Y Tý, Mountain commune in Bát Xát, Vietnam
Y Tý is a mountain commune in the Hoang Lien Son range, sitting at 1,752 meters above sea level. The landscape shows rice terraces stepping down the hillsides in layers of green fields.
The Ha Nhi ethnic group developed the area's farming system by building terraced fields that follow the natural contours of steep slopes. This method allowed rice cultivation to thrive in mountainous terrain.
The Saturday market draws people from multiple ethnic communities who trade farm goods, traditional clothing, and handmade crafts. It remains a central gathering place where local practices and skills pass from one generation to the next.
Winters bring freezing temperatures below 0°C, so warm clothing and preparation are essential when visiting during cold months. Plan a trip from late August through mid-September to see the rice harvest and experience the busiest season in the fields.
Traditional earthen houses here feature mushroom-shaped roofs with clay walls and stone foundations that take roughly a month to build. This design reflects how residents work with local materials and adapt to mountain conditions.
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