Best 12 Vietnam Rice Fields That You Need To Visit (2024 Guide)

Are you planning to visit some of the best Vietnam rice fields for your upcoming trip? 

Well, you have come to the right site!

Rice fields in Vietnam are among the country’s major highlights that attract both local and international visitors from all around the world.

Vietnamese rice fields can be found at both lowlands and highlands, where each of these rice fields offers equally stunning views and the locals’ way of living that will definitely leave you in awe. 

Therefore, make sure to read this comprehensive article until the end so that you will know which paddies fields in Vietnam are worth getting to, best time to visit rice fields, how to get there, and useful tips that will enhance your travel experience! 

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Where Are The Rice Fields In Vietnam (Top 12)

1. Ninh Binh
2. Bac Son Valley
3. Sapa
4. Hoang Su Phi
5. Mu Cang Chai
6. Y Ty
7. Tu Le
8. Mai Chau
9. Pu Luong
10. The Mekong Delta
11. Hoi An
12. Thai Binh

Best 12 Rice Fields In Vietnam

In this article, I will share with you a variety of beautiful rice fields or terraces from different regions of Vietnam so that you can add them into your Vietnam itinerary or have a slight detour when you reach certain parts of the country. 

Some Vietnam rice paddies are easily accessible via public transportations whereas some need additional planning and transit before reaching the location.

Nevertheless, all the small inconveniences in planning will soon be melted away by the beauty of the scenery of paddies fields and the surrounding natural splendours of each spot listed here.

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And maybe you will finally understand why it did not deter the tourists from spending hours on the dangerous, windy mountainous road to get to the rice fields (even if they are at a remote location) once you have seen the astounding views these rice fields offer. 

So let’s dive right in!

1. Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is a popular site for caves exploration. But this northern province is also home to a lesser-known place to admire the visually stunning Vietnamese rice fields at Tam Coc.

Surrounded by magnificent limestone mountains, the floating rice paddies are flanking on both sides of the Ngo Dong River—making the scenery truly breathtaking. 

One of the best ways to enjoy the paddies’ view is by taking a traditional boat ride along the river and soaking in the rustic atmosphere.

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Alternatively, you may also opt for hiking or cycling along the scenic trails that offer equally impressive views of rice fields in Tam Coc. 

Travel tip: If you are a hiking enthusiast, you can hike up to Hang Mua to enjoy the spectacular panoramic paddies scenery.   

You can take a day trip to Tam Coc from Hanoi but if you prefer to explore this lovely town at your pace, then it is recommended to stay for at least 3 days.  

Best Time To Visit Ninh Binh Rice Fields

To enjoy the picturesque view of golden rice fields in Ninh Binh, make sure to visit in early May before the harvest season kicks off.  

How To Get To Ninh Binh From Hanoi

Ninh Binh is located 100 kilometres away from Hanoi. 

To get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi, you can either take: 

• Bus
• Train
• Taxi

The most popular transportation mode among tourists to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi is by the 3-hour train ride. The fare costs about US$4 (80K VND).

If you prefer to travel by bus, the travel duration is 2 to 3 hours. You can get a bus ticket for as low as US$10 (228K VND).

Alternatively, you can get a private hire and reach Ninh Binh within 2 hours. Prepared to spend US$60 to $120 (1.3 to 2.7 million VND) for this option. 

2. Bac Son Valley

Bac Son Valley is the definition of an off-the-beaten-track place in Vietnam. 

So if you aim for that, make sure to add Bac Son Valley into your must-visit Vietnam rice fields list!

Located in Lang Son province, this serene valley is surrounded by lush green mountains and offers tranquil peace to visitors who want to take a break from city life. 

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Home to 6 ethnic tribes, you can trek through the villages and immerse into the local culture and traditions while admiring the enchanting landscape of. 

If you prefer to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic scenery from a high vantage point, make sure to hike up to Bac Son’s Na Lay Peak—you will not be disappointed.

Note: This place is among the top favourite rice fields spots for photographers. 

Best Time To Visit Bac Son Valley Rice Fields

The best months to enjoy the golden rice fields landscape in Bac Son Valley are in July and November. 

How To Get To Bac Son Valley From Hanoi

Bac Son Valley is located 160 kilometres away from Hanoi. 

Since this hidden rice paddies in Vietnam spot is situated in remote areas and a non-touristy travel spot, there is no direct public bus or train services available.

Therefore, the most convenient way to reach Bac Son Valley from Hanoi is either by motorcycle or by private vehicle. 

3. Sapa 

Sapa rice terraces are among the most visited rice paddies in Vietnam by both domestic and international travellers. 

Built by indigenous tribes for hundreds of years, these slopped rice paddies offer a spectacular panoramic view surrounded by majestic mountains and lush green forests.

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And the best Sapa rice terraces spots to enjoy the breathtaking views are in Muong Hoa Valley and Vu Lung Sung Village. 

You can join an overnight guided trekking tour to have a glimpse into the culture and traditions of indigenous people while enjoying the beautiful rice paddies view. For this authentic rural experience, you will have to stay in Sapa for at least 3 days.  

Best Time To Visit Sapa Rice Terraces

To get the best views of Sapa rice terraces—when these Vietnam rice paddies have turned into a giant, golden spectacular landscape—then make sure to visit in early September.

How To Get To Sapa From Hanoi

Located in the northern region, Sapa is 320 kilometres away from Hanoi. 

To get to Sapa from Hanoi, there are several transportation modes you can opt for: 

• Train
• Bus
• Taxi
• Motorcycle

The most convenient and popular way to get to Sapa from the capital city is by train service. It takes about 8 hours and the ticket price ranges from US$18 to $100 (410K to 2.2 million VND). 

As the train stops at Lao Cai Train Station, you will still need to get a shuttle bus from the city centre to reach Sapa town. This will take another hour journey. 

You can directly reach Sapa from Hanoi if you opt for the bus service. The travel duration is 6 hours and it costs US$10 to 20 (223K-456K VND).

For extra comfort, you can get to Sapa by taxi and reach there within 5 hours. But it is quite pricey with a starting price of US$350 (8 million VND).

It is only recommended to get to Sapa by renting a motorcycle if you are an experienced rider and have a valid international driving license. Expect to ride at least 10 hours from Hanoi to Sapa. 

4. Hoang Su Phi

If you need another alternative non-touristy rice paddies in Vietnam, make sure to head over to Hoang Su Phi. 

With tall mountains and tranquil valleys as the backdrop, Hong Su Phi rice terraces are among the most beautiful ones that made it to this list. 

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This secluded district is home to twelve indigenous tribes where Nung, La Chi, and Dao tribes have built and preserved this tradition for the past hundreds of years. 

Most of their houses are interspersed around the rice terraces, making the panoramic view of this region even more picturesque and magical.  

To enjoy the best terraces with jaw-dropping views in Hoang Su Phi, you can consider getting to: 

• Ban Luoc
• Ban Phung
• Ho Thau
• Nam Ty

Best Time To Visit Hoang Su Phi Rice Terraces

The best time to visit the fascinating rice terraces in Hoang Su Phi is from September to October when the paddies are ripe and turned into golden colour. 

How To Get To Hoang Su Phi From Hanoi 

Located in Vietnam’s northern region, Hoang Su Phi is about 280 kilometres from Hanoi. 

To get to this peaceful district, first you must reach Ha Giang from Hanoi via a direct bus. This 8-hour bus ride costs about US$15 (342K VND). 

After reaching Ha Giang, you can either board a shuttle bus or rent a motorcycle to get to Hoang Su Phi. 

Alternatively, you can get a private hire or taxi to reach Hoang Su Phi directly. 

5. Mu Cang Chai Rice Terraces

Mu Cang Chai is a rural district with beautiful towering rice terraces in Yen Bai province, making this place a among the highly visited rice paddies in Vietnam.  

This tranquil, remote region is home to several ethnic minorities, such as Hmong, Dao, and Thai—where traditional ways of living and culture are still being practised to this day. 

In Mu Cang Chai, you will get to see an endless view of rice terraces as they cover a whopping 2200 hectares of sloping hills.

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And 500 hectares of these picturesque rice paddies Vietnam were designated as a National Heritage Site of Vietnam in 2007. 

For the best view of pristine rice terraces in Mu Cang Chai, make sure to make your way to:

• La Pan Tan 
• Che Cu Nha
• De Xu 

There are several activities you can do to admire the stunning rice fields landscape of Mu Cang Chai, including trekking, cycling, and joining the farmers for fieldwork. 

Note: This laid-back travel destination is less developed with no obvious trail markings so it is recommended to get a local guide before starting to explore the site. 

For an authentic travel experience, some travellers opt for a homestay tour with the local tribes to learn more about their unique culture and living style around Vietnam rice paddies. 

Best Time To Visit Mu Cang Chai Rice Terraces

The best time to visit Mu Cang Chai rice terraces is from September to October, where the whole mountainous paddies landscape turns to gold colour and is ready to be harvested. 

How To Get To Mu Cang Chai From Hanoi

Mu Cang Chai is located 300 kilometres away from Hanoi in the northwest region. 

Though it seems like Mu Cang Chai is not far from Hanoi, it will take about 7 to 8 hours to reach this rustic district via the dangerous Khau Pha Pass due to its remote location. 

The most convenient and budget way to get to Mu Cang Chai from Hanoi is by direct bus. One-way bus fare typically costs US$9 to US$16 (200K to 350K VND).

Some travellers may choose to board a train from Hanoi to Yen Bai province before boarding a bus to Mu Cang Chai. The total duration for this option is 12 hours and costs up to US$10 (US$3/50K VND for the train ticket and US$7/150K VND for the bus ticket). 

Alternatively, you can always get a private hire or taxi to get to Mu Cang Chai directly for extra comfort. 

6. Y Ty

Rice terraces in Y Ty are also among the most beautiful rice fields in Vietnam. 

Due to its remote location, Y Ty rice terraces are a non-touristy spot. Therefore, if you want to ditch the typical tourist crowd, these mountainous rice fields will be your safest bet.

Located in the high mountainous region of Ban Xat District, Y Ty is becoming the favourite hangout place for photographers who want to capture the breathtaking view of the rice terraces with majestic mountains surrounded by the mesmerising sea of clouds.

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This scenic commune is home to several indigenous tribes, including Hmong, Giay, and Ha Nhi. 

The best way to soak in the beauty of cascading terraces and immerse into the local tribe culture in Y Ty is by joining a guided trekking tour that treks from one village to another. 

You can spend a night or two at the local homestay for a completely authentic experience, besides taking a relaxing break from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Note: Since Y Ty tourism is less developed, it is recommended not to wander around by yourself as there are no visible marked trails or signages. 

Best Time To Visit Y Ty Rice Terraces

The best time to visit Y Ty rice terraces is in September, where the paddies turn into a fascinating golden appearance. 

How To Get To Y Ty From Hanoi

Y Ty is located 360 kilometres away from Hanoi in the most northern region of the country. 

There are no direct buses or trains from Hanoi to Y Ty, so travellers need to get to Lao Cai first before making another transit to Y Ty via shuttle bus or taxi. The whole duration will take about 14 hours. 

Alternatively, you can rent a motorcycle at Lao Cai to get to Y Ty. But this option is only recommended for experienced riders who can manoeuvre the dangerous, windy road of Vietnam calmly. 

7. Tu Le 

The next place that makes it to this Best 12 Vietnam Rice Fields article is none other than Tu Le. 

Tu Le is a small town in Yen Bai Province that makes a great stopover to explore the scenic rice terraces before heading over to Mu Cang Chai. 

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Surrounded by tall mountains, the local farmers in Tu Le plant glutinous rice on the cascading rice terraces instead of the typical white rice that can be found in almost every other terraced rice field.

Nevertheless, the beautiful landscape of Tu Le paddies terraces is equally fascinating especially when you oversee the whole field from higher ground. 

Best Time To Visit Tu Le Rice Terraces

As the rice terraces in Tu Le have only a single crop harvest annually, the best time to visit this quaint town for the spectacular golden terraces view is in September. 

While you are there, make sure to get your hands on the local snack called “Com”—a mouthwatering, aromatic sticky rice dish. 

How To Get To Tu Le From Hanoi

Tu Le is located 240 kilometres away from Hanoi. 

To reach Tu Le from Hanoi, you can board a direct bus for 6 hours. 

Alternatively, you can board a train from Hanoi to Yen Bai before getting on a shuttle bus to reach Tu Le. 

Getting to Tu Le from Hanoi via motorcycle is also a popular option among travellers, provided that the rider is experienced enough to ride along the dangerous pass.

8. Mai Chau

If you want a short relaxing getaway without wandering too far away from Hanoi, Mai Chau will be your best bet. 

Surrounded by lush green ranges of mountains, this hidden valley offers a picturesque landscape of Vietnam rice fields. 

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As the rice paddies are planted on the mountain’s base, travellers can explore the villages and rice fields via cycling or walking tour. 

For hiker enthusiasts, there are several hiking trails up the mountains to enjoy the unobstructed panoramic scenery of the rice fields and peaceful valley.  

As the villagers are predominantly from the Thai ethnic community, you will also get to experience the unique local ways of living and culture of another significant tribe in Vietnam by staying at their stilted home.

Best Time To Visit Mai Chau Rice Fields

There are 2 rice harvest seasons in Mai Chau annually. To enjoy the spectacular golden rice fields scenery, it is best to visit Mai Chau in late May and September. 

How To Get To Mai Chau From Hanoi

Mai Chau is located 140 kilometres away from Vietnam’s capital city. 

Since there is no train connection, the most popular and budget way to get to Mai Chau is by bus service. 

The bus fare for one-way travel is about US$8 to US$14 (180K to 320K VND) and the travel duration is 4 hours. 

Some travellers rent motorcycles to ride to Mai Chau from Hanoi to enjoy the natural splendours along the journey at their pace. 

Note: As usual, this is only recommended for experienced riders with international driving licenses as the mountainous road in Vietnam can be dangerous to pivot at times. 

Or for extra comfort, you can get to Mai Chau directly by taxi or private hire. 

9. Pu Luong

Pu Luong is a must-visit Vietnam rice field—an untouched version of Mai Chau as another popular weekend getaway among city dwellers.

Being a nature reserve, you will get to admire the breathtaking rice fields scenery along with tranquil rainforests, majestic mountains, and a rich collection of flora and fauna. 

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With the buffaloes roaming free on the fields, Pu Luong rice fields are unique in the sense that bamboo water wheels can be seen across the landscape, making the views even more enchanting. 

Note: These water wheels are important to water the rice paddies for them to thrive.

Trekking with a local guide is the recommended activity to witness the pristine beauty of Pu Luong rice fields and natural splendours. 

If trekking is not your thing, you can have a stroll and cycle around the rice paddies while mingling with the locals. 

Best Time To Visit Pu Luong Rice Fields

Pu Luong rice fields have two crop harvests every year. 

Hence, the best time to visit Pu Luong rice fields is in May and September where you will be welcomed with an amazing sight of the golden carpet of rice fields. 

How To Get To Pu Luong From Hanoi

Pu Luong is located 150 kilometres away from Hanoi. 

There are no direct buses to Pu Luong from Hanoi. Therefore, travellers can get to Mai Chau from Hanoi by bus before getting a 90-minute taxi ride from Mai Chau to reach Pu Luong.  

Alternatively, one can get a private hire for a 4.5 hours drive from Hanoi to Pu Luong. 

10. The Mekong Delta

With a region size of 40000 square kilometres in southern Vietnam, there is plenty of spectacular plain rice field scenery in the Mekong Delta. 

Also known as Asia’s Rice Bowl, Mekong Delta rice fields contribute to 70% of the nation’s rice level thanks to the fertile soil and numerous river networks. 

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Mekong Delta is comprised of twelve provinces. Among the top places to be to admire the breathtaking rice paddies views in this delta are:

• An Giang
• Can Tho
• My Tho

You might be surprised to find that there are terraced rice fields in the beautiful An Giang Province of Mekong Delta, where this type of rice paddies are the iconic trademark of the mountainous northern region of Vietnam. 

To soak in the panoramic scenery of terraced rice paddies in An Giang, make sure to hike up to Ta Pa Mountain. 

Another equally impressive mountain in An Giang to hike for the endless sight of rice paddies is Co To Mountain—a popular tourist attraction with tranquil forests, Khmer temples, and local homestays. 

Best Time To Visit The Mekong Delta Rice Fields

The best time to visit the Mekong Delta rice fields is in August, where the rice paddies are turned into a golden colour signalling harvest season. 

Nevertheless, the Mekong Delta rice fields attract tourists all year long so expect to have crowds wherever you go in this lively region. 

How To Get To The Mekong Delta From Hanoi 

The Mekong Delta is located 1900 kilometres from Hanoi. 

As the Mekong Delta is a massive region, you will have to pinpoint which province that you want to visit to better plan your transportation from Hanoi. 

The fastest way is to travel by 2 hour-flight to Can Tho Airport or Ho Chi Minh’s Tan Son Nhat Airport. From there, you will need to get a taxi to reach the Mekong Delta. 

For this option, expect to pay US$30 to US$150 depending on the travel season. 

If you are up for a long, adventurous journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh before eventually reaching the Mekong Delta, you can board a bus or train. 

A typical bus ticket costs at least US$25 and the travel duration is 26 hours. 

For a train ticket, it costs at least US$26 and the travel duration is 32 hours. 

11. Hoi An

Another Vietnamese rice field to visit that makes it to this list is in Hoi An. 

Aside from being the main tourist attraction for historic buildings and local handicrafts, Hoi An is also home to serene rice fields at its town outskirts.  

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The rice fields are very accessible by visitors and over here, you can choose to have a relaxing walk around or cycle along the small path between the paddies. 

Or if you are up for an unforgettable travel experience, ride on a buffalo under the guidance of the local farmers in the paddy field. 

Best Time To Visit Hoi An Rice Fields

Hoi An rice fields have two harvest seasons. Therefore, the best time to visit Hoi An rice fields for the golden paddies scenery is in May and September. 

How To Get To Hoi An From Hanoi

Hoi An is located in Central Vietnam, about 800 kilometres away from Hanoi. 

The fastest way to reach Hoi An from Hanoi is via a 1.5-hour flight to Da Nang before getting a shuttle bus to Hoi An in less than an hour. The flight ticket starts at US$40 (925K VND). 

Travel tip: Make sure to book the flight ticket at least a few weeks in advance for a cheaper price. 

Alternatively, you can choose to board a 17-hour train ride from Hanoi to Hoi An with a ticket price starting at US$37.50 (870K VND).

But if you are travelling on a tight budget, boarding a 17-bus ride for US$15.50 (360K VND) might not seem like a bad idea at all. 

12. Thai Binh

Thai Binh rice fields are another lesser-known but equally sublime rice paddies Vietnam that are worth a visit.

Located along the Red River Delta, the soil of rice fields in Thai Binh is so fertile where the paddies plantation is thriving making this quaint province a major rice producer around the country.

One point that makes Thai Binh a little unique from the rest of the rice fields listed in this article is that no hills or mountains are surrounding these vast rice fields. 

Nevertheless, as the paddies are planted on the plain landscape, one can easily wander around the rice fields to admire the endless green vistas while enjoying the simple tranquillity. 

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Best Time To Visit Thai Binh Rice Fields

The best time to visit Thai Binh rice fields is in January. The paddies will turn into a giant golden carpet that is pleasing to the eyes.  

How To Get To Thai Binh From Hanoi

Thai Binh is located 100 kilometres away from Hanoi. 

The popular way to get to Thai Binh from Hanoi is by a 5-hour bus ride. A typical bus ticket starts at US$4 (80K VND).

Alternatively, you can consider getting a private hire to get to Thai Binh directly. The travel duration is about 2.5 hours and the price starts from US$70 (1.6 million VND).

Best Time Of The Day To See Vietnam Rice Fields

The best time to visit Vietnam rice fields is at sunrise. The rice paddies scenery is exceptionally breathtaking especially at highlands where the early clouds have yet to be dispersed. 

Since some of the rice paddies Vietnam are popular among tourists, you will want to get up early to beat the crowd so you can have a more peaceful “me time” to admire the serene field views. 

The early, soft sunlight ray also makes the rice fields photograph look substantially nicer as compared to late in the afternoon.  

How Is Rice Grown In Vietnam

Most Vietnam rice paddies are grown in the wet rice cultivation method—the fields are flooded with water for optimal growth. 

First, the farmer uses a ploughing machine or animals (mainly buffaloes) to plough the field for rice seeding. 

The rice fields will be filled with water and added with necessary nutrients during the planting season. 

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Within 3 to 4 months, the paddies will ripe and turn into gold colour. The farmer harvest the ripe rice through machinery or using sickles. 

How Much Rice Does Vietnam Produce

Vietnam is one of the top rice-producing and exporting countries in the world. 

For the past ten years, Vietnam’s rice production volume is more than 42 million metric tons. 

Unique Tips You Should Know Before Visiting Vietnam

Currency

For convenience purposes, bring along both US dollars (US$) and Vietnamese Dong (VND) currencies before getting to Vietnam. 

ATM Machine

ATMs are not readily available in all parts of Vietnam, especially in rural regions. So it is recommended to have some cash with you before explore the country.

Transportation

Vietnam’s cities and bigger towns are well connected.

They are accessible via direct public buses and trains, making these transportation modes popular among travellers. 

To get to a rural area, you might need to have several transits before eventually reaching the destination. Expect to spend at least 5 hours on the road. 

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Typhoon

Typhoons are a normal occurrence in Vietnam. The typhoon season typically is from June to November. 

The season usually starts from the northern regions of Vietnam in June until August. From August to November, the typhoon season hits Vietnam’s central and south regions. 

So make sure you check the national weather agency before going out if you travel during this season. 

Tap Water

Tap water in Vietnam is not safe for drinking. To keep your travel budget in check, get this filtered water bottle instead. 

Safety

Vietnam is generally a safe country to visit. However, there are many scams targeting tourists so make sure to do your research before purchasing the items or tours.  

Also, do not keep your belongings unattended and refrain from bringing too much cash with you. Stay low key and be alert with your surroundings. 

Travel Insurance

Make sure you are insured before flying to Vietnam. Get your travel insurance at World Nomads. 

Disclaimer: World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Rice Fields Vietnam Trekking Packing List

Rice fields in Vietnam are best explored through trekking tours. You can enjoy the stunning views of rice paddies while learning the locals’ ways of living and culture. 

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Here are some of the necessary Vietnam rice fields trekking gears that ought to further enhance your safety and travel experience throughout the mesmerising rice fields-hopping journey: 

• Small money notes (VND and USD)
• Reusable water bottle
• Insect repellent
• Sturdy hiking shoes
• Portable charger
• Camera
• Raincoat
• Snacks/Canned food
• Personal medication (if necessary) 

Best 12 Vietnam Rice Fields: Conclusion

So here you go—the best 12 Vietnam rice fields that you need to visit when you are in this captivating Southeast Asia country!

Vietnamese rice fields offer spectacular views and a chance for travellers to immerse and get to know more about its indigenous tribes’ unique culture and traditions, apart from admiring the natural splendours that this beautiful country has while getting to these visually stunning rice fields. 

Let me know in the comment section below if you have been to any of Vietnam’s rice fields, or you would like to share some off-the-beaten-path rice fields in Vietnam that are still hidden under the radar; I would love to hear from you!

Also if you find this rice fields-packed article useful, I would appreciate it if you share it with your friends and family members—sharing is caring!