Exploring Sapa Rice Field | When and Where to See ?

Sapa is a must-see destination for anybody planning a trip to Vietnam's North. This area is well-known for its beautiful, untouched mountains, pleasant weather, notable features, and fascinating local culture. Talking about Sapa, Sapa rice field is an indispensable part which makes up the poetic landscapes and cultural story of Vietnam. Wanna know more? Everything about it is revealed in the article below.

1. Where is Sapa?

Located in the northwest of Vietnam at an elevation of 1,600 meters above sea level lies the town of Sapa. Sapa is around 376 kilometers from Hanoi and 38 kilometers from Lao Cai.

Cultural historians have deduced that the H'Mong people, whose language Sapa derives from, were the original inhabitants of this region. Sa Pa means "sand beach" in the native language. In the past, this area was home to a sizable sandy beach where visitors of all backgrounds would come to shop.

Prior to the end of French colonial rule in 1954, Sapa was known on maps simply as "Chapa." In Vietnam's official paperwork, the term "Sapa" has been standard since 1945. Both "Sa Pa" and "Sapa" are common spellings for this place.

2. Why should you visit Sapa Rice Field at least once?

Sapa's rice paddies are mountain slopes that have been appropriated for agricultural use. Local ethnic minority people are able to cultivate rice and develop terraced rice fields, one after the other, from the foot to virtually top of mountains due to the steep feature, fertile soil owing to it was made by worn granite rock, and mountain cliffs commonly stock water.

The terraced rice fields, when viewed from a distance, evoke a picture of nature so breathtaking that visitors are compelled to stop and take it all in. This picture, however, changes colors with the seasons, at its most beautiful when the new crop has begun, the rice field is rich with growing green rice, and the rice is ready to be harvested.

Terrace rice field is one of the most interesting things to do while traveling Sapa with its beautiful natural beauty and the bustling fields along the mountain slopes creating a lively natural picture. Travel and Leisure Magazine has announced the 7 most beautiful terraced fields in Asia and Sapa from Lao Cai is in the list by world readers of this magazine voted. It was also submitted in recognition as UNESCO World Heritage in Vietnam.

3. Best time to visit Sapa Rice Fields

Visiting the Sapa rice fields requires careful planning, as there are months when there are no rice fields at all, and other months when temperatures might dip below 10 degrees.

Sapa has just one rice harvest each year because of the limited availability of water on the steep mountain terraces where indigenous people produce.

3.1. Planting season in Sapa

Sapa farmers tend to the following crop's planting and watering on the rice terrace fields throughout the months of May and June. This time of year is known as "pouring season." The fields become a gigantic mirror of water during this time. Additionally, this time of year is ideal for tourists and photographers alike. You will automatically bring your camera in front of you to take pictures without me noticing because it is breathtakingly beautiful.

Sapa is at its greenest and wettest in July, with more rainfall but showers that are strong rains, lasting for 20 minutes to an hour, and typically feeling fresh and lovely after the rain.

Rice flowers throughout the month of August. Young rice seeds waft sweetly in the air. A new rice ritual known as "Le Cung Com Moi" is celebrated by Hmong people every year on the final day of August. To appease the Spirit and ensure a successful harvest the next year, they select the freshest, most nutritious rice available and sacrifice a chicken or pig. They are saving the first harvest of the new, high-quality rice to use as a source of seed. This is also a great time to explore Sapa rice field and also look deeper into the local culture.

3.2. Sapa harvest season

Sapa rice fields are most beautiful during the first two weeks of September, when the fields become a golden color and the rice is ready to be harvested. Many postcards feature rice terraces during harvest. This period of time is usually considered as the best time to see the terrace field. You may observe Hmong and Red Dzao families cultivating terraced rice paddy on the hillside.

It is common for Hmong and Redzao members of the same family to work together on a farm. Workers keep themselves amused by exchanging small conversation, singing songs, and telling jokes while on the job. They don't immediately head back to their homes after harvesting rice as their Red River Delta counterparts do. After the rice has been chopped and dried in the field, the seeds and straws are separated. Once the rice seeds are completely dry, only then do they bring them home. Because of this, the Hmong have to spend longer hours toiling in the fields. Some fields may not have finished harvesting when you arrive, and in response, locals may begin burning rice straws to clear the air.

In the months between planting and harvesting, rice goes through a number of visible changes. The longer the rice lasts before harvest time. In the months prior, you may enjoy the lush greenery of the rice fields.

4. Where to see Sapa Rice Field?

4.1. Y Ty

You have to go out of your way to see Sapa's most picturesque rice paddies. Roughly 75 kilometers, or 3.5 hours. Y Ty may be found near the Chinese border in the highlands. Its altitude of almost 2000 meters means it is frequently shrouded in clouds. Due to its relative isolation, it attracts primarily photographers as visitors. The massive and steep terraced rice fields in this commune, dotted with outlying communities of ethnic minorities, are the clear cause of this.

4.2. Ta Van

One of the more well-known villages close to Sapa, Ta Van is a great option for a nice view of the Sapa rice field. This town is well-liked since it is encircled on all sides by beautiful Sapa rice paddies. It's not like somewhere else to spend the night here.

4.3. Ta Phin

There is also the village of Ta Phin in the Muong Hoa Valley, which is surrounded by paddy fields. Sapa's downtown is about 15 kilometers away. This town is a popular destination for hiking excursions due to its proximity to the area's world-famous rice paddies and its abundance of suitable homestays for an overnight stay.

4.4. Ban Ho

Ban Ho is only 32 kilometers from Sapa, although it is a less popular destination owing to its remoteness in the Muong Hoa Valley. Some three-day treks terminate here, while others spend the second night of their journey here. Great hiking paths connect Ta Van and Ban Ho, but you'll need a guide because they aren't marked on any digital maps. You may see some beautiful rice paddies along the route.

4.5. Thanh Kim

The greatest view for Sapa rice field is near Topas Ecolodge. If you stay there, great! Take in breathtaking views of the rice paddies below from the comfort of the infinity pool perched high atop the mountain. If not, you can search for a homestay in the region and get on a bike tour to admire the beauty of the terrace rice field.

5. How to explore Sapa Rice Field?

The best way to see this manicured gem is by hiking across the rice field and seeing the many ethnic minority villages in Sapa. In this way, you may see the beauty of Sapa's rice terraces and learn about the region's indigenous hill tribes at the same time. It's possible to go on a variety of treks, from a-few-hour to a-few-day ones.

You can drive along beautiful roads if you'd rather not hike or aren't physically fit to hike. Riding a motorcycle is another option; there are several routes you may go. If you're a motorcycling enthusiast, the Sapa Loop is a must-drive. The entire circle may be driven in two to three days, but be aware that driving in the Vietnamese mountains can be dangerous and is recommended only for those with extensive driving expertise. Mountain biking is a safer option to see Sapa rice terraces. It is recommended to go on one of the guided excursions available.

Regarding accommodation, staying at a local's home in Sapa is the best way to get to know the area and its people. The minority groups own these. Staying here is all about the experience, so don't count on much in the way of comfort. Each room is equipped with a Western-style toilet and a mosquito net. You may learn to interact with the locals and join them for supper if you go hiking with a guide who is fluent in the language. You may even take a relaxing herbal bath at some of these homestays! You'll be woken up by the early noises of the village's farm animals and treated to breathtaking sunrises over the Sapa rice fields.