Hoang Su Phi – Golden Rice Season in Ha Giang

Hidden on the western edge of Ha Giang Province, Hoang Su Phi is one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking rice terrace destinations. Each September to mid-October, the mountainsides here transform into shimmering waves of gold, marking the harvest season and showcasing the centuries-old farming traditions of ethnic minorities.



Golden Rice Terraces

Unlike the more famous terraces in Sapa, Hoang Su Phi’s fields are steeper and more dramatic. Villages such as Ban Phung, Thong Nguyen, Nam Ty, and Ho Thau are draped in terraces that climb high up the slopes. During the golden season, the air is crisp, the light is perfect for photography, and every curve of the hills reveals another stunning view.



Daily Life & Traditions

Hoang Su Phi is home to ethnic minorities such as the Dao, La Chi, Nung, and Hmong. Their daily lives revolve around planting, tending, and harvesting the terraces. The golden season is more than a visual spectacle—it’s a time of community and rituals. Families harvest rice by hand, gather to share meals of mountain vegetables, grilled fish, and rice wine, and offer prayers of thanks to their ancestors.



Festivals of the Season

Visitors in September can experience local festivals celebrating the new rice. You may see Dao women in their striking embroidered costumes, hear traditional songs, and watch bamboo dances that honor the harvest. These moments reveal the authentic heart of Ha Giang’s culture—where heritage is still lived, not just displayed.



Trekking & Photography

Trekking from village to village in Hoang Su Phi during the golden season offers endless opportunities for photography. Trails cross streams, pass through forests, and climb ridges with panoramic views of rice terraces cascading down the mountainsides. It’s an adventure that combines natural beauty with cultural immersion.



Why Travel with Explore Real Asia

At Explore Real Asia, our tours are built around authentic experiences. In Hoang Su Phi, we connect you with local hosts, ensure respectful visits to villages, and guide you to the best viewpoints for capturing the golden season. This is more than a tour—it’s a chance to live the rhythms of Ha Giang’s highlands.