Stunning beauty of Bac Ha as seen from above

Located 60 km far from Lao Cai city, the northeast mountainous province of the same name, Bac Ha district is endowed with cool weather all year round. It is famous for its Sunday morning market, where thousands of locals gather, with the women dressed in their very intricate handmade costumes (it takes three to five months to embroider one by hand), as well as the Saturday morning smaller market of Can Cau, 18 kilometres (11 mi) north of Bac Ha district. The district is enjoying an economic boom thanks to tourism activities, centered on the markets and, more and more, excellent trekking in the mountains north of the town. (Photo: Vietnam+)

Bac Ha is famous for its horse racing festival, which draws crowds of tourists every year. Horse racing is a traditional activity of Bac Ha people, reflecting the cultural and spiritual life of local people. The race of the so-called 'bare-footed knights' and transport horses attract many spectators. Spectators are treated to spectacular performances where the riders demonstrate their capability and talent for riding horses without saddles or straps. After many years of falling into oblivion, the traditional horse racing festival was officially restored in 2007. What is unique about the Bac Ha race is that the racing horses are usually used to transport goods to the fields on the high and steep mountains. (Photo: Vietnam+)

From mountain, rice terraces to people and culture, Bac Ha boasts its unique beauty that requires long visit to know. With hundreds of years of experience in rice production, Vietnamese farmers, especially those who live in the northern mountainous region, learned how to adapt to different terrains. That is why rice terraces of Vietnam were formed long ago and are also known as a unique culture and famous tourist attraction. The ‘watering season’ starts from May to June. As locals transplant rice seedlings, visitors are treated to the sight of glittering ponds. After that, the hills are covered by green. At the end of September and early October, the golden terraced rice fields on the hillsides create a charming scenery. (Photo: Vietnam+)

The watering season starts from May to June. As locals transplant rice seedlings, visitors are treated to the sight of glittering ponds. After that, the hills are covered by green. The scenery of the terraces is essentially mighty. It is also more grandiose as it is put in the background of white clouds, blue sky, thick jungles and colored houses of local ethnic groups. It is possible to say that it is the irresistible allure, encouraging anyone adoring the nature’s treasures to touch. From mountain, rice terraces to people and culture, Bac Ha boasts its unique beauty that requires long visit to know. (Photo: Vietnam+)

Pure and heavenly beauty of natural landscape in Bac Ha district has enhanced many people who love adventures and going off the beaten track. The scenery of the terraces is essentially mighty. It is also more grandiose as it is put in the background of white clouds, blue sky, thick jungles and colored houses of local ethnic groups. It is possible to say that it is the irresistible allure, encouraging anyone adoring the nature’s treasures to touch. From mountain, rice terraces to people and culture, Bac Ha boasts its unique beauty that requires long visit to know. Striking terraced rice fields coupled with distinctive cultural practices of local ethnic minority groups have created the uniqueness of the northern mountainous area. (Photo: Vietnam+)

Can Cau Market, one of the most unique markets in the northern mountainous region of Vietnam. Can Cau Market opens right on the sides of Road 153, linking Bac Ha and Si Ma Cai towns. Can Cau Market usually opens on Saturdays and traditional festivals. Market-goers are mainly Mong and Giay ethnic minorities. The market lasts from the early morning through noon. Can Cau Market is divided into many areas selling various agricultural products produced by local ethnic minorities. Brocade products sold at the market always attract visitors' attention because of their colours. Can Cau is considered the biggest buffalo market in the northwestern region when hundreds of buffaloes are brought here on each market day. (Photo: Vietnam+)

Can Cau Market opens right on the sides of Road 153, linking Bac Ha and Si Ma Cai towns. Can Cau Market usually opens on Saturdays and traditional festivals. Market-goers are mainly Mong and Giay ethnic minorities. The market lasts from the early morning through noon. Can Cau Market is divided into many areas selling various agricultura products produced by local ethnic minorities. Can Cau is considered the biggest buffalo market in the northwestern region when hundreds of buffaloes are brought here on each market day. Can Cau Market is also a venue for ethnics from faraway villages to meet one another. Going to the market is a joy of children in the mountainous region. (Photo: Vietnam+)

The landscapes of this region, characterized by terraced rice fields, are especially beautiful between May and October. With hundreds of years of experience in rice production, Vietnamese farmers, especially those who live in the northern mountainous region, learned how to adapt to different terrains. That is why rice terraces of Vietnam were formed long ago and are also known as a unique culture and famous tourist attraction. The ‘pouring water season’ starts from May to June. As locals transplant rice seedlings, visitors are treated to the sight of glittering ponds. After that, the hills are covered by green. At the end of September and early October, the golden terraced rice fields on the hillsides create a charming scenery. (Photo: Vietnam+)

With hundreds of years of experience in rice production, Vietnamese farmers, especially those who live in the northern mountainous region, learned how to adapt to different terrains. That is why rice terraces of Vietnam were formed long ago and are also known as a unique culture and famous tourist attraction. The scenery of the terraces is essentially mighty. It is also more grandiose as it is put in the background of white clouds, blue sky, thick jungles and colored houses of local ethnic groups. It is possible to say that it is the irresistible allure, encouraging anyone adoring the nature’s treasures to touch. From mountain, rice terraces to people and culture, Bac Ha boasts its unique beauty that requires long visit to know. (Photo: Vietnam+)