The golden rice fields are a stunning sight in a place free from suffocating crowds.
Thanks to its quieter atmosphere compared to Y Tý and Mù Cang Chải, Hoàng Su Phì becomes an attractive destination during the rice harvest season in September and October, free from the crowds, congestion, and jostling of tourists trying to take photos.
Hoang Su Phi is a border district in the western part of Ha Giang province, about 100km from the center of Ha Giang city. It's an ideal destination for tourists who enjoy conquering adventurous routes and admiring majestic mountains. In mid-September, when places like Y Ty (Lao Cai) and Mu Cang Chai (Yen Bai) are overcrowded with tourists, creating a feeling of boredom for many, Hoang Su Phi, thanks to its quiet atmosphere, becomes even more picturesque and worth visiting.
Unlike in Mu Cang Chai in September-October, when the rice ripens and farmers don't harvest early but leave it for a few more days to focus on tourism, in Hoang Su Phi many farmers are already harvesting at this time. Depending on the area, the rice will gradually turn yellow over a month, with the most beautiful scenery usually occurring around the second week of October.
The entire Hoang Su Phi district (Ha Giang province) has approximately 3,720 hectares of terraced rice fields. At this time of year, the fields are a unique blend of yellow and green, creating a stunning landscape. Thanks to the late ripening of the rice, this area is considered the final destination on a journey to admire the golden rice fields of the northern mountainous region.
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Thousands of terraced rice fields stretch endlessly, winding around hillsides and mountain slopes, layer upon layer interwoven with forests and streams, creating an unending beauty.
The golden rice fields in Luoc village - home to some of the highest terraced rice paddies in the country.
Ripe rice fields in Ban Phung - home to the most beautiful terraced rice paddies in Hoang Su Phi. This is the home of the La Chi ethnic group, with traditional houses nestled amidst the sprawling rice paddies.
Thao Nguyen (a tourist from Hanoi) shared: "I've been to Mu Cang Chai to see the golden rice fields, and it was very impressive. Tourism services there are also well-developed, making it convenient for tourists from all over. But Hoang Su Phi is a completely different experience. It's quieter here with many rare, unspoiled features."
A few homestays have been built scattered throughout Luoc village, conveniently located for tourists to admire the majestic mountains and rice fields from above.
Besides admiring the golden autumn foliage, many tourists are also delighted by the mountain scenery and the sea of clouds that appear almost every day during this season.
Anna (a tourist from Germany) shared: "I love experiential travel, so I chose Hoang Su Phi as my destination. From the roads, the mountain scenery, the solitude, the unspoiled nature... everything is amazing."
The Hoang Su Phi terraced rice fields were recognized as a National Monument in 2012 and have become an important tourist destination in Ha Giang province. The terraced rice field cultural and tourism week, organized by Hoang Su Phi district from September 24th to 26th, has become a regular event and attracts the attention of many tourists.