Photo: Bich Thuy Ha

 Mu Cang Chai Terraces, Vietnam

​This hilly district of Yen Bai province, about 280 km from Hanoi is known for its splendid rice fields in terraces. On every harvest season, this isolated region in North Vietnam welcomes thousands of visitors from all over the world. Wonderful landscapes enveloped in green and yellow rice plants along with serene surroundings forms fascinating destination. Home to Tay and Hmongs communities, this region gets global tourists for its rice terraces.
Suggested Read : Vietnam Travel Destinations



                                                                                              ​Photo: Boris Troutman

Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, China

Located in Honghe Prefecture in Yunnan, China; the terraces' history spans around 1,200 years and is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013. Spread across 1,000,000 acres this has been photographer’s delight and featured in many tourist’s Instagram feed. The local tribe stays in 82 villages spread across these mountaintops and terraces, in traditional thatched ‘mushroom’ huts.

Banaue, Philippines

Often called as the “8th wonder of the world” these terraces were carved into the mountains of Ifugao in the Philippines by the ancestors of the indigenous people. At around 4900 ft above sea level, these were declared by the Philippine government as a National Cultural Treasure and forms a major tourist attraction. A photographer’s delight, Banaue Rice Terraces are fed by an ancient irrigation system from the rainforests above the plantations.
This is one of the most scenic destination for an Asia Trekking Adventure

 Yuanyang Terraces, China

Located on the southern slopes of Ailao Mountain in Yuanyang County, the stunning rice terraces have been “talk of the town”. Spread across 113 sq km through 3000 steps, it looks like stair to heaven. This masterpiece has been created by the Hani tribe since generations and turned the mountainous area into artistic beauty. Today it forms a major tourist attraction in China and shutterbugs’ paradise.
 

Pelling Terraces, Sikkim, India

Along the road trip to Pelling from Gangtok, one can spot plunging valleys, lush forests, flowery bushes and rice terraces tucked in between. With rhododendrons and bamboo groves in the backdrop, these stepped paddy cultivation looks awesome.

Sa Pa Terraces, Vietnam

The impressive rice terraces of Muong Ho valley in Sa Pa, Vietnam is one of the major tourist attraction. Trekkers who begin their trekking trail from this region also uses the opportunity to make trips to these stepped cultivation. September is the best month to witness these terraces with lush green surroundings and golden patches in between.
Check out : Vietnam Tour Packages


                                                                                                Photo: Tatsuya

Hamanoura, Japan

Built in the past at the eroded valley formed by the Hamanoura River from which sea water from the Hamanoura Coast streams into, this picturesque rice terrace provides spectacular sights of sunset on water filled plots during the planting season. Having a total of 283 rice fields, both big and small, it spreads up to 11.5 hectares of land which resembles to a staircase that stretches out to the coast. A stroll along these lush green plantation can be truly rejuvenating.
 

Hoshitouge Tanada, Niigata, Japan

With glassy water surface appearance, this rice fields provides an amazing views to its visitors from round the globe. The morning fog makes it more mystical. September is the recommended month of visit to experience this natural beauty in Niigata region of Japan. The drive from Matsudai to reach Hoshitouge itself will satiate any travelling soul. These rice terrace is a must visit when in Japan.
 

Darangee Rice Terraces, Namhae, South Korea

Namhae itself provides a great getaway from the bustling city life. The rice terraces in Darangee village of Namhae provides a spectacular view to all visitors. The misty mountains in the backdrop adds to its beauty making it a photographer’s paradise. Known to be one of the best rice terraces in South Korea, this one should feature in your bucket list. You will experience Korean hospitality on your trip to this Darangee village.
 

Ella Rice Terrace, Sri Lanka

The rice terraces of Ella, in Badulla district of Uva province in Sri Lanka looks amazing when the plants remain submerged in water. Ella is a popular tourist spot and these stepped rice cultivation is another reason that attracts many to this small town. Verdant surroundings and hilly backdrop sets a perfect picture for these terraces.

Tegalalang Terrace, Ubud, Indonesia

These rice terraces in Ubud is famous for its beautiful scenes of rice paddies involving the “subak” –traditional Balinese cooperative irrigation system. Positioned in a valley these terraces offer extremely scenic lookouts along with lush green surroundings. The circumjacent mountains create a mysterious and exotic atmosphere, which is being loved by global tourists. These terraces are a must in your Bali tour’s itinerary.