Hoang Su Phi Enters its Most Beautiful Season with Golden Terraced Fields

Hoang Su Phi in northern Vietnam has entered its most beautiful season in September, with terraced rice fields turning golden under a cool climate, creating a serene autumn panorama. Located west of the former Ha Giang province, near the foot of Tay Con Linh mountain and bordering China, Hoang Su Phi is renowned for its over 3,700 hectares of terraced fields spread across eight communes. Photographer Cao Nhu Thuy, 36, captured the beauty of the terraced fields in Ban Phung commune on September 21, describing the scene as a "clear and peaceful autumn painting with successive terraced fields on the mountainside." The terraced fields were formed centuries ago by the labor of ethnic communities, including the La Chi, Dao, and Nung. Those in Ban Phung and Ho Thau are considered the most scenic and concentrated. In 2012, Hoang Su Phi's terraced fields were recognized as a national heritage. Rice in Hoang Su Phi is cultivated once a year. May is for watering, and September is for harvest, making it the prime time for photography. The golden season typically lasts 2-3 weeks, and this year, the early ripening is expected to conclude by the end of September. Hoang Su Phi boasts four cultural tourism villages: Nam Hong, Giang Thuong, Phin Ho, and Lang Giang. The Mong Ngua hill in Nam Hong has begun to turn yellow, with the peak beauty anticipated by the end of September. Thuy recommends traveling by motorbike for flexibility in stopping for photos. Tourists unfamiliar with driving can hire local motorbike taxis. A popular photo route includes Thong Nguyen - Nam Khoa - Ta Su Choong - Ban Phung. Hoang Su Phi is approximately 300 km from Hanoi, a journey of about 6 hours. While some road sections can be challenging, they offer views of pristine natural landscapes. Accommodation in Hoang Su Phi primarily consists of homestays, stilt houses (Nha San), and dorms with basic amenities. Visitors are advised to check room availability and consult locals or online groups for the ripening and harvest times in each commune before their trip. Source: VnExpress