Arrive Lao Cai city in the fresh air of the early morning. Have breakfast at train station then transfer directly to Bac Ha Town.
Start exploring Bac Ha by visiting a vibrant ethnic market (Bac Ha Market on Sundays, Coc Ly Market on Tuesdays, Sin Cheng Market on Wednesdays, Lung Phinh Market on Fridays, or Can Cau Market on Saturdays). Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, with a variety of goods such as vegetables, clothing, and poultry, while admiring the colorful attire of the local ethnic groups.
Please note that the market is liveliest early in the morning and begins to wind down by 10:00 am. To fully experience it, it's best to arrive early.
After visiting the market, take a walk through some idyllic ethnic villages, typical of the Bac Ha landscape, interspersed with cornfields, cassava hills, and clay houses. Plum gardens, decorated by H'Mong women in their colorful dresses, will accompany you throughout your journey.
Have a break for lunch then in the afternoon get a transfer to Sapa via Lao Cai City. Stop in the city for a visit to the Vietnam - China border gate and the mother temple nearby. Drive up - hill to Sapa which has been well-known as the tourism center since the French colonist with the variety of ethnic groups and paradise of rice terraces. Free to explore town in the evening.