Bac Ha

Bac Ha, located in Lao Cai Province, is a border district with China, a 3-hour drive from the famous mountain town of Sapa. Known for its vibrant weekly ethnic markets, the Bac Ha region is a melting pot of over a dozen minority communities, including the Colorful H'mong, Dao, Nung, Phu La, Hoa, Kinh, and Tay.

The landscapes are spectacular, revealing splendid terraced rice valleys, plum or corn fields, cinnamon gardens, and tea plantations around every corner. Bac Ha is an ideal destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking an authentic and tranquil experience.

Things to see and do

Visit the region's ethnic markets: Bac Ha on Sundays, Lung Phinh, Can Cau on Saturdays, Coc Ly on Tuesdays, and Ban Lien.

Hike on small mountain-side trails between ethnic villages and lost valleys.

Witness the plum blossom season in January-February, around the first lunar month.

Explore the "Hoang A Tuong" palace, a blend of Western and Eastern architecture built in the early 20th century by the H'Mong kings.

Attend the traditional draft horse race in early June.

Learn about the unique Bac Ha dogs. They are not for eating; they are highly regarded in Vietnam for their intelligence and loyalty.

Experience the Can Cau buffalo fair on Saturdays, a unique event in the region (in Si Ma Cai district, 30 km from Bac Ha).

Unusual: The White Plateau

Bac Ha was once known as the "white plateau" of the Northwest region due to the extensive poppy cultivation on its hills. Today, it retains the name but for its plum blossoms that, every beginning of the year, blanket orchards and gardens in pristine white.

The name Bac Ha originates from the Tay people, one of the major ethnic groups in the region: Pac Ha, or "One Hundred Grass Boots." This name has been preserved in its present Vietnamese form "Bắc Hà".

Good to Know

When to visit?

Between January and March, around the Tet holiday, the plum trees are in full bloom.
Early June, after the plum harvest, the locals organize their traditional horse race.
From July to September, the terraced rice fields turn a deep and intense green.
In September and October, it's the harvest season in Bac Ha, Thai Giang Pho, San Chu Van, Ban Gia, or Ta Cu Ty.
Sundays for the Bac Ha ethnic market, Saturdays for the Can Cau buffalo fair.
On the 7th day of the 15th lunar month (check your calendars) for the religious festival at Bac Ha Temple.

Access

From Hanoi (300km):

Sleeper bus: From My Dinh bus station, nightly departures at 8:00 PM, arriving in Bac Ha the following morning at 4:00 AM.

Sleeper train: Depart from the central train station around 9:00 PM, arriving in Lao Cai between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM. Many local buses connect to Bac Ha, 70km to the east.

On-site:

Private car rental with driver or motorbike taxi.

Numerous trekking and hiking trails from one village to another.

Where to eat and taste

With 24 local restaurants, you'll have plenty of choices.

Bac Ha Plums: The plum tree is endemic to these northern plateaus of Vietnam. Various varieties of plums are harvested from Moc Chau to Sapa via Lang Son, each with distinct tastes and colors. Bac Ha plums, known as "hậu," have the unique characteristic of never losing their green color until they are completely ripe. They are, nonetheless, very ripe and delicious.
Thang Co: A traditional dish made from horse meat, flavored with cardamom, star anise, cinnamon, nuts, and lemongrass.
Ban Pho Corn Wine: Produced by fermenting corn in spring water, particularly Hang De spring water, believed to have numerous beneficial properties. Along with Tao Meo (dwarf apples) and San Lung (made from red rice, leaves, and sorghum), Ban Pho corn alcohol is one of the most renowned in Lao Cai province.

Continuing your journey

Many local or tourist buses can take you to Sapa and Fan Si Pan, the highest point in Vietnam, southwest of Bac Ha. Alternatively, you can head east to Hoang Su Phi and Ha Giang, the gateway to the remote regions of Dong Van and Meo Vac.

On your return, Thac Ba Lake is an ideal stopover halfway to Hanoi.

Places to Stay

Hotels, mini-hotels, and guesthouses abound.

The "homestay" concept has developed well in recent years and is more than just an alternative to hotels. It is arguably the best way to immerse yourself in local life and fully experience the daily routines of the numerous ethnic groups that inhabit the villages of Ban Pho, Na Lo, Trung Do, Na Hoi, Na Kim, and Na Tha.

Traditional Tay houses, built on stilts and topped with a "turtle shell" thatched roof due to their flattened shape, offer a unique experience.

Travel Ideas

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