An Giang rice fields 'gilded' in harvest season

In late November and early December, when the Ta Pa fields were ready for harvest, photographer Tran Duc Hoang returned to An Giang to witness the "golden season" of the West. He had just moved from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City to live and work, and this was the first time he had seen a vast space as golden as honey. Early morning, with the gentle sunlight shining obliquely, was the most beautiful moment of the fields.

An Giang is one of the key rice-growing provinces in the Mekong Delta with many large rice fields connected together at the foot of To Mountain and Ta Pa Hill. He said that local people planted tall palm trees interspersed on the small paths of the rice fields, highlighting the unique beauty of Tri Ton land. The total area of Ta Pa rice fields is nearly 1,200 hectares.

The rice fields turn yellow very quickly. Coming in early November, visitors can see green patches of milky rice, but after only a few weeks, the yellow color has dyed the entire field. The farming practice of farmers here is to grow rice in seasons and concentrate in adjacent plots, stretching to the foot of the mountain. When the rice ripens simultaneously, it accidentally creates a beautiful scene. The brown rice fields are the stubble after harvesting.

Over 75% of the Khmer people here live on agriculture , including rice cultivation. Poorer households harvest and thresh rice by hand, while wealthier households drive harvesters to increase productivity. During the busiest season of the year, they wake up at 3-4am, wearing faded long-sleeved shirts, some bulldozing the fields to guide the machines in, others standing behind using bags to catch each golden grain of rice before the sun gets too hot. For Hoang, there is nothing more enjoyable than leisurely strolling through the fields in the early morning to take photos and experience the rhythm of life of the workers.

After harvesting, each full bag of rice is tied tightly, brought home and spread out on a plastic sheet or in the yard, dried for 1-2 days to reduce humidity before selling to traders. From dawn, the farmers work tirelessly until the sun is almost at its zenith. Dozens and then hundreds of bags of rice are transported in batches.

Dry straw is braided into rolls and used as animal feed, covering the roots of crops, and as fuel... Coming to An Giang this season, it is not difficult to see trucks full of straw running on small roads.

Tourists who like to experience can climb and camp on To mountain and stand at the high point of Vo Hoi to observe the whole view of the mountain shadow falling on Ta Pa field and hear the wind blowing through the remaining rice. The wind blowing from Ta Pa lake also carries the sweet scent of ripe rice.

"Ta Pa in the harvest season is not only beautiful, but also carries the rustic, gentle spirit and full of the working vitality of the Seven Mountains region," Hoang said. Despite their sweaty shirts and the constant intensity of their work, the farmers still smile and chat animatedly.

Tri Ton commune has great potential for tourism development, thanks to its geographical location, Khmer culture, history, and scenic spots, including Ta Pa fields that attract visitors every harvest season. The Department of Tourism of An Giang province and local authorities have focused on planning and embellishing tourist spots and routes based on exploiting the potential of spiritual and ecological tourism, coordinating with tourism businesses to organize tours, tourist routes, and new products. At the same time, implementing the project of transport infrastructure linking Ta Pa tourism - Soai Chek lake.

A scenic highlight is the famous Khmer Ta Pa Pagoda located on a high hill. From the pagoda yard, visitors can easily see the entire field. The space here is quiet, suitable for stopping, breathing the fresh air and watching the horizon shimmering with the late afternoon sun. According to many visitors, just standing at the pagoda for a few minutes is enough to feel the full beauty of Ta Pa in the golden season.

Source: https://znews.vn/dong-lua-an-giang-dat-vang-mua-gat-post1608772.html