English french
Mr Linh's Adventures
Bac Ha travel guide

Bac Ha travel guide

Overview

bac-haBac Ha, nestled in the mountainous province of Lào Cai in northwest Vietnam, is a captivating destination that offers an authentic immersion into the culture of ethnic minorities. Away from tourist routes, Bac Ha entices with its spectacular landscapes, colorful markets, and the warm hospitality of its inhabitants. This region is an invitation to adventure, discovery, and sharing, promising unforgettable encounters at the heart of authentic Vietnam.











 

bac-ha-valley
Birds eye view of Bac Ha Valley. - Mr Linh's Adventures

Top Attractions

Bac Ha is renowned for four must-see experiences:

Bac Ha Market

A true explosion of colors and flavors, this weekly market (every Sunday) is the meeting point for the Flower Hmong, Dao, Tày, and Nùng ethnic groups. It's a unique opportunity to observe traditional costumes, buy local products, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of local life. Consider staying overnight in Bac Ha on Saturday to avoid the crowds of day trippers from Sapa.
 
bac-ha-market

Bac Ha Market is always filled with colour and life. - Mr Linh's Adventures

Mountainous Landscapes

The surroundings of Bac Ha offer striking panoramas of wild beauty, with terraced rice fields carved into the mountainside, valleys with rich shades of green, and majestic peaks. Hiking and trekking allow you to explore these landscapes and discover isolated villages.

Meeting Ethnic Minorities

Bac Ha is a true cultural crossroads where several ethnic minorities coexist, each with its own traditions, customs, and unique costumes. Meeting them is a enriching human experience and a true journey within the journey.

Tasting Local Cuisine

Bac Ha's gastronomy is rich in flavors and local specialties. Traditional dishes, prepared with fresh and local ingredients, will delight the taste buds of adventurous travelers.
 

See & Do

Bac Ha offers a variety of activities, allowing travelers to fully experience the local culture and discover the spectacular landscapes of the region.

Trekking and Hiking

The surroundings of Bac Ha are a paradise for hikers. Trails wind through terraced rice fields, pine forests, and isolated villages, offering breathtaking views. Travelers have several options:
Day hikes: Ideal for a first approach to the region, these hikes allow you to discover the surrounding landscapes and visit some ethnic villages.
Multi-day treks: For a deeper immersion, multi-day treks allow you to venture further into the mountains, stay with locals, and share the daily life of local communities. These experiences are often organized by local guides who know the region and its inhabitants well.

Visits to Ethnic Villages

Meet the inhabitants of Flower Hmong, Dao, Tày, and Nùng villages, and discover their way of life, traditions, and craftsmanship. These encounters are unforgettable moments of sharing and exchange.

Discovering Local Markets: A condensed version of local life

In addition to the famous Sunday market in Bac Ha, other smaller and more authentic markets are held in the surrounding villages. These markets are an opportunity to discover local products, observe exchanges between different ethnic groups, and immerse yourself in the daily life of the inhabitants. Among the markets not to be missed:
Can Cau Market: Smaller and more authentic than Bac Ha's market, this market takes place on Saturdays and attracts Flower Hmong, Black Dao, and Nùng people.
Sin Cheng Market: Located about 1.5 hours from Bac Ha, this market takes place on Wednesdays and is less frequented by tourists, offering a very authentic experience.
Lung Khau Nhin Market: This market is held on Thursdays and is also a great opportunity for meetings and cultural immersion.
 
Can-Cau-market

Buffalo market at Can Cau - Mr Linh's Adventures

Bike or Motorcycle Rides: Freedom exploration

Renting bicycles or motorcycles allows you to explore the surroundings of Bac Ha at your own pace and discover places less accessible by public transport. It's an excellent way to immerse yourself in the landscapes and meet the inhabitants of isolated villages.
 

Go Green

bac-ha-trekking

Vietnam mountain trail explorer

hiiden-trail

Trekking on Vietnam's hidden trails

hoang-su-phi

Hoang Su Phi terraced fields trekking


► Contact us to organize your next adventure!

Heritage

The Bac Ha region is rich in cultural and historical heritage. Although the region does not have major historical sites in the strict sense, it offers invaluable cultural richness thanks to the diversity of its ethnic groups.

In Bac Ha, several ethnic communities coexist, each contributing to the cultural wealth of the region. The most prominent ones include:

Flower Hmong (Hmong Hoa)

 They are the majority ethnic group in Bac Ha and are easily recognizable by their very colorful traditional costumes adorned with complex embroideries and floral motifs (hence their name). Flower Hmong women wear wide pleated skirts, embroidered jackets, and richly decorated turbans. They are renowned for their craftsmanship, especially in weaving, embroidery, and silverware. They mainly practice agriculture on mountain slopes, cultivating rice, corn, and medicinal plants. Bac Ha Market is an important meeting place for Flower Hmong, where they sell their products and interact with other communities.
 
cic-ly-market

Hmong women at Coc Ly Market - Mr Linh's Adventures

Red Dao (Dao Do)

They are distinguished by their traditional red costumes, often adorned with silver pieces and embroideries. Red Dao women wear imposing red turbans and clothing embroidered with geometric patterns. They are known for their expertise in medicinal plants and rice wine distillation. Their villages are often located in more isolated areas, and they preserve ancestral traditions and customs.

Tày

Although less numerous than Flower Hmong and Red Dao in Bac Ha itself, the Tày are an important ethnic group in northern Vietnam and present in the region. Their villages are generally located in valleys, and their traditional houses are built on stilts. They practice agriculture, especially rice cultivation and corn farming, and are also known for their craftsmanship, such as pottery and weaving.

Nùng

Also present in Bac Ha, the Nùng are known for their skill in ironwork and the production of agricultural tools. Their villages are often located near rivers, and their houses are traditionally built with earth. They also practice agriculture and animal husbandry.
Although less numerous, other ethnic groups are also present in the Bac Ha region, such as the Phù Lá, Giáy, and Kinh (the majority ethnic group in Vietnam). This ethnic diversity contributes to the cultural richness of Bac Ha and makes it a fascinating destination for travelers wishing to discover Vietnam's minority cultures.

Vua Meo' Palace

The extravagant Vua Meo' Palace, built in 1921 by the French to appease the Flower Hmong chief Hoang A Tuong, is a unique architectural marvel located on the northern edge of Bac Ha.
 
vue-meo-palace

Vua Meo Palace - Mr Linh's Adventures

 

Food & Drinks

Bac Ha's cuisine is a blend of local flavors and ethnic influences. Among the culinary specialties not to be missed are:

Thắng Cố: A spicy horse (or buffalo) meat soup, a traditional dish of the Hmong.
Mèn mén: A kind of corn polenta, a staple food of the Hmong.
Bánh đa kê: Grilled rice cakes with sesame seeds.
Local rice alcohols: Each ethnic group has its own rice wine recipe, to be discovered in moderation.
► Do you know the Cuisine of Northern Vietnam?

Directions

Location

Bac Ha is located in the province of Lào Cai, northwest Vietnam, about 333 km from Hanoi.

Getting There from Hanoi

The most common way to reach Bac Ha from Hanoi is by overnight train to Lào Cai station, followed by a bus or car ride to Bac Ha. The train ticket price varies depending on the chosen class. Direct buses also exist, but the journey is longer.

Best Season

The best time to visit Bac Ha is from September to November and from March to May when the weather is drier and temperatures are more pleasant. Bac Ha Market takes place every Sunday.

Bac Ha is an ideal destination for travelers seeking adventure, discovery, and authentic encounters. Let yourself be seduced by the beauty of its landscapes, the richness of its culture, and the hospitality of its inhabitants!

 
Trekking on Vietnam's final frontier 14 days 13 nights
1 reviews

Trekking on Vietnam's final frontier is an exciting tour which explores the very northernmost part of Vietnam. The tour brushes along the border with China, taking in the stunning views of the mountainous region. Mainly off the beaten path, this area sees few tourists and is the perfect place to discover undisturbed traditional villages and pristine countryside. Driving along winding mountain roads, you will stop to photograph the awe-inspiring vistas, hike stretches of beautiful land, take a river trip and meet plenty of local people.

Theme: Hiking & Trekking Tours
: Daily
Duration: 14 days 13 nights
Destination: Bac Ha - Ha Giang Province - Hanoi - Sapa
Suitable: Travel with friends
Trekking on Vietnam's hidden trails 13 days 12 nights
2 reviews

A great route of the most mountainous region in the North of Vietnam will show you how imposing the nature of the country can be. Along your Trekking on Vietnam's hidden trails, you will meet with local people and get to understand the many differences in culture & way of life of the ethnic minorities living in Sapa, Ba Be, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, and Lang Son. We’ll then round it all out in the best way imaginable; a relaxing cruise in the gorgeous Ha Long Bay.

Theme: Hiking & Trekking Tours
: At customer's request
Duration: 13 days 12 nights
Destination: Ba Be National Park - Bac Ha - Cao Bang - Ha Giang Province - Halong Bay - Hanoi - Sapa
Suitable: Active traveler
Bac Ha great hikes 3 days 2 nights
1 reviews

An adventure trek from Sapa to Bac Ha to experice the best of the region's market. Most colourful are the Flower Hmong people. This Bac Ha great hikes 3 days 2 nights will all be set against the stunning back of Bac Ha's rice terraced mountains and sweeping valleys.

Theme: Hiking & Trekking Tours
: At customer's request
Duration: 3 days 2 nights
Destination: Bac Ha - Hanoi - Sapa
Suitable: Travel with friends
Bản in
Bản in
Search
  • +84 936489068
    In Association With
    adventure travel trade association
    Travel Life
    Pata
    Pata
    vietnamtourism
    mekongtourism