Lai Chau

Ethnics Live Local
Located about seven hours southwest of Hanoi, Lai Chau province borders China and lies at the foothills of the Himalayas. It is a land of dramatic, young mountains and is the least populated province in Vietnam, with only 350,000 residents—an average of just 36 people per square kilometer!
A Brief History
Once known as Sip Song Chu Thai, the land of the White Tai people, Lai Chau was integrated into the Northwest Autonomous Region of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1955. Its current boundaries were established in 2004 when it was separated from Dien Bien province. The historic capital, Muong Lay, was submerged by the reservoir created for the Son La hydroelectric dam, prompting the relocation of the administrative center to the former town of Tam Đường, now renamed Lai Chau.
A Land of Majestic Landscapes
Lai Chau boasts vast plateaus, towering peaks, and some of the highest mountains in Vietnam, including:

  • Phan Xi Pang (3,143 m) – the highest peak in Vietnam, straddling the Sapa district of neighboring Lao Cai province.

  • Phu Si Lung (3,076 m) – another towering summit, offering breathtaking views.

With dense forests, countless rivers and streams, and two major waterways—the Song Ma and the Black River—Lai Chau has long remained isolated due to a lack of infrastructure. However, this remoteness has preserved its pristine natural beauty, far from the crowds of mainstream tourism. In recent years, the province has embraced community-based tourism, making it a hidden paradise for adventure seekers and cultural explorers.

Things to see and do

  • Sin Suoi Ho – An authentic H’Mông Village: Traditional H’Mông stilt houses, Orchard flower gardens, a short trek from the village, Ethnic markets on Saturday

  • The Pavie Path Trek (Lao Cai – Lai Chau Route) : The Pavie Path is a historic mountain trail named after Auguste Pavie, a French explorer who mapped the region during the colonial era. It was once a crucial route connecting Lao Cai and Lai Chau, cutting through Hoang Lien Son’s rugged terrain. Today, it's an epic trekking route with breathtaking views of rice terraces, deep valleys, and remote villages.

  • Rong May Glass Bridge: Length: 2 meters wide, approximately 60 meters long, with a transparent glass walkway. Around 500 meters above the ground, offering a thrilling experience and Panoramic sights of Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range and O Quy Ho Pass.

  • Cross the O Quy Ho Pass, one of the most thrilling mountain passes in Vietnam, connecting Lai Chau and Sapa.

  • Explore the Pu Sam Cap Caves, a fascinating underground wonder.

  • Meet the ethnic minorities of Lai Chau, including the Tai, H’Mông, Giáy, Dao, and Lahu communities.

O Quy Ho Pass: The Legendary Mountain Road

The O Quy Ho Pass connects Tam Duong district to Sapa in neighboring Lao Cai province. Perched at 2,000 meters above sea level on National Road 4D (QL-4D), it is one of the five most challenging mountain passes in northwest Vietnam.

The winding, steep road spans nearly 50 km, hugging cliffs on one side while offering spectacular views of the rugged Hoang Lien Son mountains on the other.

Good to Know

When to visit?

Best Time to Visit

  • September – October: The perfect time to witness the golden-hued terraced rice fields in Mu Cang Chai and Muong Than (Than Uyen district).

  • The climate is similar to that of the Northwest region, with cool, misty mornings and crisp mountain air.

Access

From Hanoi:

By private vehicle:

  • Route QL-23 via Nghia Lo, Mu Cang Chai, and Than Uyen (420 km).

  • Expressway Hanoi – Lao Cai (CT-5), 380 km (shorter travel time).

By bus:

  • Multiple agencies operate Hanoi – Lai Chau routes, mainly from My Dinh Bus Station.

  • Some departures are also available from Giap Bat Bus Station.

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