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Bac Ha, around Sapa

By Mark Bowyer | 31 Jul 2011

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French built former Hmong King's palace.
Photo:
Horse lovers may get a shock.
Photo: Mark Bowyer
Flower Hmong, Bac Ha
Photo: Mark Bowyer
Photo: Mark Bowyer
Bac Ha Market
Photo:
Photo: Mark Bowyer

Bac Ha, around Sapa

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Our rating

By Mark Bowyer 31 Jul 2011

Bac Ha is a small village around 3 hours from Sapa. Its Sunday market is very popular with day trippers from Sapa.

Note: The information provided in this review was correct at time of publishing but may change. For final clarification please check with the relevant service

Bac Ha is a popular day trip from Sapa - especially its Sunday market. It’s a much smaller town than Sapa and the setting is not as spectacular. If you’re spending quite a bit of time in the far north, it’s a worth adding Bac Ha for its access to other minority villages and treks.

Bac Ha is home to a large Flower Hmong community. The name is derived from the beautiful colours of their traditional costume.

Coc Ly and Can Cau villages are accessible from Bac Ha and their markets are also popular with travellers.

Travel tips.
The journey to Bac Ha is a good three hours from Sapa. It’s closer to Lao Cai (the main rail hub) however so if time allows, it can be a good spot to visit before or after a trip to Sapa - especially to time your arrival to coincide with the Sunday market. Accommodation in Bac Ha is basic.

Mark Bowyer is the founder and publisher of Rusty Compass. read more
Twitter: @rustycompass

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Bac Ha, around Sapa

Bac Ha is a small village around 3 hours from Sapa. Its Sunday market is very popular with day trippers from Sapa.

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Bac Ha, around Sapa

Bac Ha is a small village around 3 hours from Sapa. Its Sunday market is very popular with day trippers from Sapa.

Similar Sapa see and do

Suggested links

Sapa

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