4 Northern Locations to Witness the Ripe Rice Season
Tourists are always drawn to the golden ripe rice season.
The months of mid-August to October are ideal for visitors to visit the four locations listed below and marvel at the majestic but poetic beauty of the golden season.
However, the rice only lasts about 2-3 weeks from the time it ripens to the time it is harvested. Tourists should be aware of this before embarking on their journey.
Sapa (Lao Cai)
Rice ripens between mid-August and early September.
Sapa (Lao Cai), a popular tourist destination in the Northwest mountains, attracts visitors in autumn not only because of the cool weather but also because of the golden terraces.
This destination was also named one of the top seven most beautiful rice terraces in Asia and the world by the US magazine Travel + Leisure.
Tả Van, Tả Phìn, Hầu Thào, Sử Pán, Nậm Cang, Trung Chải... are beautiful rice terrace villages where visitors can enjoy watching the rice season.
For many visitors, the sweet aroma of new rice and watching the winding terraced fields dyed bright yellow is an unforgettable experience.
Furthermore, Sapa's accommodation services were among the first to emerge. After watching the rice ripen, you can spend the night here and then continue exploring interesting destinations the next day.
Mu Cang Chai (Yen Bai)
Rice ripens between September and early October.
The prestigious National Geographic magazine once named the photograph of Mu Cang Chai rice terraces one of the best in the world. People here, in particular, continue to use traditional farming methods to preserve the land's pristine beauty.
Visitors are drawn to the majestic beauty of vast terraced fields surrounded by mountains and hills. There are many beautiful places to admire Mu Cang Chai rice terraces, including Tu Le valley, La Pán Tẩn, and Khau San pass.
As early as mid-September, the number of visitors flocking to hunt during the golden season was quite large. This is also the time that many people consider the most beautiful to watch rice ripen.
Besides the rice fields, visitors are also impressed with specialty dishes and other fun activities in Mu Cang Chai.
Bac Son (Lang Son)
Rice maturation time: 8 to 10 months.
Bac Son in the ripe rice season is also said to have the most beautiful weather of the year, making it easy for visitors to explore and admire the beauty that is both poetic and majestic here.
Bac Son rice fields are located in the limestone mountain range, surrounded by Tay, Nung, and Dao villages. Visitors can not only enjoy the beauty of the ripe rice season, but they can also learn more about the culture of the ethnic people who live here.
Nà Lay Peak is the most beautiful spot in Bac Son for rice viewing, cloud hunting, sunsets, and sunrises. Because the peak is not too high and dangerous, some tourists choose to climb in the afternoon and camp overnight to watch the golden season begin in the early morning.
Aside from pitching a tent, you can stay in a hostel or homestay near the foot of Na Lay mountain or in the Quynh Son community tourism village.
Pu Luong (Thanh Hoa)
Rice maturation time: 9 to 10 months.
Pu Luong rice fields, located in a nature reserve, are an ideal destination for autumn trips due to the poetic scenery and cool weather.
Visit Ban Cong commune, the core area of the reserve, such as Don village, Thieu village, Kho Muong village... to see ripe rice and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Pu Luong. Visitors can also trek through Pu Luong to hunt for ripe rice while learning about the local culture and customs.
Furthermore, Pu Luong is well-known for its many high-end resorts with a natural design. If you are unable to visit during the ripe rice season, this location is also ideal for a weekend getaway.
Diners rate the dishes at Pu Luong as rich, with a good taste that is appropriate for the occasion. The prices here are not too expensive. You can order roasted wild boar, grilled fish, hill chicken, monkey snail, bitter bamboo shoots, blue rice, and wine, among other things.