Rice harvest seasons in Hoi An
If you’ve seen photos of the lush Hoi An rice fields online, it’s important to know that those beautiful green or golden landscapes don’t last all year. The good news? Unlike places like Sapa in northern Vietnam (which only has one rice season), Hoi An has two harvests each year — giving you more chances to see the fields at their best.
The fields are most stunning just before and during harvest, but even the weeks leading up to it offer beautiful, changing scenery. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown of the two growing seasons:
First rice season: January – April
January in Hoi An: This is planting time. Fields may still be bare or muddy, but it’s an active and interesting period. You might see farmers and water buffalo working the land, preparing it for the new crop. Planting dates vary slightly each year depending on the weather.
February in Hoi An: Most fields are now planted, with small green sprouts emerging. By the end of the month, the paddies are visibly greener, though still low.
March in Hoi An: The rice grows taller, and the vibrant green fields begin to take shape. By mid to late March, many areas already offer beautiful rice views around Hoi An.
April in Hoi An: This is the highlight of the season. Early April brings lush green paddies, while the harvest typically begins in the second half of the month. Some fields start turning yellow, and you’ll often see farmers at work harvesting by hand — a beautiful and very photogenic time to visit.
Second rice season: May – August
May in Hoi An: The early part of May continues the harvest from the first season. Later in the month, farmers begin preparing the land for the second crop. This includes plowing and replanting — often still done with buffalo in the more traditional areas.
June in Hoi An: New rice sprouts appear. The fields are already turning green again, though not as dramatic as later in the season. It’s a peaceful, fresh phase in the cycle.
July in Hoi An: The fields reach their peak green stage. The rice is tall, lush, and stunning by late July — perfect for countryside walks or bike rides.
August in Hoi An: This is the second harvest season. The fields begin to turn golden, and you’ll see farmers working again. The best views are in the first half of the month, but harvesting often continues into early September.
Best areas to find rice fields in Hoi An
The Hoi An rice fields may not be the biggest or most dramatic in Vietnam, but what makes them special is how easy they are to access. You don’t need to go far, join a tour, or do any trekking. The fields start just outside the old town and are easy to explore on foot, by bicycle, or scooter — often just a few minutes from your hotel.
If you’re visiting at the right time of year, you’ll find beautiful rice paddies across Central Vietnam, especially if you take local roads by motorbike or car. Even a train ride can offer amazing views. But if you’re staying in Hoi An, these are the best areas to explore:
Cam Chau
This is the most well-known and accessible area for rice fields in Hoi An. Located between the old town and An Bang Beach, Cam Chau is the classic route for countryside cycling tours. The fields begin just 2 km from the old town, and many visitors explore this area on their own. It’s also home to a number of homestays and boutique hotels overlooking the paddies.
Cam Thanh
Cam Thanh lies east of the old town and is known more for its coconut palm mangroves and basket boat tours. While it has some rice fields, they’re generally smaller and more fragmented due to development. That said, the mix of water palms and rice patches makes for a very photogenic area, and several eco-resorts and homestays offer rooms with peaceful views.
Cam Kim
Cam Kim is just across the river from Hoi An, reachable by a small bridge. It’s a quieter island area known for its wood carving villages and peaceful rural atmosphere. While exploring Cam Kim by bicycle, you’ll come across scattered rice fields, traditional homes, and scenic riverbanks. There are a few places to stay here as well, though it’s a bit less developed for tourism.
Duy Phuoc
Duy Phuoc lies south of Cam Kim, across another small bridge. It’s a bit further out and sees hardly any tourists, but it’s worth the trip if you want to see larger rice fields and enjoy more open countryside. A great way to explore is by combining a loop from Cam Kim to Duy Phuoc and back, especially if you’re cycling or riding a scooter.
Best things to do in Hoi An rice fields
You don’t need to travel far or book an expensive tour to enjoy the Hoi An rice fields. Whether you’re cycling, staying in a countryside homestay, or just stopping for a coffee with a view, the rice paddies are easy to explore and enjoy. Here are the best ways to experience them:
1. Cycling through the countryside
The most popular way to explore Hoi An’s rice fields is by bicycle. It’s peaceful, easy, and ideal for seeing the countryside up close. You can either cycle on your own or join a guided tour — both options have their benefits.
Cycling by yourself
Most accommodations in Hoi An offer free bicycles. These are usually basic in quality, but perfectly fine for a 1–2 hour ride through nearby areas like Cam Chau. Navigation is easy with Google Maps, and you can stick to quiet countryside roads.
Tip: Read our self-guides cycling route in Hoi An.
Cycling tour with guide
A guided tour takes you off the usual paths. Some companies use better bikes and include extras like boat rides, ferry crossings, or farming activities. Others combine cycling with a cooking class or rice planting demonstration, especially in the more rural areas beyond Cam Thanh or Cam Kim.
2. Getting around by scooter
If you’re not into cycling — or want to go further — a scooter is a great alternative. You can explore less-visited areas like Duy Phuoc or make a full loop through the countryside.
The roads are generally quiet and safe, but it’s still important to have some riding experience. Officially, you need a motorbike license and IDP for anything above 50cc (which includes almost all rental bikes). While rental shops won’t check and police are rarely seen in the countryside, keep in mind that you may not be fully insured without a proper license.
3. Staying at hotels with rice field views
One of the best ways to enjoy the rice fields is simply by waking up to them. Many hotels, homestays, and eco-resorts in areas like Cam Chau, Cam Thanh, and even Duy Phuoc offer peaceful views over the paddies.
These spots are still close to the old town — usually just a 10–20 minute bike ride or a short 5–10 minute taxi — but feel like another world. If you’re only planning to visit the old town once or twice, staying in the countryside is often a better choice overall.
4. Having coffee with views over the rice fields
Several cafés and restaurants are built right next to the rice paddies, offering a perfect place to rest while enjoying the view. Whether you’re cycling or scootering, plan a stop for iced coffee, fresh juice, or a local lunch overlooking the fields.
Most spots are located in Cam Chau and Cam Thanh, and many are set up to catch the breeze and shade, making them ideal breaks on hot days.
5. Riding a buffalo through the fields
Water buffalos are a common sight around the rice fields — and yes, you can ride one if you like. If you’re on a guided bike tour, the guide can often arrange it. If you’re on your own, keep an eye out for friendly farmers with buffalos along popular routes (especially near Cam Thanh and Cam Chau).
Some farmers invite tourists to sit or ride for a photo and may ask for a small tip (usually around 20,000–50,000 VND). Always ask politely first, and bring small cash just in case.
6. Farming and cooking class experiences
While not directly in the rice fields, these experiences offer a great look at daily life in Hoi An’s countryside. Near Cam Chau, you can visit Tra Que Vegetable Village, where you can help water the gardens, harvest herbs, and then join a Vietnamese cooking class using fresh local ingredients.
It’s a fun hands-on activity that gives insight into traditional farming — and complements your rice field experience nicely.
Recommended hotels with rice field views in Hoi An
There are many hotels, homestays, and villas around Hoi An where you can enjoy views of the rice fields — some even let you rent out an entire countryside villa. Below is a small selection of places that are popular for their rice field settings and quiet locations, just outside the old town.
La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa
This upscale resort offers a mix of comfort and peaceful scenery, with some rooms and suites overlooking both the rice fields and an infinity pool. It’s located within walking distance of the old town, but far enough out to enjoy countryside views. The resort has multiple buildings, tropical gardens, and several on-site dining options. A shuttle and free bikes are available for guests.
Hoi An Four Seasons Villa
Located in the middle of a quiet rice field area, this small villa has panoramic views from its pool and common areas. Rooms are simple but comfortable, and the setting is especially peaceful. Free bicycles are provided for getting around, and it’s close enough to cycle into town or to the beach. A great option for those looking for calm surroundings just outside the tourist center.
Sunkissed Paddy Hoi An Villa
Set between the old town and the open rice fields, this boutique hotel offers a laid-back atmosphere with countryside views. It’s a short bike ride from the city, and free bikes are available. The villa has a small pool, and the rooms are modern and quiet. It’s a comfortable place to relax while still being within easy reach of Hoi An’s main attractions.
Lavini Hoian Boutique Villa
Surrounded by rice paddies in a quiet area, Lavini offers spacious, clean rooms and a peaceful environment. The location is slightly outside the center, but free bicycles make it easy to get around. The villa also has a pool, serves generous breakfasts, and is known for warm, personal service. It’s a good fit for travelers who want a serene place to stay while still having access to town and the beach.
Recommended coffee shops and restaurants with rice field views in Hoi An
Hoi An has plenty of cafés and restaurants surrounded by rice paddies. Some are very well-known and attract crowds, while others are small local spots you’ll find just by cycling through the countryside. Here’s a small selection of the more popular and easy-to-find options — perfect for a drink, a quiet moment, or a scenic break.
Roving Chill house (Cam Chau)
Tucked along a small countryside road, this is one of the most well-known cafés for rice field views in Hoi An. It’s a large, open-air space with a laid-back atmosphere and panoramic views over the fields. You’ll find both drinks and food on the menu, and it’s especially popular on weekends. It can get busy, but it’s still a great stop for soaking in the rural scenery and snapping a few photos.
Lo Gach Cu Farm (Duy Phuoc)
This peaceful countryside café sits next to a historic old brick kiln, reached by a wooden path through the rice fields. It’s a calm spot with seating in the shade, local drinks, and fresh food made with regional ingredients. It’s a great stop if you’re biking through Duy Phuoc, and an easy way to take in the surrounding countryside away from the usual tourist areas. You can enjoy the view, take photos, or chat with the welcoming owners.
Miss Hoi An Cafe (Cam Chau)
A quiet café surrounded by rice paddies and small canals, just outside Hoi An old town. It’s spread over three floors, offering great views from the second level and cozy seating throughout. The setting is calm and ideal for reading, relaxing, or working on a laptop. Drinks range from coffee to juices, and there are small food options too. A peaceful alternative to the busier countryside cafés.
Tips for exploring the countryside of Hoi An
Exploring the rice fields and backroads around Hoi An is easy and fun — but a bit of preparation goes a long way. Here are some useful tips to make the most of your countryside experience:
Double-check the bike’s condition
Many accommodations offer free bicycles, but these can be old or poorly maintained. Before heading out, check the brakes, tire pressure, and seat height to avoid surprises mid-ride.
Get a Vietnam SIM card
Having mobile data makes a big difference. You can use Google Maps for navigation, Google Translate to communicate, or call your hotel in case of a flat tire or other issue. A local SIM or eSIM is cheap and easy to set up.
Protect against the sun
The countryside is wide open with little shade. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. On hot days, a light long-sleeve shirt can help protect your skin while keeping you cool.
Prepare for rain
Weather can change quickly. If rain is in the forecast, bring a light raincoat or rain pants, especially if cycling. Scooter rentals sometimes include rain ponchos — ask when picking up your bike.
Bring plenty of water
It gets hot, and rural shops aren’t always nearby. Bring more water than you think you’ll need, especially if you’re out during midday.
Carry small cash
Some activities, like riding a buffalo or buying a drink at a small countryside café, might not accept cards. Bring small denominations for tips or small purchases.
