Ban Luoc - San Sa Ho

*** The Beauty of Ban Luoc - A Perfectly Poetic Natural Landscape ***

Located in the western part of Ha Giang, Hoang Su Phi is characterized by hilly terrain along the upper reaches of the Chay River. With 23 communes, this area is not only famous for places like Ban Phung but also for its many other remote and desolate communes. The majority of the residents belong to ethnic minority groups, with the La Chi people being the most prominent. They live harmoniously, diligently, and simply. Most families here engage in farming and livestock raising, bringing their products to the weekly market for sale or exchange.

Visitors to Ban Luoc can stroll along dirt paths, listening to the rustling of leaves in the wind. They can feast their eyes on the golden ripe terraced rice fields that stretch across the mountainsides. The sounds of birds chirping and flowing streams will bring peace to the soul, allowing one to immerse oneself in Mother Nature's embrace. Ban Luoc is a land of endless terraced fields reaching towards the horizon, promising stunning photographs.

*** San Sa Ho - Terraced Fields Turned Golden During Harvest Season ***

Situated about 16 km from the center of Hoang Su Phi district, San Sa Ho, adjacent to Ban Luoc, is another convenient destination worth visiting. It borders Tụ Nhận commune to the north, Tụ Nhân and Ban Luoc communes to the east, Hồ Thầu commune to the south, and Pờ Ly Ngài commune to the west. This strategic location allows easy access to other communes in Hoang Su Phi district.San Sa Ho village attracts few tourists despite its abundant natural resources and cool, fresh climate. The village is particularly known for its terraced rice fields located within the nationally recognized Hoang Su Phi terraced fields heritage site, covering an area of over 130 hectares. With a rich vegetation system and numerous cascading waterfalls, this place is ideal for developing hiking tourism activities connecting to other regional tourist destinations such as Chieu Lau Thi Peak.

If visitors come to San Sa Ho during the ripe rice season from around September to October, they will see prominently on the shimmering golden terraced fields the simple stilt houses of the spacious and cool Nung and Tay ethnic people scattered on the hillside. They create a vivid picture of the land and its people here. Visitors can enjoy unique local cuisine, and distinctive cultural features specific to the 80% Nung ethnic population of the village. They can also learn about the traditional silk-weaving techniques of the Tay ethnic group. Visit Ban Luoc - San Sa Ho to admire the widest terraced fields in Hoang Su Phi.2.1 When is the best time to visit Ban Luoc - San Sa Ho?

The most beautiful and vibrant time at Ban Luoc - San Sa Ho is probably during the ripe rice season. At this time, the whole village is filled with golden colours, even more, vivid under the highland sun. The valley becomes sparkling with the warmth of the harvest season, and the colour of the locals' crops. It is recommended to visit around early to mid-September to see the ripe golden fields before they are harvested. If you come too late, all the rice will have been harvested, and the fields will be just a dull black colour of mud. Not very romantic or dreamy. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid visiting during the rainy months. The roads are slippery and dangerous, with a high risk of landslides, making it extremely dangerous for mountain biking.

*** The route to Ban Luoc - San Sa Ho ***

The main reason why this place does not attract many tourists is that the road leading there is quite winding, remote, and far away, which makes travelers hesitant. Most of the people here are ethnic minorities who speak little Vietnamese, so communication is not very convenient. Travelers have to pass through many steep slopes and treacherous turns to reach here. That's why people often joke: "First Su Phi, second Bac Me."If you go from Tuyen Quang direction, when you reach National Highway 2 in Ha Giang province about 50km away, you will see the Tan Quang intersection in Bac Quang district. If you turn left, you will head to Hoang Su Phi, and if you go straight, you will reach the city of Ha Giang. After turning left, just keep going straight and you will start to see terraced fields emerging under the misty morning fog. This is a sign that you have arrived at the Nam Ty and Thong Nguyen area! Now you just need to keep going straight, and you will be there. The areas in Hoang Su Phi look quite similar, so be careful not to get lost. Admire the natural scenery at Ban Luoc - San Sa Ho. The most outstanding feature of both Ban Luoc and San Sa Ho is the terraced fields during the harvest season. At this time, the entire valley is dyed in the ripe golden colour of the rice fields. It is recommended to check reviews beforehand to estimate the best time to visit when the rice fields are at their most beautiful and the locals have not yet harvested. From a high vantage point, you will see a vibrant natural painting with terraced fields peeking out behind the soft, drifting clouds, interspersed with wooden houses. Truly living up to its reputation as one of the national heritage sites for terraced fields in Hoang Su Phi. What's even more special is that on the way to Ban Luoc, you will pass by cottages built by the locals, offering a panoramic view of the stunning terraced fields. You can ask for permission to take photos completely free of charge.

The beauty of labour alongside the beauty of nature

Next to the beauty of the rice fields are the simple houses built by the locals

This poetic and rustic beauty will be a memorable experience for travelers. Explore Northeastern cuisine at Ban Luoc - San Sa Ho. When visiting Ban Luoc - San Sa Ho, don't forget to enjoy the local specialities there! Besides the stunning terraced fields, this place also offers delicious dishes for you to savour and remember. Some of the must-try dishes include sesame salt bamboo rice, field carp, Hoang Su Phi sticky rice, and rat meat. Some dishes may sound a bit intimidating, but with the culinary skills of the people in Northeast Vietnam, you don't have to worry too much!

***  Conclusion ***

In conclusion, Ban Luoc - San Sa Ho is a hidden gem in the northern mountains of Vietnam that offers breathtaking natural beauty, unique cultural experiences, and delicious local cuisine. Despite its remote location and challenging roads, this village is worth visiting for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination.

From the vibrant terraced rice fields to the traditional stilt houses of the Nung and Tay ethnic groups, Ban Luoc-San Sa Ho provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. The opportunity to witness the rice harvest season in all its golden glory is a sight not to be missed, offering a picturesque setting for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Moreover, exploring the local cuisine of Northeastern Vietnam is a culinary adventure in itself, with dishes like sesame salt bamboo rice and field carp showcasing the unique flavors of the region. Visitors can immerse themselves in the daily life of the villagers, learn about traditional silk weaving techniques, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the local community.

While the journey to Ban Luoc - San Sa Ho may be challenging, the rewards of experiencing this hidden paradise far outweigh the obstacles. Whether you are a hiker looking for new trails, a photographer seeking stunning landscapes, or a food enthusiast eager to taste authentic regional dishes, this village has something to offer every type of traveler.

In essence, Ban Luoc - San Sa Ho encapsulates the essence of rural Vietnam, with its pristine natural surroundings, rich cultural heritage, and warm-hearted inhabitants. As tourism in the region continues to grow, it is essential to preserve the authenticity and charm of places like Ban Luoc - San Sa Ho for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

So, if you are planning your next travel adventure and crave a truly unique and immersive experience, consider adding Ban Luoc - San Sa Ho to your itinerary. Explore the beauty of the terraced fields, savour the flavors of Northeastern cuisine, and create lasting memories in this hidden paradise nestled among the mountains of Vietnam.