Bac Ha is the capital of the region inhabited by the Flower Hmong, or the Variegated Hmong, one of the six H’mong minority groups, so named because of the bright and colorful clothes worn by their women. Formerly a village lost in the mountains, this small town has recently experienced a very rapid growth at the expense of the beauty of its landscapes and the peace and quiet of its forest.
- Colorful multi-ethnic markets
- Encounters with many ethnic minorities
- Hikes in villages untouched by tourism
- Warm welcomes given by the inhabitants
- Picturesque terraced rice fields
The Bac Ha ethnic market is the largest and busiest in North Vietnam. This Sunday market attracts enthusiastic crowds from the tribes living in the surrounding hills. Some of them walk several hours for this weekly opportunity to buy food, animals, clothes or housewares. There is a flourishing trade for everything, from hand embroidered dresses to all kinds of four-legged animals including buffaloes, pigs, dogs and cows. The fresh meat section is not meant for the hearty people and could turn a lot of visitors into convinced vegetarians.
2. The castle of King Hmong Hoang A Tuong
The construction of Hoàng A Tuong Palace, also called “H’Mong Kings Palace”, started in 1914 and was completed in 1921. The owners of this impressive site were Father Hoàng Yên Chao and his son Hoàng A Tuong, of the Tày ethnic group. Hoàng A Tuong was the chief of the territory of Bac Hà until the liberation of the province of Lào Cai in 1950. The mountain stands proudly behind the palace while a stream gently flows in front of it. The architecture is of Euro-Asian inspiration. Western style appears in fine decorations such as laurel branches engraved on the front door and paved corridors. It also has the characteristics of a fortress. The palace is encircled by fortifications and the walls were topped with battlements. It was not only the family home of Hoàng Yên Chao et Hoàng A Tuong but also their workplace.
3. Local hikes
If Sa Pa lost its soul due to its rapid growth, Bac Ha keeps its clean air, its interesting markets and its authentic villages. Off-road adventure enthusiasts will love to venture into the small hamlets discovering beautiful rice paddies, plum gardens and hospitable villagers. The best way to visit this region is to wander dazzling trekking and hiking trails, easily accessible for adults and children.
An immersion in the culture of ethnic minorities of Upper Tonkin
