Terraced rice fields in Sapa were voted as one of seven most beautiful and impressive ones of Asia and the world by readers of the US’s magazine Travel and Leisure.
Rice terraces in Sapa are slopes claimed from nature for cultivation in hilly or mountainous areas. Due to the steep feature, fertile soil thanks to it was created by weathered granite rock and mountain cliffs often stock water, local ethnic minority people can grow rice and establish terraced rice fields, one after another, from the foot to nearly top of mountains. Lets explore with Vietnam Exploration Booking
Vietnamese rice terraces in a nutshell
The image of rice terraced fields has become more and more popular among foreign tourists. You can admire a stunning photograph of terraced fields shimmering in the distance, water buffaloes plowing on the soggy field, and the locals working in winding valleys. However, you might not know the immense and terrific rice paddies have been considered “natural rice factories” from generation to generation in northern Vietnam.
Unlike paddy fields in the lowland, terraced fields are created by weathered granite rock fertile soil. It has made the most efficient approach to agriculture for steep conditions in the upland. Thanks to the farming activities of ethnic minorities, rice terraces offer tons of farming products for the locals as well as wonderful shootings for adventurous photographers.
In September, the average temperature in Sapa is 17°C and the rainfall starts to decline. Hence, you still see the terrain look a little bit muddy. Overall, the fall’s climate is so pleasant that you can enjoy a great time trekking, cycling, and sightseeing around the mesmerizing paddy files and winding valleys. Whenever you catch the sight of green rice terraces with patches of golden color, it’s the signal of the upcoming harvest season. Then, you should wait to contemplate the most alluring charm of harvested terraces that bear a resemblance to golden silk scarves curving along mountain slopes.
When to visit rice terraces in Sapa
Sapa’s rice terrace is beautiful and attractive in its own way all around the year. The terraces have their color and scenery changed seasonally. In spring, the surface of terraced fields is watered due to a new crop, which makes the terraces look like a giant mirror reflecting the sunbeam. In the summertime, the whole paddies are like green carpets then gradually turn into golden ones in autumn. Here comes the winter, and the terraces are covered with fog in a mysterious scene.
Nevertheless, the best time to visit Sapa is from mid-August to early September, when the harvest season paints the whole rice terraces a color of silky yellow.
The picturesque landscape during harvest seasons has drawn millions of tourists to behold the beauty of Sapa once a year. September is the time of only a single crop in Sapa; then you should’ve never missed this month to capture this treasured moment. From a distance, the rice terraces look appealing and lush with ripening rice, which keeps travelers staying for admiration and urges them to explore the beauty spot with their own eyes. It’s no surprise that rice paddy fields in Sapa are voted as one of the most impressive destinations by readers of the US magazine Travel and Leisure and are being submitted to UNESCO for recognition as World Heritage of Vietnam.
Things to do in the Sapa rice terraces season
Join the Sapa trekking tour
Muong Hoa Valley must be the most beautiful sight to soak up the atmospheric rice terraces all the time. Visitors usually take a Sapa trekking tour through some local villages including Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, Ta Van, Ta Phin, etc. It’s highly recommended to book a tour in advance or hire a local guide to show you around and take you to the rice terraces.
Apparently, they'll show you the best views to marvel at the rice paddies in tribe villages. You also have an opportunity to get insight into cultural values and understand how life is going with minority people day by day.
III. Frequently Asked Questions About Sapa
Which Experiences Are Best For Tours In Sapa?
These experiences are best for tours in Sapa:
CLASSIC SAPA (3DAYS/2NIGHTS)
SAPA TREKKING TOUR (4 DAYS/5 NIGHTS)
What Are The Best Places Plus With Tours In Sapa?
These places are best for tours in :
ESSENTIAL HA LONG AND SAPA (7DAYS)
MU CANG CHAI-SAPA TOURS (3DAYS)
SAPA-BAC HA MARKET TOUR (4DAYS)
Which Place Is Must See In Sapa?
These places must see in Sapa:
1: TAVAN VILLAGE
2: CAT CAT VILLAGE
3: BAC HA SUNDAY MARKET
4: TA PHIN VILLAGE
While Sapa is often celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and the rich cultural tapestry of its ethnic minority communities, there's much more to this northern Vietnamese gem than meets the eye. Beyond the mist-covered mountains and terraced fields lies a vibrant nightlife that offers a unique
As a tropical country, Vietnam's highland areas with temperate climates have always been popular tourist destinations, and Sapa is one of them. This foggy town has long been known as an enchanting place for those who love breathtaking natural landscapes. Here are some tips for a self-guided trip to
ETHNIC MINORITIES IN SAPA AND THEIR UNIQUE CULTURAL BEAUTY Traveling to Sapa, besides majestic natural scenery, you will also have a chance to learn about the cultural values, and the beauty coming from the people here. There are five ethnic minorities in Sapa: Hmong, Red Dao, Tay, Giay, and Xa Pho.
Rong May Glass Bridge, the ideal place for cloud hunting Rong May Glass Bridge is currently one of the places that many tourists visit when coming to Sapa. With an impressive height of 2200m and the highest glass bridge in Southeast Asia, this is an experienced challenge for visitors who love altitu
Heaven Gate is situated between Lai Chau and Lao Cai province. It's far from Sapa town, about 18 km. It will be great to view the wide valley and terraced green rice field from here. The heaven gate is very close to Thac Bac (Silver waterfall). The silver waterfall is one of the 10 most beautiful wa
Cloud Bridge or Cau May is one of the must-visit spots of Sapa - a mountainous town in Lao Cai Province, Vietnam. Sapa is home for plenty of wonderful tourist attractions including beautiful natural landscapes, distinctive cultures of mountainous ethnic minorities and numerous human artworks. Among
The Majestic Thac Bac Waterfall - Highlight of Sapa Tourism! With its majestic and stunning appearance, throughout the years, Thac Bac Waterfall (Silver Falls) has always succeeded in attracting thousands of visitors, both domestic and international. Originating from an admirable height, the silver
Sapa church- An Ancient Symbol of the Sapa Misty Town Sapa Church (a catholic church with a stone belltower) is considered the most attractive place for sightseeing in Sapa , Vietnam. Located in the center of the Sapa town, this old church was built in the 20 th century by the French colonizers. It
Sapa in the Winter Although Sapa in winter is not as glistening as in spring, winter is still a favorable time to visit Sapa. The winter in Sapa starts in December and ends in February the following year. In winter, Sapa is floating in clouds, mist and sometimes, the town is covered with snow.
Sapa in the Autumn. Autumn, which lasts from September to November, is the best time to visit Sapa. Let's see how wonderful Sapa in autumn is! Ripe golden rice fields Sapa is one of the famous destinations for admiring the ripe golden terrace rice fields. Trekking through the village, you will catch
Sapa in the Summer Sapa's summer is from June to August. At this time, Sapa is filled with the green color of the forest and the growing rice terraces. Under the mild weather, it is perfect to trek through the villages and appreciate majestic limestone mountains, the wild and pristine beauty of the
Spring, which lasts from February to May, is the most suitable time to visit Sapa. Coming to Sapa this time, you will have a chance to admire blossom flowers at every corner of Sapa, from hillsides, valleys, mountain slopes to the road in the town. You can catch up with the peach blossom, azalea, pu
Sapa, located in the Northwest area of Vietnam, is one of the well-known destinations for both domestic and international tourists. It attracts tourists by its majestic scenery and friendliness of local people. So, what is the most suitable time to visit Sapa? Let's find the answer with Vietnam Expl
Located about 12km from Sapa town center, Ta Phin Village is one of the most famous ecotourist spots in Sapa , Lao Cai province. The village is home to Red Dao and H'Mong people - 2 Vietnamese ethnic minorities. Ta Phin Village is situated in the valley, surrounded but spectacular mountains and rice
Bac Ha Sunday Market is often held every Sunday from morning till 2:00 pm , near the mountainous highlands and the Chinese border. The market has come to existence since the foundation of Lao Cai Province. From then on, the market only opens once a week on Sunday. Bac Ha Market is considered as the
Sapa has been famous for the charming beauty of a mountainous town, which attracts millions of visitors annually. Coming to this town, you will be offered a wide range of choices for places of interest, each destination has its own special features. And if you are finding a peaceful place to escape
The Northwest of Vietnam has long been famous for its impressive and glamorous beauty that can captivate any tourists setting foot on this landscape. Among all the picturesque destinations, there is a charming village on the side of Sapa Town that you should not miss - Cat Cat Village . This village