Travelers planning to witness the golden rice season in the northern mountainous provinces should aim for the period from 9/10 to the end of the month. The rice is expected to ripen first in the area around Sa Pa (Lao Cai), followed by Mu Cang Chai, Tu Le (Yen Bai), and Hoang Su Phi (formerly Ha Giang, now Tuyen Quang).

According to Giang A Chay, a tourism professional in Mu Cang Chai, the current weather in the region is ideal, with mild sunshine and cool temperatures. In early September, the rice in some areas has started to turn golden, but most of it is still lush green. "It is expected that in about two weeks, the rice will start to ripen fully and the harvest will last for about two weeks," he said.

Giang A Chay also added that if visitors want to enjoy the beautiful scenery without crowds, they can visit Mu Cang Chai now. "Mu Cang Chai is also worth visiting when the rice is still green," he said.

Terraced fields in Mu Cang Chai during the first week of September. Photo: Giang A Chay

Terraced fields in Mu Cang Chai during the first week of September. Photo: Giang A Chay

In Hoang Su Phi, in areas with many terraced fields like Ban Phung, Ban Luoc, and Thong Nguyen, the peak of the golden season is expected during the third week of September.

After consulting with locals, travel blogger Win Di, who witnessed the golden rice season last year, suggests that visitors planning a similar trip should go between 9/26 and 10/5. Visitors arriving in early October will also have the opportunity to experience the harvest with local farmers.

From 9/20 to 9/25, the rice starts to ripen in Hoang Su Phi, creating a landscape of mixed green and gold. The peak of the golden season is from 9/26 to 10/5. This is the best time for photography. Afterward, the atmosphere shifts to the harvest season, offering "a scene that is both vibrant and authentic," Win Di said.

Those choosing Sa Pa can embark on their journey this week or next. According to Lam Linh, a tourist from Hanoi who visited Lao Cai during the 9/2 holiday, the rice in the terraced fields of Bac Ha, Sin Thau, Ngu Chi Son, Y Linh Ho, and Ta Van has begun to turn golden, with some areas already fully ripe.

"In some places in Lao Cai, the rice is ripe and farmers have started harvesting. In other areas, it is expected that next week, before 9/15, if the weather is sunny, a significant amount of rice will also be harvested," Linh said.

The Ta Van village area of Sa Pa in early September. Photo: Lam Linh

The Ta Van village area of Sa Pa in early September. Photo: Lam Linh

The weather forecast for the northern mountainous region during the last two weeks of September predicts temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius, ideal for trips to witness the golden rice season.

Tam Anh