Vietnam is primarily an agricultural country with a strong history in rice cultivation. In fact, rice is believed to have been cultivated in Vietnam throughout its 4,000-year history. Around 80% of Vietnam’s population works in rice fields or in jobs related to growing, harvesting and producing rice. Images of green or golden rice terraces have become synonymous with Vietnam.
Depending on rainfall, most parts of Vietnam produce two rice harvests per year. The harvest season typically lasts 3 weeks to a month, depending on the region. This article will provide harvest times for the most popular areas, the best times to visit the rice fields, and helpful location pointers for capturing the most beautiful photos. Get your cameras ready!
1. Rice fields in Tam Coc
The beautiful Tam Coc region is located just 90 kilometers south of Hanoi in the lush Ninh Binh province. Although this area can be covered in one day, I suggest two days to fully enjoy and explore the caves, cruise the river and have time to enjoy the natural beauty. Because water levels are high in Tam Coc, farmers must wait until the levels drop to plant rice and the region produces only one rice crop per year.
The best time to take photos of the rice field in Tam Coc from first three weeks of May, when the rice in the fields turns golden, indicating that it is ready to be harvested. To capture the best photos, use a drone or climb up to the mystical Mua Cave for the best views of the Ngo Dong River, limestone caves and karst rock formations.
2. Rice fields in Bac Son Valley
Bac Son, known as the Valley of the Sun, is located about 250 kilometers south of Hanoi. There is a new highway, which makes travel very comfortable and convenient. To fully enjoy the valley and all that Bac Son has to offer, a two-day tour is recommended. The harvest takes place in September but besides the beautiful rice fields, there is plenty to see and do here. Travel through the villages of the Tay people, explore caves, waterfalls and learn about the culture of the local people. For a truly unique experience, consider a homestay with a local family to truly experience the destination to the fullest!
For the best photographs, hike up Viba Peak, about 600 meters high for a spectacular view of the entire valley.
Don’t forget to taste homemade rice wine and “cheers” with the local family.
3. Rice terraces in Sapa
One of the most interesting and fascinating destinations in Vietnam is the mountainous region of Sapa. Mount Fansipan, the highest peak in Vietnam, rises to over 3,140 meters above sea level. What was once a grueling hike to the summit can now be visited by cable car.
The views from the top of the peak are exceptional and overlook the peaceful countryside. Sapa is particularly interesting because it is home to more than a dozen different hill tribe ethnic groups. Colorfully dressed ethnic groups, such as the Red Dzao and Hmong working on the rice terraces, make for the most stunning photographs.
Sapa is a region that does not receive much rain and for this reason only produces one rice crop per year. Therefore, the harvest period in Sapa is from last week of August to last week of September ; with the best time for photos is mid-September.
The best way to see the area is to spend three to four days exploring the surroundings by renting a jeep or motorbike. There are five routes that we highly recommend for exploring the area:
• Route 1: Sapa – Cat Cat – Sin Chai (closest to town).
• Route 2: Sapa – Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van (most popular trekking route).
• Route 3: Sapa – Sa Seng – Hau Thao (less touristy, better for sunset).
• Route 4: Sapa – Thanh Kim (closed to Topas Ecolodge, less visited, great for cycling).
• Route 5: Sapa – Ban Khoang – Ta Giang Phinh (best to combine with Silver Falls and Tram Ton Pass visits, also less visited by tourists).
4. Rice Terraces in Mu Cang Chai
Located in Yen Bai province and about 300 kilometers from Hanoi, Mu Cang Chai is a more remote area, so a three-day stay is recommended. There are many ways to get there from Hanoi, whether by private car, train or bus. Private car is recommended to allow the freedom to stop and take pictures as you wish.
The harvest in Mu Cang Chai follows the same as in Sapa, so it is advisable to book your accommodation/meals well in advance. Although the area is relatively poor and undeveloped, a large number of tourists and local photographers visit this area for the natural beauty of these rice terraces.5. Rice Terraces in Hoang Su Phi
Located about 300 km from Hanoi, the unique terrain of Hoang Su Phi is located. With lush forests, deep valleys and rugged mountains, the region’s diverse geography offers spectacular views of Mother Nature’s creation.
Due to Hoang Su Phi’s high terrain, growing crops has not been easy for the local people; hence the terraced hillsides. The serene terraced hills are also home to twelve different ethnic minority groups. Crops grow once a year in this region and the ideal way to explore is by hiking through the hills to capture local life. Rice begins to ripen in the fall, creating weaving shades of green and yellow. The colors, festivals and cultures are a feast for the eyes of photographers!
Tourists coming to Hoang Su Phi often combine their visit with Ha Giang highlights such as Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Lung Cu Flag Tower, Quan Ba Twin Mountains and Ma Pass. Pi Leng. The much less visited region of Ha Giang is an attractive cultural destination offering beautiful and spectacular scenery. Many unknown places are waiting for you to see and take beautiful photos.
6. Rice terraces in Y Ty
About 7 hours from Hanoi is Y Ty, a mountainous village in Bat Xat district, located in Lao Cai province. It is an ideal destination to combine with Sapa or Bac Ha for a memorable four-day trip to the hill tribe country.
Y Ty (or Y Ti) is the homeland of the Hmong, Dzao, Giay, Ha Nhi – the most beautiful and colorful hill tribe in Vietnam. The colors of their dress contrasting with the mountains, the blue sky and the rice fields are a photographer’s paradise. The trip to Y Ty has even more to offer besides great photography.
From generation to generation, the Hmong people have built these terraces in order to use the land to cultivate their rice. During your visit, learn the secret technique of the Hmong on how they build and also irrigate these terraces. These techniques help make the location not only unique but truly beautiful.
The harvest takes place during one month from September to early October .7. Rice fields in Mai Chau
Located about 146 km or about 3 hours drive from Hanoi, drive through some of the most picturesque mountains and hills towards Mai Chau.
The best time to visit and photograph the rice fields is
in mid-August . The season lasts two weeks and these fields and small Thai villages are not to be missed for any photography enthusiast!8. Rice fields in Hai Duong
Hai Duong, a province located between Hanoi and the city of Hai Phong, so rich in history and culture, officially dates back to 1498. The village produced many scholars over the years and thus became known as a ” Doctoral Village”.
Along with its long history, Hai Duong is also known for its rich culture, numerous festivals, traditional theater and important places such as Mao Dien Literature Temple. In fact, it even has the Kiep Bac Temple located on the route of a pilgrimage from Thang Long to the Buddhist Holy Land Yen Tu.
The festivals held in the area are a photographer’s dream, especially the festival held at the famous Kiep Bac Temple in autumn. Taste local specialties such as green bean pancakes and lychees at local artisan villages, you and your camera will not be disappointed!
The Hai Duong area is conveniently located along the highway between Hanoi and Halong Bay (or Cat Ba Island) or the old National Highway 18. The location provides a perfect opportunity to make a stop combined en route to visit the flat deltas of northern Vietnam. The rice fields in this area produce two harvests per year. The “golden season” where the harvest takes place
in May and September , but watching locals plow their crops using water buffalo is equally impressivein January/February and June . A stop here to interact with local farmers and try your hand at harvesting is an experience you won’t forget!9. Rice fields in Thai Binh
Thai Binh is considered the rice granary and the leading rice producer in Vietnam. Due to the high production of this region, Vietnam is the second largest exporter of rice in the world.
Thai Binh is located halfway between Ninh Binh (home to the poetic landscape complex Tam Coc & Trang An) and Hai Phong Port and is a perfectly combined stop on your way to Halong Bay.
What is unique about the rice fields in this area compared to Sapa or Y Ti is that they are completely flat without any mountains. The vast rice fields along the Red River Delta are a must-see stop on your trip to Halong Bay.
10. Rice fields in the Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta is a vast area that includes six provinces located along the mighty river. This is where you can see the myriad colors of the rice fields. The best time for
The photograph is in May(when farmers water the fields) and August harvest , but the area attracts visitors all year round. The different stages of the rice fields, from freshly plowed deep green to shimmering golden threads, are a feast for the eyes.For the best views of the rice fields, climb Co To Mountain, the third longest mountain in the Seven Mountains range (at 5,800 meters long and 614 meters high). The region offers so much to see, from peaceful Khmer temples to local life along the mighty Mekong River.
Remember that it is easy to travel between Vietnam and Cambodia via the Mekong River and its delta region where you can stop and take the best photos of rice fields.
