Located in Northeastern Lao Cai province, Bac Ha district borders the districts of Si Ma Cai, Bao Yen, Bao Thang, Muong Khuong, and Xin Man of Ha Giang province. It is a popular destination for 2-3-day trips or as part of an extended itinerary to Lao Cai city or Sa Pa.
To have the best experience in the area, travelers are recommended to combine their Bac Ha visit with a trip to Suoi Thau Plateau in Xin Man, Ha Giang, where buckwheat flowers are now in full bloom. The following 48-hour itinerary is based on the experience of Quang Ninh-based traveler Dang Doan Sang and recommendations from the Lao Cai Tourism Portal.
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A view of Hoang A Tuong Palace |
From Hanoi, tourists should start the trip from 4-5a.m. It takes about 5 hours to reach Bac Ha district, taking the Noi Bai - Lao Cai Expressway and National Highway 4E.
To Bac Ha, tourists can indulge in Bac Ha’s specialties, including thang co (featuring horsemeat as the primary ingredient), khau nhuc (steamed pork belly), black sticky rice cakes, sour pho, five-colored sticky rice, corn cakes, and corn wine. For a quick meal, sour pho is a great choice, while khau nhuc and thang co are perfect for lunch or dinner. Recommended eateries include Thang Co Chung Chi, Pho Bac Ha Ly Thi, Thang Huyen, Suoi Nguon, and Nam Trang, among others. Tourists can have dinner at some nighttime barbecue stalls near Bac Ha market.
To Bac Ha, tourists should not miss Hoang A Tuong Palace which was the home and office of Hoang Yen Chao and his son Hoang A Tuong before 1945. This palace reflects a harmonious mix of colors and architectural styles. It was restored and reopened to visitors in late October. Entrance fee is VND 20,000 for adults, VND 10,000 for children.
There are numerous hotels and homestays around Bac Ha market, such as Sen Cuong Homestay, Flower H'mong Homestay, Thuan Thanh Homestay, Chez Pa Homestay. They cater to various group sizes and offer ample parking. If tourists plan to stay only in Bac Ha, it’s recommended to choose homestays farther from the center, such as So H'mong Homestay, which offers beautiful natural surroundings and a serene atmosphere. Price ranges from VND 150,000 - 300,000 per person per night.
Tourists can start the second day by experiencing Bac Ha Market which opens early every Sunday and operates until 2p.m. The market features sections for food, textiles, herbs, livestock, poultry, and agricultural tools, providing an opportunity for cultural exchange among ethnic groups. Tourists can enjoy a hearty breakfast from the food section before exploring the market stalls.
The next destination is Suoi Thau, about 35km from Bac Ha center. Roads are scenic and accessible by car or motorbike, but within the plateau, only motorbikes or walking is allowed. Cars must park at the mountain foot. Suoi Thau has multiple flower fields, each owned by different farmers, and visitors can choose the favorite one to explore.
As Suoi Thau lacks tourist services or restaurants, visitors should either bring their own food or head to Nan Ma Market (2km away) for ethnic dishes. "The food is suitable for those with flexible tastes," Sang noted.
Those who travel by coach or sleeper bus must return to Bac Ha after visiting Suoi Thau to catch the nearest bus back to Hanoi.
Those who have extra time or different interests should consider visiting Bac Ha Flower Valley, Bac Ha Temple, Ham Rong Cave, Ban Pho Village (famous for corn wine).
Source: Vnexpress
Translated by Tran Hoai