The most beautiful terraced rice fields of Hoang Su Phi

Officially recognized as a National Monument in 2012 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the terraced rice fields of Hoang Su Phi appear to travelers like the fingerprints of playful gods, delighting in the amazement they inspire. Spread across six communes, 11 out of the district’s 25 communes fall within the protected heritage area of the terraced rice fields, covering more than 1,000 hectares. Here, we present some of the most beautiful and remarkable sites.

Origins And Legends Of The Terraces

According to a local legend, around four centuries ago, members of the Nung, Dao, and La Chi ethnic groups came to clear and cultivate this land. At that time, the four major valleys of Northwestern Vietnam—Muong Thanh (Dien Bien Province), Muong Lo (Yen Bai), Muong Than (Lai Chau), and Muong Tac (Son La)—were already inhabited by the Thai and La Ha peoples.

As a result, the newcomers settled in the mountainous regions of Khau Pha (Mu Cang Chai – Yen Bai), Hoang Lien Son (Sa Pa – Lao Cai), and Tay Con Linh (Hoang Su Phi – Ha Giang), at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,600 meters above sea level.

To ensure their survival, these communities chose to cultivate maize and rice on steep slopes. The first terraced fields were built at the foot of the mountains, close to natural water sources for irrigation. As the population grew, cultivation gradually expanded higher and higher up the mountainsides, giving birth to the spectacular landscapes seen today.

A Testament To Generations Of Human Effort

The terraced rice fields stand as a powerful testimony to the tireless labor of generations of Dao, Nung, and La Chi people. Each ethnic group has left its distinct imprint: the Long-Tunic Dao and Nung in Ban Luoc, the Red Dao in Ho Thau, Nam Ty, and Thong Nguyen, and the La Chi in Ban Phung.

These villages are among our favorites for admiring the terraced rice fields.

While each ethnic group leaves its mark through craftsmanship and agricultural techniques, the seasons completely transform the landscapes. In Hoang Su Phi, rice is harvested only once a year, unlike the Mekong Delta where up to three harvests are possible. During harvest season, the terraces turn into countless shades of gold, resembling golden stairways rising toward the sky.

Rice ripens from mid-September to late October, making this period ideal for travel. In most areas of Hoang Su Phi, peak ripeness usually occurs around the second week of October.

During the rainy season (March to May), the scenery changes dramatically. The flooded terraces become shimmering mirrors reflecting the sky and seas of clouds above—creating a lyrical and spectacular atmosphere that attracts photographers and local adventurers known as “Phượt” (Vietnamese backpackers or wanderers).

The Most Remarkable Villages

Ban Phung Village

Ban Phung lies near the border with China. From Vinh Quang, travelers must follow a mountain pass for nearly 30 kilometers to reach the commune center. Unlike the wide valleys of Cao Pha (Yen Bai) or Muong Hoa (Lao Cai), Ban Phung’s terraced fields cling to the steep slopes of Ban Lau Mountain, interwoven with rivers, streams, and lush forests.

Along with Ban Luoc, Ban Phung is home to some of the highest terraced rice fields in Vietnam. Although cloud hunting is not common here, the village is often wrapped in drifting mist rising from the plateaus, lending it a simple, natural, and slightly mysterious beauty—always poetic and rich in cultural identity.

Ho Thau Commune

Located about 16 kilometers from Nam Dich, Ho Thau is a commune famous for its vast terraced fields created by the Red Dao people. One of their traditional rules is to leave a small patch of forest around each field to prevent landslides.

Farming here is carried out from top to bottom using simple tools: hoes to loosen the soil, feet to press it down, and the back of the hoe to compact it. The height difference between terraces ranges from 0.5 to 2 meters. When water flows into the fields, the embankments absorb it, binding the soil and making it firm and durable. The terraces of Ho Thau form immense, rolling hills with wide, gentle, and uniform slopes.

If you miss the rice season, you can still go cloud hunting on Mount Chieu Lau Thi (2,402 m), a popular activity among local trekkers. Visitors can also explore the region’s famous Shan Tuyet tea plantations. Encounters and exchanges with the Red Dao people are among the most authentic and memorable experiences this exceptional village has to offer.

Among the Red Dao of Hoang Su Phi, there remains a fascinating ritual dedicated to the spirit of the rice paddies. They believe that the terraced fields possess a soul. The shaman Trieu Choi Hin of Ho Thau once explained:

“During the rice harvest, many grains are left behind in the fields or lost during transportation home. Our people perform this ritual to appease the spirits of those grains, so that future harvests will not fail.”

According to Red Dao beliefs, the soul of a single grain of rice can call forth a thousand grains, filling a basket of paddy that will become a granary to feed the community throughout the year.

Thong Nguyen

Thong Nguyen is crossed by three rivers that meet on a plateau between Bac Quang and Hoang Su Phi. It is considered one of the most beautiful terraced rice field areas in the district. The most impressive viewpoint is located about 24 kilometers from Bac Quang on the road to Hoang Su Phi.

Ban Lieu And San Sa Ho

The communes of Ban Lieu and San Sa Ho feature mountainous terrain with moderate slopes, making the construction of numerous terraces necessary. Here, terraced fields snake across the hillsides in graceful, undulating forms. These fields belong primarily to the Dao and Nung communities.

Ban Luoc

Ban Luoc is also well worth a visit to admire the masterpieces created by the Dao people. The Dao, H’mong, La Chi, and Nung ethnic groups living in the Tay Con Linh mountains still practice thunder worship, particularly in Suoi Thau hamlet, Ban Luoc Commune.

According to the hamlet chief, Dang Hong Canh, about 300 years ago, the Dao came to build terraced fields here, but their crops failed due to a lack of rainfall. They then built a temple dedicated to the God of Thunder, after which the weather improved and harvests became abundant. Even today, before each new planting season, people in Hoang Su Phi gather at this temple to pray.

Nam Ty

Located between Bac Quang and Hoang Su Phi, Nam Ty is home to magnificent terraced rice fields created by the Red Dao. These terraces curve along the mountainside in an elegant S-shape. Some connoisseurs believe that Nam Ty boasts the most beautiful earthen terraces in Hoang Su Phi.

Endless Discoveries

Po Lo, Thuan Chu Phin, Lul Village, and many others—more villages, more terraced fields, more magical sites—await discovery. We leave them for you to explore at your own pace, guided by curiosity and wonder.