Hidden at the foot of the legendary Khau Pha Pass in Yên
Bái Province, Tú Lệ Valley is a land of poetic charm, terraced rice
fields, and warm-hearted ethnic communities. For travelers seeking an authentic
glimpse of rural Vietnam, Tú Lệ is a place where nature, culture, and
tranquility blend perfectly. Every season here paints a new masterpiece, from
the fresh green of young rice to the dazzling golden waves of harvest.
1. The Charm of Tú Lệ Valley
Tú Lệ lies between Mù Cang Chải and Văn Chấn
District, about 300 km northwest of Hanoi. The valley sits gracefully at an
altitude of around 960 meters, surrounded by towering mountains and the winding
Nậm Thia River. Its terraced rice fields stretch endlessly, forming
gentle curves that reflect the light like a mirror when flooded and turn golden
during harvest.
The name “Tú Lệ” itself has become synonymous with the best
glutinous rice in Vietnam. The local “nếp Tú Lệ” is prized for its fragrance
and sticky sweetness, often used to make the famous cốm Tú Lệ (young
rice flakes) and sticky rice served in festivals.
Every September, when the rice turns golden, photographers,
trekkers, and culture lovers flock to Tú Lệ to witness what many call one of
the most beautiful harvest scenes in Southeast Asia.
2. Cultural Life of Ethnic Minorities
Tú Lệ is home mainly to Thái and Hmong ethnic groups,
whose daily lives are intertwined with the terraced fields. Visitors will
easily notice the stilt houses made of wood and palm leaves, the rhythmic sound
of hand-loom weaving, and the aroma of sticky rice steaming from every kitchen.
The Thái women of Tú Lệ are known for their graceful
beauty, reflected in the poetic saying:
“Cô gái Thái Tú Lệ, tắm suối Nậm Thia, da trắng như bông
ban”
(“The Thai girl of Tu Le, bathing in Nam Thia stream, has skin as white as the
blooming ban flower.”)
Many travelers come not only to admire the scenery but also
to bathe in the hot mineral springs near the village center, a
traditional custom that locals believe brings good health and smooth skin.
Sharing a warm mineral bath while gazing at rice terraces in the misty valley
is an unforgettable experience.
3. Top Things to See and Do in Tú Lệ
a. Tu Le Rice Terraces
The most iconic attraction, the rice terraces of Tú Lệ are
stunning year-round:
- Planting
season (May–June): The fields are filled with water, reflecting the
sky like endless mirrors.
- Growing
season (July–August): The young rice covers the hills in soft emerald.
- Harvest
season (September–October): Golden terraces ripple like silk under the
autumn sun.
Each viewpoint along the valley or from Khau Pha Pass offers
panoramic views that change with every step.
b. Khau Pha Pass – The Heavenly Gate
Just a few kilometers from Tú Lệ, Khau Pha Pass is
one of the highest and most breathtaking mountain passes in northern Vietnam.
The name means “Sky Horn,” and it truly feels like a road to heaven. From the
top, travelers can admire the entire Tú Lệ Valley below—fields, rivers, and
villages forming a perfect harmony.
Khau Pha is also the site of the Khau Pha Paragliding
Festival, where daring pilots and tourists soar above golden terraces,
experiencing one of Vietnam’s most spectacular aerial views.
c. Tu Le Hot Springs
Located in the heart of the valley, Tú Lệ Hot Springs
are natural mineral pools where locals have bathed for generations. The water
remains warm all year, surrounded by peaceful rice fields and mountains.
Visitors can relax in the communal pools or private baths, rejuvenating their
bodies after long days of exploration.
The hot spring experience is not just about wellness—it’s a
cultural immersion. Many Thái families still gather here in the evening,
chatting and laughing as they bathe together, creating a scene that reflects
the friendliness of the local people.
d. Local Markets and Cuisine
Visiting Tú Lệ Market is a must for those who wish to
see the vibrant life of ethnic minorities. The market bursts with colors from
hand-woven fabrics, bamboo baskets, and fresh produce. Early morning is the
best time to go, when locals from surrounding villages come to trade their
goods and socialize.
Don’t miss tasting xôi nếp Tú Lệ (Tú Lệ sticky rice)
and cốm Tú Lệ, both made from the famous local glutinous rice. Other
regional specialties include grilled fish from Nậm Thia River, mountain
chicken, and buffalo meat cooked with mắc khén pepper, a typical
spice of the northwestern mountains.
e. Trekking and Photography
Tú Lệ is a paradise for trekkers and photographers. Hiking
routes lead through rice fields, suspension bridges, and ethnic villages such
as Nậm Thia, Nậm Có, and Nậm Khắt. Early morning and
sunset are the golden hours to capture the valley wrapped in mist or glowing
under soft sunlight.
Drone photography has recently become popular here,
especially during harvest when the valley looks like a golden ocean from above.
4. The Impact of the Recent Matmo Storm
In early October, the Matmo Storm swept across
northern Vietnam, bringing heavy rain and strong winds that affected parts of
Tú Lệ and its surroundings. Floods and landslides damaged sections of terraced
fields, rural roads, and irrigation channels. While the loss saddened local
farmers, their resilience and community spirit are remarkable.
Today, visitors can still see locals repairing terraces and
replanting crops, a moving reminder of their close connection with the land.
The valley continues to recover, and new rice sprouts symbolize hope and
renewal after the storm.
5. When to Visit Tú Lệ
The best time to visit Tú Lệ depends on what travelers want
to see:
- May–June:
The “water pouring season,” when the fields shimmer with reflections.
- September–October:
The harvest season, with the valley bathed in gold.
- November–March:
Cool and quiet months, ideal for hot springs and cultural experiences.
Even outside peak season, Tú Lệ’s tranquility and natural
beauty make it a rewarding stop on the road from Nghĩa Lộ to Mù Cang Chải.
6. Getting to Tú Lệ
From Hanoi, travelers can reach Tú Lệ in about 6–7
hours by car or motorbike via National Highway 32. The route passes
through scenic landscapes of tea hills, valleys, and local villages. Private
cars or small group tours are recommended for comfort and flexibility,
especially when exploring nearby Mù Cang Chải or Nghĩa Lộ.
7. A Valley of Timeless Beauty
Despite storms and time, Tú Lệ Valley remains one of
Vietnam’s most enchanting destinations—a place where golden terraces ripple
like waves, where hot springs steam in the cool mountain air, and where life
flows gently in harmony with nature. For those seeking peace, authenticity, and
the poetry of rural Vietnam, Tú Lệ is not just a stop—it is a feeling that
lingers long after the journey ends.
