Heart-touching scene in Mu Cang Chai during flood season

Every year, around the beginning of summer (May to June), when the first rains of the season fall, the people of Mu Cang Chai ( Yen Bai ) begin to lead water from the streams above to the fields. This is the beginning of the new crop season and also the time when Mu Cang Chai enters the water pouring season - the season of labor, of reproduction and also the season that makes the landscape here unique.

Water from the high mountains flows through each terraced field, covering it with a layer of sparkling mirror under the sunlight. The brown color of the soil blends with the green color of the trees, the sound of trickling water blends with the labor of the local people, creating a picture that is both lively and peaceful.

In the morning, a light mist covers the fields; at noon, the sunlight reflects a brilliant light on the water; in the evening, the shadows of workers are reflected on the water – all creating moments that are both ordinary and profound.

Visitors to Mu Cang Chai this season can also experience agricultural production activities with the locals such as building embankments, planting rice seedlings, or simply walking along the trails to feel the slow pace of life in the highlands.

According to Giang A Chay, a local and tour guide, compared to tourists, the flooding season in Mu Cang Chai attracts photographers more.

According to Giang A Chay, a local and tour guide, compared to tourists , the flooding season in Mu Cang Chai attracts photographers more. "This season, photographers often come here to capture natural moments, less crowded and full of highland character," A Chay shared.

The weather during the flood season is also quite pleasant, with light sunshine in the morning and noon, and frequent showers in the afternoon. Visitors should plan their travel and sightseeing in the morning for a more convenient experience.

Places like La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha and De Xu Phinh are considered to have the widest, highest and most beautiful terraced fields in Mu Cang Chai. This is the result of the labor and creativity of the Mong people over many generations, from choosing the location, shaping the fields to water retention and anti-erosion techniques.

The rice fields not only serve production but also become a characteristic landscape of the Northwest highlands.

When coming to Mu Cang Chai, visitors should pay attention to preserving the landscape, respecting the living space of the people, not entering the fields without permission and limiting noise in the village. Preparing non-slip shoes, light clothes and proactively booking accommodation early are necessary things to have a complete and safe journey to explore the flooding season.

The water pouring season is not as brilliant as the ripe rice season, not as bustling as the festival season, but it brings a pure and peaceful beauty.

In addition to Mu Cang Chai, the flood season is also clearly present in many other highland areas of the Northwest such as Hoang Su Phi (Ha Giang), Y Ty, Sa Pa and Bat Xat (Lao Cai). Each place has its own unique features, but the biggest thing these localities have in common is the rustic, vibrant beauty that the flood season brings.