The period from mid-August to October is ideal for tourists to visit the following 4 places and admire the majestic and poetic beauty of the golden season. It takes about 2 to 3 weeks from golden ripening to harvest time, so you should bear this in mind before taking the trip.
Sa Pa (Lao Cai)
Ripening period: From mid-August to early September.
As a famous tourist destination in the Northwest mountains, Sa Pa (Lao Cai) attracts visitors thanks to the cool weather and the sparkling terraced fields in autumn.
This destination has also been listed among the most 7 beautiful terraced fields in Asia and the world by the American magazine Travel + Leisure.
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| Photo: vntrip.vn. |
The villages of Ta Van, Ta Phin, Hau Thao, Su Pan, Nam Cang, and Trung Chai have the most stunning terraced fields for visitors to experience the ripe rice season.
Enjoying the sweet aroma of new rice, and watching the winding terraced fields, drenched in brilliant yellow is an unforgettable experience for many visitors.
On top of that, Sa Pa has good services for tourists and you may find it comfortable to spend the night here and move on to the next exciting destinations the next day.
Mu Cang Chai (Yen Bai)
Ripening period: From September to early October.
Photos of Mu Cang Chai terraced fields were once listed in the top most beautiful photos in the world by the famous National Geographic magazine. Here, the locals still employ traditional farming methods to retain the pristine beauty of this land.
It is awe-inspiring to see the vast terraced fields, surrounded by various layers of mountains and hills. There are many fascinating places for you to take in the terraced fields of Mu Cang Chai such as Tu Le valley, La Pan Tan, and Khau Pha pass.
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| Photo: duyendangvietnam.net.vn. |
Right from the middle of September, there are a huge number of visitors flocking to hunt for the golden season. This is also considered the best time to take a look at the ripened paddy fields.
Visitors may also be impressed by the specialties and other recreational activities in Mu Cang Chai.
Bac Son (Lang Son)
Ripening period: From August to October.
Bac Son in the ripe rice season has the most favorable weather for tourists to explore and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
Bac Son paddy fields are nestled in the limestone mountains, surrounded by villages where the Tay, Nung, and Dao people live. Apart from experiencing the spectacular scenery of the ripe rice, this is also an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the culture of the ethnic minorities here.
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| Photo: cungphuot.info. |
The most amazing spot to watch the rice as well as hunt for clouds, sunset, and sunrise in Bac Son is Na Lay peak, which is not too high nor dangerous for tourists to climb in the afternoon and camp overnight to admire the ripening season from the early morning. You may also opt for motels and homestays near the foot of Na Lay mountain or in the community tourism village of Quynh Son.
Pu Luong (Thanh Hoa)
Ripening period: From September to October.
Located in a nature reserve, Pu Luong rice fields are a popular destination for an autumn trip because of the lovely scenery and nice weather.
To see the ripe rice and set foot in Pu Luong, you may visit Ban Cong commune, the core area of the reserve such as Don village, Hieu village, and Kho Muong village. Tourists may also trek across Pu Luong to learn more about the culture and customs of the indigenous people.
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| Photo: motogo.vn. |
In addition, Pu Luong is also known for its luxury, eco-friendly resorts. This place is perfect for a short weekend getaway in case you miss the golden rice season.
Pu Luong’s cuisine is appreciated for its variety and delicate flavor. You may go for specialties such as grilled wild boar, grilled fish, hill chicken, monkey snail, bitter bamboo shoots, lam rice, and can wine for a reasonable price.
Charming Love Waterfall in Sa Pa
Sa Pa is not only well known for the charm of being a misty mountain town with terraced rice fields stretching continuously on the mountains, but also for its romantic waterfall called Love.
Sa Pa Winter Festival 2017 opens
NDO – Sa Pa Winter Festival 2017 officially opened in Sa Pa district, Lao Cai province, on December 22, as part of the activities during the 2017 National Tourism Year in Lao Cai province.
CNBC: Mu Cang Chai should top 2020 travel list
Mu Cang Chai, a remote district which is home to breathtaking terraced rice fields in Vietnam’s northern province of Yen Bai, should top the travel list, according to US-based media site CNBC.
Climbing Fansipan – the “Roof” of Indochina
With a height of 3,143m, Fansipan peak is considered the “roof” of Indochina, and to climb it is a dream of any visitor who has a passion for discovery. To reach the mountain peak, besides the traditional route along which visitors have to trek through forests, a modern cable car system can help them arrive the destination faster while at the same time experience unforgettable moments when sitting in the cable cars and looking at primitive jungles and valleys covered by clouds.
To Day blossoms brighten up Mu Cang Chai mountainous area
On the winter days when traditional Lunar New Year is reaching closer, Mu Cang Chai district in the northern province of Yen Bai is sparkling in bright sunlight and gorgeous To Day or peach blossoms.
