“Where heaven and earth meet” in the middle of thousands of Tuyen Quang
Ban Phung is not a random name. “Phung” in “phung phang” means to meet. That name is like an invitation, that this is the place where heaven and earth meet, a convergence point for visitors to meet the majestic nature and meet the rustic and sincere people of the land of Tuyen Quang.
Located in Hoang Su Phi district, Tuyen Quang province, Ban Phung owns an area of about 17.04 km². The journey to conquer Ban Phung is a challenging experience when visitors have to overcome zigzag slopes and dangerous turns. However, everything will be rewarded when the scene of “terraced rice paradise” gradually appears before your eyes, hidden in the mist of the early morning.
Terraced rice paradise and the “missing” golden season
The most special highlight in Ban Phung is the vast system of terraced fields. Unlike the soft look in some other places, Ban Phung terraced fields have a more majestic, ancient beauty thanks to being located on high mountains. The fields are cultivated naturally, seemingly out of order, but when combined, they create a wonderful picture that makes everyone admire.
Coming to Ban Phung in early to mid-September, visitors will witness the most beautiful scenery of the year – the ripe rice season. At this time, the whole valley is filled with the golden color of ripe rice, sparkling under the highland sunlight. It is the color of prosperity, of a bountiful harvest. A small note for tourists: rice in Ban Phung often ripens earlier than other places in Tuyen Quang province, so please arrange a reasonable time to not miss this “golden time”. If you arrive too late, you will only see the harvested fields, leaving behind dark gray soil.
In addition to the ripe rice season, Ban Phung also wears its own beauty in other seasons: the pouring water season (May-June) with fields like giant mirrors reflecting the sky, or the green rice season (July-August) with the cool green color of fertility.
Experience unique culture and delicious cuisine
Ban Phung is the main residence of the La Chi ethnic group. Life here is harmonious, diligent and simple. Visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rhythm of local life, visit unique stilt houses nestled in the middle of a sea of golden rice, or attend bustling highland markets.
In particular, if you come on the right occasion, visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant festival atmosphere, such as the New Rice Festival of the La Chi people – an opportunity for them to report to their ancestors, thank heaven and earth and pray for a good new harvest.
The cuisine here is also an unforgettable highlight. Tourists should not miss the opportunity to enjoy bamboo rice with sesame salt, field carp, Hoang Su Phi sticky rice or other dishes rich in mountain and forest flavors. And remember to sip a cup of delicious, famous Shan Tuyet tea from the land of Hoang Su Phi, Tuyen Quang.
For those who are looking for a Tuyen Quang that not only has historical relics, but also a “paradise” of beautiful terraced fields, Ban Phung is the perfect choice. Come here once, to be “matched” with the captivating beauty right in the land of Tuyen Quang.
