About Lao Cai

Lao Cai Province is mainly known for its Sa Pa and Mount Fansipan. But there are many other marvelous cities within this province to explore such as Bac Ha with its frequent local markets, Y Ty ribboned by clouds, and O Quy Ho Pass around Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range.


Thrilling landscapes along with splendid rice terrace scenes during harvest seasons are what make Lao Cai so captivating. Tourists also have the chance to immerse in the diverse ethnic minority cultures here.

Best Time To Visit Lao Cai

The weather in Lao Cai is ideal the most from September to October, when you can watch breath-taking rice terraces in Sapa, Y Ty, and Den Sang. From June to August, the weather is cool and when the plum season begins. From December to February, the mountains can experience snowfalls. In March, the scenery is extremely beautiful with plum peach forests blooming from Sa Pa to Muong Khuong and Can Cau.

Spring
(Feb - Apr)

Scattering drizzle

Mist spreads across the pass

Plum blossoms bloom throughout Bac Ha

It's getting warmer

Going to the colorful market

Summer
(May - Jul)

Yellow sunshine and blue sky

Sunny days and cool nights

Peaches and plums hanging on the branches

The season of sweet fruits

The roads are covered in green

Autumn
(Aug - Oct)

Golden sunshine pours honey

The night mist hanging

Nice and cool weather

Silky yellow rice carpet

Bustling and colorful markets

Winter
(Nov - Jan)

Extremely cold

Mist, clouds and rain blend together

Frost on the top of the mountain

Best time for trekking and cloud hunting

Transport

You can easily get to Lao Cai by bus, private car, or train. Regular buses and luxury vans from Hanoi usually take about 5 to 6 hours and drop off at the city center. For adventurous travelers, motorbikes are a great way to soak up the nature's beauty. 

Explore Lao Cai

Tips for hunting 'magical' beautiful clouds in Sa Pa

"Cloud hunting" is one of the unique tourism activities in Sa Pa. However, to be able to capture the fanciful cloud scenery, visitors need some experience and important notes. From October to April next year, Sapa enters the beautiful "cloud hunting season". According to experiences from locals and tour guides, the best time of the day to hunt clouds in Sapa is after rain, at dawn or dusk. At that time, the temperature is low, the clouds drop, and a sea of clouds will appear, causing the small town to be immersed in fog. Photo: Fatherland However, the weather in Sapa is erratic, not to mention that the climate in the commune is sometimes different from the areas on the highlands. Therefore, please check the weather forecast before going cloud hunting. Upon arrival, you also need to ask the local people directly to have the most accurate update on the rain and sunshine situation during the day. In addition, to experience a convenient "cloud hunting", visitors should note some of the following tips: Comfortable attire Tourists coming to Sa Pa should choose comfortable clothes suitable for the weather. In autumn-winter cold weather, it is recommended to prepare a warm coat to protect the body. The terrain here is also hilly and steep, you need to use sneakers to be able to move easily. Preparation of food and vehicles Sometimes visitors have to wait for a period of time to encounter clouds. Therefore, bring water and snacks so you don't go hungry, and help avoid bleeding due to thin air when at high altitudes. Moreover, cloud hunting sites can be located far from the center, so it's a good idea to learn the right means of transportation in advance, so as not to fall into a passive position. It is also important to have photography equipment such as a camera or a phone with a camera ready. Good equipment will help visitors capture wonderful moments of clouds, sky and landscape. It is better to bring a power bank to avoid running out of battery. Places to 'hunt' clouds in Sapa Note, only certain coordinates in Sa Pa have beautiful scenery, clouds appear often and frequently. Photo: Trieu Quang Hung Fansipan Peak With an altitude of 3,143m, Fansipan peak is a familiar place for "cloud hunter" believers. From October to the end of November every year, the clouds on the "roof of Indochina" are floating and beautiful. Therefore, many tourists will choose this time to visit. Sa Pa Gate of Heaven The Sapa Gate of Heaven is located on the way to the top of Fansipan. It has a panoramic view of a large area and a great spot for cloud hunting. From here, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the valley below and the surrounding peaks covered in clouds. Photo: TCDLTPHM Ham Rong Mountain Peak With an altitude of more than 1,800m, the peak of Ham Rong Mountain offers a great view of the entire town of Sapa dimly in the mist, and at the same time has an ideal "cloud hunting" rate from dawn to dusk. Deep Sour Village Cac Chua village at an altitude of 1,700m is a place to see the clouds covering Sa Pa. This village is also less affected by tourism, retaining its pristine and wild beauty. Photo: Pham Ngoc Bang Lao Chai village Lao Chai village is located along the Muong Hoa valley. This place not only has beautiful terraced fields but is also an impressive cloud hunting spot. Sunrise in Lao Chai is the ideal time to watch the clouds, when the light gradually appears and the clouds cover the mountain and forest landscape, creating a fanciful picture. According to Zing

Nature & Adventure 02/12/2024

Tips for hunting 'magical' beautiful clouds in Sa Pa

From October to April next year, Sapa enters the beautiful "cloud hunting season". According to experiences from locals and tour guides, the best time of the day to hunt clouds in Sapa is after rain, at dawn or dusk.

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Coming to Bac Ha in December, tourists go to the session market, visit Hoang A Tuong palace and visit Suoi Thao steppe, Ha Giang to see buckwheat flowers.
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Instead of the usual hot broth, the unique pho dish in Lao Cai is served with a thick marinade, served with sliced char siu meat, eggs, and crispy noodles,...
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