10 Incredible Rice Terraces In Asia
Asia has long been renowned for its rice agriculture, a practice that has deeply influenced the traditions, cultures, and identities of the region’s countries. This unique method of cultivation, believed to date back hundreds or even thousands of years, also plays a crucial role in preserving the land from erosion. Keep scrolling down to discover the most stunning rice terraces in Asia, especially in the vibrant hues of Autumn!
Tegalalang, Indonesia
Ubud, Bali, is a beautiful holiday destination. Just 20 minutes north of Ubud, you’ll find the Tegalalang rice terraces. The high palm trees and jungle make these fields look elegant. Many visitors, photographers and painters come to Tegalalang to capture its beautiful, exotic landscape. The best time to visit is during the harvest season from April to October, which also coincides with Bali’s dry season perfect for outdoor exploration.
Saga, Japan
You can get to the Hamanoura rice terraces by train or bus. A short walk from the bus stop leads to terraced rice fields facing the Genkai Sea. The terraces are filled with water by mid-April and planted with rice by early May. At sunset, the ocean and rice paddies are painted orange, creating breathtaking patterns with the reflections and paths between the paddies. That is why Hamanoura is called the “Lover’s Sanctuary”.
Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam
Mu Cang Chai is one of Northern Vietnam’s top five mountain destinations, located in Yen Bai province, about 300 kilometers from Hanoi. To reach Mu Cang Chai, travelers need to cross Khau Pha Pass, one of the country’s most winding and treacherous roads. The reward is worth it, though. Mu Cang Chai owns Vietnam’s most stunning rice terraces and offers an authentic cultural experience with the Tay and Hmong ethnic groups. The best time to visit is between mid-September and mid-October, when the massive fields transition from green to yellow.
Yuanyang, China
Don’t miss the UNESCO-listed Yuanyang Rice Terraces. The Yuanyang County Rice Terraces are in the southern Ailao Mountains and home to the Hami and Yi tribes. Their ancestors built these rice terraces more than 1,000 years ago. The best time to visit is from January to March. The water reflects the sky and clouds. In late February and March, pink and white flowers fill the land with vibe colors.
Banaue, Philippines
Banaue Rice Terraces are the steepest rice fields in the world. It was carved into the mountain over 2,000 years ago. The rice terraces are a Filipino pride. They are on the 20 peso banknote and are a National Cultural Treasure. The best view of the rice fields is from the Sunrise Viewpoint. When you finish touring the terraces, visit Tam An to learn about the culture, trek the hills or take a bike ride.
Guizhou, China
The terraces cover 40 square kilometers, with hills and villages dotted in the rice fields. It has a fascinating landscape all year round. In spring, yellow rapeseed flowers bloom. As the rice grows, the terraces change from green to yellow. This is a great time for nature lovers to take a nice photo here. The best times to visit are from April to June for mirror-like terraces and from September to October for gold terraces.
Sapa, Vietnam
Rice terraces have been cultivated in Sapa and other northern mountain regions of Vietnam for hundreds of years by ethnic minorities such as the Hmong, Dao, Tay, and Ha Nhi. The best viewing time for Sapa rice terraces is in summer or late autumn. After exploring the rice terraces tour, you can visit villages and markets to learn about Sapa’s ethnic tribes.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Ban Pa Pong Piang rice terraces are one of Thailand’s best-known tourist spots. Nestled in the mountains of Doi Inthanon National Park, this small hamlet is surrounded by lush, forested mountains. The verdant views and natural beauty here are spectacular. You can go on a day trip to visit rice terraces, hill tribes and waterfalls, taste coffee and see rice, and more.
Annapurna, Nepal
The legendary Annapurna region is not only Nepal’s most diverse and popular trekking area but also home to some of Asia’s most beautiful rice terraces. These terraces are among the most untouched in the world, remaining rustic and integral to the daily life of local communities.
Ella, Sri Lanka
The rice terraces of Ella, in the Badulla district of Uva province, are stunning when the fields are flooded. Ella, a popular tourist destination, attracts visitors with its stepped rice cultivation. The verdant surroundings and hilly backdrop create a perfect picture of these terraces.
Travel to see Asia’s terraced rice paddies is an unforgettable experience. The breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage are unmatched. Plan your trip with our travel consultant today!
