5 Picture-Perfect Rice Paddies: Cultivating Rice on Challenging Terrain

While there are flat rice paddies throughout the world, there are also challenging terrains that can still be used for rice cultivation, while providing a picturesque view.

Rice Paddies on Challenging Terrain

Warm, moist soil is ideal for rice growth. Microbes that produce methane can thrive in traditionally flooded rice fields. Cultural identities are shaped by the long-standing tradition of Asian rice growing. Deltas with flat rice paddies, mountains with terraced fields, and areas protected from erosion. Rain, rivers, and ancient knowledge all contribute to this approach.

Incidentally, rice paddies terraced on challenging terrain can be breathtaking. Here are 5 picture-perfect rice paddies:

#1 Japan: Hamanoura, Saga

Getting to the Hamanoura rice terraces by train or bus is simple. The terraced rice fields overlooking the Genkai Sea should be within sight after a short distance from the bus stop. The rice terraces are always completely planted with rice by early May after being filled with water in the middle of April.

The geometric patterns created by the reflection of the sunset and the roads between the paddies provide an amazing spectacle at this time of day when the setting sun turns the ocean surface orange and the rice paddies are all colored orange.

#2 Indonesia: Tegalalang, Bali

Ubud is well known throughout the world for its magnificent tourist attraction. There is more to see and do than just the Campuhan Ridge Walk, Ubud Art Market, and Pura Taman Saraswati Temple. The mesmerizing Tegalalang rice terraces are just twenty minutes to the north. Elegance is enhanced by towering palms and a dense jungle.

A lot of people come to Bali to photograph this fascinating scenery, especially from April to October when it's harvest time and the island is dry and conducive to outdoor activities.

#3 Vietnam: Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai

Mu Cang Chai is located in the Yen Bai province of Vietnam, around 300 kilometers from Hanoi. It is one of the top five mountain locations in the north and requires overcoming the treacherous Khau Pha Pass. Those who are courageous enough are rewarded with a spectacular view of the rice terraces and real Tay and Hmong culture. The best time to visit is between mid-September and mid-October, when the fields turn from green to a brilliant golden, catching the heart of every photographer.

#4 China: Yuanyang

Yunnan Province, which has an area of 394,000 km2, offers a variety of discoveries. Despite the allure of Lijiang's historic town, Meili Snow Mountain, and Songzanlin Lamasery, don't ignore the region's UNESCO rice paddies. The Ailao Mountains' Yuanyang County Rice Terraces, which were created by the Hami and Yi tribes a millennium ago, is today a well-preserved World Heritage Site.

January to March is the best time to visit since the harvest reflects the sky and clouds. Peach and pears blossoms in vivid shades of pink and white cover the landscape in late February and early March.

Also Read: Water Garden: What It Is & What It's Not

#5 Philippines: Banaue

The Banaue Rice Terraces, which are 1,500 meters above sea level and were chiseled into the Ifugao mountain 2,000 years ago, are the steepest in the world. They are a source of pride for the Filipino people and are designated as National Cultural Treasures. The Sunrise Viewpoint offers the best viewing. From Manila, it is only an 8-hour bus ride away, but the road's condition and scenic appeal make the journey more bearable.

The best times to visit are between February and March and June and July when there are excellent options for sightseeing.