The beauty of terraced rice fields in the hills

The beautiful, poetic, and heartwarming scenery of the terraced rice fields in the mountainous region of Lac Son is attracting more and more visitors. We arrived in the mountainous region in late June, right during the rice harvest season, when the locals were busy harvesting. The locals said that the weather in the mountainous region of Lac Son is quite cool, so they plant and harvest later than in other areas.

A view of the terraced rice fields in the hilly region (Lac Son).

Many young people flock to the mountainous region of Miền Đồi to explore its terraced rice fields. Perhaps this is the only place in Hòa Bình province with rolling hills and gently sloping terraced rice paddies against a backdrop of deep blue skies, the green of ancient forests, the golden hues of ripening rice, and stilt houses at the foot of the hills, creating a poetic beauty. Elderly people recount that Miền Đồi is a blessed land, with gently sloping terrain, many areas with steep inclines. To cultivate the land, the people cleared and cultivated the fields, creating the terraced rice paddies we see today, totaling hundreds of hectares. In the vast expanse of lush green hills, the sound of a song echoes: "Terraced rice paddies wind around the mountain slopes / Fires blaze, flowers dance, I gaze at the rice wine, the intoxicating feeling of love / We return to the highlands to find our destiny..." The terraced rice fields of Miền Đồi are beautiful in every season, but perhaps it's easiest to fall in love with the region when visiting in June and November – the time when the rice ripens to a golden yellow.

Photojournalist Luu Trong Dat of the Vietnam News Agency shared: "The terraced rice fields in Mien Doi commune are considered to have the most beautiful landscape and structure in the province, comparable to those already famous for terraced rice fields in areas like Lao Cai and Yen Bai... This is perhaps the only place in Hoa Binh province with such dreamlike scenery on the hillsides. The fields are naturally layered, with terraced rice paddies stretching from the hilltop to the foot of the hill, creating a majestic scene in the vast expanse of mountains and pristine, peaceful forests."

To get to Mien Doi commune, from the center of Hanoi, take National Highway 6 to Hoa Binh city, passing through Cao Phong district to the intersection of Man Duc town (Tan Lac), then go straight on National Highway 12B to Nga Ba Xua, and turn onto the road to Mien Doi commune. The road to Mien Doi is mostly paved, and travel is quite easy due to the relatively uncomplicated terrain. All viewpoints offering views of the terraced rice fields are accessible by car or motorbike. The beauty of the terraced rice fields in Mien Doi commune is a potential asset for Lac Son district to develop tourism linked to the rich cultural identity of the Muong ethnic group.

Mien Doi is a commune in the Cong Hoa region of Lac Son district, where 99% of the population are Muong ethnic people who still preserve unique local cultural features in their daily lives. The area has a relatively high altitude, a cool and pleasant climate, and friendly, approachable people, making it suitable for those who want to explore the real life of the Muong people in the highlands. In particular, the area boasts many famous local products, including the delicious Trung Khe sticky rice (an OCOP product), forest honey, green-necked ducks, native chickens and pigs, and bamboo shoots. This presents a great opportunity for the locality to develop unique tourism products and boost socio-economic development.

In order to create opportunities to improve the lives of the people in Mien Doi commune, the province has directed the integration and implementation of programs and projects; specific solutions to preserve and exploit the natural landscape and culture; organize the Mien Doi terraced rice field festival to promote tourism potential and attract investment for socio-economic development; implement the Project on Preserving and Promoting the Cultural Heritage of the Muong ethnic group; and preserve the traditional culture, daily life, and production of the Muong people. The Provincial Party Committee assigned Lac Son district to coordinate with the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Department of Industry and Trade, the Provincial Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion Center, and other relevant agencies and units to develop a plan to organize the Mien Doi terraced rice field festival in Lac Son district in 2024 (expected to be held in late October, early November 2024) with activities to experience local culture and introduce the landscape and beauty of the Mien Doi terraced rice fields. Introducing local products associated with the cuisine of the Muong ethnic group; exploration activities such as paragliding experiences; organizing the Hillside Half Marathon.

Le Chung

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Source: http://www.baohoabinh.com.vn/276/190941/Ve-dep-ruong-bac-thang-Mien-Doi.htm