Bac Ha, Vietnam: 7 Best Things to Do in the White Plateau

Quick Facts About Bac Ha

• 🏔️ Altitude: ~1,000 m | Avg temp: 18–22°C
• 📍 300 km from Hanoi | 100 km from Sapa | 110 km from Hoang Su Phi
• 🛒 Sunday Market: 7–11 AM 
• 💵 No ATMs: Bring cash
• 🌸 Best time: Spring & Autumn

Where is Bac Ha Vietnam?

Bac Ha Vietnam lies in the northern highlands of Lao Cai Province in northern Vietnam, about 100 km (60 miles) northeast of Sapa and roughly 300 km (185 miles) from Hanoi. To the east, it borders Xin Man District of Ha Giang, making it a natural gateway between two of the country’s most spectacular mountain regions.

At around 1,000 meters above sea level, Bac Ha enjoys a pleasantly cool climate year-round. Average temperatures hover between 18–22°C (64–72°F), making it a cool base for markets, villages, and treks.

A lot of Vietnamese think “Bac Ha” means “river to the north,” but actually the name “Bac Ha” comes from the Tay word Pạc ha, meaning “a hundred bundles of thatch.” When the French arrived, they recorded it as Pakha, which later evolved into “Bac Ha.” The town is also fondly known as the “White Plateau.” Once the heart of poppy cultivation, today the highlands are famous for Tam Hoa plum orchards. Each spring, their blossoms blanket the valley in pure white, giving Bac Ha its poetic nickname.

Sunday Market

The Bac Ha Sunday Market is the main attraction and one of the most colorful ethnic markets in northern Vietnam. Every Sunday from 7:00 to 11:00 AM, villagers from ethnic groups such as the Flower Hmong, Tay, Dao, and Nung gather to trade goods, catch up with friends, and wear their most vibrant traditional outfits.

The market is crowded yet full of energy, with stalls of fresh produce, handmade crafts, and steaming bowls of local dishes. Don’t miss the food corner, where you can try Thang Co (a traditional horse stew), Xoi Ngu Sac (five-colored sticky rice), and Pho Chua (sour noodles, perfect on hot days).

On the edge of the market, there’s a section where locals trade buffaloes and horses; quite a spectacle for visitors who have never seen livestock bargaining in action.

Another important piece of advice of mine is to stay in Bac Ha on Saturday night and arrive early Sunday morning before the buses from Sapa. Bring small cash notes, ask before taking portraits, and taste a dish or two right at the market for the most authentic experience.

Weekday Markets

Beyond the famous Sunday Market, Bac Ha’s weekly markets are just as fascinating and often more authentic. Each has its own charm:

• Buffalo Market (Friday): The largest livestock fair, where farmers trade buffaloes and cows in a lively riverside setting.

• Can Cau Market (Saturday): Bustling buffalo trading framed by dramatic limestone mountains, perfect for photography.

• Coc Ly Market (Tuesday): Riverside market best combined with a peaceful boat trip on the Chay River.

• Sin Cheng Market (Wednesday): Small and local, known for colorful textiles and daily essentials.

• Lung Khau Nhin Market (Thursday): Traditional and untouched by tourism, offering the most authentic highland trading scene.

💡 Tip: If you cannot make Sunday, choose Can Cau for dramatic scenery or Coc Ly for a market-and-boat combo.

Hoang A Tuong Palace

The Hoang A Tuong Palace, often called the Hmong King’s Palace, is one of Bac Ha’s most striking landmarks. Built between 1914 and 1921 by French and Chinese architects, the mansion blends French colonial style with Chinese decorative elements such as arched corridors, yellow walls, tiled roofs, and ornamental motifs.

Commissioned by the powerful Hoang family, Tay and Hmong leaders who once ruled the region, the palace symbolized their wealth, much of it tied to the opium trade that the French turned into a lucrative enterprise. Bac Ha became an important hub, and the palace reflected both the economic power and political intrigue of the era.

Though time and history have left their marks, wandering through its spacious courtyards, balconies, and fading facades still gives visitors a vivid sense of its former grandeur. Today, the restored palace welcomes travelers to explore its halls, sometimes hosting exhibitions on Bac Ha’s history and ethnic culture.

Trekking & Villages

Bac Ha is not only about its colorful markets. The surrounding highlands are laced with trails through terraced fields, orchards, and ethnic villages. Trekking here is more than walking; it’s a way to connect with the land and share moments with local families.

• Easy (2–3 hours): Ta Van Chu Village

A gentle hike 20 km from Bac Ha, passing rice terraces that shine like mirrors in planting season and turn golden at harvest. Expect shy greetings from Hmong children and farmers at work in the fields.

• Moderate (4 hours): Na Hoi Village

Longer trails into Tay and Dao communities, where spring plum blossoms and autumn rice terraces create stunning scenery. Along the way, daily village life unfolds naturally around you.

• Challenging (5–6 hours): Thai Giang Pho & Ban Pho Loop

Steeper paths with panoramic valley views. In Ban Pho, a taste of its famous corn wine and a simple shared meal with a local family often become the highlight of the trek.

📌 Sample Itineraries

• Half-Day: Bac Ha → Ta Van Chu → return by noon.
• Full-Day: Bac Ha → Na Hoi → Thai Giang Pho → Ban Pho (corn wine tasting) → return late afternoon.

💡 Trekking Tips

• Hire a local guide; for navigation, stories, and cultural insights.
• Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, snacks, and a hat.
• Trails get slippery in the rainy season, so carry a light raincoat.

Bac Ha homestay: Simple yet authentic

One of the best ways to experience Bac Ha is by staying with a local family. A Bac Ha homestay experience offers much more than a bed. It is a chance to share daily life with your hosts, enjoy home-cooked meals, and taste the region’s famous corn wine. Conversations around the dinner table, even with simple translation, often become unforgettable.

Most authentic homestays in Bac Ha are located in Hmong and Tay villages. Spending a night here means waking up to roosters, rice terraces, or plum orchards outside your window. You will likely sleep on a wooden floor bed with a mosquito net, basic but cozy, just like the locals.

Joining a three- or four-day trek with an English-speaking guide often includes nights in village homestays. This gives travelers both cultural immersion and deeper insight into farming and traditions. Sharing tea by the fire or helping prepare breakfast makes you feel less like a visitor and more like part of the family.

Walking Street

On Saturday and Sunday evenings, the quiet streets of Bac Ha transform into a lively space filled with music, dance, and laughter. Bac Ha Walking Street is not just an attraction; it is a weekly celebration where locals and travelers share culture side by side. If you are looking for authentic things to do in Bac Ha at night, this is the best place to start.

The highlight is the traditional folk performances:

• The haunting sound of the jew’s harp (mouth harp), once used by young Hmong men to serenade their beloved.
• The rhythmic Sinh Tien stick dance, where sticks clap in sync and visitors are invited to join the circle.
• The soulful Then singing of the Tay and Nung, a tradition that blends music with spirituality.

These are not shows staged for tourists but living traditions carried proudly by Bac Ha’s youth.

After the performances, the Bac Ha night market comes alive. You can taste mountain dishes, sip a cup of warm corn wine, and browse stalls of colorful handicrafts made by Hmong, Dao, Tay, and Nung artisans. The air fills with the smell of grilled meat and the sparkle of handmade textiles under lantern light. It is an atmosphere that lingers long after you leave.

Hidden gem off the tourist trail

If you’ve come this far, here’s a secret few travelers know: Bac Ha hides a miniature “Ha Long Bay” in the mountains. The Chay River boat trip (2–3 hours) takes you along jade-green waters framed by dramatic limestone cliffs. It’s often compared to Ha Giang’s Nho Que River, but far less crowded and just as breathtaking.

Along the way, the boat stops at Trung Do Village, home to the Black Thai people. Here, you can wander among stilt houses, see looms of colorful brocade, and witness a lifestyle tied closely to the river. It’s a chance to experience a living culture, not a staged show.

The highlight is Hang Tiên (Fairy Cave), where boats glide past stalactites and shimmering light. Inside stands the Temple of the Three Fairies, built to honor three celestial sisters who, according to legend, once lived in harmony with the people.

💡 Few guides mention this trip, but it may just be Bac Ha’s most enchanting hidden gem.

Where to Stay in Bac Ha?

Accommodation in Bac Ha is still limited compared to Sapa, but that’s part of the charm. You won’t find luxury resorts here, but you will find warm hospitality and authentic experiences. Options generally fall into three categories:

1. Guesthouses & Budget Stays (10–20 USD/night)

• Sao Mai Hotel: The most well-known budget option in town. Simple but comfortable rooms with easy access to Bac Ha Square and the Sunday Market.
• Ngan Nga Bac Ha Hotel: Clean rooms, Wi-Fi, and breakfast, a reliable choice for budget travelers.

2. Midrange Hotels (30–40 USD/night)

• Congfu Hotel Bac Ha: A newer hotel with modern facilities, larger rooms, and friendly staff, near the town center.
• Hoang Gia Bac Ha Hotel: Family-run hotel with tidy rooms and balconies overlooking the hills.

3. Homestays (Authentic Experiences)

• Hmong Homestay (Ban Pho Village): Stay with a Hmong family in wooden houses surrounded by cornfields. Shared meals, homemade corn wine, and evenings by the fire.
• Lan Uoi Homestay (Na Hoi Village): A Tay stilt-house homestay where you can join daily life; trekking, rice planting, or cooking.
• Na Lo Homestay: Another Tay homestay near Bac Ha town, with sweeping views of rice terraces and warm family hospitality.

What to Eat in Bac Ha?

1. Thắng Cố (Horse Stew)

A traditional Hmong dish made with horse meat, bones, and offal stewed with mountain herbs. Its strong taste is best shared with locals over corn wine.

2. Mèn Mén (Steamed Corn Powder)

Corn replaces rice in many Hmong households. Finely ground and steamed in bamboo baskets, mèn mén is usually eaten with soup or greens.

3. Cap-Nach Pork

Free-range pigs raised by Hmong families, grilled over charcoal for crispy skin and fragrant meat.

4. Smoked Buffalo Meat

Buffalo meat marinated with herbs and dried over wood fires, giving it a smoky, chewy flavor; perfect with corn wine.

5. Corn Wine (Rượu Ngô)

The soul of Bac Ha, distilled in Ban Pho Village following ancestral recipes. Smooth, fragrant, and warming on cold evenings.

How to Get to Bac Ha?

Bac Ha is about 300 km from Hanoi and requires some planning, but the journey is part of the adventure. Here are the main options:

🚆 By Train + Local Bus (8–9 hours, ~20–25 USD)

Take the night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (depart 8–9 p.m., arrive 5–6 a.m.). From Lao Cai, catch a local bus or minibus to Bac Ha (~2 hours, ~3–4 USD).

Best for: Travelers who enjoy slow travel and want to sleep on the way.

🚌 By Limousine Bus (6–6.5 hours, ~15–20 USD)

Several limousine companies run direct routes Hanoi – Bac Ha, often with reclining seats and Wi-Fi. Departure times are usually early morning or night.

Best for: Comfort-seeking travelers on a budget, or those short on time.

🚗 By Private Car (5–6 hours, ~100–120 USD per vehicle)

The fastest and most flexible option. Door-to-door, with optional photo stops.

Best for: Families, groups of friends, or travelers who prefer convenience.

🚌 From Sapa (3 hours, ~5–7 USD)

Shared minibuses run between Sapa and Bac Ha, passing scenic valleys and villages.

Best for: Travelers combining Sapa with Bac Ha on the same trip.

Best Time to Visit Bac Ha

Bac Ha can be visited year-round, but each season brings a different charm. Unlike nearby Sapa, which can feel crowded no matter when you go, Bac Ha remains quieter and more authentic across the seasons.

• 🌸 Spring (February – April)

Blossoms and festivals bring Bac Ha alive. Plum and peach trees blanket the valleys in white and pink, earning it the nickname “White Plateau.” Around Lunar New Year, you can also witness cultural events such as the Earth and Water Greeting Festival.

• 🌿 Summer (May – July)

This is the water-pouring season, when rice terraces glisten like mirrors. In June, the famous Horse Racing Festival takes place, with riders in traditional clothes racing bareback to the cheers of the crowd; one of northern Vietnam’s most exhilarating cultural experiences.

• 🍂 Autumn (September – November)

Harvest season, when rice terraces glow golden and farmers gather crops under clear skies. It’s the most photogenic time to visit and ideal for trekking villages like Ta Van Chu and Na Hoi.

• ❄️ Winter (December – January)

Chilly weather with morning mists rolling over the mountains. Though temperatures drop, the quiet atmosphere is perfect for travelers who enjoy solitude and cozy evenings by the fire with a cup of corn wine.

📅 Mini Calendar of Festivals & Highlights

• Jan/Feb: Lunar New Year, Hmong New Year, Earth & Water Greeting Festival

• End of March: Hills covered in plum blossoms

• May: Water pouring season on the terraces

• June: Bac Ha Horse Racing Festival (6th lunar month)

• July: Bac Ha Temple Festival (7th lunar month)

• September: Rice harvest across the valleys

What Are the Ideal Itineraries?

Bac Ha is best enjoyed as part of a longer northern Vietnam journey. Here are some tried-and-true combinations:

• Hanoi – Bac Ha – Sapa (4–5 days)

Take the highway from Hanoi to Bac Ha on Saturday, enjoy the Sunday Market, then continue to Sapa for mountain treks and Fansipan views. This way you get both authenticity and convenience in one trip.

• Bac Ha – Ha Giang (5–7 days)

From Bac Ha, head east into Ha Giang. Stop at Hoang Su Phi’s rice terraces, then continue to Dong Van, Ma Pi Leng Pass, and the limestone plateau to Cao Bang’s Ban Gioc Waterfall and serene lakes. This combo blends Bac Ha’s vibrant markets with Ha Giang’s epic landscapes.

• Bac Ha – Mu Cang Chai (3–4 days)

For terrace lovers, link Bac Ha with Mu Cang Chai, especially in September when both regions glow golden.

👉 If you have the time, consider blending two or three of these routes for a more complete northern Vietnam adventure.

Like a newly discovered mine of precious stones, Bac Ha gradually unveils its treasures, while the locals faithfully preserve their traditional way of life. Bac Ha remains relatively undiscovered, thus maintaining its authenticity. This destination will undoubtedly pique your curiosity and satisfy your desire for adventure in Vietnam, far from the usual tourist routes.

💡Related Posts

• Ha Giang: 6 Essential Things to Know Before You Go
• Mu Cang Chai: Everything you need to know before you go
• Cao Bang: Complete guide for a successful trip