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48 Hours in Hoang Su Phi: A Guide to Vietnam's Golden Rice Terraces

Hoang Su Phi District, located in the western part of Ha Giang Province, is renowned for its breathtaking rice terraces, recognized as a national scenic spot. It's also known for its early golden rice harvest in Northern Vietnam.

From early September, the terraced fields in Hoang Su Phi, about 120 km from Ha Giang City, begin to turn a vibrant gold.

This is a prime destination for travelers seeking to experience the beauty of the northern mountainous provinces when the tourist season kicks off. Local guide, Giap Van Hai, suggests a 48-hour itinerary to make the most of your visit.

He notes that the golden rice season is expected to last from September 2nd to October 10th.

Day 1 Travel to Hoang Su Phi

Hoang Su Phi is approximately 300 km from Hanoi, with a travel time of nearly 6 hours. To maximize your weekend trip, consider departing on Friday evening, staying overnight in Tuyen Quang City or Ha Giang City, and continuing your journey to Hoang Su Phi early the next morning.

For a scenic route, take the "Thuong Son - Tung San" direction to Vinh Quang town. The road may have some rough patches, but you'll be rewarded with stunning, untouched landscapes. Along the way, you'll encounter numerous terraced fields clinging to the mountainsides.

"However, avoid stopping for too long to take photos as there are even more beautiful spots ahead," Hai advises.

Tea and Lunch at Thuong Son Heaven's Gate

At Thuong Son Heaven's Gate, situated at an altitude of about 1,500 meters, take a break to capture photos and admire the centuries-old tea trees. Don't miss the chance to visit a local house and savor a cup of hot tea.

Have lunch in Vinh Quang. The town center offers various dining options to suit your preferences. Some recommendations include Tuan Ngan restaurant and Hoang Su Phi stilt house, serving dishes like hill chicken, wild boar, and stream fish. Afterward, continue your journey upstream along the Chay River to Ban Phung village.

Check in to a Homestay in Ban Phung

In recent years, Ban Phung has seen an increase in visitors, but due to the seasonal nature of tourism, accommodation options remain limited. Most accommodations are dorm-style homestays with shared rooms in stilt houses, offering basic amenities.

Prices range from 100,000 to 120,000 VND per person.

Some places have private rooms, priced from 500,000 to 700,000 VND per room, depending on the location. Consider La Chi Phong homestay, Trong Phu Homestay, or Chi Tai homestay.

During the golden rice season, it's advisable to book your accommodation in advance. Staying in a homestay allows you to fully immerse yourself in the natural scenery and experience the unique cultural traditions of the local people.

Local Cuisine and Drinking from Buffalo Horns

Enjoy dinner with the locals and don't forget to try drinking from buffalo horns. This is a distinctive cultural practice of the La Chi ethnic group, passed down through generations for celebrations, festivals, and rituals, particularly during the La Chi's Khu Cu Te festival in the seventh lunar month.

In the La Chi's belief system, buffalo horns are considered sacred objects within their homes. The place where the buffalo horns are kept is the most sacred corner of the stilt house, used for rituals and ceremonies.

Day 2 Explore Ban Phung

After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll or ride a motorbike through the village. The "Heart of Ban Phung" is a great place to discover the cultural beauty and lifestyle of the ethnic minorities.

Wake up early, around 5 am, to witness the most enchanting moment in Ban Phung. Ask the locals for the best sunrise viewpoint, and you'll be treated to a breathtaking spectacle as the sun gradually emerges. "This is the place that many visitors refer to as a 'paradise on earth,'" Hai shares.

After enjoying the sunrise, return to your homestay and savor a bowl of noodles amidst the tranquil natural surroundings, with a direct view of the terraced fields as they begin to change color. "While having breakfast, you can admire the clouds drifting by," Hai adds.

Ban Phung offers a glimpse into the diverse cultural practices and way of life of the ethnic minorities. The terraced fields in Ban Phung transform throughout the year, each season showcasing its own unique charm. The fields span across six communes: Ban Luoc, San Sa Ho, Ban Phung, Ho Thau, Nam Ty, and Thong Nguyen.

Photographers, travel enthusiasts, and those passionate about nature and culture consider this one of the "highest and most beautiful terraced fields in Vietnam." It's also recognized as a National Scenic Spot.

Check out and Travel to Ban Luoc

Ban Luoc boasts some of the most picturesque terraced fields in Hoang Su Phi, second only to Ban Phung. Here, you can have lunch at a restaurant overlooking the panoramic view of the terraced fields.

Don't miss the opportunity to try the local specialty, terraced field carp.

Conclusion

To conclude your journey, head back to Ha Giang City via the DT177 highway, arriving around 6 pm. If you're traveling by motorbike, you can opt to return it in Bac Quang and pay an additional transfer fee to save time and energy if you're not continuing your trip to other destinations like Meo Vac or Dong Van Rock Plateau.

Important Notes

* Be prepared for a challenging journey to Vinh Quang, ensuring you're in good physical condition.

* Book services in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

* In Ban Phung, avoid and refrain from inquiring about areas where buffalo horns are placed on the ground, as these are ancestral graves of the La Chi people.

* Motorbike rental services in Ha Giang City typically provide resting areas for travelers in the early morning, including facilities for personal hygiene.