Ngo Dong River flows. The essential Tam Coc experience is to sit back and be rowed through the caves , rice paddies and pagodas, which turns into a surreal dance towards the end. The rice terraces of Vietnam’s Tam Coc can be easily visited on a day trips from Hanoi.

However, Tam Moc might not be a best place to capture the most beautiful Vietnamese rice fields, but equally impressive, the whole area is flanked by tall, nicely formationed Rocky Mountains jutting up from the rice fields. The swirled patterns of the terraces rice fields resemble the contours of a giant paddies.

Rice terraces in Hong Thai, Tuyen Quang

Hong Thai captivates visitors with its cool climate, pristine landscapes, and majestic mountains. This destination showcases some of the most beautiful rice terraces in Vietnam, winding gracefully along the picturesque hillsides and making it ideal for travelers.

Each season in Hong Thai unveils its unique splendor. In spring, vibrant flowers bloom, painting the landscape with a riot of colours. Summer introduces lush green rice terraces in Vietnam, competing for attention under the warm sun.

As autumn approaches, the terraced fields transform into a golden expanse, resembling a flowing silk carpet on the hillsides. In winter, mist blankets the area, creating an enchanting and mystical ambience. Ultimately, Hong Thai exemplifies the remarkable beauty of rice terraces in Vietnam, solidifying its status as a premier destination for nature enthusiasts.

Rice Fields in Bac Son Valley

Traveling around 250 kilometers from Hanoi to Lang Son province, Bac Son valley offer some of the unique mountainous rice fields in Vietnam. Bac Son valley is surrounded by incredible lush fields where you can hike and enjoy the mesmerizing view over the whole area. This mountainous region is an ideal place to hike and explore some of the best Vietnamese rice fields while seeing majority of locals work daily on the rice fields and you often see them with their water-buffalos working on the terraced fields. In addition, the Lang son and Bac Son valley nestled amid a karst peaks, the town is populated largely by Tho, Nung, Man and Dzao tribes.

Beside the rice fields and the impressive terraces in the Bac Son valley, there are a couple of impressive caves in the surrounding limestone hills, and remnants of the ruined 16th-century Mac dynasty Citadel. Most travellers come to Lang Son when crossing between Vietnam and China: the border is actually just outside Dong Dang, a village 18km to the north. It’s not a town to linger in, but if you find yourself with a few hours to spare there’s enough to explore.

There are several rice fields around the valley and a short hike up any of the mountains will give you a killer view, the most famous rice fields are within the Na Lay Peak. In addition, the best time to visit would be any time from April and November.

Sapa Vietnam rice terraces

The Queen of the Mountains, Sapa sits regally overlooking a beautiful valley filled with breathtaking golden rice terraces in Vietnam. The spectacular scenery that surrounds Sapa includes eye catching rice fields that spill down the mountains like a patchwork quilt. The mountains are often shrouded in mist that rolls back and forth along the peaks, offering tantalising glimpses of what lies in wait on a clear day. The valleys and villages around Sapa are home to a host of hill-tribe people who work mainly in farms and the rice fields in and around Sapa. Travel some 50KM from Sapa, Muong Hoa Valley in Lao Cai is home to some of the most scenic rice fields in Vietnam (If not in the world).

Sapa’s best rice fields are in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, close to the border with China. The landscape is characterized by lush green valleys, terraced rice paddies, and ethnic minority villages.

The terraced rice fields in Vietnam and specially Sapa are not only agriculturally important but also create a visually spectacular scene. The rice fields are carved into the mountainside and follow the natural contours of the land. The local ethnic communities, including the Hmong, Dao, and Tay people, have been cultivating these fields for generations.

Visitors to Sapa often trek through the picturesque landscapes, interacting with the local communities and gaining insights into their traditional farming life. The scenery varies with the seasons, with the fields being particularly vibrant during the planting and harvesting seasons. Vietnamese rice fields attract tourists from around the world, offering a unique and culturally rich experience. Check out best things to do in Sapa Vietnam

The beautiful Mai Chau rice fields

Mai Chau stands unique in the heart of a beautiful valley that is a 3 hours ride away from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. The modern village is an unappealing sprawl, but as you emerge you’ll encounter some of the nicest Vietnam rice fields worth a day trip from Hanoi. At Mai Chau, you’ll be amazed with vistas of rice terraces mixed with the ethnic minority cultures that exhaust your ability to describe beauty. The centuries old rice-growing culture tied with the daily life of the locals.

Mai Chau, with its vibrant ethnic communities, welcomes visitors seeking an authentic experience amidst picturesque surroundings. Explore the timeless charm of traditional stilt houses and savor the unique flavors of local cuisine. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a cultural explorer, Mai Chau’s Vietnam rice fields promise a rejuvenating retreat. Immerse yourself in the scenic wonders and cultural richness of this hidden gem for an unforgettable escape in Northern Vietnam.

Rice terraces in Y Ty, Lao Cai

Y Ty, a border commune in Lao Cai Province, stands at an elevation of 2000 meters above sea level. Y ty offers a vast and stunning ocean of clouds, making it one of the well worth places to hunt for the rice terraces in Vietnam.

During the harvest season, Y Ty reveals magnificent golden rice fields that spread like waves of gold, filling the air with the rich fragrance of rice.

From above, the terraced fields resemble colossal steps that seamlessly connect, forming cascading waves along the undulating mountains. Rustic houses and hardworking harvesters enhance the picturesque scene, adding to the allure of Y Ty’s rice terraces in Vietnam. Ultimately, Y Ty exemplifies the remarkable landscapes that characterise rice terraces in Vietnam, establishing its significance as a premier destination for nature enthusiasts.

Rice terraces in Pu Luong, Thanh Hoa

Pu Luong, located in Thanh Hoa Province within 160KM from the center of Hanoi Capital of Vietnam, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and picturesque rice fields and its often refereed to as one of the best weekend motorbike trip from Hanoi. The region is a hidden gem that attracts nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Travelers to Pu Luong witness the life of the local minority villages scattered throughout the vast plain, interacting with the Thai and Muong ethnic communities that call this area home. The terraced rice fields Vietnam not only offer breathtaking views but also provide insight into the sustainable farming practices that have sustained these communities for generations.

Trekking through Pu Luong’s rice fields allows visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature while experiencing the rich cultural heritage of the region. The pristine beauty of Pu Luong’s landscapes and its vibrant rice fields make it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience while seeking to photograph best Vietnam rice fields in the region.

Paddy Rice Fields in Can Tho, An Giang, Mekong Delta

Mekong is known as the rice basket of Vietnam, as around 72% of the rice of whole Vietnam comes from this area, this alone gives you an idea of how rice fields might be dotted around the Mekong and Southern Vietnam, so, if you are in south of Vietnam you might take a chance to see some of the best with note that they are hugely different from those rice fields in north of Vietnam.

In addition, mekong is home to a huge network of rivers and waterways, this covers a vast area of the whole region planted with rice fields. To explore the rice fields of Mekong Delta you’ll need to hike through hilly mountains and visit the paddies your way. Anyway, most trips to Mekong Delta are started from Can Tho Vietnam which is the gateway to the Mekong and its amazing waterways. The landscape is home to everything on the water, farms, houses, villages, rice paddies and markets.

The best time to visit Mekong’s rice fields are from June to August, there’s often lots of flooding, but any other time of year would be great time to visit the region.

FAQ: Rice Fields in Vietnam

What is the Best Season to Visit the Rice Terraces in Vietnam?

Consider months of September and October which are usually considered the best months to visit Vietnam and the rice fields, of course. However, if you’re visiting with purpose to see only Vietnam rice terraces, then take in mid September to late October.

Also, the best time and season to see the rice fields in Vietnam depends on specifically which area are you going to travel to as different parts have different climates.

When is the Best Time of Day to See the Rice Terraces?

Very early in the morning and sunrise which is considered as the best of the best time to see the vistas of Vietnamese rice fields, no matter if they are rice terraces, hilly on the mountainside or somewhere else. But however, I have visited Mu Cang Chai rice terraces back in 2015 and the guy in my homestay have told me to visit them around 10AM and this was perfectly matched my expectations as the area looked fresh, lush and rice fields were just amazing on that time, so, always ask for a local piece of advice as well.

Is Vietnam one of the top five largest rice producing countries in the world?

The answer is YES, as, rice has been grown in Vietnam for thousands of years. It is one of the top five largest rice producing countries in the world, and, one of the top 5 places to see the best rice fields in the world too. The Mekong River Delta in southern Vietnam is where most of Vietnam’s rice is grown. Rice is also grown in the Red River Delta in the northeast of Vietnam, and on the north-central coasts. majority of rices are grown in flooding condition, meaning that it is grown in flooded fields rather than dry land.

In 2018 Vietnam was the third-biggest rice exporter with estimate of 6.5 million tons of rice. As you see, Vietnam is stands strong as one of the world’s biggest rice producers and exporters, so if you are visiting to see the amazing rice terraces, it’s one of the best places in the world to see the best rice fields, rice terraces.

Other countries in the world to check our some of the best rice fields including China, Indonesia, the Philippines, India plus Japan.

Where is the best place to see rice terraces in Vietnam?

Vietnam is home to so many beautiful rice fields and terraces, but the most stunning ones lie in the northern regions: Mu Cang Chai, Hoang Su Phi, Lao Cai, Sapa, and Lai Chau. These five destinations are a must-visit for all paddy field enthusiasts! The landscapes remain absolutely gorgeous.

Closest rice terraces near Saigon?

The Mekong Delta features some of the most beautiful rice fields near Ho Chi Minh City, just a 6-hour drive away. Many visitors opt to book a tour to explore the lush green fields, where you can witness farmers tending to their crops, enjoy scenic boat rides along winding rivers, and experience local life. The region offers a perfect getaway for those looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of rural Vietnam.

Rice fields near Hanoi

Tam Coc, located in Ninh Binh Province about 100km south of Hanoi, makes for an easy day trip away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Known as “Ha Long Bay on land,” the area offers breathtaking views of towering limestone mountains and lush green rice fields. As you boat along the river, you’ll pass through caves and observe local farmers working the fields. The stunning landscape, especially during harvest season, makes Tam Coc a must-visit destination for anyone exploring northern Vietnam. Visitors can also enjoy hiking to nearby viewpoints for panoramic vistas of the region’s rice terraces.