As a "true" Lao Cai resident with 11 years of experience "hunting" for ripe rice, Bui Huu Duc (1999, Travel Blogger) will show you the secret to hunting for ripe rice season in Sa Pa.
Huu Duc has not missed any rice harvest in the past 11 years.
What time to see the ripe rice season in Sa Pa?
Normally, people in Lao Cai will sow rice from May, until July when the rice grows high. The ripening season will start from the end of August to around October. With many years of experience "hunting" for ripe rice, Duc believes that this year the rice will ripen around the end of August - mid-September.
Depending on the region, rice will ripen at different times. This year, rice fields in Sa Pa show signs of ripening earlier. Rice fields in Nam Cang have gradually turned yellow. Rice fields in Muong Hoa Valley are starting to "rush" to ripen. Y Ty (Bat Xat) will ripen later than the villages in Sa Pa.
Stunning image of rice fields in Y Ty last September.
The weather during the rice harvest season in Sa Pa is quite favorable for tourism: sunny during the day, there may be sudden rain in the evening. The temperature fluctuates around 25 degrees during the day, at night it is only about 15 - 18 degrees. You should carefully check the weather about 3 - 5 days before the trip, choose warm sunny days for the best experience.
Beautiful places to hunt for ripe rice in Lao Cai
Nam Cang
Nam Cang, the last village in the Southeast of Sa Pa town. About 40 km from the center, here the terraced fields lie in the middle of the valley, surrounded by mountains and forests with clouds and sky. Streams flow along the fields, creating a poetic and romantic scene.
Seen from above, Nam Cang is sweetly beautiful with the green of rice and the dark green of mountains and forests.
"Deep in the valley, not yet known to many tourists, Nam Cang's life is peaceful, quiet with fresh air. The rice fields here stretch out lushly, with only a few houses in sight, so the natural scenery covers my entire view," Huu Duc shared.
Rice fields in Nam Cang in early July. The rice in this area is ripe now, making it a good time for tourism.
Ta Van and Lao Chai villages (Muong Hoa valley)
Located about 8 km from the town center, Muong Hoa valley is memorable for its terraced fields that are considered "the most beautiful in the world".
In September, the terraced fields in Ta Van are golden yellow, winding down the valley, embracing the poetic Muong Hoa stream. Surrounded by layers of mountains, one after another, blending with the sweet yellow color of ripe rice, creating a beautiful picture of Ta Van.
The terraced fields in Ta Van village, Sa Pa are poetic in the drifting clouds.
Located right next to Ta Van, between Muong Hoa valley and Ham Rong mountain, Lao Chai village is not far behind with thousands of rice fields. Lao Chai terraced fields embrace the small village, green mountains surround the golden rice fields creating a peaceful scene. This is also where many H'mong people live, so the quantity and area of ripe rice here is almost the largest in Sa Pa.
Y Ty, Bat Xat
Y Ty, located in Bat Xat district, is an impressive destination all year round, especially during the rice harvest season. Although it is about 80 km from the center, the scenery in return for the long journey is the pristine, peaceful scenery of a place that has not been affected by tourism activities.
Y Ty brings a feeling of peace and purity. A land "beautiful all year round", not yet affected by tourism exploitation,
From above, you will admire the majestic scenery of Y Ty with dark green hills and mountains, small houses mixed in the yellow of terraced fields stretching like a romantic natural carpet full of vitality.
Y Ty in the ripe rice season in early autumn, the air is clear and cool. Immersing yourself in the brilliant yellow color, in the sweet fragrance of new rice throughout the valley, along the mountain slopes... there is probably nothing better.
The rice fields are lined up in layers, shimmering in the autumn sunlight.
Some additional notes for a successful "hunting" trip for ripe rice
With a 4-day, 3-night itinerary, you can comfortably admire the ripe rice fields at the above mentioned locations in Lao Cai.
Take the time to experience a 1-night homestay in Sa Pa, 1 night in Ta Van village. There is no shortage of homestays with many different styles for you to choose from. If you come to Y Ty, Duc suggests that visitors should stay at Icloud homestay. Coming to Sa Pa, you should try the famous and especially delicious dishes such as: sturgeon hotpot, salmon, green pepper grilled chicken, five-color sticky rice...
The weather in Sa Pa around August will be quite cool during the day, and quite cold at night. You should prepare warm clothes to make your journey to hunt for ripe rice in Sa Pa more complete.
