I’m a photography enthusiast, and the landscapes in Northwest Vietnam seem incredible for capturing scenic views. Are there any specific spots that are particularly photogenic...
Lai Chau is the land of Vietnam's beautiful and majestic mountains, and home to more than 20 ethnic minorities. Traveling to Lai Chau, you will have the opportunity to explore the famous passes, the vastness of nature, and the majesty of mountain peaks. In this article, we discover the 10 most fascinating destinations in Lai Chau!
Table of Content[Hide]
1. O Quy Ho Pass
O Quy Hois a nearly 50-kilometer-long pass and is one of the four great passes of Northwest Vietnam, including Ma Pi Leng, Pha Din, and Khau Pha. Two-thirds of the pass belongs to Tam Duong district, Lai Chau province, the rest is in Sa Pa territory, Lao Cai province.
One just needs to pass through the gate of Hoang Lien National Park a few kilometers away to reach the top of O Quy Ho Pass. It is the boundary point between the two northern mountainous provinces of Lao Cai and Lai Chau, which wind around the Hoang Lien mountain range, where the Fansipan Peak - the roof of Indochina at an altitude of 3,414m - is located. O Quy Ho Pass has long been renowned not only for its geographical location but also for its breathtaking beauty.
2. The Sin Ho Plateau
About 60 km from the center of Lai Chau, the Sin Ho Plateau is located at an altitude of over 1,500m. Regarded as the second Sa Pa of the northwestern region, its diurnal climate is characterized by 4 seasons of the year, the average annual temperature is about 18 degrees Celsius.
With a year-round cool climate, the Sin Ho Plateau is suitable for the development of medicinal plants such as artichoke, medicinal apple, etc., and varieties of exotic vegetables and fruits such as plums, peaches, pears, etc. The Sin Ho Plateau lies amidst overlapping rocky mountains, vast primeval forests, and a sea of clouds. It is also the land of winding terraced fields and cute ethnic villages nestled on the mountainside.
3. Tan Uyen Tea Hill
Tan Uyen Tea Hill is 40 - 50 years old with an area of nearly 2000 hectares, stretching along Highway 32 and located not far from the center of Tan Uyen town.
The tea hill has a poetic natural scenery, which makes it a favorite tourist destination for many couples who choose to take romantic photos in the verdant tea fields. It has long been an important part of the economy of Tan Uyen township with products famous throughout Vietnam such as San Tuyet tea, Oolong tea, etc.
4. The Bach Moc Luong Tu Mountain Range
Located in Sin Sui Ho commune at an altitude of 3,045m above sea level, Bach Moc Luong Tu is one of the 5 highest mountains in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Conquering the summit of Bach Moc Luong Tu is always an exciting challenge that many travelers love when trekking in Sapa.
It is not only one of the highest peaks but Bach Moc Luong Tu is also known as the mountain with the most beautiful landscape and the most interesting route to explore.
5. The Summit Of Pu Si Lung
As the most pristine, mysterious, and fascinating mountain in Vietnam, the legendary Pu Si Lung Peak is located on the Vietnam-China border in Pa Ve Su commune, Muong Te district, Lai Chau province at the height of 3083m (the 2nd highest peak). Recognized as the rooftop of the frontier region, it is always the dream tourist destination of adventurers.
6. Muong Te Nature Reserve
Muong Te Nature Reserve covers the two communes of Ta Tong and Mu Ca, where the flora and fauna are very rich and diverse, especially the forest ecosystem. The survey of Muong Te district show that there are 542 plant species, of which 57 rare plant species have been put on the Red List of Vietnam and 7 species on the World Red List, most of which are rare medicinal plant species; 22 species are strictly endemic to the northwestern region, 7 species are included in Decree 32 of the Vietnamese government, and 6 species are specific to the northwestern region.
7. The Summit Of Pu Ta Leng
Located about 20 km northeast of the city of Lai Chau, Pu Ta Leng has an altitude of 3049m (the 3rd of the 5 highest mountains in Vietnam). If Fansipan is called to the "rooftop of Indochina," then Pu Ta Leng would be the second rooftop that adventure travelers want to conquer at least once in a lifetime. October to March of the following year is the best time to do the task.
On the journey, visitors have to go through primeval forests, waterfalls, streams, or rich vegetation. Once reaching the top, they will see oases hidden in the clouds at 3,049m above sea level. Its wildflowers, especially the azaleas that bloom all the way to the top of the mountain, will not disappoint any lover of beautiful nature.
8. The Rice Fields Of Muong Than
As one of the most beautiful rice fields in Vietnam besides Mu Cang Chai, Pu Luong, Hoang Su Phi, Bac Son, and Mai Chau, Muong Than paddy fields belong to Muong Than commune, Than Uyen district. The huge field not only creates a poetic beauty amid majestic mountains and forests but also produces many famous local products such as sweet potato Hoang Long, rice Sen Cu, etc.
9. The Cave Complex Of Pu Sam Cap
About 6 km from Lai Chau City, on Provincial Road 129 connecting Lai Chau City with Sin Ho District, the Pu Sam Cap Cave Complex is considered the "first cave in the Northwest." Currently, Pu Sam Cap has two caves that are open for tourists: the Thien Mon Cave and the Thien Duong Cave with numerous magical and mysterious stalactites.
10. The Ethnic Village Of Si Thau Chai
Si Thau Chai village is a beautiful village located 6 km from the city center of Tam Duong, and a sweet Dao ethnic minority village that has more than 60 households. On cloudy days, visitors can see another nuance of this peaceful land. Come to Si Thau Chai to experience the life of agricultural production, the ethnic cuisine, and participate in the folk games of the cozy locals.
See more about Vietnam:
>> A Comprehensive 14-day Vietnam Itinerary from South to North
>> 1 Week in Vietnam: Your Perfect Travel Plan
>> 10 Days in Vietnam - Interesting Itinerary Ideas
>> How to Plan the Best North Vietnam Itinerary?
>> Vietnam 5-day Itinerary: 5 Authentic Travel Plans
>> Traveling to Vietnam with Kids: Things to Know, See and Do
