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When mentioning Phuoc Hai, many people immediately think of the sea. Long stretches of sand, boats lined up along the shore, and the distinctive salty smell of the sea breeze from early morning to late afternoon have become familiar images of this area. However, just a few minutes' drive from the coast, the scenery suddenly changes completely.
The road opens up amidst vast rice paddies, the sea breeze still blowing but carrying the scent of young rice, the smell of the earth, and the expansive feeling of the countryside. This is the An Nhứt rice field - one of the most surprising sights for many visitors to the Phước Hải - Long Đất area in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu province).
The An Nhứt rice fields stretch across the An Nhứt commune's cultivated area and the adjacent region.
Located in An Nhut commune, not far from Phuoc Hai beach, this rice field has gradually become a familiar stop for those who enjoy exploring everyday beauty in recent years. Spanning over 2,000 hectares, the field stretches under a wide, open sky, creating a rare and expansive landscape in the Long Dat coastal area.
In the middle of the field is a paved road about 2.3 km long that cuts through the rice paddies – a highlight that makes this a familiar viewpoint for many tourists every rice harvest season.
The beauty of An Nhứt fields changes with the seasons.
The An Nhứt rice fields are not fixed in a single beauty. Like the farming rhythm of the local people, the landscape changes constantly with the seasons, and each time brings a very different feeling.
The early months of the growing season are usually when the rice fields are at their most beautiful in a gentle way. As the rice sprouts, the fields are covered in a lush, vibrant green, a shade of green spreading evenly across the flat land, stretching into large patches under the early morning sun. The wind blows, causing the rice stalks to sway like ripples, the entire field resembling a vast expanse of green water between heaven and earth.
The rice fields at the beginning of the season, with their young, pale rice plants, resemble a soft green carpet.
As the rice plants grow, their green color deepens. The fields begin to take on more depth of color, becoming both vibrant and full of life. On sunny days, the sunlight falls obliquely on the rice rows, creating layers of varying shades. The scenery is beautiful up close, but from a distance, it evokes the expansive feeling characteristic of coastal plains.
As the rice plants grow, their green color deepens, and they sway in the wind like ocean waves.
The rice harvest season is usually the most popular time to visit, and An Nhứt transforms into a vibrant golden hue. The entire field seems covered in a layer of glistening honey under the sun. Each gust of wind causes the rice stalks to bend in waves, creating soft and continuous movements. In the afternoon, as the sun sets, the golden color deepens, reflecting against the vast sky, making the scene particularly impressive.
Even after the harvest, when the fields are covered with dry straw and the land has rested after a season, An Nhứt still retains its unique charm. Gone are the vibrant greens and yellows, replaced by a different kind of emptiness, rusticity, and tranquility—a necessary pause between the successive cycles of the land.
During the rice harvest season, the fields attract many tourists and photographers who come to check in and take pictures.
The best time to check in at An Nhứt rice fields and other combined sightseeing spots.
To fully appreciate the beauty of the rice fields, the ideal time is usually during the green rice season or the rice harvest season. However, within a single day, sunlight is the most crucial factor in determining the experience.
Early mornings, from around 5:30 to 7:00 AM, are the most pleasant. The sun is gentle, the temperature is cool, and sometimes there's a thin layer of mist clinging to the fields. This is the ideal time for a stroll, bike ride, or photography in soft light.
The gentle morning sunlight creates clear, soft images of the fields.
The period from late afternoon, from 4:30 PM until just before sunset, takes on a completely different beauty. Golden sunlight streams across the fields, casting long shadows of people on the small paths running through the rice paddies. The rice plants are at their most vibrant at this time, and the sky often changes color more beautifully. For many, this is the most beautiful moment of the day in An Nhứt.
The time when the sun is at its highest is also when the rice fields are at their most vibrant.
From the center of Phuoc Hai, getting to the rice fields is quite easy, taking only about 10-15 minutes by motorbike or car. Because of the short distance, it's very convenient to combine it with other activities in the area. A popular itinerary is to go to Phuoc Hai beach in the morning, have lunch with seafood around the market or along the coast, relax until the afternoon, then head to An Nhut to watch the sunset over the rice fields.
Visitors can combine a visit to the An Nhứt rice fields with a trip to Phước Hải and enjoy fresh seafood along the coast.
Besides Phuoc Hai beach, it's also easy to connect to many other places like Dinh Co Long Hai, Minh Dam mountain, or Nuoc Ngot pass. If you like sea views, you can go further towards Long Hai to watch the sunset. If you prefer a wider and more peaceful natural space, the An Nhut rice fields alone are enough to spend an entire afternoon.
The Loc An embankment, located not far from the fields, is an ideal spot to watch the sunrise.
When visiting the rice fields, the most important thing is to show respect for the local people's farming space. It's best to walk on paved roads or footpaths along the fields, avoiding stepping directly into the rice paddies. The area has little shade, so if you're visiting during the day, bring drinking water, a hat, or sun-protective clothing.
Located just about two hours from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, this place is perfect for a short weekend getaway to immerse yourself in nature, the sea, and the rare fresh air in the heart of the city.
