By Tuan Anh.

Nestled in An Giang Province in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, the golden fields of Ta Pa come alive every December, offering a blend of nature’s splendor and rural charm.

Photographer Chau Quang Dien from Ho Chi Minh City captured the view of the rice fields on Dec. 15.

The Ta Pa fields are located at the base of Co To Mountain in Tri Ton District, An Giang Province, approximately 60 kilometers from Long Xuyen City.

Long Xuyen, in turn, is about 187 kilometers away from HCMC. Also known as Phung Hoang Son, Co To Mountain rises 614 meters high and is considered one of the seven sacred mountains by locals.

According to Dien, this is the most beautiful time of the year in Ta Pa. The golden fields stretching as far as the eye can see captivate visitors. In the photo above, a path leading into the fields is framed by yellow terraces.

“Harvest season is the perfect time to visit An Giang and capture its scenery,” Dien said.

In late December, locals head to the fields early in the morning, where a thin veil of mist still lingers around the mountains.

Nui To Commune, often regarded as the rice bowl of Tri Ton, is home to over 75% Khmer ethnic residents, most of whom are engaged in rice farming and livestock raising.

Mechanized farming not only reduces labor but also enhances the visual appeal of the fields. This image shows a combine harvester shaping patterns in the rice paddies at Ta Pa. The harvest season here typically lasts until the end of December.

The rice terraces stretch in orderly rows up to the base of Co To Mountain.

As farmers in Tri Ton plant at different times, the fields rarely ripen all at once. This creates a patchwork of green and gold.

The flat terrain at the base of Co To Mountain offers visitors a wide view of the fields.

Tourists can also opt for mountain-climbing and camping experiences on this mountain. From the peak of Vo Hoi – a rock formation on Co To Mountain – on sunny days, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the Ta Pa fields and the entire Tri Ton town.

These fields are also a favorite destination for morning cloud watching and sunset viewing.

However, Dien advises visitors to check the weather before planning a cloud-chasing trip, as mist and clouds are not guaranteed year-round.

Near the fields lies Ta Pa Pagoda, a tourist attraction. This Khmer Buddhist temple, nestled halfway up the mountain, provides a vantage point overlooking the terraces below.

The route from Tri Ton town center to Ta Pa is convenient, and visitors often choose motorbikes for a more flexible travel experience.

Photos by Chau Quang Dien

Published Date: January 2, 2025