Golden season on Bac Yen highlands

At the end of autumn, when the weather starts to cool, the highlands of Bac Yen seem to be adorned with gold on the mountainsides and in the valleys, thanks to the ripe rice fields signaling wealth and peace for the local Mong ethnic people. This is also a perfect time for adventure seekers and photographers to visit and contemplate the local beauty.

 

Rice is ripening on terraced fields across the highland communes of Bac Yen.

From the centre of Bac Yen district, navigating the winding sections along provincial road 112 up to the highland communes of Ta Xua, Hang Dong, Lang Cheu, Xim Vang, and Hang Chu, we will feel the aroma of fresh rice wafts in the breeze. From above, the enchanting landscape of Bac Yen captivates like never before.

On the high hills, the terraced rice fields slowly reveal their golden hues through a thin mist, resembling vast, soft layers that wrap around the hamlets and small houses nestled on the slopes. The colourful dresses of Mong women are hung on the fences. The fresh morning air, blended with the scent of ripe rice and the stunning scenery of the highland villages, helps anyone forget the fatigue from the long journey.

Terraced fields in Xim Vang hamlet, Xim Vang commune.

Recently, the beautiful terraced rice fields in Xim Vang commune have gained fame on travel forums and among photographers. For nearly a month, various “check-in” spots here have been bustling with visitors. Not an arrangement, the combination of the rice fields and the villages creates a striking portrait of the highlands. A small hut a few square meters in size nearby has become the best viewpoint in the area. Tourists marvel at the scenery and quickly capture moments standing before the breathtaking view.

Visitors capture beautiful moments at the ripe rice fields.
The golden rice fields create a picturesque scenery.

The beauty of the terraced rice fields at the end of autumn draws us from one village to another, all the way to Hang Chu commune, then back to Lang Cheu, Ta Xua, and Hang Dong. For visitors, ripe rice fields offer a beauty they wish to cherish. For the Mong people on the highlands, the harvest season is the busiest and happiest time of the year.

Farmers in the highland communes of Bac Yen harvest rice.

During the harvest season, even before dawn, locals gather in the fields. Taking advantage of the favourable weather, villagers help each other with the harvest to ensure timely collection of rice. Throughout the rice fields, the sound of threshing machines blends with laughter and conversations about hearty meals, new clothes for children going to school, and the joyful calls of children echoing through the skies.

Many families invest in machinery to support production.

The golden season on the highlands of Bac Yen comes only once a year, bringing hope for a wealthy and happy life to the local people, who are hardworking, kind-hearted, and hospitable. All of these harmonise in the rhythm of daily life during the harvest season - busy yet unhurried, leaving beautiful and pure emotions in the hearts of everyone.

The poetic scenery of terraced rice fields in Lang Cheu commune.

Visiting the highlands of Bac Yen offers wonderful experiences with loved ones amid the golden rice fields nestled between majestic mountains, enjoying the white waterfalls, and savoring the fragrant son tra (hawthorn berry) fruits.

Comment

You have 500/500 characters left

Please enter 5 or more characters!!!

Maybe you are interested

Recent news

  • 'Naval officers help raise sea and island awareness in Thuan Chau

    Naval officers help raise sea and island awareness in Thuan Chau

    SOCIETY -
    The Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation Board of the Son La provincial Party Committee, in coordination with Brigade 126 of the Vietnam People’s Navy, held awareness-raising sessions on maritime and island affairs and mobilising resources for the navy in 2026 at Thuan Chau High School and Thuan Chau commune on March 20.
  • 'Workshop seeks ways to boost agricultural production

    Workshop seeks ways to boost agricultural production

    SOCIETY -
    The Son La Department of Agriculture and Environment on March 20 held a policy consultation workshop on supporting production under the national target programmes for the 2026–2030 period. Participants included experts, scientists, representatives from provincial departments, 16 communes and wards, and 20 agricultural enterprises and cooperatives in the province.
  • 'Meeting looks into progress of Hoa Binh – Moc Chau expressway, preparation for CT.03 expressway

    Meeting looks into progress of Hoa Binh – Moc Chau expressway, preparation for CT.03 expressway

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Dinh Viet chaired a meeting on March 20 to review the progress of the Hoa Binh – Moc Chau expressway project, particularly the section passing through Son La province, and to discuss preparations for investment in the CT.03 expressway (Moc Chau – Son La – Dien Bien border section).
  • 'List of 55 elected provincial People’s Council deputies for 2026-2031 term announced

    List of 55 elected provincial People’s Council deputies for 2026-2031 term announced

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    Nguyen Dinh Viet, Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, and Chairman of the provincial Election Committee, together with Cha A Cua, Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, and Standing Vice Chairman of the provincial Election Committee, on March 19 co-chaired a conference to announce the election results and the list of 55 elected deputies to the provincial People’s Council for the 2026–2031 term.
  • 'Son La aims to expand social, health, unemployment insurance coverage in 2026

    Son La aims to expand social, health, unemployment insurance coverage in 2026

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    Dao Viet Anh, Deputy Director of Vietnam Social Security, and Nguyen Minh Tien, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee and standing deputy head of the steering committee for expanding social, health and unemployment insurance coverage in Son La, on March 19 co-chaired a conference reviewing the committee’s 2025 performance, assigning targets and signing commitments to boost insurance participation in 2026. The meeting was held online and connected to commune- and ward-level venues.
  • 'Son La focuses on implementing resettlement, disaster recovery projects

    Son La focuses on implementing resettlement, disaster recovery projects

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Minh Tien on March 16 chaired a meeting to assess the implementation of resettlement and disaster recovery projects funded by the Government’s 2024 contingency budget, and to discuss solutions to accelerate the progress of projects in 2025. The meeting was held in a hybrid format, combining in-person attendance with online connections to communes and wards.
  • 'Measures sought to remove obstacles for Heritage Village project in Van Ho

    Measures sought to remove obstacles for Heritage Village project in Van Ho

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    Standing Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Ha Trung Chien on March 17 chaired a working session with provincial departments and agencies to discuss adjustments to the investment policy for the Heritage Village ecotourism and resort project in Van Ho commune. The meeting, connected online with Van Ho authorities, was attended by leaders of provincial departments and representatives of Vinahure–IDC Joint Venture Co., Ltd.
  • 'Provincial Party officials work with Muong Chanh, Chieng Mai, Chieng Mung, Ta Hoc, Chieng Sung, and Mai Son communes

    Provincial Party officials work with Muong Chanh, Chieng Mai, Chieng Mung, Ta Hoc, Chieng Sung, and Mai Son communes

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    Hoang Van Nghiem, member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, head of the provincial delegation of National Assembly deputies; Lo Minh Hung, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the provincial People’s Council; Nguyen Dinh Viet, Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, along with a working delegation, visited and held a working session with the Standing Boards of the Party Committees of Muong Chanh, Chieng Mai, Chieng Mung, Ta Hoc, Chieng Sung, and Mai Son communes on March 17.
Load more