A cultivated look at northern Vietnam contours

Nghiem Dinh Chinh, a photographer from Hanoi, said he was mesmerized by the stunning beauty of the terraced fields so he decided to make a photo set of them.

When the first summer rains drop, water runs from the ravines down to the terraces, marking the start of the rice planting season.

The terraced fields here are located at a height of 2,000 meters.

In Muong Hum Valley, Bat Xat District of Lao Cai Province, terraces stand ready for cultivation

Muong Hum terraces are usually flooded in May and June.

Some fields are already plowed and cultivated.

H’mong ethnic minority farmers waste little time working their fields.

H’mong, Tay and Giay ethnic communities often utilize buffalos to harrow and level their fields.

Ta Van Village, home to the H’mong and Giay, lies about eight kilometers from Sa Pa, a popular resort town in Lao Cai Province.

Thien Sinh Valley, Y Ty Commune, Lao Cai Province basks in the varied hues of sunset.

Thien Sinh Valley rice terraces bid farewell to the light.

Besides Lao Cai, rice fields in Mu Cang Chai Town, Yen Bai Province are not to be missed during planting season, which occurs slightly later in Lao Cai.

An all too familiar scene in Mu Cang Chai – where locals and animals have toiled for generations under the bronze end of day.