Whenever we think about the word rice in Vietnam, we automatically picture the image of Sapa’s amazing landscape with rice terraces stepping neatly up and down the mountainsides. Buffalos, colorful villagers and handsome landscapes are just part of the engaging experience that any traveler can discover while trekking in northern Vietnam together with the local hill tribe people.
The Sapa area can be visited any time of year. However, planning the trip in advance and getting there during the harvesting season is probably the best time to visit Sapa. The harvesting period varies by a week or so depending on the weather during the season. It normally takes place from September to the beginning of October. The first weeks in September are also the best time to take photos of those gorgeous golden rice fields.
The path descending through the Red Dao hill tribe village of Nam Ngan to the Xafo village of My Son is one of our favorite rural Vietnam trekkings. Starting the day up the hill, we descend along the rice terraces on paths, well off the beaten track, accessible due to our knowledge of the area. Thanks also to our partners in the north of Vietnam who organize trekkings that definitely exceed the expectations of even the most discerning travelers.
