Best rice fields in Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is home to some of Vietnam’s most breathtaking rice fields, set against dramatic limestone karsts and winding rivers. Here are the best places to experience these stunning landscapes:
1. Tam Coc
The most famous spot for rice fields in Ninh Binh, Tam Coc is renowned for its picturesque boat trips that glide through lush rice paddies and towering limestone cliffs. During the right season, this boat ride becomes an absolute highlight of the province, offering unforgettable views.
Another must-visit is the Mua Cave Viewpoint, where you can climb to the top for a panoramic view of Tam Coc’s stunning rice fields. Beyond these well-known sights, the area around Tam Coc town is filled with lesser-visited rice fields. Renting a bicycle or taking a leisurely walk from town towards Thai Vi Temple and Bich Dong Pagoda will lead you through peaceful countryside paths lined with vibrant rice paddies.
2. Hoa Lu District
While Tam Coc is technically part of Hoa Lu District, most travelers distinguish them due to Tam Coc’s town setting and famous attractions. Moving slightly north towards Trang An, Hoa Lu District is filled with beautiful countryside landscapes and expansive rice fields.
One of the best aspects of this area is the range of hotels, resorts, and lodges that offer stunning rice field views. Imagine relaxing by a pool that overlooks golden paddies or stepping out onto your bungalow deck with rice fields stretching out before you. The area is quite large, so the best way to explore is by renting a bicycle and cycling through the peaceful roads, soaking in the serene views—an absolute must-do in Ninh Binh.
3. Van Long Nature Reserve
A common misconception is that the fields within Van Long Nature Reserve are rice fields, but they are not. Instead, these are wetlands covered with tall aquatic grasses (similar to reeds in English). Since Van Long is a protected nature reserve, agricultural activities like rice farming are not allowed.
However, the journey from popular tourist areas like Tam Coc and Trang An to Van Long offers breathtaking views of vast rice fields. These fields are often larger than those in Hoa Lu District, though they lack the dramatic limestone karsts that make Ninh Binh’s rice paddies so uniquely scenic. Nevertheless, the wide-open rice fields framed by distant mountains still create an impressive landscape worth experiencing.
Two rice harvest per year in Ninh Binh
While the mountain terraced rice fields in Sapa are among the most famous in Vietnam, the rice fields in Ninh Binh offer a different charm. Unlike Sapa’s terraced landscapes, Ninh Binh’s rice fields spread out flat, creating vast carpets of green and gold. While this might be less visually dramatic for some, it comes with a significant advantage: two rice harvest seasons per year.
Rice requires a lot of water to thrive, which is more challenging in mountainous areas like Sapa, where water management depends heavily on seasonal rains. In contrast, Ninh Binh benefits from an extensive network of rivers, lakes, and canals, allowing for efficient irrigation and making two annual harvests possible.
Spring harvest: May – Early June
The spring harvest is the first of the year, with rice typically planted around February. As the season progresses, the fields transform from freshly planted paddies into vibrant green carpets. By May to early June, the rice reaches full maturity, turning into stunning golden fields ready for harvest. This period offers some of the most picturesque views in Ninh Binh, especially from viewpoints like Mua Cave.
Autumn harvest: September – Early October
The autumn harvest begins with rice planting around June to July. Throughout the summer, the fields gradually shift from bright green to deep golden hues as the rice ripens. By September to early October, the fields are ready for harvest, offering another breathtaking display of Ninh Binh’s agricultural beauty.
Later in this guide, we’ll provide a month-by-month overview detailing the rice fields’ appearance throughout the year, helping you plan your visit during the most beautiful seasons.
Ninh Binh Rice field appearance by month
Understanding how the rice fields in Ninh Binh change month by month helps you plan the perfect time to visit. The fields go through distinct stages, from freshly planted paddies to lush green growth, and finally to golden hues during harvest. Here’s a detailed month-by-month breakdown based on photographic evidence and local insights:
January
In January, the rice fields are mostly empty, with remnants of the previous harvest. It’s difficult to find many vibrant photos from this month, as the fields appear barren and dry.
February
February often marks the start of the planting season. You’ll see local farmers working in the fields, with small green sprouts emerging from the water-covered paddies. In some years, planting may begin slightly earlier or later, depending on the weather.
March
By March, the young rice plants are growing steadily. The fields look fresh and green, though the plants are not yet fully grown. It’s a beautiful, peaceful time to see the early stages of growth.
April
In April, the rice fields become lush and vibrant. The plants are taller, especially towards the end of the month, creating a sea of rich green that’s stunning against the limestone backdrop.
May
May is one of the best months to see Ninh Binh’s rice fields. The paddies are either bright green or starting to turn golden, depending on the field’s location and planting time. In some areas, early harvesting may begin towards the end of May.
June
June is generally considered harvest time, especially in the first half of the month. You’ll see golden rice fields, with some areas actively being harvested. However, harvest may start as early as late May or extend into mid-June in some areas.
July
In July, new planting begins for the second harvest. Farmers can be seen working in the fields, planting young rice seedlings. The fields are flooded, with fresh green sprouts just starting to grow.
August
August shows noticeable growth in the rice plants. Early in the month, the fields have small plants, but by the end of August, they’re much taller and vibrant green, making the landscape look lush and full.
September
September marks the start of the autumn harvest. Some fields are still green, while others turn golden as the rice ripens. Harvest may begin earlier in the month for some fields, depending on when planting occurred.
October
In October, the harvest continues. You’ll see locals actively harvesting rice, especially in the early part of the month. By the end of October, many fields are empty again, preparing for the next cycle.
November
November fields are mostly bare after the autumn harvest. The landscape looks quieter, with patches of brown soil where rice was recently harvested.
December
Similar to November, December features empty rice fields. However, some areas might be used for other crops during the off-season, offering a different view of Ninh Binh’s agricultural landscape.
Tips for visiting the rice fields in Ninh Binh
1. Cycling through the rice fields
The best way to explore the rice fields of Ninh Binh is by bicycle. Don’t worry, the countryside is very peaceful, with hardly any traffic, and the terrain is mostly flat, allowing you to bike around towering limestone mountains with ease. Many accommodations offer free bikes, which are generally suitable for short trips. For longer journeys, consider joining a guided cycling tour. These tours often provide higher-quality bikes and knowledgeable guides who can take you to both popular spots and hidden gems along the way.
For tips and a suggested route, read our guide on cycling in Ninh Binh.
Scooter alternative: Renting a scooter is also a great option. Prices typically start from 150,000 VND per day. While rental shops don’t usually require a license and police rarely stop drivers in the countryside, be aware that you might not be covered by insurance without an appropriate license. If you’ve got the proper documentation, a scooter is a fantastic way to explore beyond the main tourist areas.
2. Booking accommodation with rice field views
Ninh Binh boasts some of Vietnam’s highest-rated accommodations, with options to suit every budget. While staying in Tam Coc town can be convenient, nothing beats waking up surrounded by lush rice fields. You’ll find everything from budget guesthouses and cozy homestays to luxurious lodges, resorts, and retreats offering spectacular views. Some accommodations feature bungalow-style rooms overlooking the rice fields or even infinity pools with breathtaking scenery.
Trang An or Tam Coc boat tour?
One of the best things to do in Ninh Binh is to take a scenic boat tour. The two most popular options are Trang An and Tam Coc. If you’re short on time, it’s best to choose one, as both tours are time-consuming and can be tiring after hours in a wooden rowing boat.
While Trang An is often considered more impressive due to its towering limestone mountains, extensive cave systems, and hidden temples, it doesn’t offer views of rice fields. If your goal is to admire Ninh Binh’s rice fields from the water, Tam Coc is the better choice.
For a detailed comparison, check out our guide on the best boat tour in Ninh Binh.
Is Ninh Binh worth to visit when there are no rice fields to see?
Absolutely! While the rice fields add an extra layer of beauty to Ninh Binh’s landscape, many of the region’s top attractions aren’t dependent on the rice fields at all. Ninh Binh is a year-round destination, offering stunning natural scenery, historical sites, and cultural experiences regardless of the season. Here are a few highlights that are worth visiting anytime:
Trang An:
Often considered the most scenic boat trip in Ninh Binh, Trang An features towering limestone karsts, mysterious caves, and hidden temples. Unlike Tam Coc, Trang An doesn’t have rice fields along the boat route, so its beauty remains consistent throughout the year.
Mua Cave (Hang Múa):
While the panoramic view from Mua Cave is even more spectacular when the rice fields below are lush and green, the dramatic limestone formations, winding river, and sweeping countryside views are breathtaking at any time of year.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital:
Explore Vietnam’s ancient capital, filled with historic temples, stone structures, and cultural relics. The charm of Hoa Lu lies in its rich history, not the surrounding rice fields.
Temples and Pagodas:
Ninh Binh is home to numerous religious sites that are completely independent of the rice field seasons. Visit the impressive Bai Dinh Pagoda, Vietnam’s largest Buddhist complex, or the serene Bich Dong Pagoda, a small temple complex nestled into limestone caves.
So, even if you visit when the rice fields are not in their prime, you’ll find that Ninh Binh still offers an unforgettable travel experience.
