Not as bustling as Sapa, nor as famous as Mu Cang Chai, Xim Vang possesses a unique beauty of its own. In the rice paddies, lush green rice paddies stretch across terraced fields, surrounded by rolling mountains and small villages nestled beneath the forest canopy.

Every year, from around June to August, the entire highland region seems to be covered in a new coat of color: lush green terraced rice fields winding and stretching from the mountain slopes down to the valley, reflecting the clear morning sunlight. (Photo by Diep Huu Dat)

To reach Xim Vang, visitors usually depart from Hanoi, traveling by bus or private car to the center of Bac Yen district (Son La province), then continuing along a mountainous road for about 25 km to reach the village. (Photo by Diep Huu Dat)

 

Although the distance isn't long, the section from the town to Xim Vang is quite bumpy, with many curves and prone to slipping in the rain. However, this very road is an indispensable part of the experience, as the scenery on both sides unfolds like a painting: endless green forests, small villages nestled on the mountainside, and clouds drifting lazily overhead. Photo by Diep Huu Dat

Upon arrival, the first thing that surprises visitors is the tranquility. No car horns, no flashy signs; Xim Vang appears simple with its dark yellow earthen houses, weathered pine wood roofs, vegetable gardens in front, and children playing in the sun. The Hmong people here still maintain their traditional way of life: traditional farming, weaving brocade, smoking meat over the fire, eating men men (a type of cornmeal porridge), drinking corn wine, and living in harmony with nature. (Photo by Diep Huu Dat)

The green rice fields in Xim Vang are not as vibrant as the ripening season, but they offer a refreshing and clean atmosphere. The rice paddies resemble waves of rice embracing the foothills, interspersed with red dirt paths and a small, babbling stream flowing through the village. (Photo by Nguyen Phuong Thao)

In the early morning, when the mist still blankets the rooftops, visitors can follow the villagers to the fields, observing how they weed and tend to the rice seedlings – tasks repeated year after year but always filled with love and patience. (Photo by Diep Huu Dat)

 

To meet the growing demand for tourism, several travel companies have begun including Xim Vang in their summer itineraries exploring Northwest Vietnam. Vietravel organizes the "Son La - Bac Yen - Xim Vang 3 Days 2 Nights" tour, which includes transportation, accommodation in traditional stilt houses, and local cultural exchange activities. (Photo: Diep Huu Dat)

PYS Travel introduces the "Northwest in Green Season" tour, combining Xim Vang and Ta Xua, ideal for young travelers who love nature, enjoy cloud watching, slow living, and photography. Travelogy Vietnam also designs private tours for small groups, allowing travelers to fully experience the local culture with activities such as farming, hand embroidery, and cooking with the Hmong people. Photo by Diep Huu Dat

Accommodation in Xim Vang today is mainly in the form of community homestays. Each house can accommodate 6-10 guests, with basic but clean, cozy conditions, and especially offering hot meals with wild vegetables, dried meat, men men (a type of steamed cornmeal), pumpkin soup with bone broth, and fragrant corn wine. Such meals are not only delicious but also allow visitors to experience the authentic flavors of the mountains and forests. Photo by Diep Huu Dat

If you visit Xim Vang on a weekend, you'll also have the opportunity to participate in the Hang Chu market – where people from the highland villages gather, bringing homemade products such as forest honey, sticky rice, dried bamboo shoots, brocade fabrics, etc. The market atmosphere is lively but still retains the genuine, simple charm of the highlands. Photo by Diep Huu Dat

A few things to keep in mind when visiting Xim Vang: bring a light jacket as it can get chilly at night; prepare a power bank as phone signal is weak and there are few power outlets in the village; absolutely respect the local culture, do not take photos of locals, especially women and children, without their permission. Photo by Diep Huu Dat