Bac Ha is a captivating tourist destination that attracts visitors with its pristine beauty and rich cultural heritage. Stepping into this area, you will have the chance to explore stunning landscapes and enjoy the best local cuisine. Let’s join VietAIR to discover what makes Bac Ha unique.
Bac Ha, a northeastern district in Lao Cai province, is located about 70 km northwest of Lao Cai city. Nestled in the northern highlands of Lao Cai province, Vietnam, Bac Ha is an intriguing and appealing destination for those wishing to explore the enchanting mountains of northern Vietnam.
With its breathtaking natural scenery, Bac Ha is hidden among high mountains, deep valleys, and lush green fields. The climate here is distinctive with four clear seasons, creating favorable conditions for the growth of many valuable plants and herbs.
Besides its natural beauty, Bac Ha is renowned for its diverse and colorful ethnic cultures. The H’Mong and Dao ethnic groups live and thrive here, showcasing their traditional costumes with unique patterns and vibrant colors. Every week, locals and traders from nearby regions gather in Bac Ha town for the famous market, where you can learn about and experience their special culture through handmade crafts and traditional delicacies.
Terraces in Bac Ha. Photo: Q.Liên
Bac Ha not only draws tourists with its natural beauty and rich culture but is also an ideal spot for trekking and exploring, with majestic mountain ranges, vast grasslands, and hiking trails through ancient villages. Visitors to Bac Ha can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, experience diverse cultures, and feel the freedom amidst the wild nature of northern Vietnam.
Choosing the best time to visit Bac Ha is crucial. According to VietAIR’s experience, early spring is the ideal time. During this period, visitors can witness the landscape adorned with blooming flowers.
Early spring also offers the opportunity to participate in festivals such as the Earth and Water Procession Festival and the Bac Ha Temple Festival. If you want to join the famous Bac Ha Horse Racing Festival, plan your visit for June.
Traveling to Bac Ha, you have various transportation options such as motorbikes, cars, and planes, each with different travel times and costs to consider.
– By car: From Hanoi, you can catch a bus at My Dinh bus station to Lao Cai. Many bus companies operate on this route, offering plenty of choices for your trip.
– By motorbike: For young adventurers and those who love exploring, traveling by motorbike is a great option.
– By plane: Book a flight to Hanoi and land at Noi Bai International Airport. From there, you can conveniently travel to Lao Cai by car.
In Bac Ha, you can experience numerous tourist attractions, such as:
Bac Ha Flower Valley
Located in Bac Ha town, the flower valley captivates visitors with its diverse array of flowers. Here, you can enjoy the fresh, cool air and relax in an ideal setting. The beautiful scenery with red, pink, and yellow flowers stretching endlessly will delight any visitor.
Bac Ha Temple
A sacred tourist spot, Bac Ha Temple is associated with many glorious victories during wartime. Built in the late 19th century to honor the brothers Vu Van Mat and Vu Van Uyen, the temple covers an area of about 5 hectares and features unique architecture with its back against the mountain, offering deep historical significance.
Photo: Q.Lien
Tien Cave
At Tien Cave, tourists can admire the breathtaking scenery along the Chay River. The beautiful landscapes on both sides of the river create a poetic and refreshing atmosphere, perfect for relaxation after busy workdays.
Bac Ha Market
In the highland district of Bac Ha, the local markets reflect the unique cultural traits of the area. The market offers a variety of regional specialties. Visitors can enjoy numerous delicacies such as pho, horse and buffalo thắng cố, colorful sticky rice, corn cakes, and sticky rice cakes. You can also buy local specialties like black bánh chưng, corn wine, and brocade as gifts.
Photo: Như Quỳnh
Bac Ha not only offers stunning landscapes but also has many enticing dishes, including:
Thang co (“Thắng cố” in Vietnamese)
A famous and traditional dish of the H’Mong people, thắng cố dates back 200 years. Originally made from horse meat and various spices, thắng cố now includes diverse ingredients to suit different tastes. Enjoying a hot bowl of thắng cố in the cold weather is a wonderful experience.
Sour Pho
Sour pho is another must-try dish in Bac Ha. Unlike regular pho, sour pho has a unique preparation, offering a distinct flavor of the Bac Ha region.
Bac Ha sticky rice cakes
A specialty during the Tet holiday for the H’Mong people, making sticky rice cakes involves many steps. These cakes can last for over a month without spoiling. To enjoy them, grill over charcoal until they turn golden.
Hoang A Tuong Mansion
This building features a blend of Western architecture and Eastern decorations. It was the most beautiful and powerful mansion in Bac Ha when it was built from 1914 to 1921. The family lived here until 1950 when they abandoned it due to political changes. Since being recognized as a historical site on June 11, 1999, the mansion has been better preserved, returned to the family, and developed for tourism.
Hoang A Tuong Mansion. Photo: Q.Lien
Bac Ha, Lao Cai, attracts a significant number of tourists each year with its picturesque landscapes, majestic mountains, and poetic scenery. The locals are known for their hospitality and friendliness. The unique cuisine of Bac Ha is also a compelling draw.
If you are curious about what Bac Ha has to offer and how to travel there, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of exploring this region. We hope this Bac Ha travel guide for 2023 helps you have a wonderful and meaningful trip to Bac Ha./.
Text: Q.Lien