12 best rice fields of Vietnam

Rice has been part of daily life in Vietnam for thousands of years. These days, the country grows more than 43 million tons a year and exports a lot of it—but that’s just part of the story.

In the rural north, you’ll come across terraced rice fields that show just how deeply connected farming is to the land and the people. These terraces were carved into the hills by ethnic minority communities who’ve been refining their techniques for generations—figuring out how to manage water, work with steep slopes, and grow food in tough conditions. Many are still used today.

If you’re traveling through Vietnam, here are the best rice fields in Vietnam worth adding to your route.

1. Sapa

Up in the northern mountains of Vietnam, Sapa is known for its rice terraces that wind down the hillsides. These terraces weren’t just made for the view—they’ve been shaped over generations by local communities like the Hmong, Dao, and Giay, who still farm them today.

One of the best areas to see them is the Muong Hoa Valley, where you’ll find layer after layer of rice paddies stacked up the mountains.

What you see really depends on the time of year. In the summer they’re bright green, and just before harvest they turn a deep gold. In May, they fill with water and reflect the sky like glass.

How to get to Sapa

The usual route is an overnight train or bus from Hanoi to Lao Cai, which takes around 6–8 hours. From there, it’s about another hour by minivan or shuttle to Sapa town. If you’re comfortable riding a motorbike, that’s a great way to get out into the villages and take in the landscape at your own pace. From town, it’s easy to hike to nearby areas like Ta Van, Lao Chai, and Ta Phin. You can go on your own or link up with a local guide. For more tips, see our guide to getting around Vietnam.

When to visit Sapa

Mid-August through early September is the peak for golden fields just before harvest, and the weather’s usually pretty clear. May is also a great time—farmers start flooding the terraces, so you’ll see reflections of the sky across the fields. It’s best to avoid June and July, when the rain can turn trails to mud and limit visibility.

2. Mu Cang Chai

About 185 miles (300 km) northwest of Hanoi, Mu Cang Chai is home to some of the most beautiful rice terraces in the country. 

Built into the hillsides by the H’mong people, these fields stretch across more than 5,400 acres (2,200 hectares), with 1,200 acres (500 hectares) protected as national heritage land.

Unlike places that see more tourists, Mu Cang Chai still feels pretty grounded in everyday life. The best views are in communes like La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha, and De Xu Phinh, where the terraces follow the natural shape of the mountains.

How to get to Mu Cang Chai

You can get there from Hanoi on a sleeper bus from My Dinh station—expect the trip to take 6–8 hours. A private car is more comfortable but slower. If you’re comfortable on two wheels, the ride along Route 32 is full of scenery and includes the Khau Pha Pass, one of Vietnam’s highest mountain passes. Another option is to take the train to Yen Bai, then find local transport through Nghia Lo to reach Mu Cang Chai.

When to visit Mu Cang Chai

Late September to early October is harvest time, when the fields turn a deep gold and the weather is usually calm. For something a bit different, head there between March and May during the water season—terraces fill up, and the sky reflects in the fields. It’s best to avoid June through August, when rain makes the roads tricky and clouds can block the view.
 

3. Y Ty

This Vietnam rice field can be found north near the Chinese border. Y Ty reaches an elevation of around 6,500 feet (2,000 meters) above sea level and feels pretty removed from the usual travel routes. It’s about 45 miles (70 km) from Sapa, and the first thing you’ll notice are the cloud-filled valleys—especially in the early morning.

The rice terraces stretch through Pa Valley and A Lu, and they’re mostly farmed by the Ha Nhi and Hmong communities. You’ll also see traditional homes here made from clay and thatch, which have been around for generations and are still used today. It’s a quiet area, and you get a clear sense of the way people live and work in these highlands. This is one of the best rice fields in Vietnam to visit.

How to get to Y Ty

Getting to Y Ty from Sapa takes around two hours by road. It’s a rough but scenic drive with steep turns and mountain passes, so it’s best to go with someone who knows the route.

You can take a motorbike taxi, join a small tour, or arrange a 4WD vehicle with a local driver. The road goes through Bat Xat district, and while some stretches can be challenging—especially after rain—the views get better the higher you go.

When to visit Y Ty

For that low-lying morning mist, go early in the day during either season. If you’re around on a Saturday, the weekly market is worth checking out. 
 

4. Hoang Su Phi

Hoang Su Phi is in Ha Giang province, situated in a remote mountain region. The rice terraces here are spread out across six different communes—Ban Luoc, San Sa Ho, Ban Phung, Ho Thau, Nam Ty, and Thong Nguyen. What makes it interesting is how each area reflects the farming styles and traditions of the people who live there. Groups like the Dao, Nung, La Chi, and Hmong all work the land, and that variety shows in the way the terraces are shaped and maintained. A visit here is one of the best things to do in Vietnam.

How to get to Hoang Su Phi

Start by taking a bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang city—it takes about 6 to 7 hours. From there, it’s another 50 miles (80km) to Hoang Su Phi. Some travelers rent motorbikes in Ha Giang for more freedom to explore, but you can also hire a local driver.

The road is winding and passes through villages and high mountain scenery. It’s a bit of a journey, but it gives you a good look at rural northern Vietnam along the way.

When to visit Hoang Su Phi

The watering season runs from March to May, when the terraces are freshly flooded and reflect the light. October is harvest time, and since it happens a little later than in Sapa, it works well if you’re arriving after the September season.

Each commune has its own planting and harvesting schedule, so if you’re moving around the area, you might see rice fields at different stages throughout your trip.
 

5. Pu Luong

Pu Luong Nature Reserve is about four hours southwest of Hanoi, in Thanh Hoa province. It’s quieter than the big-name terrace destinations, with a mix of forested hills, gentle valleys, and limestone peaks.

The Vietnam rice fields here aren’t carved into dramatic cliffs—they sweep through valleys and foothills, mostly farmed by Thai and Muong communities who’ve been here for generations.

One thing you’ll notice right away are the bamboo water wheels—locals still use them to move water from streams into the paddies. It’s an old system, but it works well and gives the landscape a distinct character. Taking a couple of days here is a great thing to do from Hanoi.

How to get to Pu Luong

You can take a bus from Hanoi to Mai Chau (about 3–4 hours), then hop on a motorbike or grab a local taxi for the final stretch—around 1.5 hours to Pu Luong. Some guesthouses can help set up a direct ride from Hanoi, which usually takes 4–5 hours. There are also local buses from Giap Bat station to Canh Nang town, but they’re not always consistent and may involve switching along the way.

When to visit Pu Luong

It’s worth planning your trip for September to November—harvest season brings golden fields, and the weather’s usually mild. There’s also a second crop earlier in the year, so May and June are good too if you’re hoping to see lush green terraces. This is a great place to go driving in Vietnam.

6. Mai Chau

You'll find Mai Chau in the Hoa Binh province, about 87 miles (140 km) from Hanoi. It’s an easy trip if you’re short on time but still want to see Vietnam’s rural side.

The valley is wide and open, with rice fields spread across flat ground surrounded by mountains. It’s home to the White Thai ethnic group, and many families run homestays in traditional stilt houses—some simple, some with a few modern comforts.

The area’s laid-back, and because the terrain is mostly flat, this is one of the best rice fields in Vietnam to rent a bicycle. This is a favorite for backpackers in Vietnam.

How to get to Mai Chau

You can catch a bus from My Dinh station in Hanoi—it takes about 3–4 hours—or go for a tourist minivan if you want a smoother ride. A private car or group tour gives you the most flexibility. On the way in, you’ll pass through the Thung Khe Pass, which has great views and is worth a quick stop.

When to visit Mai Chau

Harvest time runs from September to early November, when the valley turns gold. June through August is greener, though afternoon showers are common. February to April is also a good window—temperatures are pleasant, and you’ll see people preparing and planting the fields.
 

7. Bac Son Valley

Bac Son Valley is about 100 miles (160 km) northeast of Hanoi, in Lang Son province. The landscape here looks totally different from the terraced hills in the northwest. Instead, you'll find here a wide, flat valley floor filled with rice fields, surrounded by steep limestone mountains.

The landscape varies from neat, rectangular fields to jagged green peaks, and this is what really makes this place stand out. The valley is home to Tay, Nung, and Dao communities and still feels pretty quiet and local. If you're up for a short climb, there are a few mountain trails where you can get a great view over the whole area.

How to get to Bac Son

From Hanoi, take a bus to Lang Son city—it's about 3 to 4 hours. After that, you’ll need to catch a local bus or take a taxi for the last 37 miles (60 km) to the valley.

If you're comfortable riding a motorbike, renting one in Lang Son gives you a lot more freedom to explore the area (see our guide to motorbiking in Vietnam). Another option is hiring a private car from Hanoi, which takes around 4 to 5 hours. Roads are mostly in good shape, though the final stretch winds through the mountains.

When to visit Bac Son

Late July to early August is harvest season, when the rice turns golden and the whole valley lights up in the morning mist. There's also a second harvest in October that’s just as nice. December through February is the off-season—it gets cold, and the fields are usually empty.
 

8. Tam Coc

Tam Coc is in Ninh Binh province, about 62 miles (100 km) south of Hanoi. Here, instead of hills or terraces, the rice fields sit between tall limestone cliffs. Some of them even flood with water, so the fields look like they’re floating.

Some call it “Halong Bay on Land,” and you’ll see why when you’re there. A rowboat ride along the Ngo Dong River is the best way to see the area—you’ll float past rice paddies and through narrow mountain gaps. The whole region is part of the Trang An landscape complex, which is UNESCO-listed.

How to get to Tam Coc

You can catch a direct bus from Hanoi’s Giap Bat station—it takes about 2 hours. Or take the train to Ninh Binh city (one of the best cities in Vietnam), then grab a taxi for the final 4 miles (7 km). If you want more flexibility, hiring a car or joining a tour works too.

Once you're there, rent a bike—the roads are flat and easy, and it’s a great way to ride past villages and through the countryside. To get out on the water, just head to the main pier in Tam Coc and hire a sampan boat.

When to visit Tam Coc

Late May to early June is when the rice is ready for harvest and the fields turn golden. For greener views, aim for February to April, when the plants are growing. July through September brings heavy rain, which can flood the fields—good to know if you’re planning a boat ride.

9. Moc Chau

Moc Chau is a highland region in Son La province, about 125 miles (200 km) west of Hanoi. It sits at around 3,450 feet (1,050 m) above sea level, so the air’s cooler and the landscape is a mix of tea fields, fruit orchards, flower farms, and rice terraces that stretch across low hills.

Thai, H’mong, and Dao communities live here, and depending on the time of year, the scenery changes pretty dramatically. Spring brings white plum and peach blossoms, summer has bright sunflower fields, and autumn is when you’ll see buckwheat and wild sunflowers blooming around the farms and fields.

How to get to Moc Chau

You can take a bus from Hanoi’s My Dinh station—it takes around 5 to 6 hours. A private car is more comfortable and lets you stop along the way for views. The drive on Highway 6 cuts through mountain areas with plenty to see. 

If you’re up for it, going by motorbike is a good way to get into some of the smaller villages and more hidden parts of the plateau. Once you’re in Moc Chau town, it’s easy to rent a bike or hire a local driver to reach the rice fields and other rural areas.

When to visit Moc Chau

October is a good time if you want to see the rice fields turn golden before harvest, and the weather is usually still mild. January and February are better for the plum and peach blossoms and greener terraces. In spring (March and April), you’ll also see tea being picked and white mustard flowers in bloom. November is good for wild sunflowers, and December is when the early plum blossoms start to show, along with poinsettias in the hills.
 

10. Tu Le Valley

Tu Le Valley is between Mu Cang Chai and Sapa in Yen Bai province. It’s a quieter area with rice terraces that stretch down into the valley, and it’s mostly home to Thai and H’mong families. 

Tu Le is also known for its sticky rice (some of the best of Vietnamese foods), which locals grow in the terraces and use in a lot of regional dishes. The valley is right along the Khau Pha Pass route, so you get big mountain views and layers of green or gold depending on the season.

How to get to Tu Le

You can take a bus from Hanoi toward Mu Cang Chai—just let the driver know you want to get off at Tu Le (the whole trip takes around 7 hours). Hiring a car gives you more control over stops. Riding a motorbike through Khau Pha Pass is another option, especially if you’re comfortable with winding mountain roads. From Nghia Lo, it’s about 2 hours by bike; from Sapa, around 4 to 5. The roads are mostly in good shape but can get slick in the rain, so it’s best to go slow on the curves.

When to visit Tu Le

Late September through early October is harvest time, and the terraces turn a deep gold as farmers head into the fields. It’s also a great time to see local communities in action, often still using traditional tools and techniques. May is another time worth visiting, when the terraces are full of water.
 

11. La Pan Tan

La Pan Tan is a small commune in the Mu Cang Chai district of Yen Bai province, best known for its layered rice terraces. The Mam Xoi section—shaped like a swirl—is probably the most well-known, and it’s easy to see why once you’re standing there. 

The terraces were built by the H’mong community generations ago and are still in use today. They’ve become a symbol of how people have worked with the land here—both for growing rice and creating something visually striking.

How to get to La Pan Tan

It’s about 6 miles (10 km) from Mu Cang Chai town. You can get there by motorbike or arrange a ride locally. For the Mam Xoi viewpoint, there’s a parking area near the bottom—after that, you can either take a short motorbike taxi or hike up. If you’re coming from Hanoi, you’re looking at around a 9-hour drive by private car. Another option is to take a long-distance bus to Mu Cang Chai, then continue to La Pan Tan with local transport.

When to visit La Pan Tan

Mid-September to early October is harvest time, when the rice turns golden across the hills. It’s a good time to come if you want to see the terraces at their most defined. If you’re here in May, the terraces are filled with water, which makes the landscape look completely different but just as interesting.

12. Cam Thanh

Cam Thanh is just over 3 miles (5 km) from Hoi An and has a totally different landscape from the terraced fields up north. It’s flat, green, and crisscrossed by canals, with rice paddies mixed in among palm trees and water coconut groves. Locals here have a way of farming that uses both land and water—they grow rice and raise fish in the same fields, depending on the season. Taking a day trip here is one of the best things to do in Hoi An.

How to get to Cam Thanh

Getting here from Hoi An is easy. You can cycle in about 20–30 minutes, ride a motorbike in around 10, or grab a taxi and be there in 5–10 minutes. A lot of people choose to explore the area by basket boat, a trip that takes one through the coconut forest and nearby waterways. 

If you’re coming straight from Da Nang Airport, it takes about 30–40 minutes by taxi. There's plenty of things to do in Da Nang before you head out.

When to visit Cam Thanh

February to April is when the fields are at their greenest, since that’s the end of the winter-spring growing season. May and June are when that crop is harvested. Because the area supports two growing seasons, there’s another green phase from August to October, with the second harvest around November or December.