In September, the sun begins to soften, the autumn wind blows gently, and the footsteps of travelers and photographers turn to the terraced fields spread across the hillsides in the Northwest. Along with Mu Cang Chai (Yen Bai) and Hoang Su Phi (Ha Giang), Bat Xat (Lao Cai) is the place with the largest concentration of terraced fields.
Bat Xat in the ripe rice season is a favorite destination for travelers.
Bat Xat District (Lao Cai) is about 300km from Hanoi. In autumn, coming to Bat Xat is an opportunity to admire and record magical moments of nature, as well as breathe in the pure breath of heaven and earth. Bat Xat terraced fields are a meeting place of clouds, sun, wind, and also a place where wandering souls meet by chance.
During the year, there are two seasons when Bat Xat terraced fields are considered the most beautiful. In the flooding season (May - June), when people go to the fields to plant rice, the terraced fields look like 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 clothes, so each time you set foot on this land, you are immersed in a fresh atmosphere.
Uncle 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 - Ngai Thau, to freely enjoy the vast space with yellow carpets on both sides of the road, breathe in the fragrant scent of rice and immerse in the cool air of the highlands.
The road from Sa Pa to Y Ty is about 80km long, with steep mountain passes. In particular, the roads in Y Ty are a real challenge for drivers, as the road surface is mostly rough and rocky. In addition to the challenging roads, the "specialty" here is also the fog, which suddenly appears and disappears in the blink of an eye. However, seeing with your own eyes the majestic scenery of nature and human hands will be a worthy reward after overcoming that difficult journey.
The golden season is also the harvest season.
Bat Xat district has more than 3,000 hectares of terraced fields distributed in all communes, concentrated in The Pa valley in the territory of Y Ty and Ngai Thau communes. The terraced fields here are recognized as national monuments by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. In addition, along the road from Ngai Thau commune to A Lu commune, or from Choan Then to Thien Sinh bridge, the continuous waves of rice fields follow the shape of the mountains, creating brilliant color patches. The curves are like music scores, and the fields seem to resonate with a love song of the Northwest.
People use threshing machines after harvesting.
People use threshing machines after harvesting.
From above, the endless fields seem to shrink into the eye, with simple houses and small figures looming. Sunset and dawn, when the gentle sunlight pours down, are also the times when the terraced fields become most splendid.
In addition, Y Ty is the highest commune in Bat Xat district with Lao Than peak (2,900m high), famous as a cloud paradise, with four seasons in a day. Clouds curl around the mountainside, hovering over terraced fields, making the scenery even more enchanting. Y Ty weather has four seasons in a day. In autumn, the temperature can drop to 18-20 degrees at night, but the day is warm and sunny.
Y Ty is covered in clouds all year round.
Terraced fields not only create a magnificent natural picture but also demonstrate the strength and perseverance of the highland people, demonstrating the natural farming and living style on the strongly fragmented mountainous terrain. The golden season is also the harvest season. The fields begin to bustle with laughter and the sound of threshing machines.
Life of people in Choan Then village, Y Y, Bat Xat.
MORE INFORMATION
Move:
You can travel from Hanoi to Sa Pa or Lao Cai, then rent a motorbike to Y Ty; or go by yourself from Hanoi.
Accommodation:
Accommodation services in Y Ty are still quite modest and rudimentary. Some homestays in Y Ty: Y Ty Cloud, A Ho, Sanh Homestay, border guest house...
Attractions:
A Lu, Ngai Thau, Choan Then park, Y Ty market, Thien Sinh bridge... Wooden houses nestled among the immense rice fields.
