Tuyen Quang’s golden rice season: Four must-visit highland destinations

Every October, as autumn’s cool air sweeps across the mountains, terraced rice fields in Tuyen Quang Province turn brilliant shades of gold. Beyond their breathtaking scenery, the harvest season reflects the hard work, resilience and cultural traditions of local ethnic communities. Hong Thai, Khuoi Trang, Khuoi My, and Ban Phung are among the destinations that offer visitors memorable experiences amid the golden highlands.

Hong Thai hosts Golden Season Festival

Located at an altitude of more than 1,200 metres above sea level, Hong Thai Commune is renowned for its terraced fields, often enveloped in drifting clouds and mist. The combination of golden rice and sea-like layers of fog creates a distinctive landscape that attracts photographers and visitors.

Hong Thai’s golden rice season is now at its most beautiful.

During the season, visitors can enjoy tea in Khau Trang Village, shop for local OCOP products and take part in community activities, including rice-harvesting contests, trekking, volleyball, football and chess competitions. These experiences showcase both the area’s natural beauty and the warmth of local hospitality.

Khuoi Trang in harvest season

Khuoi Trang Village in Lam Binh Commune is a remote Mong community known for its pristine mountain scenery. More than 80 households, with around 400 residents, have maintained the terraced fields along steep mountainsides, creating an impressive landscape when the rice ripens.

The golden fields, rolling sea of clouds and sounds of Mong traditional music make Khuoi Trang an appealing destination for photography. Hanoi-based freelance photographer Minh Quan said the combination of golden rice, traditional Mong houses and morning sunlight offered exceptional photographic opportunities.

Khuoi My, a hidden mountain gem

Around 10 kilometres from the centre of Ha Giang 1 Ward, Khuoi My Village lies on the western slopes of Tay Con Linh Mountain, at an altitude of 1,000–1,200 metres. Its moss-covered stilt houses and sweeping terraced fields give the village a distinctive charm, particularly in early October.

Visitor Mai Phuong from Phu Tho said the steep, winding road was challenging, but the view of golden fields emerging through the morning mist made the journey worthwhile.

Ban Phung’s magnificent terraced fields

Located in the border area of Ban May Commune, Ban Phung is celebrated for its steep, towering terraces carved into the mountainsides over generations. In October, the golden rice fields blend with clouds, mist and traditional houses to create a spectacular landscape that reflects the perseverance and attachment of local communities to their land.

Golden ripe rice in Ban Phung Commune, Ban May.

Beyond these four destinations, many other communes across Tuyen Quang boast beautiful terraced fields waiting to be explored, offering further opportunities to discover the province’s natural landscapes and highland cultures.

Quang Hoa