Lao Cai Travel Guide

Not only outstanding with its natural beauty, but Lao Cai also possesses great tourism potential. With a series of unique destinations connecting people and nature. The diversity of terrain and climate has created many majestic landscapes, bringing memorable experiences to visitors. Let’s join Origin Vietnam to start the journey to conquer this wonderful land. This is an ideal destination for those who love to explore, seek peace and authenticity of the Northwest of Vietnam.

1. Where is Lao Cai?

Lao Cai is a northern mountainous province in the Northwest region of Vietnam. It’s far away from 160 km to 320 km Northwest of Hanoi capital, depending on the specific tourist destination. And the political and administrative center is located in Yen Bai city. With geographical location:

• The North borders Yunnan province – China.
• The South borders Son La province.
• The East borders Tuyen Quang province and Phu Tho province.
• The West borders Lai Chau province.

2. How is Lao Cai unique?

Lao Cai is a bright pearl in the Northwest highlands of Vietnam. It is not only attractive for its majestic natural beauty, but also stands out for its unique cultural and historical depth. Moreover, this is the land where the two civilizations of the Red River and the Chay River intersect, home to more than 30 ethnic groups such as H’Mong, Dao, Tay, Nung, Kinh… with a distinct identity expressed through festivals, markets, cuisine, and spiritual architecture. In addition, nature has endowed Lao Cai with a diverse ecosystem and outstanding landscapes such as Fansipan peak – the roof of Indochina, the majestic Hoang Lien Son range, Hoang Lien National Park, the poetic Thac Ba lake, the beautiful Mu Cang Chai terraced fields, the vast Muong Lo fields, and the fresh Giang stream. All blend together to create a vivid and inspiring natural picture. Not only beautiful scenery, Lao Cai is also a land rich in revolutionary traditions, with historical relics such as Nghia Lo, Can Don, Van Chan… In addition, modern destinations in the city centers bring vibrant experiences — from food streets and bars to restaurants and entertainment areas. Possessing a perfect blend of outstanding nature, cultural depth, and modern life, Lao Cai is an ideal destination for those looking to explore the authentic beauty of the mountains and forests of Northwest Vietnam.

3. When is the best time to visit Lao Cai?

Lao Cai is located in the tropical monsoon climate zone, but due to its complex terrain and deep inland location, the weather changes clearly by region and season. The climate is divided into two main seasons: the rainy season from April to October, and the dry season from October to March of the following year. The average temperature ranges from 15°C – 20°C in the highlands and 23°C – 29°C in the lowlands. Some places like Sa Pa often have temperatures below 0°C in winter, with occasional ice, snow, and frost. Fog is common in many areas, especially in sheltered valleys and high mountains. During severe cold spells, some places may experience frost lasting 2–3 days. Each time of the year reveals a different side of Lao Cai’s beauty, making it suitable for a wide range of interests and types of tourism.

Some suitable times to travel to Sapa and Lao Cai that tourists can refer to are as follows:

• January – March: The ideal time to admire the brilliant peach and plum blossoms in the highlands. At the same time, you can experience the bustling atmosphere of spring festivals and traditional folk games. Such as: pao throwing, tug of war, horse racing…
• March – April: It is the season of cloud hunting and rattan forest cloud hunting in Y Ty. This is an experience loved by many tourists. This is also the ideal time to trek Bach Moc Luong Tu with cool weather and little rain.
• May – June: The water pouring season is when the terraced fields are shimmering with water, creating a sparkling scene in the afternoon sun. In addition, the traditional horse racing festival in Bac Ha also takes place in early June, a unique event that attracts many tourists.
• August – September: The season of golden ripe rice in Mu Cang Chai, Y Ty, Muong Lo… This is the “golden” time to hunt for photos and admire the rich beauty of the Northwest.
• December: The ideal time to hunt for clouds at high points such as O Quy Ho, Ta Xua peak or the mountainous area around Sa Pa. Where the mountains and forests appear and disappear in the magical and majestic sea of ​​clouds.
• December – January: If you are lucky enough to encounter the right cold air, you can experience the rare phenomenon of snowfall in Sa Pa. This is one of the first snow destinations in Vietnam.

Therefore, the most ideal time to explore Lao Cai is from September to April of the following year. During this time, the weather is pleasant, dry and the scenery changes with the seasons. It promises to bring complete and memorable travel experiences.

4. How to get to Lao Cai

From Hanoi and neighboring provinces in Northern Vietnam, you can easily travel to Lao Cai by many different means. Such as: train, bus, self-driving car or motorbike. Each form has its own advantages, suitable for each type of experience and personal preferences.

4.1 By train

Trains are a traditional means of transportation, popular for many years thanks to their safety, comfort, and flexible schedules and prices. Trains to Lao Cai usually depart from Hanoi station in the evening, take about 8 hours and arrive early the next morning. In addition, you can choose train routes such as YB3 that go directly to Yen Bai station, or trains SP1, SP3 (Hanoi – Lao Cai route) that stop to pick up/drop off passengers at Yen Bai station. Travel time from Hanoi to here by train is about 4 hours and 15 minutes.

4.2 By passenger car

Since, people completed the Noi Bai – Lao Cai expressway, passenger cars have become the preferred choice. Because the travel time is fast, it only takes about 4 to 4.5 hours, half the time compared to traveling by train. Every day, there are many passenger cars departing from My Dinh or Giap Bat bus stations (Hanoi) to cities, famous tourist destinations of Lao Cai and neighboring areas. If you depart from other provinces, taking a passenger car to Lao Cai is also relatively easy thanks to the developed inter-provincial transport system.

4.3 By self-driving car

Traveling by private car helps you be more proactive in your schedule. It is suitable for groups of friends or families. From Hanoi, you can follow the Noi Bai – Lao Cai expressway, then turn into specific directions to get to the center of Lao Cai city or destinations in the old area of ​​Yen Bai, such as Yen Bai city or Mu Cang Chai.

4.4 By motorbike

Motorbikes are the choice for those who are passionate about discovery and enjoy the feeling of conquest. This means of transport is suitable when you want to go to unique destinations such as Y Ty, Lung Po, Bat Xat, Mu Cang Chai, Muong Lo field,… Where there are no regular public transport or passenger buses. However, the route to the above locations has many steep passes and dangerous curves. Therefore, you need to prepare carefully: ensure good health, steady driving, bring full vehicle documents and protective gear. At the same time, obey traffic laws to have a safe and complete trip.

5. Sightseeings in Lao Cai

5.1 Sapa Town

Of course, when we come to Lao Cai, we must definitely stop by Sapa town once. Sapa is a small town located in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. It is famous for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as its vibrant culture. The town is also home to a number of ethnic minority villages, making it a great place to explore the local culture. Even though many years have passed, the foggy capital still retains its strange charm. Located at an altitude of 1500m – 1800m above sea level, SaPa not only possesses wild primeval forests. But also modern, poetic tourist attractions, resorts, classy hotels and even ancient villages. . Famous scenic spots in SaPa are also always in the Top of the hottest tourist destinations in Lao Cai, such as:

• Sa Pa Stone Church: located right in the central square of Sapa town, with this Gothic architecture that stands out amid the fog, this is the number 1 photo spot for tourists when coming to SaPa.
• Sun Plaza: Romantic like a castle, Sun Plaza impresses with its colorful Western design. You can “live virtual” in luxury in front of the building or the train station – where you buy tickets to Muong Hoa.
• Cat Cat Village: an ancient village submerged in a forest, where a waterfall flows through, including many cute water wheels. Coming here, you can rent typical ethnic dresses to take photos with the children, or check-in right on the paved road inside the Cat Cat village market.

5.2 Fansipan Mountain:

Fansipan or Phan Si Phang is the highest mountain in Vietnam. Also the highest of the three Indochina countries, so it is known as the “Roof of Indochina” (3,143 m) in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. It’s about 9 km southwest from Sa Pa town, bordering Lao Cai and Lai Chau provinces in the Northwest region of Vietnam. According to the local language, the mountain’s name is “Hua Xi Pan” and means giant, precarious rock slab.

5.3 Bach Moc Luong Tu – Ky Quan San

Located at an altitude of more than 3000m above sea level. The road to Bach Moc Luong Tu peak is an attractive challenge for anyone who loves trekking. This mountain peak is located between Lai Chau and Lao Cai, corresponding to two routes that can “climb to the top”. You should choose trekking Bach Moc Luong Tu around after Tet (January – March) or late autumn, early winter (January 9 – November). Starting from Bat Xat, Lao Cai, the road to Bach Moc Luong peak is quite winding. Because the trail is narrow, there are many rocks and goes through forests. But in return, the scenery on this route is quite clear, ideal for watching the radiant sunrise above the clouds – an impressive moment of cloud hunting for a lifetime. This is also the highlight that helps Bach Moc Luong enter the list of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Vietnam. Normally, this trip will take about 2 – 4 days depending on your speed and the weather and difficulty of the chosen route. If this is your first time hunting clouds – you don’t have much trekking experience and know the route well, hire a local guide or go in a group.

5.4 O Quy Ho Pass

Famous among Vietnam’s four dangerous mountain passes. However, the scenery that O Quy Ho brings is extremely worth overcoming thousands of dangers to visit. The cloud layer is right in front of you, and wildflowers are blooming…. romantic snowfall (when going in the right season). The best route to conquer O Quy Ho is through Y Ty – O Quy Ho – Sa Pa. At the sky gate at the top of the pass, you will immediately feel the overwhelming feeling that people talk about this pass. The sunlight reflecting on the clouds creates a rare, splendid scene. Combined with the golden season stretching on terraced fields from Y Ty to O quy ho pass, surely tourists will be “satisfied” on this road. In addition, O Quy Ho also has beautiful wild flower seasons: peach blossoms, climbing roses, and bright pink azalea flowers in a corner of the pass. All of these are convincing reasons why O Quy Ho is always in the top of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Lao Cai.

5.5 Hau Thao commune

Hau Thao commune is one of the tourist destinations that has only recently received attention in Lao Cai. In fact, many travelers have visited Muong Hoa – the most famous landmark in Hau Thao and just stopped there. However, this commune also has unexpectedly great check-in points. Coming to Hau Thao, the first place you should visit is Hau Chu Ngai village – inhabited by the indigenous Mong people. Fortunately, this place has not been affected much by industry. So the children will take you to visit Cau May (not a place in Ta Van), past the golden terraced fields, to the beautiful wild waterfall,… In addition, Hau Thao is also home to the oldest sa mu forest in Vietnam. Through the forest, we will feel the fresh air, eliminate worries and be fully energized for the upcoming journey. At the same time, the mysterious “twilight” scene in the forest will immediately conquer all “virtual living” visitors.

5.6 Y Ty Commune

Located at an altitude of 2000m above sea level, Y Ty commune is one of the best check-in locations today, next to Sapa. Far from being “inferior to younger sister”. Y Ty possesses many pristine landscapes that make people move, accompanied by many attractive camping, trekking,… activities. First, you should plan to travel to Y Ty during the following two periods: August – September (ripe rice season) or September – April of the following year (cloud hunting season). To fully see the golden terraced fields, the ideal route is from The Pa – Hong Ngai – Den Sang valley. Especially in Den Sang, the rice fields become even more brilliant because the rice grown is typical local rice. During the cloud hunting season, we can visit the following locations: A Lu slope, Ngai Thau, Lao Than peak,… Located in a temperate climate zone with a significant altitude, you will be able to hunt at great distances. The carving with your hand touching the clouds is extremely wonderful. In particular, the road from A Lu slope to Ngai Thau is the highlight of the whole trip to Y Ty. Not only is it easy to “hunt clouds”, this place also has a great view to see the vast terraced fields in the mist and sunlight. However, if you are not familiar with the roads, you can join tours to experience the Y cloud paradise. Ty Lao Cai to ensure safety.

5.7 Bac Ha market

Every week, on Sunday, Bac Ha market takes place. People flock to Bac Ha town to hold a market with millions of different items. The market is mainly a place for exchange and buying of ethnic areas in neighboring villages. At Bac Ha market, you can find unique ethnic items, as well as enjoy highland specialties, such as thang co, corn wine, rice wine or Panax notoginseng tea… If you have the opportunity to see the market from above, you will be amazed at the unique beauty of the market. The vibrant colors on the costumes of ethnic areas stand out throughout the entire region, like a blooming flower garden. In ancient times, the market was open on a gentle hill. But today, the market has been built spaciously and divided into 4 areas, including the brocade area; area selling groceries and jewelry; livestock sales area and food area. Among them, the busiest are the stalls selling brocade items and the dining area bustling with people coming in and out.

5.8 Hoang A Tuong Mansion

Construction began in 1914, but it was not until 1921 that King Meo Palace was completed. The owners of the palace are Hoang Yen Chao and Hoang A Tuong. Hoang A Tuong was also a local in Bac Ha until the day Lao Cai was liberated. Therefore, in addition to the name King Meo’s palace, people also call this Hoang A Tuong palace. The world is “like mountains and water” firmly, with the hope that the family will be noble and the descendants will be glorious. The Meo King’s mansion has reached the level of sophisticated design and emerged on a massive scale in the remote, majestic high mountains like Bac Ha. The Meo King’s mansion is a quite special architectural structure compared to the architecture of other mansions in Vietnam at that time. The palace is not only a place to live for Hoang Yen Chao and Hoang A Tuong, but also a place to work and also has the function of a protective fortress. The entire palace has a closed, continuous rectangular architecture, with a total area of ​​4,000 square meters, with protective fences, all four sides of the walls have battlements like a fortress and are guarded by soldiers.

5.9 Giang Thai Pho flower valley

About 1.5km from Bac Ha center, Thai Giang Pho flower valley was built by a private unit to develop with eco-tourism. Every season, Thai Giang Pho has flowers blooming, throughout all four seasons are orchids. Besides, there are also many types of street flowers grown here. Such as hydrangeas, purple orchids, auspicious flowers, jade oats, etc. The two colors that combine to create the colorful beauty of Thai Giang Pho are purple. of lavender and the bright yellow green of orchids.

5.10 Can Cau market

Can Cau market is a typical market of ethnic minorities (mainly Giay, H’Mong – Hoa ethnic groups) in the Northwest region, Vietnam; located along Road 153 – a single dirt road connecting Bac Ha town with the border town of Si Ma Cai, in Can Cau commune, Si Ma Cai district, Lao Cai province. The market usually opens on the following days. Every Saturday, holidays, and Tet throughout the year, lasting from early morning to late afternoon. This is also the largest buffalo market in the Northwest, Vietnam with hundreds of buffaloes traded in each market session.

5.11 Mac Hot Springs Board

Although it is close to a residential area and was discovered a long time ago. Ban Mac hot spring is still wild, expanded and blocked by people with large stones, enough for about 10 – 15 people to bathe. Hot springs mainly serve people in Trinh Tuong commune and neighboring communes. So tourism services here are almost non-existent. The road to the hot spring area is a special trail, motorbikes can only go on sunny days. So moving is relatively difficult. Tourists from other districts, when coming to the hot springs, often take the initiative in providing food and drinks and contact accommodation in the center of Trinh Tuong commune or find a motel in Bat Xat town.

5.12 Muong Hoa Valley:

This stunning valley is located in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and is home to a number of ethnic minority villages. The valley is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as its vibrant culture.

5.13 Muong Lo Field

Muong Lo field is the second largest field in the Northwest mountains. Muong Lo is also considered a giant basin nestled between towering mountains and hills, covering the entire town of Nghia Lo. Standing from afar on the pass, you will feel peaceful before the smoothness and shine of the fields stretching to the horizon. With the romantic scenery of the land of rice. Muong Lo field is also one of the Lao Cai tourist destinations that helps you immerse yourself in the diverse culture of 12 ethnic groups. They are Thai, Kinh, H’ Mong, Muong… With the charming beauty of the fields. So Muong Lo has been registered as a national intangible cultural heritage that needs to be preserved. During the ripe rice season (mid-September to mid-October). Muong Lo will be an attractive place to visit in Yen Bai for you with a brilliant yellow picture of ripe rice and a warm harvest scene. When coming to Muong Lo, you can combine a visit to Mu Cang Chai. It’s a masterpiece of terraced fields at the foot of the Hoang Lien Son range. Located about 80 km from Yen Bai city and about 200 km from Hanoi. So you can drive from Hanoi via Highway 32. On the way, you can also visit other famous landmarks. Such as Thanh Son, Tan Son, Thu Cuc, Van Chan…

5.14 Mu Cang Chai

Mu Cang Chai is a beautiful small town located at the foot of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. This is also a famous Lao Cai tourist destination whose specialty is the beauty of the masterpiece terraced fields. On the way to Mu Cang Chai, you will enjoy the beauty of Khau Pha Pass. It’s the 4th most beautiful place in the world for paragliding pilots. When coming to Mu Cang Chai, you can come from September to October to participate in the unique cultural festivals of the Mong people. In particular, this time is also the ripe rice season in Mu Cang Chai and Muong Lo. With the specialties that nature bestows. Mu Cang Chai will definitely give you a great background. If you are from Hanoi on the way to Mu Cang Chai, you should visit Muong Lo first. Overnight in Muong Lo and the next day depart for Mu Cang Chai to be able to fully admire the majestic beauty of Khau Pha pass on the way.

5.15 Khau Pha Pass

Belonging to the “four great passes” of the Northwest. Khau Pha Pass is one of the 10 most famous tourist destinations in Lao Cai. With an altitude of 1,200m, the highest in Mu Cang Chai, Khau Pha Pass stands tall like a “horn of heaven”. The pass is also embellished by the surrounding mountain ranges amid the white clouds. Khau Pha Pass is famous as one of the most winding and steep passes in Vietnam. When you pass the top of Khau Pha mountain, before your eyes will appear a plateau surrounded by overlapping mountains, a winding pass road between old forests and terraced fields of Thai and H’Mong people. The best time you should go to Khau Pha Pass is during the ripe rice season from September to October, this is also the time when rice ripens in Muong Lo and Mu Cang Chai. From Yen Bai city, following Highway 32, you can combine a visit to Muong Lo, cross Khau Pha pass and reach Mu Cang Chai.

5.16 Thac Ba Lake

Formed when the river was dammed to build the Thac Ba hydropower plant, Vietnam’s first hydroelectric project, Thac Ba Lake can be seen as a historical witness to the nation’s glorious tradition. Thac Ba Lake is also recognized as the largest artificial lake in Vietnam with more than 1,300 large and small islands. During the trip to visit the lake by boat, visitors will enjoy fresh air amid the vast blue water surface and immense tree islands. With scenery like that, Thac Ba Lake will certainly be one of the tourist destinations in Lao Cai that you cannot miss. And before ending the journey on Thac Ba Lake, you can visit Thac Ba Mother Temple – a famous spiritual tourist destination. In addition, there are also limestone mountains and caves associated with many long-standing stories and legends. Surely this trip will help your mind feel more peaceful than ever.

5.17 Suoi Giang

Suoi Giang is one of the attractive tourist attractions in Lao Cai, famous for its vast tea hills with famous fragrance at home and abroad. There are tea forests that are hundreds of years old. Especially snow tea trees with old white stems. Located halfway up the clouds, the climate in Suoi Giang is cool all year round and is compared to Yen Bai’s Sa Pa. Not only can you admire the romantic nature, you can also immerse yourself in spring festivals, Gau Tao ceremony, tea tree worshiping ceremony and enjoy typical Northwest dishes, this will help you forget the past. sad life.

5.18 Hang Te Cho Waterfall

Hang Te Cho Waterfall is the name of a legendary waterfall in the Northwest region, covered with mist and steam all year round, creating a mysterious scene. With the roaring sound of the waterfall, you will feel the excitement inside your body and easily erase all fatigue and pressure. Hang Te Cho Waterfall is one of the tourist destinations in Yen Bai that has quite a difficult path to conquer. The road to Hang Te Cho village has many sections that are only for horses and cannot be accessed by motorbikes. This place is still considered a “dangerous place” in the Northwest of Vietnam.

5.19 Pu Nhu Waterfall

Located between two high vertical rocky rocks, the white water from Than Uyen pours down. Under the sunlight, visitors can see steam rising from the rock cavity, extremely magical. Under the stone steps, the water flows down gently and gracefully, stirring people’s hearts. Pu Nhu Waterfall is one of the Lao Cai tourist destinations blessed by nature with a fresh, cool climate all year round. Immersing yourself in the cool water with a calm atmosphere, you will definitely forget the hustle and bustle of life and your soul will feel young again. Pu Nhu Waterfall is a destination located on the way to famous places. Such as Muong Lo, Khau Pha Pass and about 10 km from Mu Cang Chai center.

5.20 Ta Xua – cloud paradise

Ta Xua peak is located between the natural boundary of Lao Cai and Son La provinces with an altitude of about 2000m. It is one of the 15 highest mountain peaks in Vietnam. There is only one road to the highest peak with a very steep slope. This is one of the Lao Cai tourist destinations for those who love to conquer and is a famous trekking destination in Vietnam. When you come to Ta Xua, you can’t help but visit the dinosaur spine hill. It’s a mountain range stretching out into the deep valley, dolphin cape, lonely tree,… Around October to April of the following year. It is time to watch the sunrise mixed with wonderful floating clouds. In the distance are charming terraced rice fields.

5.21 Chop Du Lake

Located only about 10 km from the center of Yen Bai city. Chop Du Lake is one of the unique Yen Bai tourist destinations that stands out with its quiet and extremely dreamy lake surface. This tourist destination is really suitable for those who are looking for coordinates to conquer as well as participate in light entertainment activities such as fishing, playing,… Chop Du Lake today still retains its original wild and charming features. Coming here to visit, visitors will be able to sightsee by boat to clearly feel the cool atmosphere and be submerged in the vast nature. The beauty of the mountains and forests combined with the gurgling stream and the chirping of birds has created an extremely beautiful natural picture here.

5.22 Cu Vai village

Cu Vai village is originally a village inhabited by the H’Mong people, extremely peaceful and simple. Visiting Cu Vai village on the Lao Cai tour, visitors will discover the cultural characteristics of the indigenous people, admire the rustic wooden stilt houses and especially experience wearing clothes. Unique traditional costumes of the H’Mong people. The typical poetic scenery at Cu Vai village is always covered with a layer of white clouds floating among the vast mountains and forests, which will certainly make many tourists excited from the first time they see it with their own eyes.

5.23 Tu Le

Tu Le Valley is located close to Mu Cang Chai, separated by Khau Pha Pass. It’s a familiar destination for many backpackers on the way to explore Lao Cai. Tourists often combine visiting both Tu Le and Mu Cang Chai. This place is known for its charming Northwest scenery, fragrant sticky rice specialties, natural hot mineral springs and sacred customs of the Thai ethnic people. Unlike other places, Tu Le field evokes a feeling of gentleness and closeness because it is not located precariously on hills or deep in ravines.

5.24 Tram Tau

Tram Tau tourism has become widely known for its beautiful scenery and many activities. Tourists can immerse themselves in pristine nature, majestic mountains and forests. Especially discovering new things from nature and the typical culture of the H’Mong and Thai ethnic groups. In particular, visitors can experience adventure, community and resort tourism activities.

6. The Ultimate Guide To Trekking In Lao Cai

Lao Cai is a province in the northwest of Vietnam, located on the border with China. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, with towering mountains, lush forests, and winding rivers. Trekking in Lao Cai is a popular activity for both locals and tourists alike, offering a unique opportunity to explore the region’s diverse landscapes and cultures. In this guide, we’ll provide an overview of the best trekking routes in Lao Cai, as well as tips on how to prepare for your trek and what to expect along the way. Best Trekking Routes In Lao Cai

6.1. Sapa – Fansipan:

This is one of the most popular trekking routes in Lao Cai, taking you to the summit of Fansipan, the highest mountain in Indochina. The trek is around 10 km long and takes around two days to complete. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush forests, terraced rice fields, and traditional villages.

6.2. Trekking in Muong Hoa Valley:

This is a shorter trek, taking you through the stunning Muong Hoa Valley. The trek is around 8 km long and takes around one day to complete. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush forests, traditional villages, and stunning mountain views.

6.3. Ta Van – Giang Ta Chai:

This is a longer trek, taking you through the stunning Ta Van and Giang Ta Chai villages. The trek is around 20 km long and takes around two days to complete. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush forests, traditional villages, and stunning mountain views.

6.4 Tips For Trekking In Lao Cai

Prepare for the weather: Lao Cai has a tropical climate, with hot and humid summers and cold winters. Make sure to pack appropriate clothing for the season you’re trekking in.

• Bring plenty of water: Make sure to bring plenty of water with you on your trek, as it can be difficult to find clean drinking water in some areas.
• Hire a guide: It’s a good idea to hire a local guide to help you navigate the trails and provide information about the local culture and customs.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Make sure to be aware of your surroundings at all times, as there are wild animals in the area.

Trekking in Lao Cai is a great way to explore the region’s stunning landscapes and cultures. With its diverse trekking routes, there’s something for everyone. Make sure to follow the tips in this guide to ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.

7. Activities & things to do in Lao Cai

7.1 Parachute to see the golden season

Khau Pha Pass is one of the Four Great Pass Peaks in Vietnam. It’s located in Lao Cai, connecting Mu Cang Chai and Van Chan districts. One of the “thrilling” experiences here every ripe rice season is flying with a parachute to see the rice fields. The parachute flight point is usually located at the top of a hill, 1,200 m above sea level. Tourists will fly with a professional pilot, flight time is 10-20 minutes (depending on weather conditions).

7.2 Zipline in Tu Le

The longest zipline route in Vietnam is located in the Aeris Hill adventure game area in Tu Le commune, opened in 2020. The zipline has two stages with a total length of 1.2 km.

• The first stage is nearly 1 km long, visitors have the opportunity to take in the panoramic view of the mountainous Tu Le valley.
• Stage 2 will take guests to the bus stop to return to the amusement park. Visitors under 50 kg will be hung with an additional 10 kg sandbag to ensure completion of the slide. It will take each person about 2 minutes to complete the two stages.

8. Specialties when traveling to Lao Cai

When traveling to Lao Cai, you will not only admire the wild and majestic natural scenery. But you will also have the opportunity to enjoy the specialties of this beautiful land.

8.1 Thang Co Bac Ha

Thang co is a typical traditional dish of the H’mong people. Later introduced to the Kinh, Dao, and Tay ethnic groups. The meat cooked in Thang Co is traditional horse meat, later beef, buffalo meat, and pork were added. Thang co horse dish was born nearly 200 years ago when the H’Mong, Tay, and Nung people came to Bac Ha to reside. However, only since Bac Ha tourism has developed has it become known to many tourists. In the past, the way to prepare thang co was quite different from today. All horse meat and organs were cleaned, then boiled in a pan and cut into squares. Then people put the meat in the pan and add the spices. Horse blood is also boiled and placed on top of the meat pot. After that the water is poured into the stew. Nowadays, after the horse is slaughtered and cleaned. All the meat and internal organs of the horse will be marinated with spices. Marinating time is about 15-30 minutes. Traditional spices for processing include salt, cardamom, dill, cinnamon, fragrant grilled lemon leaves, and crushed. After stir-frying, add water to simmer. When eating thang co, the pan of meat is still placed on the stove. Once eaten, scoop it out into a bowl. You can add Bac Ha fried chili to add more spiciness. Sipping a cup of spicy Ban Pho corn wine, picking up a piece of stewed horse meat and putting it in your mouth. The soft sweetness of horse meat combined with the spiciness of Bac Ha chili, the aromatic aroma of Thang Co spices will create a unique scent. A very unique taste that no other dish has.

8.2 Men Men

After the corn harvest, the corn is sorted, dried with the husks. And brought to the attic, stacked in rows, for later use. The corn is opened, fanned clean and crushed in a stone mortar. Grinding corn requires meticulousness and is time-consuming. When grinding, there must be two people, one person pulling the string, one person standing and removing the seeds. Make sure the ground corn is smaller than the broken grains, evenly for easy handling. When cooking, put cornstarch in the pot, sprinkle a little water, cover, place in a pan of water and cook until a fragrant aroma appears and the rice is cooked. Be more careful, people make things twice. The first round is not yet fully ripe. Pour it out, beat it until it cools down, then sprinkle some water and put it back in the pot for a second time. Steamed cornmeal rice is commonly called Men’s Rice.

8.3 Sour Pho

Bac Ha traditional pho includes sour pho, mixed pho with many shared ingredients, of which, sour pho is the most famous and almost unmatched anywhere. Pho has created a huge, unmistakable difference between Bac Ha and other localities. The pho here is not white as usual but slightly brown, because it is coated with special local red rice, grown in Lung Phinh commune. With sour pho, the deciding factor for the delicious taste is the sour water. Traditionally, sour water is made from soaking and mixing vegetables with sugar water and filtering the sour water. This is a rigorous process, in which the quality of the sour water depends greatly on the skill of the maker. Nowadays, sour juice is made more simply with fruit vinegar cooked in a certain ratio. A bowl of sour pho includes warm, freshly coated pho noodles, char siu pork, chopped raw vegetables, peanuts and finally a little sour water. Before eating, you should add a little salt because sour pho will be a bit bland compared to everyone’s general taste. Sour pho must be eaten cold to be delicious, so it is suitable for eating in the summer. When you come to Bac Ha in winter, you may have difficulty finding this dish because many shops do not sell sour pho.

8.4 Sapa salmon

At an altitude of 1,800m above sea level, rainbow trout originating from Europe and America are very well cared for in artificial ponds. The survival characteristic of rainbow trout is to live in a “rough water” environment, with temperatures below 15 degrees, so all the water in the ponds is led by 1,000m of pipeline from Silver Falls to the fish farm. With its delicious taste, beautiful pink meat, and high nutritional value, salmon is a luxury dish for tourists when coming to Sapa. With its cool climate prevailing throughout the year, including cold winters occasionally blanketed in snow. Sapa salmon boasts firm fibers and lean texture, rivaling imported salmon in quality. It proves highly adaptable for various culinary applications, including salads, hot pots, Porridge, grilled dishes, steamed fish eggs, smoked preparations, and green vegetable salads complemented by salmon marinated in orange sauce and green pepper, or stuffed with cucumber.

8.5 Sapa black chicken

Black chicken is a rare breed of chicken. The outstanding characteristics of this breed are black meat and bones, low fat content, firm and delicious meat. Black chicken meat, black bones, not only has the effect of increasing vitality but also has flavor. And also has special medicinal value in treating cardiovascular diseases. Black chicken with sweet and fragrant meat is a famous specialty of Sa Pa.

8.6 Nung Din ginger meat

In Lao Cai, ginger meat dish holds a specialty status, often encountered on New Year’s Day of the Nung people. This traditional dish features pork as the main ingredient, which undergoes marination with a blend of spices, predominantly ginger. Subsequently, it is either steamed or cooked with pepper or celery, resulting in the creation of a distinctive ginger meat dish.

8.7 Smoked buffalo meat

People made smoked buffalo meat from fresh pieces of buffalo meat. Mountain buffaloes are grazed naturally, eating grass and forest leaves, so their meat is firm and sweet. Buffalo meat, after being marinated with typical Northwest spices. Such as Mac Khen and wild chili, will be dried on a wood stove or put in the oven. Dried buffalo meat is packaged in half a kilogram or 1kg and is easy to preserve, so tourists often buy it as gifts.

8.8 Grilled chicken with mac mat leaves

Walking around Mu Cang Chai market, you will immediately be attracted by the attractive aroma emanating from grilled chicken shops. People marinated Northwest chicken carefully with spices, hook honey leaves into the stomach and then grilled on a charcoal stove. They grilled whole chicken so it retains its natural sweetness. The chicken meat is firm but not chewy. When eaten with Cham Dao, it is “delicious and forgetful”.

8.9 Bamboo shoots rolled with meat

Bamboo shoots are available in many places, but Yen Bai area bamboo shoots are still the most delicious and sweet. Bamboo shoots season lasts from December to March every year. Traveling to Lao Cai at this time, you will have the opportunity to enjoy bamboo shoots rolled with meat. This is a Lao Cai specialty and also the pride of the people here.

8.10 Ant egg sticky rice

Each locality in the Northwest offers visitors a different specialty. In Mu Cang Chai, that specialty is ant egg sticky rice. When spring comes, it is also the time when black ants lay eggs. People of the Tay, Dao, and Thai ethnic groups in Lao Cai go to the forest to find ant eggs to cook sticky rice. Mu Cang Chai upland sticky rice combined with Northwest forest ant eggs creates a specialty that visitors will remember once they eat.

8.11 Crispy fried bugs

In April every year, longan flowers bloom. On the flower clusters begin to appear nectar-sucking and sap-sucking bugs. Van Chan people now work together to catch stink bugs to protect the tree. With just a little lemon juice and sliced ​​lemon leaves, local chefs have a delicious dish to create. From a rustic dish, fried stink bugs have become a Lao Cai specialty and are on the menu of many restaurants in Lao Cai.

8.12 Sausages

Besides buffalo meat, sausage is also a Lao Cai specialty that many people choose to buy as a gift. They made sausage from delicious pork, marinated with rich spices. One secret of Lao Cai people to make delicious sausage is to use firewood with fragrant essential oils. Such as cinnamon wood to add flavor to the dish.

8.13 Delicious dishes from Tu Le sticky rice

Tu Le sticky rice is considered the “jewel of heaven” of the Tu Le valley. This is a famous specialty rice of Lao Cai that anyone who has the opportunity to pass here wants to buy. From Tu Le sticky delicious rice, Lao Cai people make many dishes. Such as: Tu Le five-color sticky rice, Tu Le green rice,… Every dish is sticky, every dish is fragrant.

8.14 Roasted grasshopper

Lao Cai is famous for its endless terraced fields. The ripening rice season brings with it plump, plump crabs. Crispy fried grasshopper with chili salt and lime leaves is a hybrid dish that is “addictive”. This “unique and strange” dish is also on the menu of many restaurants in Yen Bai.

8.15 Muong Lo black chung cake

Muong Lo black chung cake is not only attractive because of its strange color. But also because of its wonderful flavor. The elasticity of Tu Le sticky rice, the nutty taste of green beans mixed with the fatty taste of pork create an irresistible delicious dish.

8.16 Stir-fried bee pupa with mosquito net in Lao Cai

In addition to wild honey, which is one of the specialties that not only has medicinal effects. But also beautified, Mu Cang Chai wild bee pupae are a rare specialty of the mountains and forests. Because this dish is only available from April to August – wild bee breeding season.

9. Accommodation when traveling to Lao Cai

When traveling to Lao Cai, you can refer to some of the following accommodations:

9.1 Resorts, hotels:

• Sapaly Lao Cai Hotel. Address: 48 Nguyen Hue, Lao Cai City, Lao Cai.
• Topas Ecolodge Sapa. Address: Thanh Kim, Sa Pa, Lao Cai.
• BB Sapa Hotel. Address: 8 Cau May Lane, Sa Pa Town, Sa Pa, Lao Cai.
• Bamboo Sapa Hotel. Address: 18 Muong Hoa, Sa Pa Town, Sa Pa, Lao Cai.
• Cozy Hotel. Address: 29 Vu Van Mat, Bac Ha Town, Bac Ha, Lao Cai.

9.2 Homestays:

• Bac Ha Eco Homestay. Address: TT. Bac Ha, Bac Ha, Lao Cai.
• Or you can refer to other homestays such as: Mu Cang Chai homestay, Thuy Linh Homestay, Sung A Ho homestay. Or La Phan Tan Paradise, Dream house homestay.

Note: You can easily find a place to stay that suits your needs, preferences and budget. Please contact Origin Vietnam immediately for more details. We will provide the optimal accommodation solution for you.

10. Some important notes when traveling to Lao Cai

To make your trip to Lao Cai safe and complete, you should refer to the following notes:

• Items you must always bring with you: Identification documents, drinking water, insect spray. You should wear sneakers for ease of movement, and don’t forget your hat and map.
• Clothing: Frilly outfits will not be suitable for this trip. You should prepare clothes made of soft material and bring a light jacket. Because the weather here is quite different day and night. When the sun goes down, it will be cold and it can even rain. Bring sneakers or flat shoes with soft soles to walk long distances without hurting your feet. Besides, bring clothes that match the color tone of the landscape to take beautiful photos.
• Weather: You should pay attention to monitoring and updating the weather situation, usually you should check the weather forecast for Lao Cai in the next 3 days.
• Food: You should prepare some high-calorie snacks such as candy, cake, chocolate so that in case you get hungry or have low blood sugar along the way, you can replenish your energy, especially for those who are trekking.

With the brilliant and unique gifts that nature bestows on Lao Cai. From terrain to weather and landscape, there is potential for tourism development. Moreover, with the useful travel information that Origin Vietnam has just introduced above. You surely can feel some of that diversity and uniqueness. From valleys and plains to winding passes and dangerous high mountains. From peaceful, poetic villages to mysterious and majestic natural landscapes of Lao Cai tourist destinations. Origin Vietnam – a professional Vietnam tour operator, will accompany you every step of the way on your Vietnam adventure tour exploring the travel beauty of Lao Cai with interesting experiential activities and retain unforgettable memories.