Ninh Binh Rice Fields: Year-round Growth & Features Revealed in 12-Month Calendar

You've heard a lot about the ripe rice season in Ninh Binh. However, not everyone has the opportunity to travel to Ninh Binh during the exact rice ripening season. Therefore, many travellers often wonder whether it's worth visiting Ninh Binh if your timing doesn't coincide with the rice ripening season. So, how do the rice fields in Ninh Binh look at different times of the year? This article shares information about the rice season schedule in Ninh Binh to provide you with additional insights for planning your trip.

Why See The Rice Calender In Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, a scenic province in northern Vietnam, is famous for its stunning landscapes, ancient temples, and limestone karsts. Among its many attractions, the rice fields of Ninh Binh stand out as a symbol of the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage. Ninh Binh changes its look with each season, offering different displays of colours and textures. 

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Rice Field in Ninh Binh 12-Month Calendar

Here’s a simple guide to enjoying the different times of the year in Ninh Binh.

January & February

At the start of the year, Ninh Binh is peaceful. The fields are quiet, covered in brown leftovers from the last harvest. It’s a good time to relax and enjoy the countryside. You can walk around or visit caves and temples nearby. Also, don’t miss out on the Tet holiday celebrations!

March & April

When spring comes, everything wakes up in Ninh Binh. Farmers start getting the fields ready for a new season. The land turns into a bright brown canvas. It's interesting to watch how locals farm here. You can join them and learn their ways.

May & June

In May and June, Ninh Binh is at its prettiest. The fields turn a lush green and  Take a boat ride through the caves, ride a bike around, or take stunning photos of the scenery. Late June is the starting time for the most beautiful in Ninh Binh - the harvest rice season.

July & August

During the hot summer months, Ninh Binh's rice fields are at their fullest, looking like a golden ocean. it’s a great time to see the famous "golden rice fields."  Apart from the Tam Coc area, you can try go trekking, or visit historical places like the Hoa Lu ancient capital, Trang An Landscape…

However, the golden time lasts about 2 weeks, after that, local people harvest the crops and the rice paddies turn dark yellow to brown quickly. 

September & October

As autumn arrives, the rice fields change colour to a beautiful golden yellow. It's time for the harvest festival, where you can see how rice is traditionally harvested. Don’t forget to taste some freshly harvested rice!

November & December

At the end of the year, Ninh Binh is quiet again after the harvest. The fields are bare, but there’s still warmth in the air. Explore the local markets and enjoy the delicious food. The cooler weather makes it perfect for outdoor activities. Besides, in winter, you might see different crops growing in Ninh Binh. It's a unique sight to see during this time of the year. 

Remember, these above are just general ideas. The exact timing might change depending on the weather and where you are in Ninh Binh. 

Ninh Binh Weather Guide: What to Expect Each Month

Rice field in Tam Coc is Different 

Unlike many other rice-growing areas, Tam Coc in Ninh Binh typically has only one rice season per year because of the significant fluctuations in river levels throughout the year. During the monsoon season, heavy rainfall causes the Ngo Dong River to rise considerably, potentially submerging the rice fields. Planting during this period would risk crop failure due to flooding.

The dry season (November to April) provides ideal conditions for rice cultivation, with ample sunshine and lower water levels in the river. This window allows farmers to plant, cultivate, and harvest their crops successfully. 

See the best time to visit Tam Coc-Ninh Binh: When is Tam Coc rice season: A Guide to Tam Coc Boat Tour & Bike Tours

Top places to admire Ninh Binh rice fields

While the entire Ninh Binh province boasts fascinating rice fields, some specific locations offer outstanding vistas and experiences:

Tam Coc Boat Ride along Ngo Dong River

Tam Coc is where the rice fields are really beautiful. Often dubbed "Ha Long Bay on land," Tam Coc showcases emerald rice paddies sprawling along the meandering Ngo Dong River. 

You can take a nice, calm boat ride along the river. Glide through cave entrances aboard traditional sampans, marvelling at the limestone cliffs and lush vegetation. The view is amazing: you'll see green rice fields sloping down to the calm water. The local ladies row the boats, and it's a nice cultural experience.

Rice view from Mua Cave - The Dragon Mountain

For those who want to see Ninh Binh's rice fields up high, Mua Caves are the perfect spot.

Sitting on top of a tall limestone hill, Mua Caves offers a challenging but rewarding hike to reach the top. 

As you climb up the steep stairs, you'll be greeted with stunning views all around. Below you, the countryside spreads out with green rice fields stretching as far as you can see. It's a great sight, and many visitors are attracted by the peacefulness of the landscape. Whether you visit at sunrise or sunset, you're guaranteed an unforgettable experience. 

Tam Coc Viewpoint: Explore Breathtaking Views of Tam Coc

Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve

Van Long is another place for rice fields but is less touristy compared to Mua Cave or Tam Coc. This protected zone often likened to "a bay without waves," is a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers. You explore this attraction along the calm waterways, on traditional bamboo boats, they are surrounded by rice fields that stretch out in all directions. 

Bich Dong Pagoda

Nestled amidst rice fields, this 15th-century pagoda offers serenity and cultural immersion. Climb the three cave levels, each adorned with Buddhist statues and intricate carvings while enjoying the surrounding rice paddy vistas. You can also take a bike trip from Tam Coc boat station to Bich Dong, the rice view along the way is so incredible. 

Cycling Routes around the local village

Rent a bicycle and explore the countryside at your own pace. Numerous scenic routes weave through charming villages, temples, and rice fields

Motorbike or Bike? Which is the best way to explore Tam Coc, Ninh Binh

Thai Vi Temple 

The road to Thai Vi Temple winds through beautiful scenery, with rice fields spreading out as far as you can see. The peacefulness of the surroundings makes you feel calm and happy like you are in tune with nature. There are lots of chances to stop and take photos along the way.

Overall, while most visitors flock to Ninh Binh during the iconic rice ripening season, the province offers captivating scenery and agricultural activities throughout the year. No matter when you visit, Ninh Binh always has something beautiful to offer. So, come and experience the charm of this ever-changing place!

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