Vietnam has a very mountainous terrain which means the terraced fields are seen in plenty of regions across the country. Beyond the visual aspects, the terrace layout for the crops makes it possible to create a very effective farming system with the better irrigation and low change of erosion. In addition to providing a basic ingredient for the country, the rice paddies also give the tourist on the Vietnam holiday a perfect opportunity to get an insight into the delights, beauty and culture of the country. For travellers on the Vietnam packages tour interested in experiencing the glorious visual display of the rice culture, Sapa, Mu Cang Chai and Hoang Su Phi are among the most beautiful locations. Sapa is likely to be the most popular tourist destination and a must-see spectacle when travelling in the north of the country.
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Sapa Terraces (Lao Cai)
Photo by David McKelvey |
Sa Pa is a town in northwest Vietnam not far from the Chinese border. The rice terrace fields, among the most popular tourist attractions in Vietnam, can be found in the Muong Hoa valley between Sa Pa town and the Fansipan Mountain, on a backdrop of thick bamboo woodlands. Local mountain people, the Hmong, Giay, Dao, Tay, and Giay, grow rice and corn on these paddy terraces, along with vegetables. Because of the climate, only one rice crop a year can be produced, resulting in abundant malnutrition.
Mu Cang Chai Terraces (Yen Bai)
Mu Cang Chai is about 300 km northwest of Hanoi and blessed with some of the most amazing rice-terraced fields in Vietnam. Its unique landscape helps to attract tourists and photographers with the most brilliant period to visit is October to November when the rice harvest takes place. The valley is rich in stunning landscape with its yellow and green rice plants. The mountains the terraced fields are carved into stand at a height of 1000 to 2000 metres above sea level. These mountains have been farmed by the local ethnic Hmong farmed for hundreds of years.
Photo by ThuyHaBich |
A great way to explore Mu Cang Chai is by motorbike to give complete freedom in your travel itinerary and to stop at many local sights on your travels. A few of the highlights to appear on the itinerary are likely to include Khau Pha mountain pass, Lim Mong valley and La Pan Tan terraces.
Hoang Su Phi Terraces (Ha Giang)
Hoang Su Phi is well-known for its terraced fields and is located approx 112 km from Ha Giang City. The rice paddies are split between several villages, including Ho Thau, Nam Ty and Thong Ngyen. Also, the region has a varied culture with markets highlighted by the Dao, Hmong, Nung and Tay people.
Photo by Quangpraha |
A great time to visit Hoang Su Phi for tourists is in autumn when the harvest season is taking place. This gives a perfect opportunity to admire the terraced rice fields while blessed with a glistening yellowish colour. Hoang Su Phi is not only great for providing its harvests for the local people but also makes a splendid attraction for the travellers on the Vietnam private tour.
For the landscape photographers, Hoang Su Phi is a wonderful place to visit. This richly attractive region of Vietnam has unique character and deep valleys to help bring the generous harvests for the local farmers, while also offering a stunning attraction for tourists.
A tour in Ha Giang is great for photography and trekking, while a great nights rest is achieved at one of the homestays offered by the local hill tribes.
Travelling to the regions offering the terraced rice paddies not only provides the amazing scenery, but also gives a perfect excuse to get away from the noise and crowds of urban Vietnam. Plus, it is possible to get a glimpse and an appreciation of the lives of the local ethnic minorities, such as the Thai and Hmong.