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This article is tailored for those looking to explore Hà Khẩu when visiting the Lào Cai border. Armed with these tips, you'll discover an incredibly exciting spot at the border between Vietnam and China.
1. Journey to Hà Khẩu
Currently, there are no direct flights to Lào Cai, so the most popular choices to reach Hà Khẩu town are by bus (540,000 VND/person round trip) or train (departing at 9:30 PM, a night's sleep will take you to Lào Cai station). Typically, young travelers combine a visit to Hà Khẩu with a Sa Pa adventure, making the journey more convenient, starting from Hanoi. Book the cheapest and fastest flight to Hanoi here.
The gateway to Hà Khẩu lies at the Lào Cai border. @The Christina's Blog
Upon reaching Lào Cai station, you can hail a taxi to take you to the Lào Cai border. Complete the procedures to enter Hà Khẩu town. At the border, you need to register for border crossing at the cost of 350,000 VND/person. If you lack experience, consider hiring a service for the paperwork, taking approximately a day, and even booking a guide for a comprehensive tour. Prepare your national ID and two 4*6 photos with a white background (clear face, ears visible, no glasses). If you already have a Chinese visa, it's not required. Despite the 30-day validity, you're allowed only a single-day visit. Note that the border closes around 9 PM, so plan your time wisely for a delightful experience.
Border crossing document. @FB Vân Anh
2. Currency Exchange
Along the route to the border, numerous currency exchange services await. Surprisingly, Vietnamese Dong is still accepted in Hà Khẩu. However, to avoid confusion with exchange rates, it's advisable to convert a small amount to Chinese Renminbi (1 CNY equals 3,500 VND).
3. Exploring Where and What to Eat
Hà Khẩu (Yunnan, China) borders Vietnam's Lào Cai province, connected by the Hồ Kiều Bridge over the Nậm Thi River serving as the boundary. At the border, vibrant trading activities between the two nations unfold, particularly in the exchange of agricultural products with a constant flow of vehicles. A day in Hà Khẩu primarily involves exploring your neighboring country, capturing Instagram-worthy photos, enjoying affordable dining, and indulging in budget-friendly shopping.
Capturing Insta-worthy Moments
Style Hongkong 1 showcases scenes you'll encounter throughout Hà Khẩu town. The architectural landscape here exudes a nostalgic touch from the 90s, with hints of moss, vintage hues, and tranquility. Simply lift your camera and capture a myriad of naturally beautiful shots without the need for filters in residential areas, markets, small alleyways, and along sidewalks...
Capturing Insta-worthy Moments in HongKong Style 1. @mirikikudo
Indulging in Culinary Delights
From evening onwards, Hà Khẩu comes alive with bustling and well-lit eateries. The diverse cuisine is both tantalizing and pocket-friendly. Chinese dishes are known for their tongue-tingling spice, abundant pepper, and rich oils, offering a unique dining experience. If the weather is chilly with a hint of mist and breeze, spicy dishes are a perfect choice.
Bubble tea is widely available near Tử Bàn Park, with standout spots like 123Smile and the trending bubble tea. Prices range from 30,000 VND to 40,000 VND per cup, with a balanced sweetness as the aromatic tea pleases the palate. Many places also offer snacks or refreshing shaved ice with syrup.
Bubble tea is abundant in the vicinity of Tử Bàn Park. @normaltus
Hand-shaken rice paper
Hand-shaken rice paper resembles the Thai Crepe. @normaltus
Steamed buns, shrimp dumplings, and dumplings
Each shrimp dumpling or tiny, delightful steamed bun is crafted with authentic Chinese flavors. @normaltus
Grilled squid skewers
Grilled squid skewers are priced at approximately 2 CNY per skewer. @normaltus
Fermented tofu and marinated chicken feet are Vietnamese-adapted dishes sold to Vietnamese tourists. These are also renowned dishes that you must try when visiting China.
Fermented tofu and marinated chicken feet are must-try delicacies. @normaltus
Chaoshan baked cakes
Chaoshan baked cakes. @normaltus
Explore Hà Khẩu with joy
Hà Khẩu is relatively small, making it perfect for a one-day exploration. Your journey must include these spots:
Sơn Lâm Park, also known as the Light Park. The area is expansive, featuring various landscapes such as pavilions, towers, bridges over small ponds, and sparkling lights that create a stunning spectacle at night. The scenery resembles a historical drama, offering plenty of opportunities for picturesque virtual moments.
Sơn Lâm Park, also known as the Light Park. @FB Panda Xuka Trang
Taking a taxi, simply tell the driver to go to Guāng gōngyuán. Since the park has no entrance fee, feel free to explore, enjoy, and capture as many photos as you want. @FB Đỗ Tuấn
Downtown Hà Khẩu
Shop, explore, and indulge in Instagram-worthy photo opportunities in downtown Hà Khẩu. @FB Vân Anh
Supermarkets or convenience stores in China are truly enticing with a variety of local products. Particularly, the abundance of cakes, candies, noodles, and teas at reasonable prices make them perfect for both immediate consumption and souvenirs. Just be wary of getting too captivated in the supermarket; you might end up shopping without an exit plan.
Supermarkets or convenience stores in China are truly enticing with a variety of local products. @FB Hoàng Mai
Numerous shops and bustling shopping centers thrive in downtown Hà Khẩu. @ctq.ctq
Feels like stepping into a scene from a Hong Kong movie you often watch. @_1607_98_
Some Important Notes
