* SAPA
A/ Overview, General Information and Map
Some pictures of Sapa town with its lake and villas
B/ Sights and Activities:
1/ Sapa stone church
2/ Lao Chai and Ta Van terraced rice fields
Ancient carving stone field
3/ Ta Chai hamlet, Ta Phin commune with Red Dao herbal bath
4/ Silver waterfall - Salmon farm - Rose garden - Tram Ton pass with sea of white clouds
5/ Mong ethnic minority people's dance and music
6/ Fansipan mount
C/ Where to stay
D/ Food and drink
E/ Shopping
F/ Getting there: Hanoi - Lao Cai - Sapa - Bac Ha by train and bus
Lao Cai city - Ha Giang city
G/ Motorbike for rent
H/ Sapa from newspaper
* BAC HA – Hill tribe market of White plateau
A/ Overview and General Information of Bac Ha town
B/ Bac Ha market
C/ Hoang A Tuong palace
D/ Ta Chai village
E/ Chiu Cai village
F/ Na Ho village and tea
G/ Ban Pho village
H/ Where to stay
I/ Food and beverage
J/ Getting there
* LAO CAI CITY - YUNNAN, CHINA
* OTHER PICTURES
* SAPA
A/ Overview, general information and map
Overview
Located at an avearge altitude of 1,600m above sea level with great mountains towering above it on all sides, the small town of Sapa has been well-known for more than 90 years as one of the most favourite destinations in the Norhtwest of Vietnam.
Climate is a valued tourism asset of Sapa. In summer when the temperature soars up to 37oC in Hanoi capital city, its just about 18oC in Sapa. And We not only want to say about a city of spring like Dalat in the South of Vietnam. Sapa has a special winter, at least its true in a tropical S-shaped country like Vietnam, with the temperature sometimes drops down to 0oC. It’s the time people from everywhere in the country rushing to Sapa to see snow.
Thanks to the ideal climate for most of the time of the year, Sapa is a world of green pine forests and colourful flower gardens. Its also the place where eating lovers coming for many kinds of fresh vegetable. Especially, the icy water resources of Sapa are perfect for raising salmon...
Like Mu Cang Chai district of Yen Bai province and Hoang Su Phi district of Ha Giang province, Sapa is home to many beautiful terraced rice fields. Coming to Sapa in September, you will float yourself on the vast golden carpets or feel that you are climbing the natural ladders connecting with blue sky.
If Northwest mountainous area is the roof of Vietnam, Sapa is the roof of the Northwest. Most visitors to Sapa enjoy driving motorbike along the ziagzag roads hanging on stunning mountain ranges and passing by the sea of white clouds in Tram Ton, the highest pass of Vietnam. Moreover, no trekkers/ mountain climbers/ nature lovers want to miss Fansipan, 3143m, the highestpeak of Indochina.
The image of Sapa will not be perfect without presence of its owner – the ethnic minority groups. Their colourful traditional dress is an endless artful source for photographers. And for me, I love their music and dance, especially when they are performed right in the middle of Sapa mountain and forest...
All the best? Well, Sapa also has its downside!
In recent years, tourism wave has brought Sapa the image of a wealthy town with numerous new hotes, restaurants and bars popping up everywhere. But while there is no height restriction of building, the skyline of Sapa has been becoming worse with a continual competition for the position of the roof of the town. And that’s still not the worst yet!
All the best? Well, Sapa also has its downside!
In recent years, tourism wave has brought Sapa the image of a wealthy town with numerous new hotes, restaurants and bars popping up everywhere. But while there is no height restriction of building, the skyline of Sapa has been becoming worse with a continual competition for the position of the roof of the town. And that’s still not the worst yet!
In and around Sapa, wherever you go, you will encounter a lot of local ethinic people urging you buying their handicrafts, trinkets, clothing... Many children use English/French and other languages to ask you to give them some money. I had a very sad experience when some Mong ethnic boys “ordered” me to go away because I stood at a good sightseeing spot to see terraced rice fileds and I didn’t buy something for them!
And what once was a Sapa unique love market now is just a commercial tourism product.
Sapa really sees a big culture changing in a tendency that makes the people love it feel dissapointed
And what once was a Sapa unique love market now is just a commercial tourism product.
Sapa really sees a big culture changing in a tendency that makes the people love it feel dissapointed
General information
Location: The
small town of Sapa
is 35km from Lao Cai city on the national highway 4D linking Lao Cai province and Lai Chau province
History: The town
was establish as a French hill station in 1920s. In the year of 1918, the first
villas were built on the location of present Victoria Sapa Resort. Between 1924
– 1940, the town had more than 100 beautiful villas. During this period, every summer,
Sapa saw thousands of European visitors, mostly worked and lived in Hanoi city. In March, 1952,
The French almost destroyed city by bomb. What we see today is developed from
1990s.
(Information of Sapa portal. Translated by myself)
Population: 52,899 people in more than 7 ethnic minority
groups. The Mong group accounts for 51.65%, Dao 23.04%, Tay
4.74%... (Data of the year 2009)
Map
Most hotels and guesthouses have free Sapa map which shows you the ways to go to ethnic minority villages, sightseeing spots...Cilck on the below picture and magnify it to see it clearer
Some pictures of Sapa town with its lake and villas
B/ Sights and Activities
1/ Sapa stone church
Overview: This cross-shaped stone church was designed and built in 1920s by French. Its one of the symbols of Sapa town.
90% of followers are Mong ethnic people.
Location: in the center os Sapa town, near Sapa market
Time of mass: 19:00PM (weekdays); 09:00 & 18:30PM (Sunday)
Website: www.sapachurch.org (in Vietnamese language only)
2/ Lao Chai and Ta Van terraced rice fields of Sapa
Entrance fee: 40,000VND/pax
Location: Lao Chai, Ta Van communes are about 8km from Sapa town (Another 5km will take you to Ancient carving stone field)
Together with Mu Cang Chai district of Yen Bai province, Huang Su Phi district of Ha Giang province, the terraced rice fields of H'Mong and Dzay minority groups in Muong Hoa valley, Lao Chai and Ta Van of Sapa become the golden carpet in every September.
The US-based Travel &
Leisure magazine has just recognised Sapa terraced rice fileds as one of the world’s seven
most beautiful and magnificent terraced fields. It described the terraced fields of Sapa as “ladders to the sky.”
(I myself prefer the terraced rice fields of Mu Cang Chai and Huang Su Phi.)
Pics: vietnamguidebook
Ancient carving stone field
The field is located in Muong Hoa valley, about 5km from Lao Chai & Ta Van communes, with the length of about 4km and the width of 2km. In 1925, V.Goloubew - a French reseacher discovered several stones with differently engraved figures. For nearly a century, many domestic and foreign researchers have been actively researching to find out the secret of this ancient carving stones.
According to first investigations, there are 200 stones with engraved figures in the carving stone field and they divided into 6 forms, including parallel lines, square, rectangular, circle with different styles, house on stilts, human shape and writing system vestiges...
(Source: Exhibition of Sapa ancient carving stone area)
Pic: Vietnamguidebook
3/ Ta Chai hamlet, Ta Phin commune with Red Dao ethnic herbal bath
Located about 13km from the center of Sapa town, Ta Chai hamlet, Ta Phin commune is home to Red Dao ethnic minority people. Due to their isolated mountainous living area, traditional medicine plays a very important role in protecting the health. Especially, they have an effective method to treat cold, flu and other diseases. It’s the hot herbal bath which now becomes a famous tourist product called “spa on mountain”.
Among the herbal bath services in Ta Chai, for me, the one offered by Ly Lao Lo
company is the best. Called company, but in fact its just a small house with only one manager, Ly Lao Lo, and one receptionist cum servant.
According to Ly, there are many kinds of natural herb and plant used for making bath water. After cooking for some hours, the water has a beautiful brown colour and an attractive aroma.
In Ly company, there are just some bathing rooms. The rooms are simple with
just wooden bathtubs, a clock for you to mange the bathing time with maximum 20 minutes/bath. Bathing too long will make you “drunk”.
I had no flu. It was a little bit cold in Ta Chai in the morning of November.
I enjoyed the hot herbal bath in Ly company and felt relaxed to fullest, washed away the stress of city’s life.
You can spend time chatting with many friednly Red Dao women who hang around
Ly company. (Well, at first, you maybe feel a little bit disturbed as they try to sell you some souvenirs)
Hamlet entrance fee: 20,000VND/pax
Bathing fee: 80,000VND/bath
Note: Ta Chai hamlet, Ta Phin commune is often called shortly Ta Phin
Getting there: From the center of Sapa town, follow the highway 4D towards Lao Cai city. About 1km out of the town, there is one gas station. Another 4km drive you will see a signpost showing Ta Phin village. Turn left and continue on a 8km dirt rocky road, you will arrive in Ta Phin village.
Along the way, there are some green vegetables garden and the low terraced rice fields.
Ta Phin signpost
Beautiful flowers on the way
Vegetable gardens
Friendly ethnic minority children
Ruin of a church
Ta Phin is picturesque with rice fields and mountain
Houses in the village with children playing around
Inside a house
Red Dao women with red headscarves and black dress
The receptionist cum servant in Ly Lao Lo company
Herbs and boiling
Would like to overnight in Ta Phin? Come to the friendly homestay of Chao Ta May.
Chao Ta May homestay
Tel: 01664 620 433
Overview: 70,000VND for a basic clean sleeping place. Ta May also offer herbal bath service. She speak English and is very freindly.
Chao Ta May name in Chinese
Pics: Vietnamguidebook
4/ Chayote garden - Rose garden - Salmon farm - Silver waterfall - Tram Ton pass with sea of white clouds
Travel distance: about 14 km from Sapa town to Tram Ton
Driving motorbike from Sapa town to Tram Ton, the highest pass of Vietnam, was my great experience.
Sapa is not only famous for terraced rice fields but also the chayote gardens which vastly cover the mountains and make them a very impressive green carpet. Not only the fruits of chayote but also its leaves are used for cooking and give delicious taste. I visited a farm when the friendly farmer picking fruits. Just wished to be a Sapa farmer!
Developing after Dalat, the city of flower in the South of Vietnam, planting flowers in some areas of Sapa has just started. Along the way to Tram Ton pass, I saw some rose gardens.
Salmon farming was piloted in Sapa since 2005 after the local authorities sent experts to Finland to research their aquaculture and buy salmon eggs to raise at Silver Waterfall Cold Water Fish Center at the foot of Fansipan Mountain. Currently, along the way from Silver Waterfall of Sapa to Lai Chau province, there are a lot of salmon farms.
Then the bike moved forward and in distance the silver waterfall looked like the long hair of a beautiful lady. Walked up to see the waterfall and enjoyed a nice surrounding mountainous view.
And the final destination was Tram Ton pass where I floated on the sea of white clouds. Far far in distance the zigzag roads looked like the white pieces of silk hanging on the great mountain ranges.
Chayote gardens
Rose gardens
Sapa salmon
Silver waterfall
Zigzag roads
Tram Ton pass
Pics: vietnamguidebook
5/ Mong ethnic minority people's dance and music
Com Viet restaurant usually organise Mong ethnic minority group's dance and music show for tour group on Saturday/Sunday.
Address: 25 - 27 Xuan Vien street
Tel: 0203 873 178 - 0944 944 388
Video: vietnamguidebook
Pics: vietnamguidebook
6/ Fansipan mount
Went to Sapa two times in September and November. Havent been on the roof of Indochina yet.
Planning
to be here in spring as I would like to enjoy the beauty of 3143m high
Fansipan mount when wild flowers blooming. (Fansipan is home to some 2,024 floral varieties and 327 faunal species)
Let’s enjoy the imposing and fascinating beauty of Fansipan through photos by www.vacne.org.vn and Vncreatures
Pics: www.vacne.org.vn
Pics: Vncreatures
C/ Where to stay in Sapa
If you would like to stay in the center of the town, come to the hotels and guesthouses near post office, park, church, market and bus station.
Those who prefer a quiet place with beautiful view, come to the lake area which is about 10-minute walk from the post office.
Pay 200,000VND up (10USD), you will have a nice clean room with hot shower, cable Tivi.
With 350,000VND (17USD), your hotel is a big building and the room is large and nice with hot shower, LCD Tivi, lift, wifi...
Spend 500,000VND up (25USD), you will stay in a 3-star hotel with beautiful room and buffet breakfast.
Sapa has some 4-star hotels such as Victoria Sapa hotel, Muong Thanh hotel. Pay 75USD up to enjoy the services of these hotels
The research was done in the middle of September 2012.
Please note that the room rate will be increased during weekend and holiday
Center of Sapa town
Pic: vietnamguidebook
Sapa lake
Pic: vietnamguidebook
Sapa post office, park and church area: Xuan Vien and Thach Son streets
1/ (My stay) Huong Quynh hotel
Address: 05 Xuan Vien street, Sapa town (2-minute walk to Sapa church)
Tel/Fax: 0203 871 458
Room rate: 200,000VND up (10USD)
Overview: A small hotel with nice clean room, big bathroom with hot shower, Tivi. Friendly
Bonus: free tea and hot water. Motorbike for rent (5USD for gear motorbike)
Pictures:
2/ Hoa Dao hotel
Address: 31 Xuan Vien street, Sapa town
Tel: 0203 872 606 - 0984 255 255
Fax: 0203 872 136
Email: info@vietdiscovery.com
Email: info@vietdiscovery.com
Website:www.sapalaocai.com
Room rate: 200,000VND up (10USD)
Overview: Basic room with hot shower, Tivi
Pictures:
Pics: vietnamguidebook
3/ Phuong Thao guesthouse
Address: 13 Xuan Vien street, Sapa town
Tel: 0945 234 988 - 0984 744 049
Room rate: 200,000VND up (10USD)
Overview: Basic clean room with hot shower, Tivi. Offer foot massage (7USD/hour)
Pictures:
Pics: vietnamguidebook
4/ Nha nghi duong Sapa hotel
Address: 03 Xuan Vien street, Sapa town
Tel/Fax: 0203 871 483 - 0203 872 889
Room rate: 300,000VND up (15USD)
Overview: Large hotel, great location, big room with hot shower, Tivi
Minus: Staffs are quite "cold"
Pictures:
Pics: vietnamguidebook
5/ Buu Dien hotel (Post office hotel)
Address: 06 Thach Son street, Sapa town
Tel/Fax: 0203 871 244 - 0913 190 968
Room rate: 250,000VND up (12USD)
Overview: The rooms are large but basic with hot shower. Friendly
Pictures:
Pics: vietnamguidebook
6/ Linh Trang hotel
Address: Sapa town (near Post office)
Tel: 0203 871 370 - 0913 029 955 - 0982 939 476
Fax: 0203 871 151
Fax: 0203 871 151
Room rate: 200,000VND up (10USD)
Overview: Large hotel, nice room with hot shower, Tivi
Pictures:
Pics: vietnamguidebook
7/ Sao Khue guesthouse
Address: 09 Thach Son street, Sapa town
Tel/Fax: 0203 873 868 - 0904 008 345
Room rate: 250,000VND up (12USD)
Overview: Large building, basic clean room with hot shower, fan, Tivi, friendly
Pictures:
Pics: vietnamguidebook
8/ Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa
Address: Xuan Vien street, Sapa town
Tel: 0203 871 522
Fax: 0203 871 539
Website: http://www.victoriahotels.asia/eng/hotels-in-vietnam/sapa-resort-spa
Room rate: 155USD up
Overview: Opened in March 1998, Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa, once
was the only luxury hotel in Northwest Vietnam, is now still the number one in Sapa
Bonus: Hot swimming pool
Bus station area (near lake area): Thu Dau Mot street
1/ ( My pick) Hai Anh hotel
Address: 08 - 12 Thu Dau Mot street, Sapa town
Tel: 0203 873 979 - 0203 871 376 - 0979 288 868
Fax: 0203 873 978
Fax: 0203 873 978
Email: haianhsapa@gmail.com
Room rate: 350,000VND up (17USD)
Overview: A 2-star large hotel, nice and big room with hot shower, LCD Tivi, Wifi, lift, friendly
Pictures:
Pics: vietnamguidebook
2/ Binh Minh 2 hotel
Address: 01 Thu Dau Mot street, Sapa town
Tel: 0203 871 144 - 0912 270 345 - 0983 497 345
Email: hungbinhminh2@ymail.com
Room rate: 250,000VND up (12USD)
Overview: A large hotel with big and nice room, hot shower, Tivi. Bathroom is getting old
Pictures:
Pics: vietnamguidebook
Lake area: Ngu Chi Son street
1/(My pick) Viet Thanh hotel
Address: Ngu Chi Son street, Sapa town
Tel/Fax: 0203 872 226 - 0944 183 872 - 0934 571 881
Room rate: 250,000VND up (12USD)
Overview: Small hotel, clean and nice room with hot shower, Tivi, fan. Quiet
Pictures:
Pics: vietnamguidebook
2/ Sapa hotel
Address: 01 Ngu Chi Son street, Sapa town
Tel: 0203 872 360
Fax: 0203 872 364
Fax: 0203 872 364
Email: salesapahotel@gmail.com
Website: www.sapahotel.asia
Room rate: 500,000VND up (25USD with buffet breakfast)
Overview: A 3-star hotel with big nice room, hot shower and bathtub, Tivi, fridge. Restaurant has beautiful lake view
Pictures:
Pics: vietnamguidebook
3/ North Star hotel
Address: Ngu Chi Son street, Sapa town
Tel: 0203 866 789
Fax: 0203 771 888
Fax: 0203 771 888
Email: info@northstarhotel.com.vn
Website:www.northstarhotel.com.vn
Room rate: 75USD up (with buffet breakfast) (Promotion period: 47USD)
Overview: One of the best 3-star hotels of the town with great location, beautiful room, lift...
Pictures:
Pics: vietnamguidebook
4/ (My pick) Muong Thanh hotel
Address: 44 Ngu Chi Son street, Sapa town
Tel: 0203 88 77 55 - 0203 88 77 66
Fax: 0203 686 789
Fax: 0203 686 789
Email: ksmuongthanhsapa@gmail.com
Website:www.muongthanhsapa.com
Room rate: 45USD up (with buffet breakfast)
Overview: 4-star hotel with nice design, beautiful room, LCD Tivi, minibar, lift
Bonus: Free in-room tea and coffee
Bonus: Free in-room tea and coffee
Pictures:
Pics: vietnamguidebook
5/ Vuon Treo Sapa hotel
Address: Dien Bien Phu street, Sapa town
Tel: 0203 888 333 - 0914 816 487
Fax: 0203 888 555
Fax: 0203 888 555
Website: www.vuontreosapa.com.vn
Room rate: 250,000VND (12USD)
Overview: A new comer with nice and cozy rooms, hot shower, Tivi, friendly.
Pictures:
Pics: vietnamguidebook
Market area: Cau May, Dong Loi and Muong Hoa streets
1/ Hoang Long hotel
Address: 23 Dong Loi street, Sapa town
Tel: 0203 872 089 - 0912 960 827
Email: hotelhoanglong@gmail.com
Email: hotelhoanglong@gmail.com
Room rate: 300,000VND up (15USD)
Overview: Basic large room, hot shower, Tivi, fan and a nice restaurant
Pictures:
Pics: vietnamguidebook
2/ Chau Long hotel
Address: 24 Dong Loi street, Sapa town
Tel: 0203 871 245
Fax: 0203 871 844
Email: sales@chaulonghotel.com.vn
Fax: 0203 871 844
Email: sales@chaulonghotel.com.vn
Website: www.chaulonghotel.com.vn
Room rate: 30USD up(Old building) & 65 USD (New building with buffet breakfast)
Overview: Chau Long has two buildings. Both have nice and big rooms, Tivi, fridge, hot shower with bathtub.
Bonus: Hot swimming pool
Bonus: Hot swimming pool
Pictures:
3/ Sapa Royal View hotel
Address: 34 Cau May street, Sapa town
Tel: 0203 872 989 - 0203 872 990
Fax: 0203 872 992
Fax: 0203 872 992
Email: info@royalviewsapa.vn
Website: www.royalviewsapa.vn
Room rate: 60USD up (with buffet breakfast)
Overview: A 3-star hotel, large room with heater, hot shower and bathtub, Tivi, minibar, coffee and tea making facilities...
Pictures:
Pics: vietnamguidebook
4/ Pinocchio hotel
Address: 15 Muong Hoa street, Sapa town
Tel: 0203 871 876
Email: info@pinocchiohotel.com
Website: www.pinocchiohotel.com
Room rate: 300,000VND up (15USD)
Overview: This hotel is getting old. Basic large rooms with hot shower, bathutub, Tivi. Free Internet access
Pictures:
Pics: vietnamguidebook
5/ Friendly Sapa hotel
Address: 11 Muong Hoa street, Sapa town
Tel: 0203 873 689 - 0914 600 659
Fax: 0203 873 699
Fax: 0203 873 699
Email: sapatien@yahoo.com.vn
Room rate: 300,000VND up (15USD)
Overview: This hotel has basic large and clean room with hot shower, bathtub, Tivi, fridge. Friendly
Bonus: Cozy bar
Pictures:
Pics: vietnamguidebook
5/ (My pick) Sunny Mountain Hotel
Address: 10 Muong Hoa street, Sapa town
Tel: 0203 787 999
Fax: 0203 787 979
Fax: 0203 787 979
Email: info@sunnymountainhotel.com
Website: www.sunnymountainhotel.com
Room rate: 77USD up (Promotion period: 40USD for Superior room)
Overview: This 3-star hotel is a new comer of the town with artful elegant design, beautiful and large room, nice bathroom. Lift. Friendly
Bonus: Free access to sauna and hot swimming pool. Daily fresh fruit, tea/coffee and water in-room. Wifi. Complimentary shoe shine service...
Pictures:
Pics: vietnamguidebook
D/ Food and Drink
1/ Com Viet restaurant
Address: 25 - 27 Xuan Vien street
Tel: 0203 873 178 - 0944 944 388
Overview: Love most dishes of this restaurant with reasonable price. About 30,000 - 50,000VND/dish.
Top on the list (also the specialities of Sapa) are:
1/ Black chicken, tofu and vegetable soup (Lau ga den)
2/ Fried chayote leaves with garlic (Dot xu xu xao toi)
3/ Fried "lon cap nach" pig - black pig
raised in natural mountainous enviroment (Thit lon cap nach xao)
4/ Steamed Cai Meo vegetable (Cai Meo luoc)
Bonus: Usually organise Mong ethnic minority group's dance and music show for tour group on Saturday/Sunday.
Note: They almost speak no English. (See "Ask me" to have my mobile phone number. I will help you to order)
Black chicken, tofu and vegetable soup (250,000 - 300,000VND for 2 people)
Pics: vietnamguidebook
Fried chayote leaves with garlic (Dot xu xu xao toi: 30,000VND/dish)
Fried "lon cap nach" pig - black pig raised in natural mountainous enviroment (Thit lon cap nach xao) (120,000VND for 2 people)
Steamed Cai Meo vegetable (Cai Meo luoc) (30,000VND/dish)
2/ Northstar hotel
Address: Ngu Chi Son street, Sapa town
Tel: 0203 866 789
Fax: 0203 771 888
Fax: 0203 771 888
Email: info@northstarhotel.com.vn
Website:www.northstarhotel.com.vn
Overview:
This 3-star hotel offers breakfast at 70,000VND with chicken/beef
noodle soup (or bread with omelet) + coffee (or fruit juice) + Shan tea
3/ Night market near Sapa church offers BBQ and hot pot
4/ Sapa salmon sashimi
In Sapa, there are many restaurants that are dedicated to serve locally farmed salmon.
Salmon is made into a wide variety of dishes, such as salmon hotpot,
salmon sashimi with mustard and wild vegetable, grilled salmon, fried
salmon rolled in flour, salmon salads and steamed salmon with wild
bamboo.
Of
these the salmon sashimi prepared with mustard is recommended most for
tourists. The dish delights by the sweetness of salmon, aroma of fresh
wild vegetables and a hot bite of mustard.
The
second dish that must be mentioned is the salmon hot pot made in a
similar way to the sour soup of the South. The soup has pineapple,
tomato and salmon. Then it will be served with Sapa-grown wild
vegetables and watercress or pumpkin buds.
5/ The Hill Station restaurant
Address: 07 Muong Hoa street, Sapa town
Tel: 0203 887 111 - 0982 267 518
Fax: 0203 887 112
Website: thehillstation.com
Overview: Like the design of this restaurant. Havent used it service yet.
Pics: vietnamguidebook
6/ The Hmong Sisters Music & Bar
Address: Muong Hoa street, Sapa town
Facebook: hmong sisters barOpen: 4:00PM till late
Happy hours: 4:00 - 7:00PM
Free pool table
Overview: Nice design, drink start at 20,000VND
E/ Shopping
Around night market and Cau May street, there are a lot of shopping stalls. Be careful when buying silver jewelry as most of them are not in "good quality.
Take a look at Sapa market on Cau May street.
Pics: vietnamguidebook
F/ Getting there
* By Train (Hanoi - Lao Cai) and bus (Lao Cai - Sapa)
Hanoi - Lao Cai
Most
tourists take night sleeping train departing from Tran Quy Cap train
station of Hanoi and arriving in Lao Cai train station of Lao Cai city
in early morning.
Departure: 9:00PM - 9:30PM - 10:10PM
Arrive: 4:00 - 5:00AM
Price: 194,000VND (Air-conditioned soft seating) and 485,000VND (Air-conditioned soft sleeping)
A motorbike drive from Hanoi's Old Quarter to Tran Quy Cap train station costs about 35,000VND
Lao Cai - Sapa
In early morning, there are many local buses in front of the Lao Cai train station taking tourists to Sapa town Travel distance: 38km
Travel time: about 1 hour
Price: 50,000VND
Lao Cai train station
* By bus (Hanoi - Lao Cai - Sapa)
Depart from My Dinh bus station of Hanoi in the evening and arrive in Sapa bus station in morning
Famous bus operator is Hai Van
Tel in Ha Noi: 04 38 71 71 71
Depart from My Dinh of Hanoi at 8:30PM and arrive in Sapa bus station at about 7:00AM
Tel in Sapa: 0915 67 2020
Depart from Sapa at 6:00PM and arrive in Hanoi at about 5:00AM
Price: 300,000VND (A/C sleeping bus)
Sao Viet sleeping bus
Tel in Ha Noi: 04 3668 6358
Depart from My Dinh of Hanoi at 8:30PM and arrive in its office opposite Sapa bus station at about 7:00AM
Tel in Sapa: 0203 638 638
Depart from Sapa at 6:00PM and arrive in Hanoi at about 5:00AM
Price: 300,000VND (A/C sleeping bus)
Sapa bus station
Pic: vietnamguidebook
Hai Van sleeping bus
Pic: vietnamguidebook
Sao Viet sleeping bus
Pic: vietnamguidebook
* Sapa - Lao Cai - Bac Ha
Sapa - Lao Cai
There are many local buses waiting around the Sapa church in morning about 7:00AM leaving for Lao Cai city
Travel time: about 1hour
Price: 50,000VND
Lao Cai - Bac Ha
There are some buses leaving Lao Cai bus station for Bac Ha town at 9:00AM. The bus often drives around Lao Cai city to receive more guests and goods, sometimes it takes about 45 minutes to move out of the city. Bus arrives in Bac Ha market, Bac Ha town about 11:30AMTravel distance: 66km
Departure: 9:00AM (From Lao Cai bus station); 1:00PM (From Bac Ha town, in front of Bac Ha market)
Price: 50,000VND
Tel for booking: 01699 345 787
Note: Lao Cai bus station is just about 500m from train station
Lao Cai bus station
Lao Cai - Bac Ha bus
* Lao Cai city - Ha Giang city
There is one local bus running Lao Cai city - Ha Giang city (gate to Dong Van karst plateau global geopark)
Departue from Lao Cai bus station and Ha Giang bus station at same time: 6:30AM
Arrive in Ha Giang/Lao Cai: about 12:00noon
Price: 120,000VND (Seating bus)
Tel: 0983 765 811
G/ Motorbike for rent
Most hotels/guesthouses in Sapa have motorbikes for rent at 70,000VND - 100,000VND/day
H/ Sapa from newspaper
In photos: Snowfall in tropical Vietnam (15th December 2013)
Heavy snowfall caused a traffic jam that extended nearly 5 km on the top of O Quy Ho mountain pass in Sa Pa town in the northern province of Lao Cai on Sunday morning.
Many roads and trees have been blanketed by 5 to 10cm thick snow.
Local people said the snow started falling at 9:30am on December 15 in the Xe mountain area at an altitude of 2,200m.
Nguyen Phuc Thanh, a forest official in charge of managing the Nui Xe mountain area, said that as of 9:30 am today the temperature in O Quy Ho fell to about 2 degree Celsius while the temperature in the Nui Xe Mt area was under 0 degree Celsius.
He added that the temperatures continued to fall as of 11:30am.
Sapa resort covered with frost
(VOV) - O Quy Ho Hill in the northern mountain town of Sapa has been entirely coated in a thick layer of frost after a strong cold spell hit the region.
The cold spell caused local temperatures to drop to below 1 degree Celsius on December 30 2012.
Dense fog and drizzle made travel very difficult, especially in the resort town of Sapa.
Despite the freezing cold, many tourists prefer travelling and watching the intriguing natural phenomenon.
The cold spell is forecast to last a few days.
Dense fog and drizzle made travel very difficult, especially in the resort town of Sapa.
Despite the freezing cold, many tourists prefer travelling and watching the intriguing natural phenomenon.
The cold spell is forecast to last a few days.
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* BAC HA – Hill tribe market of White plateau
Content includes:
A/ Overview and General infomation
B/ Bac Ha market
C/ The Palace of Mong ethnic group's king
D/ Ta Chai village
E/ Nung village
F/ Ban Pho village
G/ Where to stay in Bac Ha
H/ Food and Drink
I/ Getting there
A/ Overview and General infomation
Overview
White, red, green, black, blue... Bac Ha is a world of colours!
In spring, visit the plum gardens, you will float on the white carpet made of flowers. In the past, when plum trees were everywhere, Bac Ha was well-known as a “White plateau”.
Around the year, every Sunday is a fascinating day of Bac Ha. From early morning to noon, the 14 ethnic minority groups with their own traditional dress, gathered at Bac Ha with plenty of goods and make it one of the most colourful markets of Vietnam Northwest. It’s the main attraction drawing both local and foreign tourists.
Is that all? Should you just take 1-day Bac Ha market tour offered by tour operators/agencies in Sapa or Hanoi? Well, I love the peaceful, quiet Bac Ha town where I visited some sorrounding villages with very friendly ethnic minority people, especially children.
And let give yourself time to slowly walk into the past at palace of Hoang ATuong – the Mong ethnic group’s king.
If you are a solo traveller who love driving motorbike on the mountianous areas, so don’t miss the way from Bac Ha to Ha Giang city – the gateway to Dong Van karst plateau global geopark...
General infomation of Bac Ha town
Location: Bac Ha town of Bac ha dictrist is 66km from Lao Cai city. To the East, it shares border with Sin Man district of Ha Giang province. Many solo travellers drive motorbikes from Bac Ha to Ha Giang city, then Dong Van karst plateau global geopark.
Weather: Located at an altitude of 900 - 1200m above sea level, Bac Ha town has a temperate climate for most of the time of the year with an avearage temperature of 25 – 28oC. In winter, its quite cold in early morning and evening, so make sure to bring woollies.
The town: Home to 14 ethnic minority groups, this small town is quiet and goes to sleep quite early. With a radius of 15km from the town center, there are many villages of Mong, Tay, Nung ethnic people
You should have some VND cash when visit the town.
Main sightseeing spots and historical sites: Bac Ha Sunday market, Hoang A Tuong palace, plum garden, Ban Pho village of Mong people...
Speciality: Ban Pho corn wine, Tam Hoa plum, mountain chicken, “Lon cap nach” – Black pig raised in natural enviroment with small/medium size...
B/ Bac Ha market
It opens every Sunday on a vast area and is compartmentalized with many sections such as: fruit, vegetables, clothes, shoes, animal (buffalo, pig, chicken, dog..), food and drink...
The 14 ethnic minority groups' people come to the market not only for buying,
selling but also for meeting, talking, drinking, eating... It should be
called a colourful and happy fair.
Time: every Sunday from early morning till noon.
The ocean of colours woven by headscarf, clothing and smiles
Whole family comes to the market. Kids are on the back of the mothers.
Sometimes the mother/father enjoys noodle soup while their kids enjoy ice cream
I even saw a very young mother, guessed about 15 years old, enjoyed iced cream when feeding her baby!
Buying knives
Incense sticks
Most ethnic minority people love spicy
Time to cut hair
Selling corn wine
And pork meat
Enjoy noodle soup in the market with a drink. Sometimes
the man/husband gets drunk and the woman/wife are pleased to wait until
he becomes sober. Some are taken home on the back of the horse! Once a
week, its OK...
Young and old. Cold and ice cream. 5 years ago I visited the market in early morning, it was so cold and the local people enjoyed ice cream
Purple stick rice. Love it.
"Men men" - steamed corn powder
Time for shopping
The fascinating buffalo section of the market was held on an open muddy field
Pics: vietnamguidebook
C/ Hoang A Tuong palace
Location: about 1km from Bac Ha market
The palace was built in 1914 and completed in 1921 by Hoang Yen Chao, a Tay ethnic minority man, and the father of Hoang A Tuong.
During his reign from 1905 to 1953, with the protection of France, Hoang yen Chao owned much of the fertile land in this present-day Bac Ha area, and had the full right to exploit the surrounding forests and native products.He established a tax regime that required all local people
to pay tax on products that they grew or made. He also had a monopoly
on the sale of salt, drug, food and other consumer goods considered
essential necessities in the region. Based on the economic strength, in 1914 he decided to build this palace to represent his wealth and power.
In order to prepare for the construction of this palace, Hoang Yen Chao had to plan very carefully. Firstly
he consulted with Chinese Fengshui experts to find the best location. The site was selected according to Fengshui theory of location. It was
built on a large hill, facing the Southeast, protected on both sides by
mountains. The front of the palace has a spring and faces the mountain named "Mother is holding her baby".
Architecture was built with the combined style of Asia - Europe by two architects, one French and one Chinese.
Stepping up to the palace are a few stairs from the two sides, then to the waiting room, then opening into a wide courtyard which was often used to organise ceremony and dance. Opposite is the main 420m2 house with two floors. The central room of the main house was used for meeting and ruling.
To
the left and right of the main house are two lower houses which were
used for living of Hoang Yen Chao's 3 wives, Hoang A Tuong's two wives
and Hoang Yen Chao's adviser...
There were also wareroom and simple houses for soldiers and servants.
The total area is 10,000 square meter.
(Source: Hoang A Tuong palace)
The Chinese writings: one the left is "Glorious family" and on the right is "eternal spring"
Hoang Yen Chao, father of Hoang A Tuong
Pics: vietnamguidebook
D/ Ta Chai village
This village of Tay ethnic minority people is just about 3km from center of the town and about over 1km from Hoang A Tuong palace.
The Tay people here dress like the Viet (King) people. Their houses are simple but full of orange colour - the colour of corn.
They are friendly, especially the children are very lovely. For sure you will have a big welcome
Pics: vietnamguidebook
Pics: vietnamguidebook
E/ Chiu Cai village
Some 5km from Bac Ha town is Chiu Cai village of Fula ethnic minority people.
Most of them are famers cultivating rice, corn, plum fruit...
Their houses are simple and mostly made of earth
In
January or February, the plum flowers blooming making it a white carpet
drawing a great number of visitors. The season of plum fruit is in
April or May. The fruit give sweet and a little bit sour taste.
Fu La's men clothing
Rice fields and plum gardens
Beautiful surrounding mountains
Fu La' house
Plum gardens. In January, its a white world
Rice harvest season
Plum gardens and flowers
Pics: vietnamguidebook
F/ Na Ho village and Bac Ha tea
Some 4km from Bac Ha town is Na Ho village of Tay people. Beautiful surroundings with mountains, houses and green colour of pine trees and tea.
The village
Na Ho bridge
Tay people's houses full of corn
Climb up to the hill, there are some green tea trees
Pics: vietnamguidebook
G/ Ban Pho village
This village of Mong ethnic minority people is about 2km from Bac Ha town. It has the low terraced rice fields surrounding by green mountains.
Ban Pho is famous in Bac Ha thanks to its corn wine that is sold in Bac Ha market.
Pics: vietnamguidebook
H/ Where to stay in Bac Ha
There are many standard hotels and guesthouses near Bac Ha market.
Pay 200,000VND (10USD), you will have a private nice room with hot shower, fan, Tivi.
With 250,000VND up, your hotel has hot and cold air-condition
The research was done in the middle of September 2012.
Please note that the room rate will be increased during weekend and holiday
1/ (My stay) Ngan Nga Bac Ha hotel
Address: 115 - 117 Ngoc Uyen street, Bac Ha town (some steps to Bac Ha market)
Tel: 0203 880 286 - 0973 550 222 - 0913 346 875
Fax: 0203 780 268
Room rate: 200,000VND up (10USD)
Overview: A small hotel with great location, nice, clean and big room with hot shower, Tivi, fan. Friendly
Bonus: Restaurant with delicious food at reasonable price. Should order in advance. Free hot green tea
Bonus: Restaurant with delicious food at reasonable price. Should order in advance. Free hot green tea
Pictures:
Pics: Vietnamguidebook
2/ (My pick) Ngan Nga hotel
Address: 133 Ngoc Uyen street, Bac Ha town
Tel: 0203 880 251 - 0982 048 322
Fax: 0203 880 642
Email: info@nganngabacha.com
Email: info@nganngabacha.com
Website: www.nganngabacha.com
Room rate: 250,000VND (12USD)
Overview: Big hotel with large, clean and nice room, hot shower, LCD Tivi. Free internet access
Pictures:
Pics: vietnamguidebook
3/ Sunday hotel
Address: 01 Vu Cong Mat street, Bac Ha town (some hundred meters from Ngan Nga hotel)
Tel: 0904 646 955 - 0903 481 747
Fax: 0203 880 350
Website: www.sundayhotel.vn
Room rate: 280,000VND up (14USD)
Overview: This large hotel has basic clean and nice rooms with hot shower, hot & cold air-condition. Free Internet access
Pictures:
Pics: vietnamguidebook
4/ Hoang Vu hotel
Address: Nga 5, Bac Ha town
Tel: 0203 880 264 - 0915 491 106
Email: hoangvutours@hotmail.com
Room rate: 200,000VND (10USD)
Overview: This small hotel is getting old. Rooms are large but basic with hot shower, Tivi
Pictures:
Pics: vietnamguidebook
5/(My pick) Congfu hotel
Address: 152 Ngoc Uyen street, Bac Ha town
Tel: 0203 880 254 - 0979 803 642
Fax: 0203 880 893
Email: info@congfuhotel.com
Email: info@congfuhotel.com
Website: www.congfuhotel.com
Room rate: 250,000VND up (12USD)
Overview: This hotel have basic nice rooms with hot & cold air-condition, Tivi, hot shower & bathtub, free Internet access. Some steps to ATM and Agriculture bank
Pictures:
Pics: vietnamguidebook
6/ Sao Mai hotel
Address: Bac Ha town (about 4km to Ban Pho village)
Tel: 0203 880 288 - 0912 060 862
Fax: 0203 780 352
Email: saomaibh@gmail.com
Email: saomaibh@gmail.com
Website: www.saomaibachahotel.com
Room rate: 20USD up (with breakfast)
Overview: Bac Ha largest 2-star hotel, nice and big room with hot & cold air-condition, hot shower with bathtub, free wifi...
Pictures:
Pics: vietnamguidebook
I/ Food and Drink
Pics: vietnamguidebook
Pic: vietnamguidebook
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* LAO CAI CITY - LAO CAI PROVINCE
Lao Cai city of Lao Cai province is about 345km from Hanoi capital city.
Lao Cai province shares borders with: Ha Giang province in the East, Lai
Chau province in the West, Yen Bai province in the South, Yunnan
province of China in the North. The Vietnam – China
Hekhou international border gate is just about 5km from Lao Cai city center.
Most tourists come to Lao Cai city by night train from Hanoi. If you leave Hanoi at 10:00PM, you will arrive in Lao Cai city in early morning, about 5:00AM. Then they will take the local bus in front of the train station to Sapa town or Bac Ha town.
There's not really much to see in the city. If you need to overnight here, see the hotel/guesthouse list near train station and new bus station on Phan Dinh Phung street of the city. Room rate start at 8USD with private room, air-condition, hot shower, Tivi, wifi...
List of hotel/guesthouse
1/ (My pick) Hoa Hoa guesthouse
Address: 33 Phan Dinh Phung street
Pics: vietnamguidebook
2/ Huyen Thien hotel
Address: 64B Phan Dinh Phung street
List of hotel/guesthouse
1/ (My pick) Hoa Hoa guesthouse
Address: 33 Phan Dinh Phung street
Tel: 0914 696 796 - 0979 239 238
Room rate: 170,000VND (8USD)
Overview: Basic clean room with air-condition, hot shower, cable Tivi, wifi
Pictures:
2/ Huyen Thien hotel
Address: 64B Phan Dinh Phung street
Tel: 0203 836 075 - 0912 794 508
Email: huyenthienlaocai@gmail.com
Room rate: 15USD
Overview: Basic large room, air-condition, hot shower, Tivi, a small restaurant, English speaking staff
Pictures:
Pics: vietnamguidebook
3/ 520 hotel
Address: Phan Dinh Phung street
Tel: 0203 836 563 - 0915 188 340
Email: nkmv1016@yahoo.com
Room rate: 170,000VND (8USD)
Overview: Basic large room with air-condition, hot shower, Tivi
Pictures:
Pics: vietnamguidebook
Quick lunch/dinner
Small local eatery: Cao Tin
Address: 29 Phan Dinh Phung street
Tel: 0164 741 3356
Overview: Lunch/dinner. Offer beef noodle soup. My meal: Vietnamese steamed rice with fried fish, fried egg, fried vegetable, soup with just only 35,000VND (almost 2USD)
Quick lunch/dinner
Small local eatery: Cao Tin
Address: 29 Phan Dinh Phung street
Tel: 0164 741 3356
Overview: Lunch/dinner. Offer beef noodle soup. My meal: Vietnamese steamed rice with fried fish, fried egg, fried vegetable, soup with just only 35,000VND (almost 2USD)
Pics: vietnamguidebook
Those look for a small restaurant serving Western dishes, come to the Huyen Thien hotel (64B Phan Dinh Phung street)
Those look for a small restaurant serving Western dishes, come to the Huyen Thien hotel (64B Phan Dinh Phung street)
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* LAO CAI CITY - YUNNAN, CHINA
In May 2011, I went to Yunnan, China by this way. It was a great journey and I spent almost 1 month in Yunnan: Yuan Yang terraced rice fields, Kunming city, Dali ancient city, Lijiang ancient town, Shangrila ancient town and Lugu lake - the kingdom of Women.
Another 1 month in Guilin and Yangshuo of Guangxi province, Guangzhou city, Chaozhou city, Shanghai city, Hangzhou city, Suzhou city, Huangshan and Hongcun village, Beijing city.
If you need travel info for these destinations, just feel free to drop me a line: tung.thanh.ly@gmail.com
Another 1 month in Guilin and Yangshuo of Guangxi province, Guangzhou city, Chaozhou city, Shanghai city, Hangzhou city, Suzhou city, Huangshan and Hongcun village, Beijing city.
If you need travel info for these destinations, just feel free to drop me a line: tung.thanh.ly@gmail.com
* OTHER PICTURES
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