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Visiting Ha Giang in autumn, most tourists aim for Hoang Su Phi district, home to the magnificent and breathtaking terraced rice fields that have been recognized as a "National Monument" since 2012. You'll surely forget your way home when you stand before the breathtaking sight of these golden terraced rice fields stretching to the horizon.
Due to its high altitude, the rice terraces in Hoang Su Phi often have steep slopes and are perched precariously on mountaintops. While terraced rice fields are common in other mountainous regions of Northern Vietnam, the scenery here possesses a unique beauty. You will be captivated by the novel and majestic views, vast yet full of poetic and romantic charm.
The rice harvest in Hoang Su Phi takes place once a year, lasting from September to October. This is also the time when the weather is very pleasant, ideal for tourists to fully enjoy the scenery of Northwest Vietnam during the changing seasons. A special feature of Hoang Su Phi is that the rice plants here have longer stems, and the terraced rice fields are located at a higher altitude compared to Mu Cang Chai, another place with beautiful terraced rice fields in Yen Bai province. In Hoang Su Phi, the rice fields, from the foot to the top of the valley, are a golden hue, resembling a dazzling golden swirl, creating a magnificent natural masterpiece.
The development of tourism in recent years has added many cultural tourism services to Hoang Su Phi, reflecting the local identity. The town center of Vinh Quang is the hub for accommodation and dining options for tourists. It also provides transportation and information on tourist attractions in Ha Giang.
The rice-growing region's attractions are villages located at high altitudes, 30-40km from Vinh Quang town. The higher you go, the more spectacular the scenery becomes, with mountains, clouds, and golden rice fields blending together. A little tip: try waking up early and traveling to Ban Phung; you'll be able to fully immerse yourself in the peaceful and romantic scenery. Sitting on a hilltop, gazing at the houses blending with the green and yellow rice fields, the cheerful laughter of children, the early morning rooster crowing, all mingling with the hazy kitchen smoke… All of this creates an unforgettable impression on visitors.
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Additional information:
+ Journey
The road to Hoang Su Phi branches into two routes: from National Highway 2 through Tuyen Quang to Ha Giang and then into the area, or from the Bac Ha (Lao Cai) route through Xin Man. Both routes are about 300km from Hanoi and are fraught with difficulties, with winding roads clinging to narrow mountains and very little traffic.
-If traveling by motorbike, you can follow this route: Hanoi – Ha Giang City – Bac Quang – Tan Quang – Hoang Su Phi – Xin Man – Coc Pai – Lao Cai – Hanoi.
-By car: Take a bus on the Hanoi – Ha Giang route. There are many bus companies at My Dinh bus station, with prices ranging from 260,000 to 300,000 VND per person. At Bac Quang intersection, change buses and travel another 58km to reach Vinh Quang town, the district capital of Hoang Su Phi district.
+ Destination:Hoang Su Phi is a mountainous border district located in the western part of Ha Giang province, right at the foot of the majestic Tay Con Linh peak. This highland district is heavily dissected by many high rocky mountains, ravines, and streams, creating an incredibly majestic natural landscape, especially suitable for those who enjoy hiking and sightseeing.
+ Landscape:Terraced rice fields are found in most communes and towns in Hoang Su Phi district, but are mostly concentrated in Ban Luoc, Ban Phung, Thong Nguyen, Ho Thau, Nam Ty, and San Sa Ho, with a total area of nearly 765 hectares.
+ Accommodation
Tourists will eat and stay in Vinh Quang town. Currently, hotel and guesthouse services here have developed significantly, and tourists can rest assured about the quality of service. Hotel prices range from 200,000 to 400,000 VND per room. If staying on the weekend, tourists have the opportunity to admire the colorful highland market in the town. In addition, there are many food and beverage services catering to tourists.
-Furthermore, if you want to fully immerse yourself in the life of the highland people, homestay is a very interesting option. This type of accommodation has developed quite strongly in Hoang Su Phi. Suggestions: homestays in Ban Phin Ho, Ban Nam Hong, and Lang Giang villages in Thong Nguyen commune. These homestay locations have the advantage of being right in Hoang Su Phi district, making it very convenient for sightseeing and admiring the golden rice fields and the beautiful natural scenery.
Text and photos: Tuan Duong
