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In September, as the sun begins to soften and the autumn breeze gently caresses, travelers and photographers once again turn their attention to the terraced rice fields stretching across the hillsides of Northwest Vietnam. Along with Mu Cang Chai (Yen Bai) and Hoang Su Phi (Ha Giang), Bat Xat (Lao Cai) boasts the largest concentration of terraced rice fields.
Bat Xat during the rice harvest season is a favorite destination for travelers.
Bat Xat District (Lao Cai Province) is about 300km from Hanoi. In autumn, visiting Bat Xat is an opportunity to admire and capture the magical moments of nature, as well as breathe in the fresh air of the land. The terraced rice fields of Bat Xat are a meeting place of clouds, sun, and wind, and also a place where wandering souls unexpectedly meet.
There are two seasons in the year when the Bat Xat terraced rice fields are considered most beautiful. During the rainy season (May-June), when the villagers go down to the fields to plant rice, the terraced fields resemble giant mirrors reflecting the clouds and sky. In autumn, the waves of green and yellow rice intertwine brilliantly. With each passing season, the land and sky change their attire, so each time you set foot in this area, you are immersed in a fresh atmosphere.
Mr. San Xe Phe (a resident of Y Ty commune) is harvesting rice.
Following the route from Sa Pa to Bat Xat, you can pass through the communes of Muong Hum, Sang Ma Sao, Den Sang, Y Ty, and Ngai Thau, freely enjoying the vast landscapes with golden rice paddies on both sides of the road, breathing in the fragrant scent of rice, and immersing yourself in the cool, crisp air of the highlands.
The journey from Sa Pa to Y Tý is approximately 80km long, consisting of winding mountain passes. The roads in Y Tý are a real challenge for drivers, with most of them rough and rocky. Besides the challenging roads, the area is also characterized by thick fog, which appears and disappears in the blink of an eye. However, witnessing the magnificent scenery created by nature and human hands will be a well-deserved reward after overcoming this difficult journey.
The golden season is also the harvest season.
Bat Xat District boasts over 3,000 hectares of terraced rice fields distributed across all communes, with a high concentration in the The Pa valley, located within the communes of Y Ty and Ngai Thau. These terraced fields have been recognized as a National Monument by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Furthermore, along the road from Ngai Thau commune to A Lu commune, or from Choan Then to Thien Sinh bridge, continuous waves of rice paddies curve along the mountain slopes, creating vibrant patches of color. The curves resemble musical notes, and the terraced fields seem to resonate with the love songs of the Northwest region.
Farmers use rice threshing machines after harvesting.
Farmers use rice threshing machines after harvesting.
From above, the endless fields seem to shrink into view, with glimpses of simple houses and small figures. At sunset and sunrise, when the gentle sunlight pours down, the terraced rice fields become most magnificent.
Furthermore, Y Tý is the highest-altitude commune in Bát Xát district, home to the peak of Lảo Thẩn (2,900m), famous as a cloud paradise with four seasons in a single day. Clouds swirl around the mountain slopes and caress the terraced rice fields, making the scenery even more enchanting. Y Tý experiences all four seasons in a single day. In autumn, nighttime temperatures can drop to 18-20 degrees Celsius, but the days are warm and sunny.
Y Tý is covered in clouds all year round.
Terraced rice fields not only create a magnificent natural landscape but also serve as a testament to the strength and resilience of the highland people, showcasing their farming practices and way of life in harmony with nature on heavily fragmented hilly terrain. The golden season is also the harvest season. The fields begin to bustle with laughter, conversation, and the sounds of threshing machines.
Life of the people in Choản Thèn village, Y Ý commune, Bát Xát district.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Move:
You can travel from Hanoi to Sa Pa or Lao Cai, then rent a motorbike to Y Ty; or you can drive yourself from Hanoi.
Accommodation:
Accommodation services in Y Tý are still quite limited and basic. Some homestays in Y Tý include: Y Tý Cloud, A Hờ, Sành Homestay, and the Border Guard guesthouse...
Attractions:
A Lu, Ngai Thau, Choan Then Park, Y Ty Market, Thien Sinh Bridge… Wooden houses nestled amidst vast rice paddies.
