Hong Thai awaits the water-pouring season

Each summer, torrential rains sweep across the highlands of Hong Thai Commune (Na Hang District, Tuyen Quang Province), channeling abundant water from underground springs on the mountain slopes into the terraced rice fields below. This long-awaited season marks the start of the area’s only rice crop - a pivotal time that directly impacts the livelihood and well-being of the entire community.

Farmers in Hong Thai have embraced agricultural mechanization to reduce manual labor and improve farming efficiency.

From the first terraced rice fields carved into the hillsides of Khau Trang hamlet, the movement to reclaim land and expand agricultural production gradually spread to neighboring villages such as Na Kiem, Pac Khoang, and Khuoi Phay. The winding embankments, skillfully shaped by local farmers to follow the natural contours of the mountains, reach heights of over three meters in some areas, while measuring only 30 centimeters in width. Farming here still relies heavily on manual labor, though mechanization has become increasingly common, with around 70% of the fields now tilled using small machines or traditional buffalo plowing.

Water from underground springs is channeled by locals into the terraced fields, cascading from one level to the next, not only irrigating the rice but also sustaining carp raised in the paddies. As only one rice crop is grown each year, farmers carefully plan every step of the process, selecting traditional rice varieties well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions.

The water-pouring season in Hong Thai is not only a time of agricultural activity but also a peak season for experiential tourism. During this period, the terraced fields glisten like giant mirrors, reflecting the clouds, mountains, and the soft light of sunrise or sunset, creating a mesmerizing, almost surreal landscape. It’s also when tourists flock to the region, drawn by the chance to capture stunning photographs and immerse themselves in the daily life and rich cultural traditions of the Dao, Tay, and H'mong ethnic communities.

The water-pouring season in Hong Thai is a vivid portrait of harmony between human labor and nature.

Khau Trang village has been designated as a model community-based tourism destination representing the heritage of the Dao Tien people. The village preserves traditional yin-yang tiled architecture, culinary culture, ethnic costumes, and age-old rituals. Homestays in the locality have fully prepared their facilities to welcome visitors. Each season, photographers, journalists, artists, and tourists flock to Hong Thai to capture the breathtaking beauty of its landscape and the vibrant life of its hardworking people.

Beyond the water-pouring season, Hong Thai is a year-round destination with the unique charm of all four seasons: spring bursts with blooming pear flowers, summer sparkles with glistening terraced fields, autumn glows with golden ripened rice, and winter is draped in dreamy mist. With its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Hong Thai is steadily emerging as a standout destination for eco-tourism and community-based tourism in Tuyen Quang province.