Top 5 Northern Vietnam Destinations to Experience the Spectacular Beauty of Terraced Fields in the Flooding Season
When the first early-summer rains begin to bathe Vietnam’s Northwest highlands—typically in May and June—it heralds the “flooding season,” the time when life springs back across the fields. Local farmers enthusiastically guide fresh mountain water into terraced paddies, gearing up for the hopeful new rice planting season. If you’re looking for the best places to visit Northern Vietnam during this magical time, don’t miss our carefully selected list of stunning terraced-field spots below—they promise visually captivating experiences for your summer 2025 journey.
1. Mù Cang Chải (Yên Bái)
Nestled amid the majestic mountains of Northwest Vietnam, Mù Cang Chải is a top destination in the flooding season, largely thanks to its terraced fields—a designated national special heritage site. From May to June, when the paddies are flooded, entire valleys appear as reflective mirrors, showcasing the sky, sunshine, and earthy hues. The terraces trace gentle, layered curves that seem to ascend into the clouds.
This is also the perfect time to observe the farming life of the local Mong communities—seeing them divert water, till the soil, plant rice seedlings—which offers a vivid, culturally rich experience. Don’t miss viewpoints like La Pán Tẩn, Chế Cu Nha, and Dế Xu Phình, each preserving the region’s natural and cultural beauty.
2. Sa Pa (Lào Cai)
Sa Pa draws crowds every flooding season—not just for its cool climate and the legendary Fansipan peak, but also for its shimmering terraces. In valleys like Muong Hoa, Tả Van, and Tả Phìn, water from mountain streams floods the fields, creating undulating waves that sparkle in the early summer sun.
From elevated viewpoints, the terraces reflect the sky, interwoven with the humble wooden homes of the Mong and Dao peoples—a serene, immersive canvas for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a quiet escape in the highlands.
3. Hoàng Su Phì (Hà Giang)
Located in western Hà Giang, Hoàng Su Phì ranks among the most sought-after flooding-season destinations in Northern Vietnam. Its dramatic terraced landscape, shaped by the La Chí, Dao, and Nùng ethnic groups, has been recognized as a National Heritage.
During the irrigation period, water cascades into each terrace, turning them into vibrant mirrors under the bright, clear skies. Communes such as Bản Luốc, Bản Phùng, Sán Sả Hồ, and Nậm Ty are ideal spots for those seeking raw, culturally rich, agricultural highland scenery.
4. Y Tý (Lào Cai)
Y Tý, in Bát Xát district, Lào Cai, is famed as the “land of clouds.” During the flooding season, its terraces by the H’mong-ha ethnic group become ethereal mirrors reflecting the sky and sea of clouds. Traditional stone-walled stilt houses emerge subtly from the mist. The atmosphere here feels almost spiritual—peaceful, quiet, and utterly otherworldly, offering an escape from urban bustle.
Y Tý, một xã vùng cao của huyện Bát Xát, Lào Cai, được mệnh danh là “xứ sở của mây” bởi thường xuyên được bao phủ bởi biển mây bồng bềnh. Vào mùa nước đổ, vẻ đẹp của Y Tý càng thêm phần huyền ảo và độc đáo. Những thửa ruộng bậc thang của người Hà Nhì uốn lượn quanh những sườn núi, khi được đổ đầy nước, chúng trở thành những tấm gương phản chiếu bầu trời và những biển mây trắng xóa.
Cảnh tượng những thửa ruộng lấp loáng nước xen lẫn với những ngôi nhà trình tường truyền thống của người Hà Nhì, ẩn hiện trong sương sớm hoặc biển mây, tạo nên một bức tranh đẹp tựa chốn bồng lai. Mùa nước đổ ở Y Tý mang đến một cảm giác bình yên, tĩnh lặng, giúp du khách như lạc vào một thế giới khác, tách biệt hoàn toàn với sự ồn ào, náo nhiệt của phố thị.
5. Pù Luông (Thanh Hóa)
Though not in the Northwest, Pù Luông in Thanh Hóa is a top northern destination during the flooding season thanks to its rustic charm and tranquil landscapes. Its terraced fields aren’t as steep or dramatic as those on the northwest mountains, but their gentle curves harmonize with verdant hills and sleepy Thai villages.
In May and June, the paddies shimmer with jade-green water reflecting the vast sky. Thatched water wheels spin gently, and the cool, fresh air creates a calm, restful ambiance—making Pù Luông a wonderful place to relax and immerse in highland culture.
The flooding season in Northern Vietnam offers more than a natural spectacle—it’s a moment when mountains and paddies burst into beauty. From shimmering terraces to meandering irrigation lines threading through misty hills, these destinations captivate travelers seeking authenticity and rare landscapes. Don’t forget to charge your camera for those unforgettable, shimmering moments in summer 2025!
