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As a true native of Lao Cai with 11 years of experience "hunting" for ripe rice fields, Bui Huu Duc (1999, Travel Blogger) will share with you the secrets to capturing the ripe rice season in Sa Pa.
Huu Duc has not missed a single rice harvest season over the past 11 years.
When is the best time to see the ripening rice fields in Sa Pa?
Typically, farmers in Lao Cai sow rice seedlings in May, and by July the rice plants are tall. The rice harvest season usually begins from the end of August to around October. With years of experience "hunting" for ripe rice, Duc believes that this year the rice will ripen around the end of August to mid-September.
Depending on the region, rice ripens at different times. This year, the rice fields in Sa Pa are showing signs of ripening earlier. The fields in Nam Cang have gradually turned yellow. In the Muong Hoa Valley, the rice is starting to ripen. Y Ty (Bat Xat) will ripen later than the villages in Sa Pa.
These images of the rice fields in Y Tý last September are breathtakingly beautiful.
The weather in Sa Pa during the rice harvest season is quite favorable for tourism: sunny during the day, with the possibility of sudden rain in the evening. Temperatures fluctuate around 25 degrees Celsius during the day, dropping to around 15-18 degrees Celsius at night. It's advisable to check the weather forecast 3-5 days before your trip and choose warm, sunny days for the best experience.
Beautiful places to see ripening rice fields in Lao Cai.
Nam Cang
Nam Cang, the last village in the southeast of Sa Pa town, is located about 40 km from the center. Here, terraced rice fields are nestled in a valley, surrounded by mountains, forests, and clouds. Streams flow along the fields, creating a poetic and romantic landscape.
Viewed from above, Nam Cang is sweetly beautiful with the green of the rice fields and the deep green of the mountains and forests.
"Located deep in the valley, and not yet well-known to many tourists, Nam Cang enjoys a peaceful and tranquil life with fresh air. The rice paddies here stretch out lush and green, with only a few houses scattered here and there, so the natural scenery completely envelops your view," Huu Duc shared.
Rice fields in Nam Cang in early July. Currently, the rice in this area is ripening, making it an ideal time for tourism.
Ta Van village, Lao Chai (Muong Hoa valley)
Located about 8 km from the town center, the Muong Hoa Valley captivates visitors with its terraced rice fields, considered "the most beautiful in the world".
In September, the terraced rice fields of Ta Van turn a golden hue, winding down the valley and embracing the picturesque Muong Hoa stream. Surrounded by layers of towering mountains, the sweet golden color of the ripening rice blends seamlessly with the landscape, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene in Ta Van.
The terraced rice fields in Ta Van village, Sa Pa, are enchanting amidst the swirling clouds.
Located right next to Ta Van, between the Muong Hoa valley and Ham Rong mountain, Lao Chai village is equally stunning with its thousands of rice paddies. Lao Chai's terraced rice fields embrace the small village, with green mountains surrounding the golden rice paddies, creating a peaceful landscape. It is also home to many H'mong people, so the quantity and area of ripe rice paddies here are among the largest in Sa Pa.
Y Tý, Bát Xát
Y Tý, located in Bát Xát district, is an impressive destination year-round, especially during the rice harvest season. Although it's about 80 km from the town center, the long journey rewards visitors with a pristine, peaceful landscape untouched by tourism.
Y Tý offers a sense of peace and tranquility. It's a land "beautiful all year round," untouched by tourism development.
From above, you will admire the majestic scenery of Y Tý, with its lush green hills, small houses nestled amidst the golden hues of terraced rice fields stretching out like a romantic and vibrant natural carpet.
In Y Tý, during the rice harvest season in early autumn, the air is crisp and cool. Immersing yourself in the vibrant golden hues and sweet aroma of freshly harvested rice throughout the valleys and along the mountain slopes is perhaps an unparalleled experience.
The rice fields, arranged in shimmering layers, gleam in the autumn sunlight.
Here are some additional tips for a successful rice harvest "hunt" trip.
With a 4-day, 3-night itinerary, you can comfortably admire the ripening rice fields at the aforementioned locations in Lao Cai.
Take the time to experience a homestay: one night in Sa Pa and one night in Ta Van village. There are plenty of homestays with different styles for you to choose from. If you're going to Y Ty, Duc suggests staying at Icloud homestay. In Sa Pa, you should try the famous and delicious local dishes such as: sturgeon hot pot, salmon, grilled chicken with green peppercorns, and five-colored sticky rice...
The weather in Sa Pa in August is quite cool during the day, but rather cold at night. You should prepare extra warm clothes to make your trip to see the ripening rice fields in Sa Pa more enjoyable.
