Lao Cai

Lao Cai is the the place where travelers cross into China on their way to or from Kunming. Like Lang Son, Lao Cai was invaded by the Chinese in 1979 and the border was closed until 1993. On the opposite side of the river from Lao Cai is the Chinese town of Hekou. The best way to get to Lao Cai from Hanoi is by train which runs twice daily. You can also make the 340km journey by bus but the train is far more comfortable.

Lào Cai Province is located in the north of the country. It borders the provinces of Hà Giang, Yên Bái, Sơn La, and Lai Châu, as well as the province of Yunnan in the People's Republic of China.

Lào Cai is a mountainous region. In the northwest of the province is Phan Xi Păng (a.k.a. Fansipan), Vietnam's highest mountain. The province is bisected by the Red River, the most significant river of northern Vietnam, which flows out of China towards the capital Hanoi. Much of the province is heavily forested. The temperature generally ranges between 18° and 28°, although lowland areas tend to have less variation than mountainous areas.

The population of Lào Cai province includes a number of Vietnam's ethnic minority groups, with the Hmong, Tay, and Dao being the most noticeable.

Bac Ha Market is in Bac Ha District, Lao Cai Province; about 80km from downtown Sapa.It is a trading centre and meeting place for couples, friends, and relatives every Sunday. There are many trees around Bac Ha, and in the spring the countryside is white with blossoms.