The Trung Khan district in Cao Bang hugs the border with China. Best known as the home of Ban Gioc. If you only day-trip to Ban Gioc from Cao Bang city you are missing some beautiful landscapes. There is something peaceful about this part of Cao Bang. Unlike Ha Giang where you are conquering mountain trails on your motorcycle, in Cao Bang, you glide between…
Thong Nguyen is the most popular destination in Hoang Su Phi. Since most people on a short visit will arrive from the southern end on QL2, it is the closest terraced rice field area in Honag Su Phi for them. Thong Nguyen has a lot going for it. A nice little town with fuel and stores. There is a quaint weekend market but the main…
Ta Su Chung is below Ban Luoc and above Thong Nguyen in Hoang Su Phi. It doesn’t get as many visitors as it is the only major rice field on the east side of DT177. The lack of visitors doesn’t mean poor services as it has Riz D’or, one of the nicest resorts in Hoang Su Phi. Great bungalows, private hot tubs, and great views.…
Ban Luoc is a wonderful destination in Hoang Su Phi. It is a great valley with homestays and photographic opportunities around every corner. Many of the homestays have great views directly on the property. This makes getting up for the sunrise photos easy and no stress about getting home on your motorcycle after the sunset session. Two areas are best for photographers. Nam Ly Retreat…
Ban Phung is to Hoang Su Phi as Y Ty is to Sapa. Both are very remote, mountainous regions with limited services and amazing landscapes. I usually approach it via Bac Ha and Si Ma Cai. It is my first stop in Hoang Su Phi. There is really only one homestay in Ban Phung (Chi Tai) but it’s perfectly positioned overlooking the village rice fields.…
Though Y Ty is a large area in the Bat Xat district of Lao Cai, it is generally considered part of the Sapa area. A very mountainous area it sits at 2000m high. The altitude means it is often covered in mist and is great for cloud hunting. Foreigners need a permit to overnight in Y Ty. You can arrange for one in Lao Cai…
Muong Hum in Xat Bat part of the Sapa region is my base for Y TY. A permit is still needed for Y TY and it takes a week or more to get one from the immigration office in Lao Cai. I have taken the time for a permit on a couple of occasions but I am often fluid in my travels based on weather…
The Muong Hoa Valley sprawls south of Sapa city. These are what most people think of when they envision Sapa. Accessed from the west side of DT152 you have destinations including: Ta Van is the most commercial village in the area. That means there are some good restaurants and other services. But outside the “downtown” area many great hiking trails, rice fields and other natural…
Ban Ho is the first rice major growing area you will come to on the southern end of the main road to Sapa, DT152. If you are arriving from Hanoi, rather than go all the way to Lao Cai you can take DT152 which travels along a river with some lovely waterfalls. It is probably best known as the home of the Topas Ecolodge, one…
Lao Chai is the furthest north on Rt. 32 of the Mu Cang Chai rice fields. Most miss t, or hear Lao Chai and think of the area in Sapa. Being a bit out fo town it is a good overnight spot for those heading on to Sapa or Lai Chau. There is only one homestay in the area but there are a few places…