Nestled in the heart of a beautiful valley, the rice terraces of Sapa captivate all who visit. Once you arrive in Sapa, you will have a great opportunity to see a spectacular backdrop of cascading rice terraces while learning about the unique culture of the ethnic minorities who have created these true works of art.
About Sapa Rice Terraces
Sa Pa wins the hearts of tourists with its dazzling rice terraces that follow one another in a marvellous way from the feet to the tops of the mountains. No one knows exactly when they first appeared in Sapa. However, it is obvious that they are formed by the talented hands of the Hmông, Dao Rouge, Giay, Xa Pho ethnic minorities who have inhabited this region for centuries.
Beautifully named “the stairs to heaven”, the fabulous rice terraces in Sapa have been ranked among the seven most beautiful in Asia and the world by Travel and Leisure. They are the delight of nature lovers and photographers with their ribbon-like rice fields following the curves of the mountains. A fairy-tale landscape that looks like something out of a fairy tale. Seen from any angle, they are a real feast for the eyes and well worth a visit.
The most beautiful rice fields in Sapa
Stepped rice fields as far as the eye can see are ubiquitous in the mountainous region of Sapa. However, to appreciate the most beautiful rice fields, it is best to move away from the bustling town towards the heavenly Muong Hoa Valley where the ethnic villages of Lao Chai, Ta Van, Ta Phin, Y Linh Ho, Hau Thao, Cat Cat, Nam Cang are nestled. These are home to the most spacious and impressive stepped rice fields in the misty town of Sapa, covering a total area of nearly 1,000 ha. For tourists, a visit to Sapa is only truly complete after surveying these rice terraces, which are recognised as national heritage.
Ta Van village
Famous for its rice fields classified as national heritage, the village of Ta Van is a quiet place ideal to recharge your batteries. This village where H’mông, Giay and Dao people live together is of a rare beauty thanks to its immense rice fields that can be heard on the horizon. This pearl will dazzle you with its natural charm, so it deserves a diversion during a visit to Sapa.
Lao Chai Village
Nestled between mountains and green hills, 7 km from the misty town of Sapa, Lao Chai is the neighbouring village of Ta Van. It fascinates travellers with an incredible view of the fantastic valley and the impressive rice fields listed as national heritage. Lao Chai will also offer you a mix of splendid landscapes and amazing cultures that have not yet been perverted by modernity.
Ta Phin Village
Located about 15 km from downtown Sapa, the brocatel village of Ta Phin offers sumptuous landscapes that are totally untouched by the tourist influx. This multi-ethnic village is home to mainly Red Dao and Black H’mong people who have preserved their traditional customs and habits. Once you arrive, you can soak your body in a herbal bath, a specialty of the Red Dao, which helps to refresh your body and mind.
Cat Cat Village
Hidden in the heart of Muong Hoa Valley, Cat Cat Village located 3 km from Sapa is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sapa. It not only gives you a breathtaking view of the breathtaking rice fields, but also the opportunity to get a glimpse of the daily life of the H’mông people.
Y Linh Ho Village
If you’re a fan of scenic escapes, come and enjoy the wild beauty of Y Linh Ho village, located just 7km from Sapa. The stepped rice fields carved into the majestic mountainside are its worthwhile highlight.
Hau Thao Village
Although this village is not far from the main town of Spa (about 10 km), it has a completely different atmosphere to Sa Pa, much quieter and more peaceful. The rudimentary houses of the H’mông people who live here add charm to the beauty of the staircase rice fields, which are recognised as national heritage.
Ban Ho Village
Surrounded by spectacular mountains, Ban Ho Village is a perfect destination to escape the tourists and get off the beaten track in Sapa. This old village is home to various ethnic minorities such as Red Dzao, H’mong, Tay, Giay. It amazes travellers who come to venture out with its breathtaking rice fields.
Nam Cang village
As this beautiful little village is quite far from the town of Sapa (about 36 km), it remains unknown to mass tourism. If you want to relax and admire the beautiful rice fields as far as the eye can see and find some peace for yourself, this unspoiled village in Sapa is the right choice.
Best times to visit the rice terraces in Sapa
In the mountainous region of Sapa, Mother Nature offers only one rice harvest per year to the ethnic minority farmers. Due to the mountainous terrain and climate, rice cultivation in Sapa only takes place during the rainy season, which comes only once a year. So, to enjoy the rice terraces in Sapa in all their beauty, it is important to choose the right season. Whatever season you arrive in Sapa, there is always something to admire and here is what to expect at each time of the year in Sapa:
Flooded season (May to early June)
As soon as the first summer rains fall heavily on the resort town of Sapa, farmers start preparing for a new rice season. The once barren cascading rice fields are now filled with sparkling water, revealing their magical beauty. They look like a gigantic mirror reflecting magnificent colours. The soft green of young transplanted rice shoots, the ochre brown soil, the blue sky and the white cloud blend together, creating a charming patchwork of different colours.
Green season (June to August)
The terraces in Sapa look like a huge green carpet
When the paddy rice is in full growth, the terraces in Sapa are decorated with beautiful shades of green, which vary according to the transplanting. They give you the impression of a huge green carpet that stretches on forever. Although temperatures are relatively high during this period, the atmosphere of the lush landscapes refreshes your soul.
Harvest season (early September to mid-September)
When autumn arrives, the rice terraces in Sapa are in one of the most beautiful periods of the year. They are dressed in ochre yellow and offer a breathtaking natural picture. These fascinating landscapes are undoubtedly among the most spectacular and photogenic in Vietnam. Moreover, during this period, the climate is pleasant and conducive to discovery. So, don’t hesitate to visit the rice paddies in Sapa in September, which has nothing but advantages.
What to do to see the rice terraces in Sapa?
Hike through the rice fields
Hiking in Sapa is a great option to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery created by its incredible rice terraces. You can venture out at your own pace, discovering beautiful rice fields carved in the rules of art. It is quite possible to meet local people who work in the rice fields and reveal all the secrets about rice farming passed down from generation to generation. A trek through the rice fields guarantees a gentle escape, brought about by the peaceful atmosphere and the enchanting smiles.
Taking the cable car to the top of Fansipan
Nicknamed the “Roof of Indochina” with an altitude of over 3,000m, Mount Fansipan is the highest mountain in Vietnam. During the trip to the top of the mountain by cable car, visitors can enjoy the stunning beauty of the rice fields in the Muong Hoa Valley. From the top, this area amazes tourists with a stunning panorama of rice fields surrounding the foot of the majestic mountains. If you go early in the morning, you will have the chance to enjoy the charm of a fairy paradise where the harmony between the beautiful rice fields, the dense fog and white clouds can be read.
Homestay in indigenous villages
To immerse yourself in the beauty of the rice fields by day and night, it is best to stay with local people in rustic villages hidden amidst the rolling rice terraces. It is relaxing to wake up in the middle of the sublime landscape, to enjoy the sharp leaves of the rice soaked in delicate dewdrops and to breathe in the sweet smell of the rice.
Staying at a homestay gives you the opportunity to get closer to the local people, the owners of the rice terraces, and to experience their life in the heart of a remote hamlet. This experience is part of the charm of a trip to Vietnam and leaves you with memorable moments, so don’t miss it.
Would you like to visit the wonderful rice terraces in Sapa? Do not hesitate to contact us to realize your dream trip.
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