Hoang Su Phi Overview
One of the most impressive images of Vietnam in the heads of foreign travelers is that Halong Bay or golden yellow terrace rice fields. Though this might be very common image throughout Vietnam, there is no better spot to see this kind of scenery than Hoang Su Phi, renowned for the incredible amount of rice produced there every year, with truly amazing vistas of green and gold if you visit at the right period of year. The area is home to the H’mong, Nung and Dao ethnic communities, and you are able to visit many different villages here.
The best time to visit Hoang Su Phi is in September to October every year, at which time the rice fields will be almost ready for harvest and a deep golden brown, or in March, which is planting season and the rice fields will be a beautiful verdant green. The rice fields are of course beautiful year round, but it is at this time that their beauty reaches the maximum levels.
There are three areas in Hoang Su Phi where the rice fields are especially amazing. First, In the far north of the district is a area around Phung Village, close to the border with China.
Next is the area around Ban Luoc Village, home of Dao community. This is the largest of the three collections of terrace rice fields.
The third area is in the southeast of the district, and surrounds the Nam Ty and Thong Nguyen villages. Near this area is also Phin Ho Village, which is most famous for tea production, take care and preserve several centuries old tea trees in the village, the oldest said to be over 400 years old!
End of the district, in the north-eastern reaches, lies the tallest mountain in Ha Giang province; Tay Con Linh mountain. Rising to a height of 2427 meters above sea level, it is slightly shorter than Fansipan mountain in Sapa, but the trek to the summit is more challenging, making it a better mountain for experienced climbers and travellers looking for a physical challenge.