In Vietnam’s northern mountains, terraced rice fields transform into a golden stairway to heaven each autumn. Ethnic minority groups, who have cultivated these fields for centuries, demonstrate their ingenuity and resilience. These fields stand as a testament to human mastery over nature.
Countries across Asia, including Vietnam, are known for their terraced rice fields, particularly suited to highland regions. Vietnam boasts some of the most beautiful terraced fields, especially in Mu Cang Chai (Yen Bai), Hoang Su Phi (Ha Giang), and Sapa (Lao Cai). These places frequently earn recognition from international media and serve as a source of pride for the Vietnamese people. Here, nature harmonizes with the hardworking spirit and skillful hands of the locals.
The History of Vietnam’s Terraced Rice Fields: A Testament to Human Ingenuity
Researchers trace the origins of terraced fields in Vietnam’s northern highlands to around 500 years ago. During this period, ethnic minority groups gradually shifted from a nomadic lifestyle to settled villages. Consequently, they chose locations with favorable farming conditions. These areas were often near water sources, such as valleys and streams. These locations provided better yields and also reduced soil erosion.
Initially, communities built small rice plots. However, as their needs expanded, they constructed larger embankments to create more terraced fields. Over time, farmers further refined their methods, extending these fields to steeper slopes and higher mountains. As a result, these terraces allowed for more efficient rice cultivation while protecting the soil.
Farmers noticed that rice thrived in areas with abundant water and stable soil, prompting them to develop more intricate terraced systems. These systems increased rice production and ensured long-term sustainability. By planning carefully and understanding the land, these communities thrived for generations, passing down their knowledge and techniques, preserving a unique way of life in the northern highlands.
How Vietnam’s Terraced Rice Fields Are Constructed: The Art of Cultivating on the Mountains
In Vietnam’s northern highlands, farmers skillfully blend engineering and artistry to create terraced rice fields. They choose slopes with natural water sources essential for rice cultivation and transform steep hillsides into productive fields.
Using simple tools, farmers create embankments, or “walls to hold water,” along the hill contours. They space each terrace about 1 to 1.5 meters apart, allowing water to flow evenly. Building a terrace takes days, and farmers continuously maintain them to prevent erosion.
These terraces symbolize the creativity and resilience of ethnic minority communities. More than just rice fields, they reflect human ingenuity and a deep connection to nature, shaped by those who have lived harmoniously with these mountains for generations.
The Golden Rice Season in Vietnam’s Northern Highlands
By September, the golden rice season draws visitors to Vietnam’s northern highlands. Travelers navigate winding roads, viewing the terraced fields as both a challenge and a reward. Khau Pass (Yen Bai) becomes a gateway for thousands of visitors heading to high communes in the Mu Cang Chai district, known for terraced fields like La Pan Tan, De Su Phinh, and Che Cu Nha. At the foot of the pass, hundreds of paragliders from Vietnam and abroad participate in the “Flying Over the Golden Fields” festival, soaring above the golden terraces.
Sapa’s terraced fields also turn golden in the fall, attracting tourists and athletes alike. Thousands join marathons winding through the terraces and peaceful H’mong villages. The soft, smooth curves of the terraced fields in Hoang Su Phi add to the splendor of Vietnam’s northern mountains during the golden season. These majestic landscapes, with golden steps stretching to the heavens, capture the essence of nature and the pure souls of the local people.
Visitors exploring these upland regions during harvest season leave with unforgettable memories, forever enchanted by the beauty of Vietnam’s terraced rice fields—a true stairway to heaven.
