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Lai Chau is a northwestern border province of Vietnam, located 385 kilometers from the capital Hanoi. The province is characterized by its mountainous terrain, with over 60% of its landmass rising above 1000 meters. Two more than 3000 meters high nearly touch the height of Fansipan Peak.
Lai Chau City under mountain ranges. Photo: Lai Chau People's Committee
Visitors can explore Vietnam's most famous peaks and passes when traveling to Lai Chau. Surrounded by vast nature with mountains and clouds, tourists will feel like they are in the heart of a majestic landscape. 20 ethnic groups add a unique cultural diversity to the region. Join Asia King Travel to discover the province through this article.
Historically, this region was an autonomous Thai territory under the Vietnamese court. Lai Chau province was officially formed in 1909 under French colonial rule. During the colonial era, the French influence is evident in some of the architectural and administrative aspects of the province.
Thai girls in their traditional clothes. Photo: People and Development Newspaper
Following the end of French colonialism, the province played a role in the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War, as it was strategically located along the border with China and Laos. The land was once a battlefield in the Battle of Dien Bien Phu.
In 2004, it was divided into two Dien Bien and Lai Chau provinces. The new province consisted of the northern districts of the former province. Despite undergoing many historical changes, Lai Chau Province has preserved the traditional cultural values of ethnic minorities while promoting tourism and the economy.
Lai Chau experiences all four seasons, similar to other Northern Vietnam provinces. Nonetheless, it is significantly influenced by mountainous terrain. Summers are generally cooler than in the lowlands, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 20 to 28 degrees Celsius. But the temperatures drop below 10 degrees Celsius and even frost during severe cold spells.
Frost appears on O Quy Ho Pass. Photo: CafeF
The best time to travel is in September and October when the rice terraces are golden with ripe rice. Be careful not to go too early, as the previous two months are the rainy season with extremely dangerous landslides and floods. Alternatively, visitors can travel in the first three months of the year to see the white ban flowers in full bloom.
Flooding terraced fields in April-May makes them like giant mirrors, another time consider visiting. Photo: Le Hong Ha
There is no airport in the province. The closest airport in Dien Bien Province serves only flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, so visitors must connect flights. From the airport, it is about 200 kilometers to Lai Chau provincial capital via National Highway 12.
Noi Bai - Lao Cai Expressway is the fastest route from Hanoi to Northwest provinces. Photo: VnExpress
Luckily, the province has a convenient road system for travel from Hanoi. Expressway 5 takes visitors directly from Noi Bai International Airport to Lao Cai Province in a short time. Then, continue on National Highway 4D for another 140 kilometers to arrive. The total travel time is only 8 hours, relatively short for a journey through mountainous regions and compared to flying.
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Those golden rice fields you've seen will become the star ingredient in the province's famous purple sticky rice. Made from large-grained glutinous rice and colored with a local plant, the cooked rice has a fragrant aroma and a beautiful purple hue. Each bite is a chewy yet non-sticky delight.
The eye-catching purple hue of the sticky rice is truly appetizing. Photo: Tay Bac TV
Lam nho is quite similar to bamboo sticky rice but uses meat instead of rice. Marinated beef or buffalo meat is stuffed in bamboo tubes and grilled. When the meat is near doneness, it is removed, minced, and grilled one last time. The final product resembles meatballs, tender and flavorful with the rich taste of grilled meat and spices.
Grilled meat in a bamboo tube. Photo: Captureroi
Throughout northern Vietnam's mountainous regions, you'll find a delicacy known as "lon cap nach” (pig carried under the arm). These pigs are raised freely in the wild, feeding on forest plants and fruits. They are harvested when reaching a suitable size, big enough for an adult to carry under their arm, giving rise to the interesting name.
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Locals raise pigs just big enough for them to easily carry to the market. Photo: Duy Ngoi
Because raised naturally, the meat is firm, lean, and crispy skin. Dishes made from lon cap nach are always delicious and attractive to diners, especially when paired with Northwestern spices. The best way to cook is grilled.
If you're looking for a specialty as a gift after your trip to Vietnam, you should look for wild walnuts. These nuts are high in nutrients and can be eaten plain or used in baked goods or desserts. Walnuts are a healthy snack. They improve heart and bone health, enhance sleep quality, and are especially good for the brain.
A familiar nut for foreign tourists, yet offering unexpected flavors. Photo: Dien May Xanh
Visit Lai Chau and witness the majestic beauty of the mountains firsthand. Not only that, the cultural diversity of the ethnic minority communities will give you experiences you'll never forget. Contact Asia King Travel to plan your perfect trip.
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