Top 10+ Best Places to See Golden Rice Fields in 2025

Hoang Su Phi, Mu Cang Chai, Tam Coc – Bich Dong are some of the ripe rice fields in Vietnam that have been voted by many travel newspapers as destinations in 2024. So let’s join the Vietnam Motorbike Tours Club to learn about the Top 10+ best places to see golden rice fields! 

What is the rice harvest season? 

Vietnam began as an agricultural country with a long history of rice farming. Additionally, Vietnam has been the second-largest rice exporter in the world for many years. Because of this, the country is famous for its rice fields, especially during the golden rice harvest season. The rice harvest season is the time of year when the rice plants have turned golden and are ready to be harvested. The exact timing of this season can vary depending on the region and the type of rice. The rice fields become vibrant with a shiny golden color, creating a beautiful natural scene that offers tourists a unique experience of the vastness and beauty of the ripe rice fields. 

The time of year when the rice harvest season occurs  

The rice harvest season in Vietnam varies throughout the year depending on the region and type of rice. In the North, the harvest usually begins from mid-September to mid-October, when the rice in provinces like Mù Cang Chải, Sapa, and Hoàng Su Phì turns a bright golden yellow. In the Central region, the harvest typically occurs around September to November, depending on the weather and the rice varieties planted. In the South, the harvest starts earlier, around July to September. Provinces like Đồng Tháp and An Giang have rice fields ready for harvest during this time.

Top 10 Best Places to See Golden Rice Fields 

The golden rice harvest season is one that global tourists cannot miss. The vast fields of ripe golden rice enhance the image and natural beauty of Vietnam. If you are looking for the ideal spots to admire the beauty of the rice harvest, let’s explore the Top 10 most beautiful places you can’t miss: 

Mu Cang Chai terraced fields (Yen Bai) 

The terraced fields of Mu Cang Chai are one of the most popular and stunning places in Yên Bái, situated at an altitude of 1,000 to 1,200 meters above sea level. This location attracts visitors not only for the majestic beauty of its terraced rice fields but also for the unique culture of the ethnic minorities living here.

Mù Cang Chải’s terraced fields are not only an ideal destination for nature lovers but also the perfect spot for tourists to take photos and capture the breathtaking scenery of the ripe rice fields. The landscape here looks like a painting, reflecting the work of human hands that have shaped these terraces over centuries.

Hoang Su Phi (Ha Giang) – Best Places to See Golden Rice Fields 

Hoàng Su Phì is famous for its majestic terraced fields and beautiful natural scenery. It is known as one of the best places to see golden rice fields. During this time, the fields are covered in a golden layer of ripe rice, creating a vibrant and stunning picture for tourists to admire.

Hoàng Su Phì is also a great place for outdoor activities, such as trekking along small trails. You can exercise while exploring the villages of the H’Mông, Dao, and La Chí people. Additionally, joining the locals in the rice harvest is a unique experience that helps you understand their culture and customs better.

See more: Exploring Hoang Su Phi Ha Giang – Everything You Need To Know

Rice fields in Tam Coc – Bich Dong (Ninh Binh)  

The rice fields in Tam Cốc – Bích Động are located within the Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex. This place is one of the amazing destinations to admire the beauty of the golden rice season, famous for its winding rivers among limestone mountains and impressive large rice fields, creating a stunning natural landscape.

In addition to experiencing the natural scenery, Tam Cốc also offers many fun activities for visitors. You can join a boat trip to explore caves like Hang Cả, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba.

Pu Luong Field (Thanh Hoa) 

The rice harvest season in the Pù Luông fields usually takes place from May to mid-June. This is the best time for tourists to enjoy the beautiful sights when the sunlight shines down. Taking a boat ride along the river, visitors will have the chance to see the vast rice fields alongside the stunning limestone mountains, creating a lively and picturesque natural scene. This place is not only perfect for admiring the bright golden season but also offers a wonderful experience for those who love the beauty of nature and local culture.

Y Ty (Lao Cai) in the ripe rice season 

Y Tý (Lào Cai) is a perfect place if you want to see the rice fields ripening in the northern mountainous region of Vietnam. Many travelers praise Y Tý for its breathtaking natural beauty and the peacefulness of the terraced fields covering the hills and valleys. The vibrant colors, with the golden yellow of the rice combined with the green of the mountains and the clouds, create a dreamy atmosphere that attracts visitors and photographers from all over.

When you visit Y Tý during the rice harvest season, you can take part in activities like trekking through the terraced fields. You can explore the stunning landscapes while learning about the villages of the Hà Nhì and Dao Đỏ people, experience the daily life of the locals, and join in the rice harvesting process to better understand their culture and customs.

See more: Complete Travel Guide to Y Ty, Lao Cai by Motorbike

Ripe rice season in Sapa (Lao Cai) 

The rice harvest season in Sapa is the perfect time to explore the natural beauty and culture of this highland area. It usually takes place around September and October when the rice fields cover the valleys and mountainsides. Tourists should visit villages like Tả Van, Lao Chải, Cát Cát, and Bản Hồ, which are ideal spots to admire this beauty. During this time, Sapa shines with its winding terraced rice fields that look like waves of gold.

This season is also great for tourists to participate in activities like cycling around Mường Hoa Valley, taking photos on the Cloud Bridge, and exploring Fansipan Mountain. With Sapa’s gentle, cool weather, it’s comfortable for everyone to join in various activities.

Bac Son rice fields (Lang Son) 

One of the things that makes the rice fields in Bắc Sơn special is the panoramic view from the top of Nà Lay Mountain, where visitors can admire the entire valley from above. From here, you can see the golden fields stretching across the valley, interspersed with the traditional stilt houses of the Tày and Dao people. This creates a unique and fascinating experience that not all rice fields can offer you. 

Long An rice fields 

The rice fields of Long An are one of the symbols of the Mekong Delta, known for their peaceful beauty and the unique colors of the Southwestern region. These fields are praised and loved by many travelers worldwide for their vast, endless rice paddies stretching to the horizon. Long An offers a picturesque and tranquil scene that attracts visitors looking to connect with nature.

The harvest season is the best time to enjoy the stunning views of the rice fields and to participate in unique activities such as visiting traditional villages, tasting local countryside food, and taking photos among the rice paddies. The rice fields of Long An showcase the simple, calm, and genuine beauty of rural Southern Vietnam. It is an ideal destination for those who want to reconnect with nature, experience rural life, and explore the distinctive culture of the Mekong Delta.

Trung Khanh terraced fields (Cao Bang) 

The rice terraces in Trùng Khánh (Cao Bằng) are a little-known but incredibly charming destination, especially during the rice harvest season. The rice terraces in Trùng Khánh are as vast as those in other areas like Mù Cang Chải or Hoàng Su Phì, but they stand out with their wild and rustic natural scenery. The terraces stretch across the mountains, winding through limestone ranges and clear streams, creating a landscape that is both majestic and peaceful.

Things to note when visiting places to see ripe rice fields 

The golden rice fields are one of the most beautiful spots you can’t miss, but getting to these fields can be challenging for tourists. Here are some things you should keep in mind before visiting the golden rice fields:

• Know the harvest season: The rice harvest usually happens from September to November, but the exact timing can vary by area. Be sure to check the information before going to avoid arriving when the rice isn’t ripe yet.
• Early morning or late afternoon: For the best lighting for photos and enjoying the scenery, choose to go in the early morning or late afternoon. The natural light at these times will create more beautiful pictures.
• Comfortable shoes: If you plan to walk through the rice fields or in uneven areas, opt for comfortable sneakers or walking shoes.
• Light clothing: Wear comfortable, light clothing that allows for easy movement, and choose bright colors to stand out against the natural landscape.
• Learn and interact: Take the time to learn about local customs, respect their way of life, and avoid disturbing them while they work.
• Don’t trespass: While visiting, keep your distance and do not step into the fields without permission, to protect the farmers’ crops.
• Camera or phone: Don’t forget to bring a camera or phone to capture beautiful moments. Make sure the battery is fully charged.
• Health protection items: Sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and drinking water are essential to ensure your health during the trip.

These are the tips from Vietnam Motorcycle Tours about the top 10 Best Places to See Golden Rice Fields. We hope this article has provided you with useful information to make your trip smoother.