Short answer
In September the rains ease, days are warm and nights cooler. Late September brings golden rice to the Hoang Su Phi terraces, lasting into early October. The National Day holiday — 2 to 5 September in 2027 — is very busy, and landslides are still possible after heavy rain.
Weather
The rains ease through September; days are warm and nights cooler. Heavy rain is still possible, and with it landslides — on 29 September 2024 a deadly landslide cut National Road 2 between Ha Giang and Tuyen Quang, the main road from Ha Noi. Keep checking road conditions, especially early in the month.
Golden rice
From late September to early October, the terraces of Hoang Su Phi turn gold just before the harvest — for example around Ban Phung, below Tay Con Linh. Hoang Su Phi lies west of the classic Loop, so plan extra days. See the Hoang Su Phi terraces, Chieu Lau Thi peak and golden rice season. Admire the fields from the roads and paths — never walk on the rice.
National Day 2027
The National Day holiday runs from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 September 2027. These are among the busiest days of the year on the Loop: book early, or plan your trip for the weeks after.
Crowds and booking
Outside the holiday, September is moderately busy, picking up towards the end of the month and into October — see Ha Giang in October.
Need a car and driver?
We can help arrange a licensed local driver and car, including Hoang Su Phi for the golden rice. See Hire a driver.
Frequently asked questions
When is the golden rice season in Ha Giang?
On the Hoang Su Phi terraces, usually from late September to early October. Timing shifts with the weather and altitude.
Is the National Day holiday busy in Ha Giang?
Yes, very. In 2027 the holiday runs from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 September. Book rooms and transport early, or avoid those dates.
Is the rainy season over in September?
The rains ease through the month, but heavy rain and landslides are still possible — in late September 2024 a deadly landslide cut National Road 2 between Ha Giang and Tuyen Quang.
Sources
- Hoang Su Phi golden rice: late September – early October (Bao Quoc te, in Vietnamese)
- National Day holiday 2027: 2–5 September, Government Office letter 10065/VPCP-KGVX, 2 Oct 2026 (LuatVietnam, in Vietnamese)
- Landslide cuts National Road 2 between Ha Giang and Tuyen Quang, September 2024 (Saigon Times / Tuoi Tre, in Vietnamese)
