8 Amazing Places to Catch Stunning Rice Fields in Vietnam!

When it comes to discussing Vietnam, who hasn’t thought of rice fields? The rice field is truly the symbol of this S-shaped nation. Paddy field are scattered all over the country; however, they achieve their greatest glory in northern regions. 

In this highland area of Vietnam, rice terraces carve the mountains into stunning landscapes. While Sapa is often hailed as the top destination for viewing these terraces, many other places are equally deserving of attention. This guide will introduce you to Northern Vietnam’s most magnificent rice fields.

Written by Oliver PHUNG (Local expert)Updated on 12-06-2025

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1. Sapa

• 👉 Location: about 313 kilometers northwest of Hanoi (6–7 hours by road)

Ranked first among the best places to admire the rice terraces in Vietnam, Sapa is the former climatic resort created by the French at the beginning of the twentieth century. The mountains around Sapa are home to some of the country's most dizzying rice terraces. The best way to discover these fabulous landscapes is to go hiking, from a simple walk of a few hours to a multi-day hike with overnight stays in a homestay. It is in these splendid natural settings that a beautiful ethnic mosaic lives, fiercely attached to its ancestral traditions. Each of these ethnic groups is distinguished by the color of its costume.

When visiting Sapa, we advise you to visit the Lao Chai ethnic villages of the Black Hmong, Ta Van of the Dzay, or Sang Ma Sao of the Hmong for a better understanding of the culture and a discovery of rice farming.

2. Bac Ha

👉 Location: about 295 kilometers northwest of Hanoi (a 5–6 hour drive)

The town of Bac Ha, east of Sapa, is a place not to be missed to discover a concentrate of authenticity. During a hike or trek in the vicinity of Bac Ha, you can admire some of the most beautiful rice fields in Vietnam. If they are not as spectacular as those in Sapa, they have the advantage of being less crowded.

Some families are happy to show travelers their daily and artisanal activities, such as making alcohol with corn lees. Finally, a night and dinner with locals, mainly from the Tay ethnic group, allows you to learn more about their ancestral way of life.

Finally, if you are passing through Bac Ha, you must visit the Bac Ha Market, the largest ethnic market in Vietnam, which takes place every Sunday morning. It is an unmissable event for the different ethnic groups who gather in Bac Ha to exchange goods, news, drink and eat with friends. Fruit and vegetable stalls, meats, multicoloured textiles, live animals, and the cattle and buffalo market make it a weekly event not to be missed.

3. Mu Cang Chai

• Location: approximately 305 km from Hanoi, heading northwest (around 6–7 hours by road)

Mu Cang Chai in Yen Bai is one of the most photographed areas by nature lovers. This is the land of rice terraces, and the scenery is absolutely stunning. The terraces are harmoniously nestled on both sides of a deep canyon, offering a breathtaking view. If you visit in July or August, you'll have the chance to admire vibrant green or golden rice fields, a beauty worthy of a postcard.

During your visit to Mu Cang Chai, be sure to pass by Khau Pha Pass. Along the way, you’ll overlook the picturesque rice valley of Tu Le. Then, you’ll pass through the Hmong villages of La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha, and De Xu Phinh, each surrounded by magnificent rice terraces.

Staying in a homestay is a great way to enjoy quality time with your hosts. A walk to the Mu Cang Chai market will also let you discover the lively and authentic atmosphere of a traditional Vietnamese market.

4. Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang

• Location: around 305 km northwest of Hanoi (accessible in 6–7 hours by vehicle)

Yes! if Sapa really is an eye-catching destination of Vietnam, Ha Giang is the unsung jewel awaiting discovery.

Located near the Chinese border, Hoang Su Phi is considered the wildest region of the country. It is a paradise for nature lovers and remote hikes. The rice fields in Hoang Su Phi are recognized as a National Heritage Site. While hiking off the beaten track, you will see spectacular rice terraces. The spectacle of thatched stilt houses surrounded by elegant rice terraces is fabulous. A hike will not only allow you to observe the characteristics of these Vietnamese rice fields but also to cross forests of palm trees, bamboo, ancestral green tea plantations, and streams...

It is just marvelous to see those stilt houses that stand between the thick rice terraces. Going on a trekking journey will not only give you the chance to observe these unique Vietnamese paddy fields but also lead you through forests with palm trees, bamboo groves, ancestral green tea estates, and brooks.

5. Pu Luong Nature Reserve

• 160 kilometers southwest of Hanoi (expect a 4.5–5 hour journey)

Do you want to take a nature excursion in the mountains without going too far from Hanoi? Explore the charming Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Recently opened to tourism, this region is attracting more and more travelers in search of beautiful rice fields, rural authenticity, captivating encounters, swimming in waterfalls, and nature that is still very well preserved.

A paradise for hikers, the Pu Luong Nature Reserve is also very popular with cyclists who, by getting lost in the maze of small roads and paths, will be able to discover magnificent panoramas of rice terraces and the stilt-house villages of the Muong and Thai ethnic groups.

Take advantage of your trip to the Pu Luong Nature Reserve to spend one or more nights in a homestay. It will be an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and to discover the habits and customs of these fascinating ethnic groups renowned for their great hospitality.

6. Cao Bang

• 280 kilometers southwest of Hanoi (expect a 6-hour journey)

Cao Bang is a beautiful place with a stretch of rice fields and the spectacular view of water at Ban Gioc Falls. This region is known for its indescribably beautiful treks, endless rice terraces, traditional stilt houses built near amazing-looking sugarloaf formations, and hills.

Visiting Ban Gioc Falls is something that must be done. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Asia and the fourth largest waterfall in the world, making it an amazing sight and the best place to cool off after a long trek.

>>> Explore the breathtaking beauty of Cao Bang's majestic mountains and serene rivers!

7. Tam Coc, Ninh Binh (Halong Bay on land)

👉 Location: about 100 kilometers south of Hanoi (a 1.5 to 2-hour transfer)

An hour's drive south of Hanoi is Ninh Binh province, which is arguably the best place to see the beautiful landscape of northern Vietnam's rice paddies. Among the picturesque rice fields of Tam Coc, you'll find some of the most stunning scenery. The only way to experience these landscapes is by taking a rowing boat trip. It’s truly mesmerizing to glide down the river through the flooded rice fields that spread out at the feet of towering limestone cliffs.

In Ninh Binh - Tam Coc, often called the land version of the world-renowned Halong Bay, you'll have an uncommon rowing experience, as rowers use their feet instead of their hands. You can also cycle around the Trang An heritage site, which boasts breathtaking landscapes, or visit Hoa Lu, the former royal capital filled with historical and cultural remnants. Don’t miss Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest pagoda in Asia, and a climb up Hang Mua peak, which offers an impressive view of the surrounding sugar loaf mountains. >>> Explore Ninh Binh complex

8. The Mekong Delta

• 👉 Location: about 175 kilometers southwest of Ho Chi Minh City (3 to 4 hours by road)

The Mekong Delta is Vietnam's largest rice-growing region, famous for its vast rice paddies that stretch as far as the eye can see, intertwined by a dense network of rivers and canals. Unlike the rice terraces of the northern mountains, rice is grown on large flat plains, offering a huge and poetic landscape.

Emblematic provinces: An Giang, Đồng Tháp, Kiên Giang, Cần Thơ, Sóc Trăng, and others.

What are the best times to visit Vietnam's rice fields?

In general, the period from March to September is the best season to travel to these rice field regions in Vietnam.

• If you want to enjoy the season of rushing waters and rice terraces that shine like mirrors, then come around May or June.

• Alternatively, it’s good to go there in late August to early September too. At this time you can see ripe yellow rice fields giving their tantalizing scent in the air. The scenery is at its most impressive at this time when there are yellow-brown colors prevalent in the paddy fields due to harvesting activities yet to begin at this time of year.

Here is a summary table of the rice seasons in the main regions of Vietnam.

Interesting Facts About Vietnamese Rice

The "Cơm Lam"

Cơm Lam is a traditional food for the mountain tribal people of northern Vietnam and elsewhere. It is a dish of rice cooked in a bamboo tube. In its unusual shape, Cơm Lam brings with it an experience of dining that displays the great natural and authentic flavors.

• Sticky Rice (xôi in Vietnamese)

Across the different terrains of Vietnam awaits an exceptional culinary invitation with numerous glutinous rice dishes, each one revealing different preparation secrets, otherworldly tastes, and unique presentations. Every nook of the country adds its personal touch and signature to these sticky rice treasures, from five-colored sticky rice in the Northwest to corn sticky rice in the South, not to mention salted sticky rice (a particularity of Ho Chi Minh City Street food). Do not miss out on this chance when traveling to Vietnam.

Our last words

No matter which destinations you choose, you will always find beautiful rice fields in Vietnam, whether on terraces or flat ground, nestled in the heart of a peaceful valley. You will be impressed by the significance and beauty of rice farming in Vietnam.

>>> ✈️Other Must-Visit Places in Vietnam:

• The 8 Best Things To Do in Hanoi: A Complete Guide For First-Time Visitors!
• Unforgettable Ha Giang Loop: A Motorbike Odyssey Through Vietnam
• Explore Hoi An, Vietnam: 15 Activities You Must Experience
• Mai Chau, Vietnam: 8 Questions About The Beautiful Northern Valley
• 7 Useful Phu Quoc Island Travel Tips For First-Time Visitors!
• Bac Ha: 7 questions about the land of Northwest ethnic groups