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When the late August rains pass, Bát Xát’s terraced fields glow in golden hues, wrapped in a veil of drifting clouds. The shimmering rice paddies and misty mountains create an enchanting landscape, inviting travelers to witness the most poetic season of Lào Cai.
Autumn also marks the start of the rice harvest season in Bát Xát District, Lào Cai. This is considered the most beautiful time of year in the northern highlands, when terraced fields are blanketed in golden hues.
Nguyễn Ngọc Tuấn (known as Đan Khôi, 40, from Hanoi) recently spent two days, August 20–21, capturing the golden harvest in Bát Xát. He drove from Hanoi using Google Maps to reach a homestay in Mường Hum Commune, his first stop before exploring other villages across the district.
In one photo, he is seen checking in on a cliff overlooking the terraced fields of Ngải Thầu. “I usually only have weekends for photography. Although the weather forecast warned of storms, I still decided to go. Locals said the golden season was at its peak, and if I came later, the fields would already be harvested,” he shared.
Bát Xát District is home to over 3,000 hectares of terraced fields, with Ngải Thầu and Y Tý considered the most stunning and concentrated areas. These landscapes are hailed as the “great creations” of the Hmong and Ha Nhi people.
From Ngải Thầu, visitors can gaze across endless terraces, their golden hues cascading down rugged mountainsides and into distant valleys. On misty days, the scenery becomes even more enchanting, wrapped in a dreamlike veil of clouds.
The golden terraced fields of Y Tý stretch across the mountains, fading in and out of drifting clouds, creating a breathtaking, painting-like scene from above.
After the rain, gentle mist drifts over Dền Sáng’s autumn landscape, captivating every visitor. The scenery enchants both travelers and photographers alike, tempting them to stop at every turn for a picture.
The golden harvest shimmering through clouds at the foot of Ky Quan San (also known as Bach Moc Luong Tu) creates a breathtaking scene—one of the most memorable shots for the photographer.
The Ky Quan San range marks the natural border between Lai Châu and Lào Cai provinces, with its 3,046-meter summit ranking among the highest peaks in Vietnam. For adventure travelers, several routes lead to the top, the most popular starting point being Sàng Ma Sáo Commune in Bát Xát.
“The rice fields are usually most beautiful at sunrise or near sunset. When I visited at sunset, it wasn’t fiery, but the terraced fields still held their own charm,” he said. The photo was taken in Sàng Ma Sáo.
Tuấn said that even if visitors are unlucky with the weather, there’s no need to be disappointed. Passing storms can bring a refreshing atmosphere and the chance to capture mesmerizing, mystical photos of golden rice fields drifting in the clouds.
On the way, Tuấn stopped to watch and photograph locals harvesting and threshing rice. “Beyond capturing the golden fields, I also remember my stay at a homestay near Xát Market,” he said.
“In Mường Hum, where I stayed, a beautiful stream ran nearby. Meals included tiny, crispy fried stream fish, fragrant rice from Séng Cù, and San Lùng rice wine shared with friends,” he recalled.
Among the villages Tuấn visited, Choản Thèn left the strongest impression, being one of the oldest villages in Bát Xát.
“During a sudden storm, locals invited me into their home. Inside, many traditional cultural and architectural features have been preserved. Recently, the village has invested in basic facilities to welcome tourists and homestay guests. I was struck by the image of a little Hà Nhì girl carrying her sibling near the hearth, a reminder that life here is still difficult and full of hardships,” he said.
Tuấn also advised that when photographing during this season, sudden storms are common. Photographers should carry raincoats and waterproof bags to protect their equipment, avoid slippery or landslide-prone areas, and watch for potholes. Before visiting, it’s important to check room availability, consult locals, or refer to travel groups to know when the rice fields in each commune are ripe and when harvest begins.
