Traveling to Ha Giang during the ripe rice season is a fantastic time to immerse yourself in the beauty of the terraced fields that cascade closely together. You can breathe in the rich aroma of freshly ripened rice, which has a sweet, milky scent.
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What Month is the Ripe Rice Season in Ha Giang?
Ha Giang is a famous tourist destination in the Northwestern region of Vietnam, with numerous breathtaking landscapes that you must experience at least once in your lifetime.
This place is renowned for its ripe rice season, and what’s special about it is that there’s only one rice harvest each year. So, if you want to witness the boundless beauty of ripened rice on the extensive terraced fields, timing is crucial.
Traveling to Ha Giang during the ripe rice season typically falls between September and October on the Gregorian calendar. The rice ripens gradually over about a month, with the most picturesque time being the second week of October.
During this period, the weather starts to cool down. Daytime temperatures can range from about 30 degrees Celsius. However, at night, it can get quite chilly, with temperatures dropping to as low as 9-10 degrees Celsius, and even 4-5 degrees Celsius on some nights.
Means of Transport to Ha Giang
Motorcycle
Ha Giang is approximately 300 km away from Hanoi, and the journey involves quite challenging roads with narrow, winding mountain paths and minimal traffic. Many adventurers choose motorcycles as their means of transportation to Ha Giang. However, Ha Giang’s Autumn Weather often includes rain, and the mountain roads can be treacherous. If you are not an experienced rider, it’s advisable to prioritize taking a passenger bus to ensure your safety.
Passenger Bus
Starting in Hanoi, you can catch a passenger bus bound for Hanoi – Ha Giang from various bus companies at My Dinh Bus Station, with ticket prices ranging from 260,000 to 300,000 VND per person. The travel time is approximately 8 hours, so it’s a good idea to take a night bus to sleep during the journey and arrive in Ha Giang in the morning.
Private Car
If finding a passenger bus is too difficult, or if you encounter high prices, you can rent a private car in Hanoi from DanangPrivateCar.com. Their private car service offers pick-up and drop-off services at your desired locations, with transparent pricing displayed on their website, alleviating any concerns about overpricing. Additionally, using a private car allows you to rest and explore along the way. With a professional and experienced driver team, your journey will be much more convenient. Book a private car from Hanoi to Ha Giang today for a complete experience of the ripe rice season in Ha Giang.
The Most Beautiful Rice Viewing Spots
Hoang Su Phi
Hoang Su Phi is a district located in the western part of Ha Giang Province. Due to its geographical location at the upper reaches of the Chay River, the terrain in this area is cut by numerous streams, creating steep slopes.
Thanks to its unique geographical features favored by Mother Nature, Hoang Su Phi has become a place where you can admire the panoramic view of the terraced rice fields stretching across six communes: Ban Luoc, San Sa Ho, Ban Phung, Ho Thau, Nam Ty, and Thong Nguyen.
Not only is it beautiful, but in 2012, the Hoang Su Phi terraced fields were officially recognized as a National Monument by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Ho Thau Terraced Fields
Ho Thau is the source of small streams from the upper reaches of the Chay and Bac Rivers. As its name suggests, Ho Thau means “headwaters.” While it may not be as famous as Ban Luoc and Ban Phung, the beauty of this place is quite unique, providing a pleasant and comfortable feeling to visitors.
Moreover, this area is renowned for the Chieu Lau Thi mountain, which stands at 2402 meters, ranking second in Ha Giang, only after Tay Con Linh Peak.
Ban Phung Terraced Fields
The word “Phung” in the term “tuong phung” means “meeting.” Hence, Ban Phung symbolizes the meeting point of heaven, earth, and the serendipity of connecting destinies for the local people.
Ban Phung is known as one of the most beautiful terraced fields in Hoang Su Phi and Vietnam as a whole. Here, you can fully appreciate the blending of the land and mountains, especially during the ripe rice season.
The occasional wisps of clouds add a touch of mystique to the scenery, making it seem as though you’ve stepped into a fairyland.
Ban Luoc
If you’re visiting Ha Giang during the ripe rice season, you must not miss a visit to Ban Luoc. For a long time, Ban Luoc has been renowned as the most beautiful scenic spot in our country. The terraced fields here are incredibly enchanting and even more romantic when the rice is ripe.
Standing from above, you’ll have the opportunity to witness a vast expanse of golden ripe rice fields stretching to the horizon. If you check in here, your perfect photo would depict a girl deeply rooted in the rustic countryside.
Apart from the famous terraced fields like Ban Phung, Ban Luoc, and Ho Thau, the fields in the other communes of Hoang Su Phi are also beautiful and well worth a visit.
If you’re unsure where to go, you can visit the Kimlientravel.com.vn website for advice on domestic travel packages or tours, all-inclusive from A to Z.
Lung Cu Flag Point
The Lung Cu Flag Point is a well-known tourist spot for the people of Vietnam. It’s a historical monument marking national sovereignty in the far north of our country, first built during the time of Ly Thuong Kiet.
The flagpole is approximately 20 meters tall and is located atop Lung Cu, with an elevation of around 1470 meters, the highest point in northern Vietnam.
Lung Cu Flag Point is an unmissable stop when you set foot in Ha Giang, especially during the ripe rice season, as you can witness the entire Ha Giang region submerged in golden rice fields that glisten like the sun, blending with the natural beauty of the land and sky, and savor the priceless gift that nature has bestowed upon us.
Tay Con Linh Peak
You’ve probably heard the phrase “If you go to Ha Giang, you must visit Tay Con Linh Peak” at least once. Tay Con Linh is not just a high mountain; it’s also known as the “roof” of northwestern Vietnam, with an elevation of 2419 meters above sea level.
If you’re a young, adventurous soul who loves nature, this is a place you’ll regret missing. Despite some difficulties on the way, you’ll be thoroughly satisfied when you conquer the Tay Con Linh Peak and admire Ha Giang during the ripe rice season from above, soaking in the fresh air of the surrounding land, trees, and meadows.
Accommodation in Ha Giang
During the ripe rice season in Ha Giang, travelers can stay in various types of accommodation such as guesthouses, homestays, and unique hotels in the town of Dong Van. Depending on your financial situation and personal preferences, you can choose a suitable place to stay. Here are some recommendations for quality accommodations in Ha Giang:
- Bui Homestay (Dong Van Town, at the intersection to Lung Cu, Ha Giang)
- Chung Pua Homestay (Meo Vac Town, Ha Giang)
- Dao Lodge (Nam Dam Village, Quan Ba Commune, Ha Giang)
- Ban Chang Homestay (Doi 4, Chang Village, Phuong Tien, Ha Giang)
- Coffee Pho Co Dong Van Guesthouse (Dong Van Town)
- Thien Huong Guesthouse (23 3/2 Street, Dong Van Town)
- Cao Nguyen Da Hotel (Dong Van Town)
So, you’ve gathered quite a bit of information about traveling to Ha Giang during the ripe rice season! I hope the insights in this article will help you have a meaningful and memorable journey.
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