The rice ripe season is considered the best time to visit Sapa and check-in amidst the romantic and vast landscapes of golden rice fields. Traveling to Sapa during the ripe rice season is a valuable experience you should keep in mind if you’re planning a wandering journey to enjoy the alluring beauty of Northwest Vietnam in the upcoming autumn days.
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When Does the Ripe Rice Season Start in Sapa?
According to the experiences of avid travelers, Sapa only has one ripe rice season each year. Typically, the local residents in Sapa start planting rice in May, and by July, the rice fields begin to grow lush and green. The ripe rice season usually starts from late August to October. According to the local residents, different areas in Sapa have different rice ripening times, and the timing can vary from year to year.
Therefore, the ideal time to capture the ripe rice fields is between August and October each year. During this period, the terraced fields of the Northwest will turn into a captivating golden hue across the village hillsides. It’s also the best time for you to check-in and capture stunning photos with the ripe rice. A valuable tip for your Sapa ripe rice season check-in is to research and refer to reviews from local travel groups a few days before your trip to ensure you catch the most vibrant golden moments.
Read more articles about the tourist season in Sapa: When should I travel to Sapa, which month, and for how many days?
Weather during the Ripe Rice Season in Sapa
The weather in Sapa during the ripe rice season is favorable for excursions, with beautiful, sunny days. Sudden rain showers usually occur in the evening. The temperature in Sapa during the ripe rice season ranges from 23 to 25 degrees Celsius during the day, making it pleasantly cool. At night, the temperature drops to around 15-17 degrees Celsius, so it can be chilly.
In general, the travel experience during the Sapa ripe rice season suggests that you should bring a jacket to keep warm in the mornings and evenings, especially when moving around to capture the ripe rice fields.
Preparing for Ripe Rice in Sapa
Booking Accommodation in Sapa
The ripe rice season in Sapa is highly anticipated and is the peak tourist season, so if you plan to visit during this wonderful time, it’s advisable to book your accommodation as early as possible. To secure a stay in beautiful hotels, dreamlike homestays, especially those with the best views of the rice fields, booking in advance is essential.
Some accommodations you can consider are Hôtel de la Coupole – MGallery, Silk Path Grand, Topas Ecolodge, Sapa Jade Hill, homestays in Cat Cat, Lao Chai, Ta Van,..
Beautiful resorts with terraced rice field views include:
- Topas Ecolodge
- Eco Palms House – Sapa Retreat
- Le Champ Tú Lệ Resort
- Hoang Su Phi Lodge
- Puluong Retreat
Booking Transportation Tickets in Advance
Similar to accommodations, transportation tickets to Sapa during the ripe rice season are often in high demand, so it’s best to book your tickets well in advance to secure good seats and your preferred travel time. There are several bus companies that serve the Hanoi to Sapa route, providing you with various options. Some of the bus companies you can consider are Inter Bus, Fansipang express, Ha Son Hai Van, Sapa Express, Green Bus, and more.
Additionally, VnCarRentals.com is a car rental service with drivers in Hanoi. Their professional and safe drivers, with basic English skills, can help you travel from Hanoi to Sapa for the ripe rice season. With a private car rental service, you can be picked up anywhere in Hanoi, save time, and have the flexibility to make stops along the way. Book your private car rental from Hanoi to Sapa today.
Prepare Instagram-worthy Outfits
The beauty of Sapa during the ripe rice season is breathtaking, and you’ll definitely want to capture stunning photos. Therefore, preparing Instagram-worthy outfits is essential. When choosing your travel attire for Sapa during the ripe rice season, avoid wearing too much yellow as you may blend in with the golden rice fields. Instead, prioritize vibrant colors like red, white, green, and brown.
Maxi dresses, princess-like flowing dresses, or traditional attire worn by the local ethnic people make excellent outfit choices to stand out. Don’t forget to bring a wide-brimmed hat, comfortable and easy-to-walk-in shoes, sunscreen, stylish hats, and a tripod for your Instagram-worthy shots.
Beautiful Rice Harvesting Spots in Sapa
Sapa offers numerous beautiful spots for ripe rice, and your choice of location may depend on your accommodation and preferences. Below are some of the most stunning spots according to the experiences of travel enthusiasts and local residents during Sapa’s ripe rice season.
Muong Hoa Valley
This valley is already a renowned tourist destination in Sapa, located 10 km from the town center. Here, you can not only admire the golden terraced rice fields during the ripe rice season but also enjoy the vibrant display of various flowers throughout the area. From Muong Hoa Valley, you can witness the uninterrupted stretches of ripe golden terraced fields, creating a mesmerizing and breathtaking sight. This is undoubtedly the most beautiful spot to harvest ripe rice in Sapa.
Ta Phin Village
Ta Phin Village is situated 12 km from the Sapa town center and is known for having many terraced fields, making it an ideal spot for rice harvesting and immersing yourself in the pristine and tranquil beauty that is hard to find elsewhere. While the terraced fields in Ta Phin may not be as high as others, the rolling hills and small houses with their shimmering golden hues create a serene and picturesque landscape that will surely captivate you.
Lao Chai Village
Although not located in the town center, Lao Chai Village still attracts tourists every ripe rice season. It is 8 km from the town center and is nestled in the valley of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and the Dragon Jaw Mountain. From a higher vantage point, you can marvel at the exquisite terraced fields embracing the small village. This is also the most picturesque spot for admiring the golden rice in Sapa.
Y Linh Ho Village
This spot for admiring the golden rice in Sapa is only 10 km from the town center and is on the way from the town to Ta Van and Lao Chai villages. It is also famous for its seductive and untouched natural beauty. During the ripe rice season, the village adorns itself with a new and enchanting outfit of interwoven golden rice fields, creating a captivating and mesmerizing picture.
Cat Cat Village
Cat Cat Village is the closest spot for admiring the golden rice in Sapa to the town center and is a familiar tourist destination for many. Located at an altitude of 1500m above sea level, it is right next to the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, featuring the picturesque scenery of traditional Hmong houses. When you visit Cat Cat during the ripe rice season, you’ll witness the vibrant golden fields amidst the stunning backdrop of traditional houses and streams. Additionally, if you don’t have suitable clothing for Instagram-worthy photos, you can rent a variety of beautiful outfits here.
In addition to the above-mentioned spots, other locations to check out during your Sapa rice harvest season trip include the ancient rocks, Hau Thao commune, and Y Ty village.
Enjoying Sapa’s Specialties During the ripe Rice Season
There are countless enticing specialties for you to savor when traveling to Sapa during the ripe rice season. Some of the most characteristic and delicious dishes you can consider are salmon hotpot, sturgeon fish, Sapa black chicken, smoked pork, “thắng cố” (a local dish), skewers, multicolored sticky rice, rolled vegetables, bamboo-cooked rice, and more.
Here are some famous culinary addresses for you to check-in and indulge in Sapa’s specialties, such as A Quynh “thắng cố” restaurant on Thach Son Street, Ong Ha’s “phở cốn sủi” (a local noodle dish) at 468 Dien Bien Phu Street, Mị Nướng restaurant on Dien Bien Phu Street, the Hotpot Center for salmon hotpot on Xuan Vien Street, or Tuk Tuk chicken shop at 39 Dien Bien Phu Street.
It’s only when you visit Sapa during the ripe rice season that you can fully experience the enchanting beauty of this land. The golden season in Sapa is approaching, so if you want to capture extraordinary photos amidst the golden rice fields, it’s time to update your knowledge on traveling to Sapa during the ripe rice season and book your tickets right away.
