2024 Lao Cai Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)

Lao cai city

#vietnamtrip Review of Lào Cai City Lào Cai City, the capital of Lào Cai Province in northern Vietnam, is a vibrant destination that serves as the gateway to many iconic attractions in the region. Located near the border with China, it offers a unique blend of cultural diversity, natural beauty, and historical significance. One of the city’s most notable features is its strategic location along the Red River, which separates Vietnam from China. The Lao Cai International Border Gate is a key point of trade and tourism, and visitors often cross to explore Hekou, the neighboring Chinese town. The bustling border market is a highlight, where you can find a wide range of goods and experience the lively atmosphere of cross-border commerce. Lào Cai is also rich in cultural diversity, being home to many ethnic minorities, including the H’mong, Dao, and Tay communities. The city itself reflects this diversity in its vibrant local markets and festivals, where traditional handicrafts, textiles, and foods are abundant. Visitors can explore the Coc Leu Market, a hub for local goods, or savor regional dishes like “thắng cố” and fresh river fish. Beyond the city, Lào Cai serves as a base for exploring nearby attractions. Most visitors use it as a stepping stone to the famous mountain town of Sapa, known for its terraced rice fields and cooler climate. Other nearby spots include Mount Fansipan, the “Roof of Indochina,” and the breathtaking Bac Ha Market, held weekly in the countryside. While Lào Cai City itself may not have as many direct tourist attractions, its convenient location, cultural richness, and role as a transport hub make it an essential stop for travelers heading deeper into northern Vietnam. It’s a city that balances modernity with tradition, offering a genuine glimpse into Vietnam’s diverse culture and landscapes.

Bac Ha Market

#vietnamtrip Nestled in the northern highlands of Lao Cai Province, Bac Ha Market is one of Vietnam's most authentic cultural experiences. Open every Sunday, it gathers ethnic minority groups like the Hmong, Tay, and Dao, who come dressed in their vibrant traditional attire. The market is a feast for the senses, with stalls selling colorful textiles, handcrafted jewelry, and unique household goods. Beyond shopping, Bac Ha is an opportunity to taste regional delicacies. Try Thang Co, a traditional Hmong stew, or sip locally brewed corn wine, which is both a culinary delight and a cultural symbol. The bustling atmosphere is complemented by the scenic backdrop of misty mountains and terraced fields. For those seeking deeper cultural immersion, guided tours can introduce you to local artisans or take you on treks to nearby villages. Bac Ha Market is not just a shopping destination but a vivid tapestry of life in Vietnam’s northern highlands. It’s perfect for travelers interested in authentic cultural encounters.

1 hour drive to China border from Sapa

You can try a very scenic motorbike drive to China-Vietnam border from Sapa. it is really nice atmosphere to see the two culture blending there. the food is also nice to try there and fruits from China is easily available by the border. the road is really good and safe, just be careful when you drive because over speed limit. what an experience. #travel #thingstodo #citydaytours #myitinerary #china #localfood

Old markets in Vietnam: A nostalgic journey through time.

Old markets in Vietnam🌆, a fascinating place that blends history and modernity, are a must-visit for every traveler to explore traditional Vietnamese culture and enjoy authentic cuisine.🍜 When you step into the old market, you will be attracted by the buildings full of French colonial style. They tell stories of the past and also show the unique historical background of the city.🏛️ Strolling on these streets, it seems to travel back to the last century, and each building exudes a strong historical atmosphere. The old market is not only a witness to history, but also a microcosm of modern life. It brings together a variety of shops, cafes and snack stalls, providing tourists with a rich shopping and food experience.☕️ Whether you are looking for handicrafts, tasting authentic Vietnamese coffee, or trying authentic Vietnamese snacks, the old market can meet your needs. When night falls, the old market becomes more lively. The lights illuminate the entire block, street performers start to perform, music floats in the air, and people enjoy the coolness of the night and the joyful atmosphere here.🎤 At this time, the old market is full of vitality and passion, and it is an excellent place to experience Vietnamese nightlife. In short, the old market in Vietnam is a vibrant place where history and modernity are perfectly combined. Whether you are a history lover, a food explorer or a traveler looking for a unique cultural experience, the old market can bring you unforgettable memories.🌟 Come and explore this charming land by yourself, and let the old market in Vietnam become a beautiful memory in your journey!

Premium 🚊 to Lao Cai

Chapa Express is the ideal choice for traveling from Hanoi to Sapa, offering comfortable and well-appointed cabins for a restful journey. With attentive service and modern amenities, it ensures a smooth and enjoyable trip through the stunning landscapes of northern Vietnam. It provides us with water, snacks and dental kit as well as bananas for our overnight train journey. Highly recommended to book Chapa Express for an overnight train experience 😍 from Lao Cai, it takes about an hour bus ride to Sapa which cost around 55k VND #familytrips2024 #vietnamtrip

Rong May Glass Bridge In Sapa

#hiddengems #sapa #attraction #mustvisit #view When visiting Sapa, Fansipan is the main attraction to go to. But one should not miss the Rong May Glass Bridge which is located right at the very top of O Quy Ho mountain pass and this has just recently opened! Address: Route No. 4, Son Binh, Tam Duong, Lao Cai, Vietnam To head to this glass bridge you can either only head here via a car or a taxi, i highly recommend to go via a private or group tour as going by taxi may be costly as the taxi drivers might push up the costs. The bridge is currently one of the longest glass bridge in Indochina where its length of the entire walk is more than 250m and pushes out from the cliff of more than 50m away giving you an unblocked 360 view which can be scary for people who are afraid of heights. After walking the glass bridge, there are also multiple photo taking spots at the top with adrenaline rushing rides for daredevils who ain't afraid of heights. They may may a small fee to walk or cycle over a rope or even a swing where it will suspend you high above the cliff.

Vietnam Lao cai and china yunnan border

Uncle Ho... I'm coming

#freehotelstay

Lào Cai quê hương tôi

Address - Ambiance/Facilities - Highlights - Avg. Price per Person - Rating -

Vietnam lao cai train..

lao cai borders to China Yunnan..

Lao cai borders to China Yunnan..

And the surroundings

#celebratewithtrip Lao Cai is a city in the northwest region of Vietnam, it is around 286 kilometers away from Hanoi, and around 2.5 kilometers away from the China border. Lao Cai train station was built between 1903 and 1936, it is the gateway to Sapa, if you are travelling by train from Hanoi. Buses just outside the train station, it costs 40 000 VND, the buses sometimes also carry goods from Lao Cai to Sapa, the bus terminates at the stop near the Sapa stone church. If you intend to stay in the city, there are hotels around the train station. You can walk along the river to the China border and take a look, or visit their market Cho Du Lich Lao Cai. There are a number of restaurants and cafes along the way to the China border.

This small Miao town in the northernmost part of Vietnam is always rolling in the clouds and shrouded in wonderful smog. Stroll through this beautiful town, such as the fairyland. Occasionally, a minority woman dressed in traditional costumes greeted with enthusiasm. This is the warmest greeting of the city. Walk in the streets of Sabah, whether it is a beautiful church or a warm minority woman, it can attract visitors to stop and enjoy. The beauty of Sabah is the perfect combination of beauty and simple people.

The beautiful northern Vietnamese town of Sabah is often surrounded by clouds because it is surrounded by mountains. This mysterious city of the clouds is just a stone's throw from Vietnam's highest peak, Panxibang. The cool climate of the four seasons makes it an uncompromising summer resort in Vietnam. between the lush trees, the villas of the yellow walls and red tiles that were left behind by the French colonial period are still looming, dotted between the picturesque layers. Surrounded by the fascinating scenery of this small town, it is also very refreshing. This beautiful small town in the cloud, in addition to its magnificent scenery, is even more fascinating, it is the mysterious minority culture here. Among the mountain villages around the town, there are many Vietnamese ethnic minorities. Among them, the most important branch of Miao and Yao. Because the times live in the mountains, these mountain people still maintain a traditional and simple life. Walk into them and gain valuable original human landscapes. As a colonial summer resort, it also has a fascinating exotic atmosphere. Every morning, accompanied by the bright roar of the birds and the bells of the church, waking up from the lazy sleep, walking in Sabah, which is spread over French architecture, seems to have an illusion of being in a European town. . Or climb to the observation deck on the top of the mountain, overlooking the vast expanse of the vast land, standing in the fog, leisurely time, always slip away from the side. In the villages surrounded by forests, looking up to the sky like a mirror, they have a breathtaking beauty.