The spectacular rice terrace fields in northern Vietnam

The mountainous regions of northern Vietnam are home to some of the most spectacular rice terrace fields in the world. These elaborate, curved terraced landscapes have been painstakingly hand-crafted by ethnic minorities over centuries and are still cultivated today. The most famous areas are Mu Cang Chai, Sapa, Hoang Su Phi and Ha Giang with breathtaking views. For an authentic experience away from tourism, we recommend Mai Chau and Pu Luong with their picturesque rice terraces and Thai minority villages. The perfect time to visit depends on the growing season, with the autumn harvest being the most spectacular.
Reisterassenfelder in Nordvietnam
Reisterassenfelder in Nordvietnam

The most famous rice terrace fields in northern Vietnam are located in the provinces:

  • Mu Cang Chai
  • Sapa
  • Hoang Su Phi
  • Ha Giang
  • Pu Luong

 

There, the emerald green, stepped fields rise out of the hills and stretch to the horizon - a sea of steps and terraces that will take your breath away!

rsz 20240125 143451 1 e1715732052833
Rice terraces in Pu Luong in February

Authentic experiences with ethnic village communities

If you are looking for a particularly authentic and original experience away from the tourist crowds, we recommend the areas of Mai Chau and Pu Luong is highly recommended. In these little-visited regions, you will not only find picturesque rice terraces nestled in unspoiled nature, but also villages of ethnic minorities such as the Thai.

The ethnic hill tribes have perfected the arduous work on the rice terraces over generations. A visit to them offers fascinating insights into their traditional customs, crafts and way of life in harmony with nature.

Reisterassenfeld in Nordvietnam

The best times to visit the rice fields

The perfect time for a visit depends on the respective rice cultivation phase:

February - May:

Sowing The fields shine in spring-fresh shades of green, the young rice plants are just sprouting.

June - July:

Growth
Now the terraces glow in lush green hues and lend the landscape enormous charm.

September - October:

Harvest Absolute highlight! A sea of yellow and golden terraces covers the hills.

November - January:

Fallow land After the harvest, the fields lie fallow, the colors somewhat paler but no less impressive.

Whether at harvest time or during the growing season, when the terraces rise out of the hills like emerald green wings - the rice terraces in combination with the traditional village communities are a fascinating natural attraction for active vacationers, ethnography enthusiasts and photographers on their trip to Vietnam.

Vietnam Terrassen Reisfelder
Picture of Karl-Heinz Kronpass

Karl-Heinz Kronpass

Table of contents

FURTHER QUESTIONS !?

Not sure where to go or what to expect? Just contact our travel experts at Unseen Vietnam Tours. We will be happy to answer your questions and give you helpful tips.
Service

Looking for travel tips?

Discover more

Mit dem Zug nach Sapa Train travel

To Sapa by train

Are you dreaming of a trip to Sapa that combines pure luxury and breathtaking scenery? Then you should forget the bus and hop on one of the exclusive trains that connect Hanoi with Sapa. Let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of northern Vietnam while you relax in comfortable compartments or sleeping cars and enjoy delicious meals.

Learn more
Ein Entwurf zeigt das Innere eines Speisewagens im Revolution Express, dessen Einrichtung an die französische Kolonialgeschichte des Zuges erinnert. Wafaifo & Revolution Express Train travel

Steam locomotive journey in Vietnam

Learn more
Bai Tu Long Victory Kreuzfahrt History and cultural heritage

17 fascinating facts about Vietnam

Learn more
eSIM Unseen Vietnam Tours Insider-TippNews

The-future-of-travelling-eSIM-technology

Learn more
luxus-zugreisen-vietnam-vietage NewsTrain travel

Luxury train journeys-Vietnam-Vietage

Learn more
Flughafentransfer Hanoi Insider-Tipp

Tips for a cheap flight to Vietnam

Learn more
Das Kriegsmuseum in Ho Chi Minh Stadt History and cultural heritageMuseen

The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City

Learn more
Vietnam Zugstrecke News

First class rail travel in Vietnam: New train from Hanoi to Da Nang

Learn more
[instagram-feed imagepadding=10 num=3 cols=1 feed width=100 ]

Travel all year long!

Subscribe to our Unseen Vietnam newsletter to receive the best travel suggestions.

en_GB
WordPress Cookie Notice by Real Cookie Banner