Bac Ha 101: 7 Highlights of Vietnam's Northwest Ethnic Land

Bac Ha is a small mountainous town nestled in the northwest of Vietnam. Though less known than its neighbor Sapa, the magnificent region of Bac Ha has nothing to envy in comparison. Its authentic panoramas and the traditional way of life of the welcoming ethnic groups in Bac Ha will captivate you. Traveling to Bac Ha means discovering breathtaking landscapes off the beaten path: beautiful green valleys perfect for hiking, rice fields, orchards, traditional houses, and fascinating customs. This article will reveal all the cultural and natural treasures Bac Ha has to offer on your trip to Northern Vietnam.

Written by Hung DAO (Local Expert) Updated on 06-11-2024

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Where is Bac Ha located?

Bac Ha is a northern district of Vietnam, located about 135 km (83.9 miles) from Sapa and 300 km (186.4 miles) from Hanoi. The trip takes approximately 3 hours from Sapa and 6 hours from Hanoi. Perched at an altitude of 1,000 to 1,500 meters above sea level, it is a quaint mountain village home to a mosaic of 14 ethnic minority groups. Among them, the H'mong people stand out with their colorful attire and play a prominent role in the region.

Why Bac Ha Remains an Oasis of Nature Amidst Mass Tourism?

Decades before 1985, the Bac Ha region was nicknamed the "white plateau" due to vast fields of poppies planted by locals. In 1993, the hills around Bac Ha were adorned with plum blossoms, replacing the poppies that had been banned by the Vietnamese government. Since then, Bac Ha has retained its authenticity, characterized by cultural and natural treasures. Its less accessible location compared to other provinces has slowed economic development, allowing it to preserve its unique charm, stunning landscapes, and diverse mountain ethnic groups.

Recently, Bac Ha has opened up to tourism, largely due to its vibrant Sunday ethnic market and surrounding mountainous villages. The region has emerged from obscurity and is beginning to compete with its neighbor, Sapa. The ethnic villages near Bac Ha, nestled in lush valleys, offer breathtaking panoramas and unique experiences through hiking and trekking.

Green valleys blend seamlessly with traditional villages, where an ancestral and peaceful way of life prevails. In Bac Ha, you can explore trails along mountainsides adorned with rice terraces and plum tree plantations, leading to hamlets inhabited by various ethnic groups, all surrounded by lush nature—a serene haven still relatively untouched by tourists.

• What to Expect at Ethnic Markets?

With a variety of beautiful people and interesting ethnic markets, the Bac Ha region is beloved by visitors to this dragon-shaped country. These mountain trading centers are held in different locations depending on the day of the week.

Undoubtedly, Bac Ha Sunday Market is the busiest and most fascinating market in the entire region. Every Sunday morning, the town center of Bac Ha becomes a melting pot of cultures, with people from various ethnic communities such as the Black Dao, Tay, Nung, La Chi, Phu La, and H'mong gathering. Men and women, dressed in their vibrant tribal outfits that represent the local colors of their respective cultures, come together to buy and sell food, buckets, bales of hay, clothes, and other goods.

In addition, every Friday, another event which appeals to any tourist, takes place in Bac Ha – the buffalo market. On the riverside road of Bac Ha township in Lao Cai province, every Friday, the Friday buffalo and cow market, the biggest of its kind in the Northwest region operates. There are buffaloes on one side, and cows on the other, while the native people go through the animals they want.

Famous for the Bac Ha Sunday Market, Bac Ha also hosts many other markets that you shouldn't miss.

• Coc Ly Market takes place on the banks of the picturesque Chay River every Tuesday morning. This smaller market is as authentic and lively as others in the region. It offers travelers a pleasant stroll along the river, showcasing splendid views of the recently built dam, magnificent karst landscapes, charming waterfalls, and the ethnic villages of the Hmong and Tay in Trung Do.

• Hikes through Stunning Rice Terrace Fields

While Bac Ha is well-known for its ethnic market, it offers more than just this event. In fact, its winding mountain trails and scattered ethnic villages around town provide numerous hiking opportunities.

No matter the season, the trekking routes of Bac Ha offer unique experiences. During the rice harvest, the sides of the road are lined with golden terraced fields, where locals diligently gather crops under the warm sunlight. In contrast, during the watering season, also known as the rice planting season, the fields transform into shimmering glass panels. 

Amidst the majestic highland scenery, hillsides sparkle with curved terraced fields arranged in irregular layers, and the small figures of local people working hard create a colorful, multidimensional landscape that captivates the eye. 

In addition, one of the most common and easy Bac Ha treks is a visit to the Hmong village, where travelers can meet the Hmong people in their charming cob houses, learn about their way of life, and even sample corn alcohol.

The must-visit villages in Bac Ha include Ta Van Chu, Thai Giang Pho, Ngai Thau, and more. Among them, Ta Van Chu is considered one of the most beautiful and easily accessible. To reach Ta Van Chu, you can depart from the heart of Bac Ha district and head northwest for approximately 20 km to this stunning region. Those who have had the opportunity to explore this place often liken it to a small slice of paradise similar to Sapa. However, Ta Van Chu boasts an even more untamed, authentic, and serene atmosphere. The village is home to the Mong ethnic community, creating a unique cultural mosaic.

In addition, to explore the variety of ethnic minorities in Vietnam, you can trek to seldom-visited villages such as Thai Giang Pho and Na Hoi, inhabited by the Tay, Dzao, Black Hmong, and Flowery Hmong minorities.

• Stay with Locals in Bac Ha

For a deep immersion into the culture of the country you''re visiting, there''s no better way than staying with locals. Staying with locals allows you to rediscover yourself and compare your Western way of life with the highly traditional one of your host. It''s undoubtedly the best way to experience Vietnam.

A 3 or 4-day hiking tour, accompanied by a English-speaking guide, is an excellent way to delve deeper into northern Vietnam. Travelers benefit from a wealth of information and advice from the guide, which enhances their understanding of local culture and allows for interaction with locals during stays with families from different ethnic groups. Dinners with your hosts, accompanied by glasses of rice wine and snippets of conversation, will create cherished memories.

The culinary delights, conviviality, and insights into the customs of the Hmong and Tay ethnic groups will help you overlook the basic comforts of the accommodations (for one night, you''ll live like a true ethnic group!). Isn''t it lovely to wake up to the sweet chirping of birds the next morning with views of rice fields or orchards? 

Bac Ha, Sapa, Ta Xua, and many more are just a few of Vietnam's breathtaking mountain vistas waiting to be explored. If you're ready to witness these majestic sights, we're here to assist you every step of the way. Contact us to ensure your trip is unforgettable!

• The Lively Night Atmosphere of Bac Ha Walking Street

Bac Ha looks like an active hive of working people during the day, but each working day comes to an end on Saturday and Sunday evening igniting the thirst of all people—men, women, children as well as tourists to Bac Ha Walking Street. The visitors engage in a cultural environment full of the atmosphere of the local tribes.

Visitors enjoy traditional performances like Khen and flute dances, the Sinh Tien stick dance, and Then singing, presented by the youth of ethnic groups such as the Mong, Tay, and Nung. These experiences leave lasting impressions, deepening appreciation for the region’s ethnic communities.

Guests can also sample highland cuisine and explore traditional crafts from the Mong, Dao, Tay, and Nung peoples at the night market.

• Palace of Hoang A Tuong, King of the Hmong

The Hoang A Tuong Palace, or “Cung Hoang A Tuong” as locals refer to it, stands as one of the most remarkable architectural constructions designed and built between 1914 and 1921 by French and Chinese architects. It aspires to reflect the French colonial style in Africa but incorporates a distinct Chinese touch. The palace was intended for the heir of the Hoàng family, one of the prominent Tày and Mông clans of Bac Ha. The palace is built on a range of hills overlooking the picturesque valley. Nevertheless, being part of the Ken-go-cultural-sociology period, this architectural wonder also presents the Ba Na people, Funan, and many more for the tourists coming to Bac Ha region.

Which Local Specialty Should You Try in Bac Ha?

• Bac Ha Corn Alcohol: also known as "Ban Pho Village Corn Alcohol," takes its name from the village of Ban Pho, where it’s traditionally crafted from the region’s corn harvest. After drying the corn in their homes, locals follow an ancient Hmong recipe, blending corn with unique herbs. Known for its exquisite taste and fragrance, this distinctive corn alcohol is a must-try experience in Bac Ha.

• Cap-Nach Pork: This specialty features lean, aromatic pork raised naturally in fields or forests. The best way to enjoy Cap-Nach Pork is grilled over charcoal, resulting in a crispy outer layer and succulent meat that captures the essence of Sapa's culinary tradition.

• Buffalo Meat Dried: Flavorful and highly textured meat delicacy is first salted, seasoned with spices and wild herbs, and then dried over a wood fire. The meat so dried also takes on a rather enjoyable smoky flavor which makes it possible to store the meat for several months and enhances its taste. Dried buffalo meat is not only a commonly enjoyed snack but also serves as a representation of Bac Ha culture, allowing tourists to sample the local traditional cuisine.

How to get there?

From Hanoi, you first need to reach Lao Cai, either by train or bus. After that, you can take a bus or private vehicle to Bac Ha, which is a journey of over 2 hours, offering scenic views along a magnificent mountainous road.

To travel from Hanoi to Lao Cai by bus, there are several coach companies that offer this route, taking approximately 5 hours. You can choose between tourist buses (comfortable limousines) or local buses (cheaper but less comfortable and slower).

If you prefer to take the train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, head to Hanoi Central Station. Night trains departing around 8 or 9 p.m. will arrive in Lao Cai at approximately 5 or 6 a.m. the following morning.

Bac Ha, Vietnam, is also accessible from Sapa and Ha Giang by bus and motorbike. If you are adventurous at heart and enjoy biking, you can undertake these trips by motorbike. For a legal motorbike adventure on the Bac Ha, if your country is a signatory of the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, remember to bring along a valid motorcycle driver's license and a corresponding International Driving Permit. However, we do not recommend it for beginners because even though the experience is unique and original, riding a motorbike or scooter can be very dangerous on the winding mountain roads if you are not accustomed to it.

On the other hand, for those who prefer a worry-free journey, consider booking through a travel agency to rent a private car with a driver and guide. This way, you can travel directly to Bac Ha without the need to change vehicles or worry about public transport schedules.

>>> Getting around Bac Ha: Bac Ha is relatively small; you can easily get around by motorbike or on foot. You can rent a motorbike or find a motorbike taxi (xe ôm) to take you around the town. The best option is to ask the receptionist, hotel, or homestay where you're staying to arrange a motorbike taxi for you.

When to Visit Bac Ha for the Best Experience?

Like many destinations in northern Vietnam, Bac Ha can be visited year-round. However, we recommend considering the months from April to November when the weather is pleasant and ideal for hiking in the less-visited villages of the region.

The best time to visit Bac Ha is during spring, when the plum and peach trees bloom, painting the valley in a sea of white. If you enjoy admiring beautiful rice terraces, we recommend visiting from May to September. In June, you'll have the chance to participate in the lively horse racing festival in Bac Ha, where laughter and a festive atmosphere are guaranteed. To witness the red valleys of Bac Ha when the plums are ripe, visit the region in May—an absolute delight for the eyes!

>>> Good To Know: Some most attractive times to travel to this destination are listed below:

• In spring, around Lunar New Year, peach flowers bloom.
• The Festival of Earth and Water Greeting is held on the 15th day of the first lunar month yearly.
• Hills are in the full white color of plum blossoms at the end of March.
• Water pouring season in May turns the rice terraces into magnificent scenery.
• Bac Ha Racing Horse Festival is organized in the sixth lunar month when plum get ripen.
• Sunday Bac Ha Market
• Bac Ha Temple Festival on the 7th day of the seventh lunar month
• September is the month of crop harvesting.

>>> If you're considering a trip to Vietnam to explore its captivating sights, we're here to provide you with Vietnam essential travel tips.

What Are the Ideal Itineraries?

Bac Ha is just one of the off-the-beaten-path destinations in northern Vietnam, offering the opportunity to combine your trip with other regions in the north of the country. Here are several suggested itineraries:

• Hanoi – Bac Ha – Sapa:

If you are starting your journey in Hanoi and planning to visit Sapa, consider including a stop in Bac Ha to fully appreciate the magnificent natural landscapes and colorful ethnic markets filled with entertainment. The Bac Ha to Sapa route can be completed in a day or over several days if you prefer to hike or trek. For those seeking to escape the crowds of Sapa, Bac Ha is now accessible from Hanoi via a 6-hour highway journey.

>>> Learn more about Sapa.

• Bac Ha – Ha Giang:

Bac Ha serves as the gateway to the vast rice terraces and picturesque landscapes of Ha Giang. From Bac Ha, you can continue your journey to Hoang Su Phi, home to marvelous rice terraces classified as national heritage sites. Extend your visual delight by exploring the limestone plateau of Dong Van, the breathtaking Ma Pi Leng Pass in Meo Vac, and the Tay Con Linh mountain range.

Explore the majesty of Ha Giang for an unforgettable experience

In conclusion

Like a newly discovered mine of precious stones, Bac Ha gradually unveils its treasures, while the locals faithfully preserve their traditional way of life. Bac Ha remains relatively undiscovered, thus maintaining its authenticity. This destination will undoubtedly pique your curiosity and satisfy your desire for adventure in Vietnam, far from the usual tourist routes.

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