Exploring new tourist hotspots in Lào Cai

Brightly coloured brocade products at Cao Sơn Market are chosen by many tourists as attractive, unique gifts. — Photo mia.vn

By Thanh Nga

The northwest provinces have always captivated travel enthusiasts with their wild natural beauty, unique culture, vibrant costumes and delectable cuisine. Among these provinces, Lào Cai stands prominently. Here are some enticing new tourist attractions that will make your trip to Lào Cai even more memorable.

Phìn Hồ Village

Situated approximately 40km southeast of Lào Cai City, Phìn Hồ Village in Tả Phời Commune rests at an elevation of 1,700m above sea level, nestled against the majestic Hoàng Liên Sơn mountain range.

To reach the village, visitors must traverse a valley adorned with captivating natural landscapes, a crystal-clear stream, and terraced fields on both sides.

Alongside Phìn Hồ Thầu and Ú Sì Sung villages, Phìn Hồ is often dubbed the “Sa Pa” of Lào Cai City due to its captivating scenery and ideal climate.

A waterfall in Phìn Hồ Village. — Photo dulichlaocai.vn

In Phìn Hồ, people have preserved primeval forests with trees that are hundreds of years old. Under the dense forest canopy you will find aromatic cardamom fields, while on the forest’s edge are orchards of Tai Nung pears, plums and the lush carpet of tea plantations.

Visiting Phìn Hồ allows you to immerse yourself in the unique ethnic culture of the Mông, Dao, and neighbouring villages, including Xa Phó, Giáy and Tày communities. Relish typical culinary delights such as rattan fruit juice, rice wine, dried buffalo meat, black bánh chưng (square glutinous rice cake) and wild mushrooms.

The people of Phìn Hồ are friendly and warm, eagerly welcoming tourists to experience their way of life. Visitors can engage in activities like farming, exploring cardamom forests, gathering forest vegetables, and even fishing in the streams.

If you happen to visit the village on a Sunday, you can also witness the vibrant market held in the commune centre, offering a plethora of agricultural products.

Ô Long Tea Hill

Located approximately 8km from Sa Pa Town centre, Ô Long Tea Hill can be reached by following National Highway 4D, which is also the main road to Bạc Waterfall and Ô Quy Hồ Pass. The tea hills are visible from the highway itself.

Due to its position on the main road to Ô Quy Hồ Pass, Ô Long Tea Hill is also referred to as Ô Quy Hồ Tea Hill.

Ô Long Tea Hill draws tourists for its majestic natural beauty. — Photo vntrip.vn

This tea hill is set among the untamed landscapes of the northwest mountains and forests, refreshing air, and rows of cherry blossom trees planted along the pathways surrounding the hill.

During the blossoming season, these cherry blossoms radiate vibrant shades of pink, contrasting beautifully with the lush green tea hills and creating a picturesque and poetic landscape. The most suitable time to enjoy the blossoms is generally from early December to January.

The cherry blossom season coincides with the lushness of the tea hills, allowing visitors to freely admire the flowers and unwind amidst the delicate scent of young tea buds. The combination of fresh air, grass, trees, and the surrounding northwest mountains and forests creates a relaxing ambiance.

Bay Waterfall is located in Văn Bàn District, Liêm Phú Commune, Lào Cai Province. — Photo sapalaocai.com

Bay Waterfall

Located approximately 20km from the centre of Văn Bàn District, Liêm Phú Commune is renowned among tourists for Bay Waterfall.

From above, the water cascades down like a silk ribbon against the backdrop of the sky. The water crashing into the cliffs generates curtains of mist, enhancing the picturesque scenery.

Immerse yourself in the cool waters, close your eyes, and let the sounds of the mountains and forests wash away your fatigue.

Surrounding the Bay Waterfall area is the Liêm Phú primeval forest, a part of the Hoàng Liên – Văn Bàn Nature Reserve. This forest is known for its diverse species composition, representing the typical flora and fauna of the northwest region.

According to the records of the Hoàng Liên – Văn Bàn Nature Reserve, hundreds of animal species and thousands of plant species have been discovered here, many of which were documented for the first time in Việt Nam.

The livestock and poultry selling area in Cao Sơn Market always draws crowds of men. — Photo mia.vn

Cao Sơn Market

Cao Sơn Market is situated in Cao Sơn Commune, Mường Khương District, approximately 80km from Lào Cai City.

Blessed with majestic natural landscapes, a pleasant climate, and ancient villages that embody the rich traditional culture of the Mông and Nùng people, Cao Sơn is a renowned market in the northwestern mountainous region.

The market is held every Wednesday and offers a wide variety of typical products, including brocade fabrics, medicinal herbs, and enticing local dishes. With a vibrant and colourful atmosphere of Cao Sơn Market, visitors are sure to leave with lasting impressions. VNS