The rice terraces of Hoang Su Phi were carved out centuries ago by the La Chi, Dao, and Nung ethnic communities. The terraces in Ban Phung and Ho Thau are considered the most beautiful and concentrated. In 2012, the Hoang Su Phi rice terraces were recognized as a national heritage site.

Located in the west of Tuyen Quang province, bordering Vietnam and China, Hoang Su Phi is renowned for its more than 3,700 hectares of rice terraces spanning eight communes. The mountainous region boasts a cool climate, and the rice terraces resemble a painting during harvest season. The scenery attracts photographers and tourists eager to capture the "golden season."

Photographer Pham Hoang Cuong captured Ban Phung's rice terraces in the morning sun on 10/9. Cuong admitted he's lost count of his visits to Hoang Su Phi during the rice harvest, yet each time feels as enchanting as the first.

"Of all the rice-viewing spots in the northern mountains, Hoang Su Phi resonates with me the most," Cuong said.

The gentle morning sun bathes the golden rice paddies. "This scene captivates any photographer or visitor. Every few steps, you'll want to stop and take a picture," the photographer said.

The rice paddies in Hoang Su Phi are now golden, with some already being harvested. The rice is bundled and spread on the stubble to dry in the dew. The village youth then carry the rice home.

A seasoned photographer suggests the following route for capturing the golden rice of Hoang Su Phi: Thong Nguyen - Nam Khoa - Ta Su Choong - Ban Phung.

The rice paddies leading into Thong Nguyen commune (pictured) have begun to turn gold, with the end of September expected to be the peak viewing time. Tourists often rent local ethnic clothing to take photos amidst the golden fields. Photo: Anh Doan

This photo captures the rice terraces in the early morning sun at Nam Khoa raspberry farm, Ho Thau commune. From the window, the terraced fields undulate and stack upon each other, embracing the hillsides.

Golden rice surrounds the houses of Ban Phung. Situated at an altitude of 1,200 meters, the village is primarily inhabited by the La Chi people, creating a unique cultural space and landscape. From the old Vinh Quang town center, visitors follow a small, nearly 30-kilometer mountain pass to reach the heart of Ban Phung.

The village offers numerous homestays with views overlooking what are considered the most beautiful rice terraces in the region. Cuong mentioned that many photographers choose to stay in Ban Phung for convenient photo opportunities. Accommodation, including dinner, breakfast, and an overnight stay at a homestay, costs around 500,000 VND per guest.

Located on the mountainsides, the rice terraces in Hoang Su Phi are spaced about 3-4 kilometers apart, making them easy for tourists to visit and take photos.

Cuong prefers traveling by motorbike, allowing him to stop and take pictures anywhere along the way. For those less comfortable driving, local motorbike taxis are available for easy transportation and photo opportunities.

Hoang Su Phi is about 300 kilometers from Hanoi, a journey of nearly six hours. For a more scenic loop, travelers should take the "Thuong Son - Tung San" route to the old Vinh Quang town. While some sections of the road are rough, the journey rewards travelers with pristine natural scenery.

The golden season in Hoang Su Phi is short-lived, typically lasting only two to three weeks. This year's harvest came early and is expected to end by late September.

Cuong advises checking room availability before arriving in Hoang Su Phi and inquiring with locals or online communities for the best time to see the rice in each commune and the harvest schedule.

Tuan Anh

Photo: Pham Hoang Cuong