Terraced fields in Yen Bai province In May and June, when the summer rains start, it’s time for farmers to go to the rice field and prepare a new crop. The rainwater pouring down into layers of terraced fields creates a magnificent beauty called ‘the water pouring season.'

The season of pouring water (Photo: Tien Dung) Using natural water resources, farmers in the mountainous region can only cultivate one crop a year. The rainwater pours from the mountains, from one terraced field to the other. The terraced fields look like a colorful mosaic picture with the yellow and brown of alluvium soil, green rice plants, the blue sky, red sunrise, and purple sunset. It’s a treat for the eyes.

No painter can create such a lively picture. This is natural artwork created by farmers and mother nature in the mountainous areas. From above, you can watch a scene of water pouring into layers of terraced rice fields. Their soft curves blend and color patches reflect white clouds, bright sunshine at sunrise or sunset, and the mountain ranges.

The season of pouring water If visiting the Northwest region during the water pouring season, you can see the working spirit of local farmers which is part of the beautiful scenery.

Some are ploughing the fertile soil or upgrading the irrigation systems. Others are herding the buffalos or working on the soil with small ploughing machines.

Mountain women in their traditional costumes are sowing seeds, pulling up young rice plants, and ploughing. Some even carry their children on their backs while working in the fields.

Pulling up young rice plants

Terraced rice fields are a unique feature in the mountainous areas in Vietnam. The terraced fields have high slopes and rugged terrain thanks to the long-standing cultivation techniques of ethnic people there, creating impressive and attractive landscapes.

Anyone who has visited and seen the beauty of the terraced rice fields in water pouring season, and the industrious ethnic minority farmers in the Northwest region, will never forget their experience.