Hoàng Dưỡng•11/11/2025
The most beautiful time of year in Northwest Vietnam is when entire mountain slopes are covered in a golden hue for about half a month, before the harvest. From the beginning of the month, patches of gold appear in the fields, interspersed with lush green. This change in color, along with the cool air, attracts crowds to the highland villages, creating a bustling atmosphere during the tourist season.
Mu Cang Chai during the rice harvest season also attracts tourists with its iconic landmarks. The most prominent is the Mam Xoi Hill in Cao Son commune – a familiar check-in spot. Less well-known is the "smaller Mam Xoi Hill," quieter and more suitable for tourists who prefer taking photos in a private setting.
The terraced rice fields here have a very unique shape, stretching across the mountain slopes with gentle curves rarely found anywhere else. Under the warm autumn sun, layers of clouds drift by like shimmering light, warming the wild and romantic mountain landscape. Sunrise and sunset are the two most beautiful times to admire and capture the golden season.
The most impressive spots are the Raspberry Hill and the Horseshoe Hill. From above, the terraced rice fields, layered and winding like a painting, are even more stunning when the rice turns a golden yellow. If I had to choose a time, I prefer the morning from around 6:30 to 10:30 – the sunlight is still soft, creating a clear and bright picture. In the afternoon, from around 4:30 to 5:30, as the sun sets, the golden rice blends with the sky, giving the scenery depth and romance.
These destinations not only attract photographers, but also excite travel enthusiasts who want to see them firsthand and capture unforgettable, vibrant moments.
Photo: Hoang Duong
