The rice terraces in Mu Cang Chai are starting to turn golden in early September. From above, combined with the sunlight, visitors can witness the interwoven patches of yellow and green. The weather in Mu Cang Chai is currently cool, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 28 degrees Celsius.

According to Giang A Chay, a local guide and photographer, the rice has started to ripen in a few places in Mu Cang Chai. However, the popular check-in spots are still green. "The rice in Mu Cang Chai commune, Tu Le, and lower areas like Nghia Lo is expected to be golden in the third week of September," Chay said.

Giang A Chay also suggested that this is a great time to photograph the rice terraces, especially since it's quite uncrowded.

The rice terraces in Mu Cang Chai are often high and difficult to navigate. If you are unfamiliar with the roads or are not a confident driver, you can hire a local to take you by motorbike.

Mam Xoi Hill is one of the iconic check-in spots in Mu Cang Chai. The round hill is located in Cao Son commune (formerly La Pan Tan commune). It is considered one of the most beautiful terraced rice fields in the northwest region. There is also a smaller Mam Xoi Hill area in Mu Cang Chai, which is usually less crowded.

Mui Giay Hill, located in Pung Luong commune, is nearly 2 km from Mam Xoi Hill. These rice terraces are situated in a valley, surrounded by winding streams. Visitors cross a bamboo bridge to enter the valley. This is considered an ideal place to check in, offering a peaceful atmosphere that is less crowded than other locations. Photo: Mua A Giang

Mong Ngua Hill (Horseshoe Hill) is about 2 km from the center of Mu Cang Chai commune. It is one of the prime destinations showcasing Mu Cang Chai's natural beauty during the golden rice season. Visitors can enjoy the scenery from sunrise to sunset. The sunset view is a favorite among photographers.

This photo was taken at Mong Ngua Hill on 5/9. Visitors can rent traditional ethnic clothing for photos that complement the landscape. Rental prices range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of VND, depending on the duration and type of clothing. Photo: Khang Phu

Currently, visitors to Mu Cang Chai can enjoy the fresh air and easy travel before the crowds arrive to admire the golden rice. The photo shows a group of visitors from France at the Kim Noi rice field on 5/9. Photo: A Cho

For the best photos, visitors should photograph Mu Cang Chai early in the morning to capture the terraced fields in the mist and early sunlight. For Khau Pha Pass, which connects Tu Le and Mu Cang Chai, visitors should shoot in the afternoon to take advantage of the beautiful slanted golden sunlight.

Tam Anh

Photo: Giang A Chay