The terraced fields of Thong Nguyen take on a different beauty with each season. When the fields are filled with water, they mirror the clear blue sky, creating a spectacular natural panorama. As the rice turns green, the mountainsides seem to be covered in a soft, refreshing carpet. Then, as autumn arrives, layer upon layer of rice terraces gradually turns golden, stretching from the foot of the mountains to their highest peaks and creating a scene that makes visitors stop and admire the view.
Winding along the mountainsides, the terraced fields are a valuable natural asset that contributes to the development of community tourism in Thong Nguyen Commune
Few places capture the beauty of human labour as vividly as terraced fields. Each terrace embodies the sweat, hard work and farming knowledge passed down through generations among the Dao, Nung, Tay and other ethnic communities living in the area. It is this blend of nature and human endeavour that gives the landscape its distinctive value, making it particularly appealing to visitors seeking discovery and hands-on experiences.
In recent years, with local authorities placing greater emphasis on developing tourism alongside the preservation of the landscape and indigenous culture, the terraced fields of Thong Nguyen have attracted growing numbers of visitors. Beyond simply admiring the scenery, visitors can immerse themselves in the lives of local highland communities - joining farmers in planting and harvesting rice, sampling traditional dishes, experiencing Shan Tuyet tea-making, and learning about the customs and cultural heritage of the ethnic groups who call the area home.
Terraced fields filled with water mirror the clouds and sky, creating a poetic landscape amid the mountains and forests of Thong Nguyen
Thanks to the effective use of its existing advantages, Thong Nguyen is welcoming increasing numbers of visitors. In the first six months of 2026 alone, the commune welcomed 5,287 visitors, reaching nearly 53% of its annual target. Notably, international visitors numbered 2,733, accounting for more than half of all arrivals. Tourism revenue exceeded VND 6.5 billion, helping create jobs, raise local incomes and drive the development of services and trade in the area. These figures point to the growing appeal of Thong Nguyen as a destination, while affirming the commune's sound approach of building tourism around its natural landscape and distinctive cultural identity.
A sunrise over the terraced fields of Thong Nguyen, where the clouds, sky and water merge to create a captivating scene for visitors
The terraced fields are also helping bring greater exposure to Thong Nguyen's distinctive local products. After their journeys of discovery, visitors often take home fragrant Shan Tuyet tea, wild honey, herbal products and clean farm produce as gifts imbued with the flavours of the highlands. In this way, tourism not only generates direct income but also expands markets for local agricultural products.
Visitors enjoy taking part in rice-planting activities with local residents
The commune will continue to raise awareness, mobilise and guide local residents in developing accommodation facilities and experiential tourism products. Investment in the tourism workforce will also need to continue, with a focus on improving service quality. With its distinctive natural landscape, rich cultural identity and coordinated efforts by local authorities and residents, however, Thong Nguyen has a strong foundation for developing tourism that is green, sustainable and deeply rooted in local identity.
Bugano Hoang Su Phi is a popular accommodation choice for visitors exploring the beauty of the terraced fields and experiencing community tourism in Thong Nguyen Commune
The terraced fields do more than beautify the mountains and forests of Thong Nguyen. They are also a symbol of hard work, the determination to master nature and the aspirations of local communities for a better life. Each rice harvest season, as golden hues blanket the mountainsides, Thong Nguyen welcomes more visitors drawn to its beauty. And across those “golden steps”, a new chapter of development is being written - where nature, culture and people come together to create a distinctive appeal for a promising highland destination.
Nguyen Thanh Hieu
Abridged from Tuyen Quang Portal
