Are you looking for a destination that offers stunning natural scenery, rich cultural diversity, and thrilling adventure? If yes, then you should consider visiting Lao Cai, Vietnam, a hidden gem in the north of the country. Lao Cai is a province that borders China and is home to various ethnic groups, each with their own traditions, crafts, and festivals.
Lao Cai also boasts some of the most spectacular landscapes in Vietnam, such as the highest peak in Indochina, the terraced rice fields of Sapa, and the majestic waterfalls and caves of Hoang Lien National Park. Whether you are a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or an adrenaline junkie, Lao Cai has something for everyone.
In this guide, we will show you why Lao Cai is a must-visit destination in Vietnam, and how you can plan your perfect trip to this amazing place.
Essential Travel Information
Before you pack your bags and head to Lao Cai, here are some basic and useful information that you need to know:
Visa and travel insurance: Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Vietnam. You can check the visa requirements and apply online at the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department. You should also get a travel insurance that covers medical expenses, theft, and cancellation, as accidents and emergencies can happen anytime. You can compare and buy travel insurance online at websites like World Nomads or InsureMyTrip.
Currency and payment methods: The currency used in Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong (VND). The exchange rate is about 1 USD = 23,000 VND as of November 2023. You can exchange your money at banks, hotels, or authorized money changers, but avoid the black market as you may get scammed or ripped off. You can also withdraw money from ATMs, which are widely available in Lao Cai, but be aware of the fees and limits. Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but cash is still the preferred and most convenient payment method in Lao Cai, especially in rural areas and markets.
Language and etiquette: The official language of Vietnam is Vietnamese, which is spoken by most of the population. However, in Lao Cai, you will also encounter many ethnic languages, such as Hmong, Dao, Tay, and Nung. English is not widely spoken in Lao Cai, so it is advisable to learn some basic Vietnamese phrases, such as hello (xin chao), thank you (cam on), and how much (bao nhieu). You can also use a translation app, such as Google Translate or Microsoft Translator, to communicate with the locals. When it comes to etiquette, you should respect the customs and beliefs of the ethnic groups, such as dressing modestly, asking for permission before taking photos, and not touching their sacred objects or animals. You should also avoid public displays of affection, pointing with your finger, and losing your temper, as these are considered rude and offensive in Vietnam.
Weather and climate: The weather and climate of Lao Cai vary depending on the altitude and season. Generally, Lao Cai has four seasons: spring (March to May), summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), and winter (December to February). The average temperature ranges from 15°C to 28°C, but it can drop below 0°C in the highlands, especially in winter. The best time to visit Lao Cai depends on your preferences and activities, but generally, spring and autumn are the most pleasant and beautiful seasons, as the weather is mild, the flowers are blooming, and the rice fields are golden. Summer is the peak season for domestic tourists, but also the rainy season, which can cause landslides and floods. Winter is the low season for international tourists, but also the best time to see snow and frost in the mountains.
Health and safety precautions: Lao Cai is a relatively safe destination, but you should still take some health and safety precautions to avoid any problems. You should get vaccinated against common diseases, such as hepatitis, typhoid, and rabies, before your trip. You should also bring some medications and first aid supplies, such as painkillers, antihistamines, antidiarrheals, and bandages, as you may not find them easily in Lao Cai. You should also drink bottled water, avoid street food, and wash your hands frequently, as food and water hygiene may not be up to standard in some places. You should also be careful of scams, theft, and pickpockets, especially in crowded and touristy areas. You should keep your valuables in a safe place, avoid walking alone at night, and use reputable and licensed transportation services.
How to Get to Lao Cai
Lao Cai is well-connected to other parts of Vietnam by various means of transportation, such as plane, train, bus, or car. Here are the different ways to get to Lao Cai, and their pros and cons:
Plane:
The fastest and most comfortable way to get to Lao Cai is by plane. Lao Cai has a small airport, called Lao Cai International Airport, which is located about 30 km from the city center. The airport operates domestic flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Nha Trang, as well as international flights from Kunming, China. The flight time from Hanoi to Lao Cai is about 50 minutes, and the ticket price ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 million VND. You can book your flight online at websites like Skyscanner or Vietnam Airlines. From the airport, you can take a taxi, a shuttle bus, or a private transfer to your hotel or destination in Lao Cai.
Train:
The most popular and scenic way to get to Lao Cai is by train. Lao Cai has a railway station, called Lao Cai Railway Station, which is located in the city center. The station is the terminus of the Hanoi-Lao Cai railway line, which is about 300 km long and takes about 8 hours. The train runs daily, and offers different classes of service, such as soft seat, hard sleeper, soft sleeper, and deluxe cabin. The ticket price ranges from 200,000 to 1.5 million VND, depending on the class and season. You can book your train ticket online at websites like Baolau or 12Go Asia. The train is a great way to enjoy the views of the countryside, the mountains, and the rice fields along the way, as well as to meet other travelers and locals. However, the train can also be noisy, crowded, and delayed, so you should be prepared for some inconveniences.
Bus:
The cheapest and most flexible way to get to Lao Cai is by bus. Lao Cai has two bus stations, called Lao Cai Bus Station and Sapa Bus Station, which are located about 3 km and 35 km from the city center, respectively. The bus stations serve buses from various cities and provinces in Vietnam, such as Hanoi, Ha Giang, Dien Bien, and Yen Bai. The bus time and frequency vary depending on the route and company, but generally, there are buses every hour or every few hours. The ticket price ranges from 100,000 to 500,000 VND, depending on the distance and quality. You can buy your bus ticket at the bus station, or online at websites like Vexere or BusMap. The bus is a convenient and budget-friendly option, as you can choose your departure and arrival time, and stop along the way. However, the bus can also be uncomfortable, bumpy, and unsafe, as the roads are narrow, winding, and steep, and the drivers are sometimes reckless.
Car:
The most independent and adventurous way to get to Lao Cai is by car. You can rent a car from Hanoi or other cities, and drive to Lao Cai by yourself or with a driver. The driving distance from Hanoi to Lao Cai is about 320 km, and takes about 6 hours. The rental price ranges from 1 to 2 million VND per day, depending on the type and condition of the car. You can rent a car online at websites like Rentalcars or Tigit Motorbikes. The car is a fun and flexible option, as you can explore Lao Cai at your own pace, and stop wherever and whenever you want. However, the car can also be expensive, stressful, and risky, as the traffic is chaotic, the roads are challenging, and the regulations are strict.
Where to Stay in Lao Cai
Lao Cai offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to cozy homestays, to suit every taste and budget. Here are some of the best places to stay in Lao Cai, and their pros and cons:
Hotels:
If you are looking for comfort, convenience, and service, you can choose from many hotels in Lao Cai, especially in the city center and Sapa town. Hotels in Lao Cai offer modern facilities, such as air conditioning, wifi, TV, and private bathroom, as well as amenities, such as restaurant, bar, pool, and spa. Hotels in Lao Cai offer various price ranges, from budget to luxury, depending on the star rating and location. Some of the best hotels in Lao Cai are:
Sapa Jade Hill Resort: A 4-star resort that offers spacious and elegant rooms and bungalows, with stunning views of the mountains and the valley. The resort also features a restaurant, a bar, a pool, a spa, and a garden. The resort is located about 10 km from Sapa town, and offers free shuttle service and bike rental. The price per night ranges from 1.5 to 3 million VND.
Topas Ecolodge: A 3-star lodge that offers cozy and rustic bungalows, with panoramic views of the rice fields and the hills. The lodge also features a restaurant, a bar, a pool, a spa, and a terrace. The lodge is located about 18 km from Sapa town, and offers free shuttle service and bike rental. The price per night ranges from 2 to 4 million VND.
Phuong Nam Hotel: A 2-star hotel that offers clean and comfortable rooms, with basic facilities, such as air conditioning, wifi, TV, and private bathroom. The hotel also features a restaurant, a bar, and a lounge. The hotel is located in the city center, near the railway station and the bus station. The price per night ranges from 200,000 to 500,000 VND.
Homestays:
If you are looking for authenticity, intimacy, and culture, you can choose from many homestays in Lao Cai, especially in the rural areas and villages. Homestays in Lao Cai offer simple and traditional accommodation, such as wooden houses, bamboo huts, or tents, with shared facilities, such as bathroom, kitchen, and living room. Homestays in Lao Cai also offer the opportunity to interact with the local hosts and families, who will welcome you with warm hospitality, delicious home-cooked meals, and interesting stories. Homestays in Lao Cai offer various price ranges, from cheap to moderate, depending on the quality and location. Some of the best homestays in Lao Cai are:
Sapa Heavenly Homestay: A homestay that offers charming and cozy rooms and dorms, with views of the garden and the mountains. The homestay also features a restaurant, a bar, a fireplace, and a terrace. The homestay is located in Ta Van village, about 10 km from Sapa town, and offers free shuttle service and bike rental. The price per night ranges from 100,000 to 300,000 VND.
Bac Ha Homestay: A homestay that offers spacious and comfortable rooms and bungalows, with views of the rice fields and the hills. The homestay also features a restaurant, a bar, a pool, and a garden. The homestay is located in Bac Ha town, about 70 km from Lao Cai city, and offers free shuttle service and bike rental. The price per night ranges from 300,000 to 800,000 VND.
Nam Cang Riverside Lodge: A homestay that offers rustic and elegant rooms and bungalows, with views of the river and the forest. The homestay also features a restaurant, a bar, a spa, and a terrace. The homestay is located in Nam Cang village, about 35 km from Sapa town, and offers free shuttle service and bike rental. The price per night ranges from 1 to 2 million VND.
Hostels:
If you are looking for social, fun, and budget-friendly accommodation, you can choose from many hostels in Lao Cai, especially in Sapa town. Hostels in Lao Cai offer dormitory-style accommodation, with bunk beds, lockers, and shared facilities, such as bathroom, kitchen, and lounge. Hostels in Lao Cai also offer the chance to meet and mingle with other travelers and backpackers, who will share their tips, experiences, and stories. Hostels in Lao Cai offer very cheap price ranges, from 50,000 to 200,000 VND per night. Some of the best hostels in Lao Cai are:
Go Sapa Hostel: A hostel that offers clean and colorful dorms and rooms, with views of the town and the mountains. The hostel also features a restaurant, a bar, a pool table, and a terrace. The hostel is located in the heart of Sapa town, near the lake and the market. The price per night ranges from 50,000 to 150,000 VND.
Sapa Capsule Hotel: A hostel that offers modern and innovative capsule beds, with privacy curtains, lights, and outlets. The hostel also features a restaurant, a bar, a spa, and a garden. The hostel is located in the center of Sapa town, near the church and the square. The price per night ranges from 100,000 to 200,000 VND.
Sapa Odyssey Hostel: A hostel that offers cozy and comfortable dorms and rooms, with views of the valley and the hills. The hostel also features a restaurant, a bar, a fireplace, and a balcony. The hostel is located in the outskirts of Sapa town, near the Cat Cat village and the waterfall. The price per night ranges from 100,000 to 200,000 VND.
What to Do and See in Lao Cai
Cuisine: One of the best ways to experience the culture and diversity of Lao Cai is to taste its delicious and varied cuisine. Lao Cai offers a range of dishes that reflect the influences of the ethnic groups, the climate, and the geography of the region. Some of the must-try dishes in Lao Cai are:
Thang co:
A traditional dish of the Hmong people, thang co is a hearty stew made from horse meat, organs, and bones, cooked with spices, herbs, and vegetables. Thang co is usually eaten with bread or sticky rice, and is a popular dish at the markets and festivals of Lao Cai. You can find thang co at [Thang Co A Quynh], a famous restaurant in Sapa town that specializes in this dish.
Com lam:
A simple but tasty dish of the ethnic minorities, com lam is sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes over charcoal fire. Com lam is often flavored with salt, sugar, coconut milk, or sesame seeds, and is eaten with grilled meat, fish, or vegetables. Com lam is a convenient and portable dish that can be found at street stalls, restaurants, and homestays in Lao Cai. You can try com lam at [Com Lam Dao], a cozy restaurant in Sapa town that serves com lam with various toppings and sauces.
Banh day:
A festive dish of the Giay people, banh day is a glutinous rice cake that is shaped into a flat round disc and filled with minced pork, mushrooms, and onions. Banh day is usually steamed or fried, and is eaten with soy sauce, chili sauce, or pickles. Banh day is a symbol of luck and happiness, and is often made for special occasions, such as weddings, birthdays, and New Year. You can sample banh day at [Banh Day Nui], a small shop in Sapa town that makes fresh and authentic banh day.
Lao Cai is a hidden gem in the north of Vietnam, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature, the richness of culture, the excitement of adventure, and the diversity of cuisine. Lao Cai is a destination that will surprise and delight you with its charm and diversity, and will leave you with unforgettable memories and experiences.
We hope this guide has helped you plan your perfect trip to Lao Cai, and that you will have a wonderful time in this amazing place.