Bac Ha Vietnam is a small town in the Lao Cai province, about 300 km from Hanoi and 80 km from Sapa. It is surrounded by stunning limestone mountains, lush green valleys, and picturesque rice terraces. But what makes Bac Ha truly special is its vibrant and diverse ethnic culture, which is reflected in its colorful and lively markets, its unique and traditional architecture, and its friendly and hospitable people.
Bac Ha is home to more than 10 ethnic groups, such as the Hmong, the Tay, the Nung, the Dao, the Phu La, and the Hoa. Each group has its own language, customs, costumes, and crafts, creating a rich and fascinating mosaic of cultures. Bac Ha is also a place where history and modernity coexist, as you can find ancient palaces and temples alongside modern hotels and restaurants.
If you are looking for a destination that offers a genuine and unforgettable experience of the northern Vietnam, Bac Ha is the ideal choice for you. In this guide, we will show you the best places to visit, activities to do, and things to know before going to Bac Ha. We will also give you some tips and recommendations on how to make the most of your trip to Bac Ha.
Bac Ha Market
The highlight of any visit to Bac Ha is the Bac Ha Market, which is held every Sunday from 6 am to 2 pm. This is the largest and most famous ethnic market in the region, attracting thousands of locals and tourists every week. Here, you can find a variety of products, such as clothes, fabrics, jewelry, handicrafts, food, spices, livestock, and even dogs and horses. The market is also a social and cultural event, where people from different ethnic groups gather to trade, chat, eat, drink, and enjoy themselves.
The Bac Ha Market is a feast for the senses, as you can see the bright and beautiful costumes of the ethnic people, hear the lively and noisy conversations in different languages, smell the fragrant and spicy aromas of the food, taste the delicious and exotic dishes, and feel the warm and friendly atmosphere. The market is also a great opportunity to learn more about the ethnic culture, as you can observe their traditions, rituals, and lifestyles.
Some tips for visiting the Bac Ha Market are:
1. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and the heat, and to catch the best deals and the most interesting scenes.
2. Dress modestly and respectfully, and avoid wearing flashy or revealing clothes that may offend the local culture.
3. Bargain politely and reasonably, and do not be afraid to walk away if you are not satisfied with the price.
4. Be careful with your belongings, and do not leave them unattended or expose them to potential thieves.
5. Ask for permission before taking photos or videos of the people or their products, and offer a small tip or a smile as a gesture of gratitude.
6. Try some of the local specialties, such as corn wine, thang co (a soup made of horse meat and organs), men men (a porridge made of corn flour), and banh day (a sticky rice cake filled with beans or meat).
Bac Ha Attractions
Besides the Bac Ha Market, there are many other attractions in Bac Ha that are worth checking out. Here are some of the most popular and interesting ones:
Hoang A Tuong Palace
The Hoang A Tuong Palace is a historical and architectural landmark in Bac Ha, built by a local lord named Hoang Yen Chao in the early 20th century. The palace is a fusion of French and Chinese styles, featuring a grand and elegant facade, a spacious and luxurious interior, and a beautiful and serene garden. The palace also serves as a museum, displaying various artifacts, photos, and documents that tell the story of the Hoang family and their rule over the region.
The Hoang A Tuong Palace is open from 8 am to 5 pm every day, and the entrance fee is 20,000 VND per person. You can also hire a guide for 50,000 VND per group to learn more about the history and culture of the palace.
Fairy Cave and Fairy Mountain
The Fairy Cave and the Fairy Mountain are two natural attractions that are located near Bac Ha, about 3 km from the town center. The Fairy Cave is a large and deep cave that contains many stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations that resemble various shapes and figures. The cave is also associated with many legends and myths, such as the story of a fairy who fell in love with a mortal and hid in the cave to escape from her father. The Fairy Mountain is a high and steep mountain that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, including the Bac Ha town, the Chay River, and the rice fields.
The Fairy Cave and the Fairy Mountain are open from 7 am to 5 pm every day, and the entrance fee is 10,000 VND per person. You can also rent a motorbike or a bicycle for 50,000 VND to 100,000 VND per day to explore the area.
Ban Pho Village and Bac Ha Temple
The Ban Pho Village and the Bac Ha Temple are two cultural attractions that are located in the same area, about 4 km from the Bac Ha town. The Ban Pho Village is a typical Hmong village, where you can see their traditional houses, costumes, and crafts. You can also interact with the local people, and learn about their daily life, culture, and history. The Bac Ha Temple is a sacred and ancient temple, dedicated to the Hmong’s ancestors and gods. The temple is also the venue for many festivals and ceremonies, such as the Gau Tao festival, which is held every spring to pray for health, happiness, and prosperity.
The Ban Pho Village and the Bac Ha Temple are open from 8 am to 5 pm every day, and there is no entrance fee. However, you may need to pay a small donation or a tip to the villagers or the temple staff if you want to take photos or join their activities.
Other Attractions
There are also some other attractions in Bac Ha that you can visit, such as:
Can Cau Market:
This is another ethnic market that is held every Saturday from 6 am to 2 pm, about 20 km from Bac Ha. This market is smaller and less touristy than the Bac Ha Market, but it is still very colorful and lively. You can find many products here, such as clothes, fabrics, jewelry, handicrafts, food, spices, livestock, and even buffaloes. You can also see many ethnic groups here, such as the Hmong, the Tay, the Nung, the Dao, and the Giay.
Coc Ly Market:
This is another ethnic market that is held every Tuesday from 7 am to 12 pm, about 35 km from Bac Ha. This market is located on the bank of the Chay River, and it is accessible by boat or by road. You can find many products here, such as clothes, fabrics, jewelry, handicrafts, food, spices, livestock, and even pigs. You can also see many ethnic groups here, such as the Hmong, the Tay, the Nung, the Dao, and the Phu La.
Lung Phin Market:
This is another ethnic market that is held every six days, following the lunar calendar, about 12 km from Bac Ha. This market is one of the oldest and most traditional markets in the region, and it is famous for its medicinal herbs and plants. You can find many products here, such as clothes, fabrics, jewelry, handicrafts, food, spices, livestock, and even dogs. You can also see many ethnic groups here, such as the Hmong, the Tay, the Nung, the Dao, and the Hoa.
Sin Cheng Market:
This is another ethnic market that is held every Wednesday from 7 am to 12 pm, about 30 km from Bac Ha. This market is located in a remote and mountainous area, and it is less visited by tourists. You can find many products here, such as clothes, fabrics, jewelry, handicrafts, food, spices, livestock, and even horses. You can also see many ethnic groups here, such as the Hmong, the Tay, the Nung, the Dao, and the La Chi.
Hoang Thu Pho Waterfall:
This is a natural attraction that is located near Bac Ha, about 15 km from the town center. This waterfall is about 70 meters high, and it flows into a clear and cool pool. You can enjoy the scenery, swim, picnic, or camp here. You can also visit the nearby Hoang Thu Pho Village, where you can see the traditional houses and costumes of the Tay ethnic group.
Cat Co Cove:
This is a natural attraction that is located near Bac Ha, about 25 km from the town center. This cove is a small and secluded beach, surrounded by limestone cliffs and green trees. You can enjoy the scenery, swim, kayak, or fish here. You can also visit the nearby Cat Co Village, where you can see the traditional houses and costumes of the Dao ethnic group.
Bac Ha Activities
If you want to have some fun and adventure in Bac Ha, there are many activities that you can do in Bac Ha, such as:
Trekking
One of the best ways to explore the natural and cultural beauty of Bac Ha is to go trekking. You can choose from different routes and options, depending on your preference, skill, and time. You can trek through the rice terraces, the mountains, the valleys, and the villages, and enjoy the stunning views and the fresh air. You can also meet and interact with the local people, and learn about their culture and history. Some of the most popular and recommended trekking routes and options in Bac Ha are:
Bac Ha - Ta Van Chu - Ban Pho - Bac Ha: This is a circular route that takes about 4 to 5 hours, and covers about 12 km. You will start from Bac Ha town, and trek to Ta Van Chu village, where you can see the traditional houses and costumes of the Tay ethnic group. Then, you will trek to Ban Pho village, where you can see the traditional houses and costumes of the Hmong ethnic group, and taste their famous corn wine. Finally, you will trek back to Bac Ha town, and enjoy the scenery along the way.
Bac Ha - Thai Giang Pho - Na Hoi - Bac Ha: This is another circular route that takes about 5 to 6 hours, and covers about 15 km. You will start from Bac Ha town, and trek to Thai Giang Pho village, where you can see the traditional houses and costumes of the Nung ethnic group. Then, you will trek to Na Hoi village, where you can see the traditional houses and costumes of the Dao ethnic group, and visit their sacred Bac Ha Temple. Finally, you will trek back to Bac Ha town, and enjoy the scenery along the way.
Bac Ha - Coc Ly - Trung Do - Bao Nhai - Bac Ha: This is a one-day or two-day route that takes about 6 to 7 hours, and covers about 20 km. You will start from Bac Ha town, and trek to Coc Ly village, where you can see the traditional houses and costumes of the Phu La ethnic group, and visit their colorful Coc Ly Market. Then, you will trek to Trung Do village, where you can see the traditional houses and costumes of the Tay ethnic group, and enjoy a boat trip on the Chay River. Finally, you will trek to Bao Nhai village, where you can see the traditional houses and costumes of the Hoa ethnic group, and take a bus back to Bac Ha town.
You can book a trekking tour with a local guide for about 300,000 VND to 500,000 VND per person, depending on the route and the duration. You can also rent a motorbike or a bicycle for 50,000 VND to 100,000 VND per day to explore the area on your own. However, you should be careful with the road conditions, the weather, and the directions, and always ask for permission before entering the villages or taking photos of the people.
Homestay
Another way to experience the authentic and hospitable culture of Bac Ha is to stay in a homestay. You can choose from different homestays in Bac Ha, depending on your budget, comfort, and location. You can stay in a traditional house made of wood, bamboo, or clay, or in a modern house with more facilities and amenities. You can also enjoy the home-cooked meals, the local specialties, and the corn wine of the host family. Some of the best and most recommended homestays in Bac Ha are:
Sao Mai Homestay: This is a cozy and friendly homestay in Bac Ha town, run by a Hmong family. The homestay has six rooms, with private bathrooms, hot water, and wifi. The homestay also has a common area, a garden, and a terrace, where you can relax and socialize with the host family and other guests. The homestay also offers delicious and organic food, made from their own farm and garden. The price for a night is 150,000 VND per person, including breakfast and dinner.
Ngan Nga Homestay: This is a spacious and comfortable homestay in Bac Ha town, run by a Tay family. The homestay has 10 rooms, with private bathrooms, hot water, wifi, and air conditioning. The homestay also has a restaurant, a bar, and a lounge, where you can enjoy the food, drinks, and music of the host family and other guests. The homestay also offers various services, such as laundry, bike rental, tour booking, and airport transfer. The price for a night is 200,000 VND per person, including breakfast.
Ban Pho Homestay: This is a rustic and charming homestay in Ban Pho village, run by a Hmong family. The homestay has four rooms, with shared bathrooms, hot water, and wifi. The homestay also has a dining room, a kitchen, and a balcony, where you can enjoy the view of the mountains and the rice fields. The homestay also offers authentic and tasty food, made from their own corn, vegetables, and meat. The price for a night is 100,000 VND per person, including breakfast and dinner.
Bac Ha Vietnam is a hidden gem that offers a rich and authentic experience of the ethnic diversity, natural beauty, and historical charm of the northern region. Whether you want to visit the colorful and lively markets, the historical and cultural landmarks, or the stunning and scenic natural attractions, Bac Ha has something for everyone. You can also enjoy various activities, such as trekking, homestay, horse riding, and boat trip, and immerse yourself in the local culture and lifestyle. Bac Ha is a destination that will surprise and delight you, and leave you with unforgettable memories.
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