Rice fields in Ninh Binh: Best time and important notes

Ninh Binh – a province located in the North of Vietnam, is known for its beautiful natural landscapes and vast rice fields. Not only is it a destination for travel enthusiasts, Ninh Binh is also an ideal place to experience the peaceful beauty of the Vietnamese countryside, especially during the rice harvest season. In this article, Vietnam Motorbike Tours Club will guide you on how to choose the time, location, and important notes to have a complete rice viewing trip in Ninh Binh.

The special thing about rice fields in Ninh Binh

The rice fields in Ninh Binh are not only a place for agricultural cultivation but also contain the cultural beauty and life of the people of the North. This is a typical image of the peaceful beauty of the Vietnamese countryside, where people and nature blend together to create a harmonious and poetic living space. The immense rice fields are a vivid testament to the hard work and love of the land of the local people.

Unlike the straight rice fields in other plains

The charm of the rice fields here lies in the beautiful natural scenery surrounded by majestic limestone mountains. Dotted among the rice fields are winding rivers, creating a poetic and unique scene. In particular, Tam Coc – Bich Dong and Ngo Dong River are prominent places, where you can row a boat and enjoy the beauty of the green or golden rice fields stretching at the foot of the mountains.

The rice fields here curve softly, stretching endlessly.

In the ripe rice season, the entire Ninh Binh region seems to be wearing a brilliant yellow coat, reflecting the sunlight, creating a vivid and colorful natural picture. The combination of the yellow color of the rice, the green color of the mountains and the light of the sky makes this place an ideal destination for sightseeing, taking pictures and enjoying the peaceful, relaxing space that is hard to find anywhere else.

The best time to see rice fields in Ninh Binh

Around May to June, Ninh Binh enters the early summer rice harvest season. This is the time when the rice fields change from fresh green to golden yellow. The scenery this season is brilliant but still very rustic and peaceful. The gentle rays of early summer sunlight shine down, creating a beautiful natural picture, captivating anyone who visits. This is also the time when many tourists choose to come to Ninh Binh to take pictures and enjoy the special atmosphere of this season.

Opportunity to experience the agricultural life of local people

If you miss the opportunity to admire the early summer rice season, don’t worry because from September to October, Ninh Binh welcomes the second rice harvest season of the year. At this time, the climate has begun to change to autumn, the air is cooler and the natural scenery becomes more peaceful than ever. The golden rice fields under the gentle autumn sunlight create a peaceful, relaxing feeling, ideal for you to enjoy the tranquility and majesty of nature.

This is the time when the rice fields are covered in a brilliant yellow color.

Not only choosing the right season, the time of day also plays an important role in having the best experience. Early morning (from 5am to 7am) is when the sunlight is gentle, the dew drops still linger on the rice leaves, creating a sparkling and pristine scene. Late afternoon (from 4pm to 6pm), when the sunset falls, the yellow color of the rice blends with the orange-red color of the sky, creating a poetic and romantic scene, making anyone stunned by this beauty.

Some of the most beautiful places to see rice fields in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is not only famous for its scenic spots but also for its poetic rice fields, which are especially beautiful during the ripe rice season. From high mountains to small roads in the countryside, each location offers a unique perspective on the beauty of nature and people here. Below are some beautiful rice viewing spots that you should not miss.

Mua cave

Hang Mua is considered the “Great Wall of Vietnam” with hundreds of stone steps leading to the top of the mountain. From the top of Hang Mua, you can see the panoramic view of Tam Coc rice fields stretching at the foot of the mountain. Especially in the ripe rice season, the scenery here becomes brilliant with a golden color, creating a vivid and attractive natural picture. This is an ideal place for those who love taking photos or simply want to enjoy the peaceful space of the countryside.

This place is not only famous for the path leading to the top of the mountain.

The road to Hang Mua is not easy but is completely worth the effort. When standing on the top, you will feel the harmony between the majestic nature and the gentle beauty of the rice fields. In the early morning or late afternoon, the natural light makes the scenery even more sparkling, making Hang Mua one of the places not to be missed in Ninh Binh.

We suggest you some of the most popular Ninh Binh tours in 2024:

• Vietnam Motorcycle Trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh – 1 day
• Northwest Vietnam Motorbike Tour from Hanoi to Ninh Binh – 6 days
• Self-drive Vietnam 4×4 tour on the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail – 13 days

Road to Thai Vi Temple

The road leading to Thai Vi Temple is one of the most beautiful and peaceful roads in Ninh Binh. Located between green or golden rice fields (depending on the season), this road gives visitors the feeling of being lost in a peaceful village painting. This is an ideal place for you to walk or cycle, enjoy the fresh air and admire the endless fields.

Winding between the vast space of rice fields and rocky mountains

When walking along this road, you will feel close to nature and the people here. The sunlight filtering through the trees, the faint scent of ripe rice and the chirping of birds will make your journey more memorable. Don’t forget to visit Thai Vi Temple to pray for peace and enjoy the ancient architecture imbued with tradition.

Tam Coc – Bich Dong

Tam Coc is known as “Ha Long on land” not only because of its beautiful landscape but also because of the rice fields stretching along both sides of the Ngo Dong River. In the rice harvest season, the scenery here becomes especially attractive with the brilliant yellow color of the rice, contrasting with the green of the rocky mountains and the clear water. Rowing a boat through Tam Coc is an unforgettable experience when you can touch each branch of rice and feel the close beauty of this land.

Ngo Dong River and rice fields stretching on both banks

The scenery of Tam Coc is even more beautiful when viewed from above, where the rice fields appear like a golden carpet woven by nature. This is also where you can see people harvesting rice or flocks of white storks flying back in the late afternoon, creating a vivid picture, full of the Vietnamese countryside.

Van Long Nature Reserve

Van Long is not only a nature reserve but also a great destination for rice viewing. The rice fields here blend with the calm water surface, reflecting the blue sky, creating a rare peaceful scene. This is an ideal place for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, find nature and tranquility.

This is the largest wetland reserve in the North.

The special feature of Van Long is the rice fields surrounding the swamp, creating a unique scene that few places have. Sitting on a small boat gliding across the water, you will admire the rice fields from a completely different perspective, and have the opportunity to see rare birds and animals in the reserve. Early morning and sunset are the best times to explore this place.

See more: Discover 15+ best restaurants in Ninh Binh to awaken your taste buds

Things to note when visiting rice fields in Ninh Binh

To make your journey to explore the beautiful rice fields in Ninh Binh complete and memorable, you should prepare carefully and note some useful tips below:

Check the Weather: Before you set off, you should check the weather forecast to choose sunny days, avoiding rain or cloudy weather. Sunny weather not only makes the scenery more sparkling but also convenient for moving and taking photos. Good weather will help you fully enjoy the beauty of the rice fields and outdoor activities. In particular, early morning or late afternoon when the weather is cool is the most ideal.

Choose the Right Outfit: Choose neat, comfortable outfits that are easy to move around in and suitable for outdoor activities. Brightly colored clothes will help you stand out when taking photos against the backdrop of bright yellow rice fields. Don’t forget to wear sneakers or non-slip sandals for walking or climbing. Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses will protect you from the harsh sunlight. The right outfit will not only keep you comfortable but also make the trip more enjoyable.

Early mornings also offer great opportunities for photography.

Prepare necessary items: Don’t forget to bring drinking water, sunscreen and insect repellent to protect your health throughout the journey. A fully charged camera or phone is essential to capture beautiful moments. You should also bring some snacks to recharge your energy after sightseeing. If you go early in the morning, prepare an extra thin jacket to keep warm. Careful preparation will help you enjoy the trip with peace of mind.

Respect Nature: When visiting, keep public hygiene by not littering, especially in sensitive natural areas. Do not pick rice, trample on crops or damage the surrounding landscape. Respecting nature and the space you visit is a way to show civility and environmental awareness. You should also behave politely with local people and follow the regulations at the place you visit.

In addition, cycling is also an interesting option.

Choose the right means of transport: Motorbikes or bicycles are great options to explore the small village roads and vast rice fields in Ninh Binh. These vehicles give you more flexibility when going into corners that are difficult to access by car. Cycling slowly through the village roads or stopping to take photos at any beautiful corner will be a memorable experience. If you do not drive yourself, you can rent a vehicle locally at a reasonable price. Choose the right vehicle to enjoy the trip in the most comfortable way.

Exploring the rice fields in Ninh Binh is not only an opportunity to admire the natural beauty but also an opportunity to feel the peace of the Northern countryside. With careful preparation and necessary notes, you will have a complete journey, leaving behind unforgettable memories. Let the poetic and peaceful scenery of Ninh Binh become a part of the memorable experiences on the journey to discover the beauty of Vietnam.