EYE SOOTHING VIETNAM RICE FIELDS →

Vietnam offers some of the world’s eye soothing rice fields, rice terraces and rice paddies to explore. 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.

Rice Fields in Bac Son Valley, Northern Vietnam

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.

Where to Find the Best Rice Fields in Bac Son Valley

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.

Terraced rice fields in Sapa Vietnam

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.

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.

Mu Cang Chai rice fields 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.

Mu Cang Chai is renowned for its stunning terraced fields that sprawl across the undulating terrain, creating a captivating mosaic of agricultural artistry. The region’s ethnic communities, predominantly Hmong and Thai, have cultivated these terraces for centuries, employing traditional farming techniques passed down through generations.

Visitors are drawn to Mu Cang Chai for its awe-inspiring vistas that change hues with the seasons—lush greenery during the growing season and golden hues as the rice ripens for harvest. The picturesque landscapes provide an excellent backdrop for trekking and photography enthusiasts.

There are several buses departing Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai for around 7 hours journey.

Where to Find the Best Rice Fields in Mu Cang Chai

The best and most efficient way to save you time is to get to Mu Cang Chai first and ask your hotel and or homestay (popular forms of stay), and they will suggest and arrange the best possible way, this is the best way I can suggest, locals know the area like the back of their hand. Mu Cang Chai for rice terrace views, it’s one of the best experiences that Vietnam has to offer.

Mu Cang Chai is located within the North-west of Vietnam and it is within 300km from both Ha Giang and Hanoi (Of course in different directions) and 170KM from Sapa. There are regular busses, limousines, leaving Hanoi and Sapa to the center of Mu Cang Chai

Rice Fields in Mai Chau Vietnam

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 fields in Ha Giang

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Vietnam rice terrace fields in Ha Giang, a destination renowned for its mesmerizing spectacle in the northern reaches of Vietnam. Nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, these terraced landscapes form a captivating mosaic of agriculture and nature. Cultivated by local ethnic communities, including the Hmong and Tay people, these rice fields reflect centuries of sustainable farming practices.

The undulating terrain of Ha Giang transforms into a vibrant canvas throughout the seasons, with lush greenery during cultivation and golden rice fields during harvest. Travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure will find themselves immersed in the rich cultural tapestry of traditional villages dotting the landscape. The Vietnamese rice fields in Ha Giang are best to visit during May to September when usual rains are poring making the fields lush and landscapes most rewarding.

Ha Giang’s rice terraces not only showcase the resilience of local communities but also offer a picturesque backdrop for exploration. Embark on a motorbike tour through this UNESCO-recognized region to witness the timeless allure of Vietnam’s northern highlands together to explore some of the best Vietnam Rice Fields.

Where are the Best Rice Fields in Ha Giang

The real answer to where to find the best rice fields, rice terraces in Ha Giang would be to take a trip that covers the whole Ha Giang district, why? simply because Ha Giang rice fields are just everywhere and once you take a loop (Become known as Ha Giang loop by travelers) you journey along the array of amazing places to see, for instant, you’ll encounter high-mountains, tribal people and their daily life, amazing rice terraces down the valleys, beautiful rivers, waterfalls and flag poles and even more. In short, Hi Giang offers a best way to see Vietnamese rice fields without having to think about planning so many obstacle.

Ha Giang location from the closest big city: Ha Giang center is around 300km from Hanoi, and around 230km from Sapa in the north. You’ll find rice fields carpeted around the entirety of the Ha Giang region.

How to get to Ha Giang: There are very regular buses from Hanoi’s my Dinh Bus Station, limousine services (quick and convenient) and you may consider to rent a motorbike and tour the area, the Ha Giang Loop on your own. There are also frequent buses from Sapa to Ha Giang.

Rice fields in Pu Luong, Thanh Hoa – thousands rice terraces in Vietnam’s central region

Pu Luong, located in Thanh Hoa Province and some 160KM from the center of Hanoi Capital of Vietnam, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and picturesque Vietnamese 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.

Pu Luong offers one of the best Vietnam rice terrace fields in the central region that is carved into the lush green hillsides, these terraces create a captivating pattern that changes with the seasons. During the planting season, the fields are transformed into a vibrant sea of green, while the harvest season sees golden hues dominating the landscape.

Travelers to Pu Luong can explore 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.

Hoang Su Phi, remote lands rice fields of Vietnam

Rice fields in Hoang Su Phi offer a breathtaking tapestry of terraced landscapes, showcasing the rich agricultural heritage of this part of Vietnam. Nestled amidst remote lands and lush green hills, these terraces are a marvel of ingenuity, sculpted by generations of skilled ethnic mtribal farmers. Hoang Su Phi’s rice fields are not just a scenic spectacle but a testament to sustainable farming practices. The vibrant hues of green, especially during the growing season, create an awe-inspiring vista. Tourists flock to witness the annual rice harvest, a cultural event that celebrates the hard work of local farmers. Hoang Su Phi’s rice fields are a must-visit for those seeking a glimpse into the heart of Vietnam’s agrarian traditions.

Where to Find the Best Rice Fields in Hoang Su Phi

Trust my words, if you’re a motorbike rider, the best if to hire one in Hanoi and or in Ha Giang and then drive your way up the remote lands of Hoang Su Phi from here you see astonishing rice fields and terraced rice plantation at every corner. If you don’t ride a motorbike, you can always hop on a tour, or just rent a car for more convenient option. However, the best Rice fields are found in the areas in and around the outskirts of Hoang Su Phi, following places are considered as some of the best:

Bang Phung: Driving our of the Hoang Su Phi about 40KM up the hills and this little hamlet offers some of the highest yet eye-catching terraced rice fields in whole Vietnam.

Ban Luoc: Probably the closest to Hoang Su Phi as you only need to drive ouT OF Hoang Su Phi FOR 12km. Ban Luoc rice fields are super steep yet beautiful and the area is very popular for local hikers groups.

Nam Ty: This area is around 22km from the center of Hoang Su Phi, these rice terraces are some of the easiest accessible in the region.

Ho Thau: its actually bet to visit this area together with Ban Luoc as they are sitting net to each other, the area is home to Red Dao minority tribes and here you will find some of the most eye-soothing rice fields and rice terraces in Vietnam.

The Mekong Delta rice fields in Southern Vietnam

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.

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.

General Questions About the Rice Fields in Vietnam

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

Rice terraces are within Vietnam so that means you should 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 in Vietnam?

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.

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