There is a Vietnamese legend that goes, in ancient time, gods gifted rice to people. However, when delivering gods’ grace, the messenger mistook a bag of grass instead of rice. As a result, grass grows easily in the world of man, while rice has to be tended with great care.
It’s not hard to see Vietnam’s close relationship with rice. It is seen as a gift from gods, something to be treasured and be grateful for. Rice is part of the everyday diet of Vietnamese people and is cultivated across the country.
Usually, in the central and south Vietnam, rice is grown in paddies on flat plains, but in the north, it is commonly grown in terraces along mountainsides. This article will take you through the top 10 best places to see rice fields in Vietnam for planning your Vietnam tour.
Vietnam Rice Fields Overview
Terraced rice fields in Vietnam have been a common agricultural practice of many ethnic minorities such as Laki, Hani, Meng, Yao and Nong. Centuries ago, their ancestors found slopes with fertile soil in the mountainous areas, built the ground and flattened it for growth. Layer by layer, these terraces form a ladder to the blue sky.
Vietnam rice fields have attracted many professional photographers. Many shots are taken from above and show how their sizes and curves. These rice fields come to be known as the “fingerprints of God.” They are not just agricultural scenes, but creative architectural works as well. Many visitors travel to Vietnam to witness their wonder in person.
It is important to know the the best time to see rice fields in Vietnam. In different stages of the growing cycle, the scenery is different. During the irrigation season, the terraces become mirrors that reflect the colors of the sky, clouds, and the surrounding greens. In the seedling season, the terraces are clothed in green, while in the harvest season, Vietnam rice fields turn yellow.
1. Mu Cang Chai Rice Fields near Hanoi
Mu Cang Chai Rice Fields near Hanoi is easily one of the best rice fields in Vietnam. It was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful Destinations in the World in 2020 and the 20 Most Colorful Destinations in the World.
The district is home to the H’mong ethnic minority, who built these terraces and have farmed the land for more than twenty generations. Mu Cang Chai terraces cover more than 2,000 hectares (7.7 square miles). In harvest season, the fields turn into a massive golden carpet that extends beyond your vision.
- Location: Yen Bai province, North Vietnam; about 300 km (186 miles) from Hanoi
- Best Time to Visit: September and October (harvest season)
- How to Get There: Four options from Hanoi:
- go straight by motorcycle or car
- take the Hanoi – Lai Chau bus, which goes through Mu Cang Chai; then rent a motorbike to get around
- take a bus to Yen Bai city, then rent a motorbike to Mu Cang Chai, which is about 175 km (109 miles) away
- take a train from Hanoi to Yen Bai city, then take a bus to Mu Cang Chai
2. Sapa Rice Fields
Sapa is a stunningly beautiful town in the remote mountain area of northwestern Vietnam, about 320 km (190 mi) northwest of Hanoi. Its rich cultural diversity and natural scenery have made it popular among tourists. And tourism has brought more progress to this rural town.
You’ll find an unbelievable world just a short hike or drive from the town. There are rolling hills, valleys with rice terraces, and rushing streams. Sapa is a great place for multi-day hikes and exploring nature. Meanwhile, you can stay in a local ethnic village or homestay to experience minority lifestyle.
- Location: Sapa, North Vietnam
- Best Time to Visit: March to May when Vietnam rice fields are green, September to October in harvest season
- How to Get There: Two options from Hanoi
- drive directly for about 5 hours
- take a direct bus for 5.5-6 hours
Recommended Vietnam Rice Field Tours:
- 9 Days Private Vietnam Tour (from North to South)
- 9 Days Northern Vietnam Tour to Sapa & Ninh Binh
- 16 Days Northern Vietnam Hidden Hilltribes Tour
3. Hoang Su Phi near Ha Giang City
Hoang Su Phi is a few hours away from Ha Giang City, Vietnam’s remote north, and still remains undeveloped and untouched compared to Sapa. The region is famous for its rolling mountains, rural villages, clear rivers, and narrow valleys. Here you’ll find some of the most spectacular Vietnam rice fields, embedded in the steep slopes.
- Location: Ha Giang province, North Vietnam; about 80 km (50 miles) from Ha Giang city center
- Best Time to Visit: Mach to May (watering season)
- How to Get There: Go directly by motorbike or car from Ha Giang
4. Pu Luong near Hanoi
The Vietnam rice paddy fields in Pu Luong are at a lower elevation. Mountains there are covered in tropical forest. It is a great place to stay overnight, hike to explore the nearby rice fields and waterfalls. You’ll find several small villages where ethnic Thai and Muong people reside. It’s a good idea to stay in a homestay with them.
Pu Luong is almost complete devoid of visitors, so you will probably get the hills and valleys to yourself. It’s also more accessible than Sapa or Ha Giang being four hours away from Hanoi.
- Location: Thanh Hoa province, North Vietnam
- Best Time to Visit: mid-February to May, September to October
- How to Get There: Two options from Hanoi
- go directly by car or motorbike for 3-4 hours
- take a direct shuttle bus from Hanoi to Pu Luong
5. Mekong Delta Rice Fields near Ho Chi Minh City
The Mekong Delta region is known as the “rice-bowl” of Vietnam. Even though the Vietnam rice fields here don’t have the mountainous landscapes of the north, they will impressive you with a boundless land of green or gold. The region produces half of all Vietnamese rice and 70% of exported rice. With interweaving rivers and lush Vietnam rice fields, visitors love to take walks or cycle through the countryside.
- Location: Mekong Delta, South Vietnam; about 165 km (103 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City
- Best Time to Visit: All year round except June to August
- How to Get There: Four options from Ho Chi Minh City
- Fly from Ho Chi Minh City into Can Tho
- take a coach for about 4 hours
- go directly by car
- take a cruise to Mekong Delta (expenses might be high)
6. Y Ty Rice Fields near Sapa
Y Ty is known as a spot for “cloud hunting.” In the remote mountains of northeast Vietnam, you can climb up the Nhiu Co San Mountain, 2,700 meters (8,858 feet) above sea level, and find the best viewpoint for the endless rice fields below.
This Vietnam rice field is home to the Ha Nhi people. You’ll see their homes built with clay walls and straw roofs. You might also want to stop by their weekly Saturday morning market.
- Location: Lao Cai province, North Vietnam; about 70 km (43 miles) from Sapa
- Best Time to Visit: May (watering season), late September (harvest season)
- How to Get There: drive for about 2 hours from Sapa
Recommended Best Vietnam Tours:
- 10 Days Classic Vietnam Tour with Mekong Delta
- 14 Days Vietnam In-depth Tour from North to South
- 16 Days Vietnam Panoramic Tour: Halong Bay, Mekong River
7. Bac Son Valley near Hanoi
Bac Son Valley has expansive Vietnam rice fields surrounded by limestone mountains. Hike to the top of Na Lay Peak for the best view of the rice paddies. While you’re there, explore the karst caves and waterfalls.
- Location: North Vietnam; about 160 km (99 miles) from Hanoi
- Best Time to Visit: end of July, end of November
- How to Get There: drive for 3 hours from Hanoi
8. Mai Chau Rice Fields near Hanoi
Mai Chau is a quiet village with lush forests and traditional stilted houses. The best way to explore the area is by bike. Enjoy a slow pace of life cycling through the rice fields in Vietnam and see the local rural life. Mai Chau is also famous for hand-woven fabrics made by White Thai people.
- Location: Hoa Binh province, North Vietnam
- Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
- How to Get There: Two options from Hanoi
- go directly by car or motorbike for 3 hours
- take a bus from My Dinh Bus Station
9. Tam Coc Rice Fields in Ninh Binh
Another place to find the best rice fields in Vietnam is in Tam Coc. You can cycle through or take a boat tour among the golden rice fields. Tall limestone hills stand amongst the fields. You can explore karst caves and nearby temples.
- Location: Ninh Binh province, North Vietnam
- Best Time to Visit: May when the Vietnam rice fields are covered in golden rice stalks
- How to Get There: go by car or motorbike from Ninh Binh
10. Hoi An Rice Fields
The outskirts of Hoi An have a pleasant surprise for visitors who may or may not be looking for rice fields in Vietnam. After exploring the famous ancient town and markets, take a short trip outdoors to see the golden or green rice fields away from the crowds.
- Location: Central Vietnam
- Best Time to Visit: Start of September (for lush green fields)
- How to Get There: Rent a bike, motorbike, or take a taxi from Hoi An city center
Recommended Popular Vietnam Tours:
