MU CANG CHAI
Nestled in between the picturesque mountains of northern Vietnam, Mu Cang Chai is clear proof that true beauty is given to those who venture off the beaten path. The commune, located in the province of Yen Bai is renowned for its spectacular terraces rice fields. Along with its dramatic landscapes, this remote wonder delivers an unforgettable for any curious visitor.
Mu Cang Chai is best known for its contrasting terraces rice fields which covers the whole valley. These terraces are carved into the hillside like waterfalls of staircases and is a testament to hard work as well as loyalty to the ancient traditions of the local Hmong ethnic minority. Through their sophisticated farming techniques they have been able to transform a seemingly inhospitable landscape into fertile plots resulting in successful rice cultivation. These terraces create a mesmerizing tapestry of various colors depending on the season in which the visitor arrives. The recommended seasons to visit Mu Cang Chai is during the planting of rice, growing of the rice and harvesting of the rice. Each of these season transforms the landscape in its own spectacular way.
The Rice Planting Season
The rice planting season in Mu Cang Chai typically takes place from May to June. Not only does it represent the beginning of the agricultural cycle in the commune, but it also creates a visual spectacle for any visitor. The surrounding hills have been turned into terraces which creates flat surfaces. In these terraces rice is planted and water is then channeled into the terraced rice field through their own irrigation system.
The planting process in Mu Cang Chai requires precise coordination and tending in order to ensure that each terrace is fully functional for growing the rice. It requires great skill and experience in order to navigate the challenging and steep terrain which adds to the uniqueness of the planting process in Mu Cang Chai. These vibrant green terraced rice fields which in this season cover the whole area creates a stunning landscapes which attracts visitor from all around the world.
The Rice Growing Season
Following the rice planting season, the landscape of Mu Cang Chai further transforms. Typically from June to September visitors will witness a landscape of beautiful mirrors. The local farmers flood the terraces fields for irrigation. This flooding of the terraces creates a smooth and reflective surface. This mirror-like effect is not only a stunning visual display for visitors, but also serves a practical purpose for the local farmers. The reflective surface contributes to maximize sunlight absorption, which further aids rice plants in their growth and helps to retain moisture and prevent erosion. This still-water acts as natural mirrors and carpets most of the hills in the commune. It reflects the vast landscape of Mu Cang Chai as well as the clouds and the sky. This creates a stunning and unique visual and it can appear as if the sky and and the landscape inhabits each other and become one. The best time to view this landscape is typically in July and photographers especially fill the commune at this time to witness this phenomena.
The Harvest Season
As the terraced rice fields reaches its maturity, the landscape of Mu Cang Chai undergoes yet another remarkable transformation. Typically from September to October the once vibrant green rice-leaves slowly turns yellow, with a noticeable golden cast. The already visually striking terraced rice fields takes on a warm golden hue which heavily contrasts the mountainous majesty which surrounds them. The rice that are now all ripened creates for a stunning fairy tale-like landscape with its rolling hills and golden waves and stretch as far as the eye can see. During this season, families and local farmers gather in unison and engage in the labor of gathering the ripened rice from their terraces. In Mu Cang Chai, traditional methods such as simplistic small knives are still used to carefully harvest the rice stalks. The rice is then filled up in well crafted homemade baskets and then taken home by the farmers for it to dry up in the sun. During this season there is definitely a sense of joy as the commune is filled with laughter and cultural rituals celebrating their communes agricultural heritage.
This golden covered landscape which the harvest season inhabits attract travelers from both far and wide as well as being on the bucket list of most landscape- and nature photographers. The striking visuals of interplay between light and shadow along with the the powerful golden color of the terraces create spectacles that are seen in few others known places on the planet. Besides viewing these unique landscapes, visitors also engage in the actual harvest process or emerge themselves in the local culture which is nestled among the rice fields. Visiting Mu Cang Chai during the harvest season, travelers are greeted with a living canvas and the landscape clearly showcases the harmony between natural beauty and the human touch of cultivation.
