Hoang Su Phi Rice Season Ha Giang Tuyen Quang: Eco-Tours & Cultural Guide

A Golden Tapestry of Terraced Fields

Hoang Su Phi’s rice season, peaking in September and October, transforms Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang Province, into a breathtaking canvas of golden terraced fields, drawing over 100,000 visitors annually. Located 130 km northeast of Tuyen Quang City and 290 km from Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, this UNESCO-recognized cultural landscape within the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark features cascading rice terraces in villages like Ban Luoc and Ban Phung. With no entry fee, it offers a vibrant blend of natural beauty and ethnic traditions, set in a mild highland climate (dry season: November–April, 10–22°C or 50–71.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 18–28°C or 64.4–82.4°F).

Home to Nung, Dao, and La Chi communities, Hoang Su Phi’s rice season celebrates the harvest with new rice festivals and traditional dishes like scented sticky rice. Sustainable practices, such as organic farming, local-guided tours, and biodegradable market stalls, align with Tuyen Quang’s “Green Highlands” initiative. Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours guide you through this golden spectacle, ensuring an eco-friendly, cultural journey. Book via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!

Administrative Update

Vietnam’s administrative restructuring merged Ha Giang Province into Tuyen Quang Province, reclassifying Ha Giang and Dong Van as wards under Tuyen Quang. Hoang Su Phi retains its fame under “Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang,” with updated maps simplifying navigation to its terraced fields.

Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering eco-friendly tours in Tuyen Quang tailored for nature and culture lovers. Our low-impact tours use electric vans or bicycles, led by English-speaking local guides sharing Dao and Nung traditions, terrace ecology, and green practices. Supporting ethnic communities, we align with Tuyen Quang’s sustainability goals. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, planning is effortless. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and immerse in Hoang Su Phi’s rice season responsibly!

In Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, Hoang Su Phi’s rice season transforms terraced fields into golden waves, a testament to centuries of labor by Nung, Dao, and La Chi farmers. These UNESCO-recognized terraces, particularly in Ban Luoc and Ban Phung, weave through mountains, forests, and streams, creating a poetic landscape. The season, peaking mid-September to October, coincides with the new rice festival, where locals celebrate with sticky rice and traditional dances. Sustainable practices, including organic cultivation and waste recycling, preserve this cultural and environmental treasure, making Hoang Su Phi a vibrant destination 290 km from Hanoi.

These eco-friendly activities, costing $0–$10, blend culture and nature:

1. Explore Terraced Fields

Walk through golden rice terraces in Ban Luoc, best at 7:00 AM, free, with guided tours at $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND) to learn about Dao farming.

• Cost: Free; guided tours $3–$5.

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Stick to paths; respect crops.

• Tip: Visit mid-September for peak gold; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hoang Su Phi Nature Tour ($70–$100).

2. Join the New Rice Festival

Celebrate the harvest with locals, best in late September at 6:00 PM, free, enjoying sticky rice and La Chi dances ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND for food).

• Cost: Free; food $1–$2.

• Hours: Evening, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use biodegradable plates; support village vendors.

• Tip: Try scented rice; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hoang Su Phi Cultural Tour ($60–$90).

3. Photograph Rice Terraces

Capture the terraces’ beauty, best at 6:00 AM, free, with guided photo tours at $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND) for optimal angles.

• Cost: Free; photo tours $3–$5.

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Stay on designated paths; avoid trampling fields.

• Tip: Use a 50–200mm lens; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hoang Su Phi Nature Tour ($70–$100).

4. Visit Nung and Dao Villages

Explore Ban Phung villages, best at 10:00 AM, with guided tours at $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND), learning crafts and tasting “rượu cần” (rice wine, $1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND).

• Cost: Free; tours/food $1–$5.

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Support local artisans; use reusable bottles.

• Tip: Buy handmade textiles ($3–$10); included in Legend Travel Group’s Hoang Su Phi Cultural Tour ($60–$90).

5. Stay in a Dao Homestay

Overnight in a Dao stilt house, best booked for 5:00 PM, for $12–$20 (300,000–500,000 VND), enjoying new rice dishes and folk tales.

• Cost: $12–$20.

• Hours: Check-in 2:00 PM; check-out 11:00 AM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Supports Dao families; uses solar energy.

• Tip: Book via Legend Travel Group for cultural activities; included in Hoang Su Phi Overnight Eco-Tour ($100–$150).

Visit in September to October for the golden rice harvest (18–28°C or 64.4–82.4°F), ideal for photography and festivals, with vibrant fields and mild weather. Expect 500–1,000 visitors daily, peaking at 2,000+ during weekends or the new rice festival. Early mornings (6:00–9:00 AM) offer soft light for photos, while evenings (6:00–9:00 PM) suit cultural events. Outside the rice season, November to April provides dry, cool conditions (10–22°C or 50–71.6°F) for exploring Ha Giang’s other attractions.

Hoang Su Phi, in Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, is 290 km from Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, reachable in 6–7 hours:

• By Private Car: Drive 6 hours via Highway 2, costing $80–$120 (2,000,000–3,000,000 VND) round-trip for 4 people. Book via Legend Travel Group.

• By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): Eco-friendly VinFast taxis, 6–6.5 hours, $70–$100 (1,750,000–2,500,000 VND) one-way; $140–$200 (3,500,000–5,000,000 VND) round-trip. Use Xanh SM app.

• By Private Motorcycle: Ride via Highway 2C, 6–7 hours, $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND) fuel; rental $8–$15/day (200,000–375,000 VND). Helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).

• By Public Bus: Bus from My Dinh to Tuyen Quang City (3 hours, $5 or 125,000 VND), then Ha Giang to Hoang Su Phi (3–3.5 hours, $7–$10 or 175,000–250,000 VND), totaling $24–$30 (600,000–750,000 VND) round-trip.

• By Private Tour Bus (Legend Travel Group): Group bus from Hanoi, 6 hours, $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND)/person for 15+ people, including guide.

• From Noi Bai Airport: Private car ($100–$140 or 2,500,000–3,500,000 VND, 7–7.5 hours, 310 km); Xanh SM taxi ($90–$120 or 2,250,000–3,000,000 VND); or Airport Bus No. 86 to Hanoi ($1.40 or 35,000 VND, 50–60 min) + private car ($80–$100 or 2,000,000–2,500,000 VND). Navigation Tip: Save “Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow signs from Bac Quang. Parking: $0.80–$1.50 (20,000–37,500 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Xanh SM taxis or group buses reduce emissions; avoid off-road biking.

• Safety: Wear helmets on motorcycles; secure valuables. Confirm fares for taxis/buses.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable visit:

• Clothing: Light layers, sturdy trekking shoes; waterproof jacket ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND) for rainy season; hat for sun protection.

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses.

• Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), mosquito repellent ($0.50 or 12,500 VND), hand sanitizer ($0.50).

• Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/Xanh SM apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).

• Outdoor Gear: Small backpack, camera for terrace shots, binoculars for distant fields.

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for market buys ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.

• Extras: Snacks for treks; cash for small vendors.
  Tip: Carry small VND notes for tours ($3–$5), food ($1–$2), or crafts ($3–$10); secure valuables during festivals.

Costs for Visiting Hoang Su Phi Rice Season

Entry and Activity Fees

• Entry: Free.

• Guided Terrace/Photo Tours: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND).

• Festival Food (e.g., Sticky Rice): $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Drinks (Water, Rice Wine): $0.30–$2 (7,000–50,000 VND).

• Souvenirs (e.g., Dao Textiles): $3–$10 (75,000–250,000 VND).

• Homestay: $12–$20/night (300,000–500,000 VND).

• Guided Eco-Tour: $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND).

Transportation (Round-Trip, from Hanoi)

• Private Car: $80–$120 (2,000,000–3,000,000 VND).

• Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $140–$200 (3,500,000–5,000,000 VND).

• Private Motorcycle: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND) fuel; rental $8–$15/day.

• Public Bus: $24–$30 (600,000–750,000 VND).

• Private Tour Bus: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND)/person.

• Airport to Hoang Su Phi: $100–$140 (2,500,000–3,500,000 VND).

• Parking: $0.80–$1.50 (20,000–37,500 VND).

• SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $10–$20 (bus, food, free entry).

• Mid-range: $30–$60 (private car, tours, homestay).

• Luxury: $80–$120 (Xanh SM taxi, guided tour, homestay).
  Tip: Budget for tours ($3–$5), food ($1–$2), and transport ($20–$200); carry cash for vendors (no cards accepted).

• Timing: Visit mid-September to October for golden terraces (6:00–9:00 AM for photos; 6:00–9:00 PM for festivals). Weekdays for fewer crowds (500–1,000 vs. 2,000+ on weekends). Avoid Tet for quieter visits.

• Booking: No entry tickets needed; reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead for guided visits or homestays. Book activities in Bac Quang.

• Sustainability: Stay on paths to protect terraces; bring reusable bottles. Support Dao vendors for food ($1–$2) or crafts ($3–$10).

• Navigation: Save “Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang” in offline maps; ask locals in Bac Quang for directions. Avoid night rides on rural roads.

• Safety: Wear sturdy shoes on terraces; secure valuables in crowds. Confirm fares for taxis/buses; carry a flashlight for evening events.

• Weather: September–October needs rain gear ($3–$7) and waterproof bags ($3–$7). Check AccuWeather.

• Cultural Respect: Dress modestly in villages (cover shoulders/knees); say “xin chào” to locals. Respect crops; avoid loud talking during festivals.

• Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50); carry mosquito repellent and hand sanitizer.

Our eco-friendly tours showcase Hoang Su Phi’s rice season and Ha Giang’s cultural wonders:

• Hoang Su Phi Cultural Tour ($60–$90/person, 1 day): Private car to Ban Luoc, terrace walks, new rice festival, and Dao lunch ($1–$2). Includes guide, transport.

• Hoang Su Phi Nature Tour ($70–$100/person, 2 days): Hoang Su Phi terraces, Ban Phung village, Dao homestay ($12–$20/night). Includes meals, guide.

• Tuyen Quang & Cao Bang Immersion ($300–$450/person, 4 days): Hoang Su Phi, Ban Gioc Waterfall, ethnic homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!

Hoang Su Phi District in Ha Giang Region, Tuyen Quang Province, located 290 km from Hanoi, captivates over 100,000 visitors yearly with its golden rice terraces during the rice season (September–October), offering free entry to this natural spectacle. From Ban Luoc’s vibrant harvest festivals to Dao homestays ($10–$20/night, 250,000–500,000 VND), its cultural and natural splendor shines, supported by sustainable practices like organic farming and community-led tourism. Legend Travel Group’s Ha Giang Tours guide you through this golden landscape, ensuring a green, immersive Ha Giang Travel experience with activities like photographing terraces, tasting new rice, and visiting Thong Nguyen Village. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to experience Hoang Su Phi’s rice season in Ha Giang Province? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable cultural adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bui, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources:

• Hoang Su Phi Rice Season Information: By Tony Bui at Legend Travel Group