Buzz
If you're seeking a refreshing seaside getaway away from the crowds, Tiên Cave offers an excellent alternative. Situated along the Chảy River in Bảo Nhai commune, Bắc Hà district, Lào Cai province, this hidden camping spot boasts sandy shores resembling miniature beaches. Crystal-clear river waters flank towering cliffs adorned with natural rock formations, ideal for camping, paddleboarding, swimming, and fishing.
Camping here ensures complete isolation from the outside world, providing a night's experience akin to being stranded on a desert island. With no phone signal, behind you stand imposing cliffs and caves, while ahead lies the tranquil river.
Getting to Tiên Cave
Traveling from Hanoi, you can take a sleeper bus from Hà Sơn Hải Vân Bus Station (approximately 260,000 VND/one way) to Lào Cai city. Arriving in Lào Cai around 4:00 AM, you may need to book a room for additional rest until morning, then rent a motorbike (180,000 VND/day) or a car to reach Bảo Nhai-Bắc Hà Market (about 55km away). From there, you'll head to the pier to access Tiên Cave.
From the pier, you'll embark on a 1-hour boat ride to Tiên Cave (boat fare is 500,000 VND/round trip for up to 6 adults). If you're camping for the day, the boat driver will wait for you at the camping site. If you plan to camp overnight, you'll need to arrange a pickup time because there's no phone signal at this camping site.
Boats transport visitors to the camping site and offer tours of the Chảy River.
A view of the camping site from location number 1.
Campsite Number 2
Camper's Haven Number 3
What to Prepare for Camping at Tiên Cave?
Inside Tiên Cave, there are no dining services or tent rentals available. Therefore, you'll need to bring along essentials like a paddleboard, life jacket, tent, sleeping bag, table, chairs, flashlight, food, etc. Alternatively, you can opt for a fully guided tour. I personally chose a comprehensive tour package from 24h Travel in Hanoi, where they take care of transportation and camping gear. They also offer camping gear rental services from Lào Cai city for independent travelers.
Best Time to Visit Tiên Cave for Camping
If you're interested in exploring Tiên Cave by boat and enjoying the picturesque scenery along the Chảy River, you can visit year-round. However, for camping, it's recommended to go between April and July when the water is still clear and the weather is sunny.
The Camping Experience at Tiên Cave
Paddleboarding at Campsite Number 1
Stand-Up Paddleboarding at Campsite Number 2
Capturing Photos at the Rocky Outcrop in the Middle of the River
Admiring the Natural Green Hue of the Chảy River
Exploring the Hanging Crystals on the Cliff Face
Cliffs Along the Riverbanks
Boat Journey into Tiên Cave
Paddleboarding to Explore the Section Inaccessible by Motorboat
Fishing Time! Let's Catch Some Fish
Checking In at the Entrance of Tiên Cave
Scenic Views from Tiên Cave
Tourist Attractions Near Tiên Cave
After a day and night of camping at Tiên Cave, we can combine it with a visit to Bắc Hà Cave, located approximately 15km from Bảo Nhai Market.
Bắc Hà, also known as the 'White Plateau', is home to a majority of ethnic minorities including the Tày, Hmong, Dao, and Nùng. Each ethnic group in Bắc Hà carries unique and fascinating cultural traits, customs, and traditions.
Some Camping Tips for Tiên Cave
If you're bringing children along, ensure their safety by preparing life jackets for those who can't swim.
Maintain general hygiene, avoid littering, and clean up before leaving the area.
Worried about mosquito bites? Consider bringing mosquito repellent. For those with sensitive stomachs, it's advisable to pack some pain relief medication as well.
If camping overnight, be sure to inquire about the schedule for releasing water from the hydroelectric dam. Typically, they start around 4 AM. At that time, you'll need to relocate your tent to higher ground.
What to Do in Bắc Hà?
What to Eat in Bắc Hà?
Detailed Itinerary for Camping at Tiên Cave - Bắc Hà
Departure:
Day 1
- Arrive in Lào Cai city at 4:00 AM and check into pre-booked accommodation for rest
- 6:00 AM: Pick up motorbikes and have breakfast
- 7:00 AM: Depart for Bảo Nhai
- 8:30 AM: Arrive at Bảo Nhai Market - board the boat to Tiên Cave camping site. The boat ride takes about 1 hour, during which we can enjoy the scenery of the village on one side of the river and the cliffs on the other side, resembling those along the Nho Quế River.
- 9:30 AM: Arrive at the Tiên Cave camping site, where the boat driver will leave the group. This moment truly feels like being a Robinson Crusoe. Set up camp at one of the three camping spots (inflate kayaks, pitch tents, set up tables and chairs, start a fire for cooking)
- 12:00 PM: Enjoy lunch and rest; in the afternoon, paddle SUP to explore the remaining section of the Chảy River (about 2km) inaccessible by motorboat, and experience removing fishing nets from the river (just remove, not take, as they belong to locals). Those who bring their own fishing gear can try their luck, and if it's a hot sunny day, you can even take a dip in the river.
- 5:00 PM: Prepare dinner, light up the lanterns, and start the campfire.
- 6:00 PM: Have dinner with hotpot and gather around the campfire. I was lucky to go on a clear night and could admire the starry sky.
- After dinner, we went down to the river to check out the fish and shrimp. We managed to catch quite a few because there was a skilled local fisherman with a mysterious net trap.
Day 2
- 5:00 AM: Wake up, pack up personal belongings, and dismantle the campsite.
- 6:00 AM: Have breakfast, enjoying a delicious bowl of egg noodles with such a magnificent view.
- 7:00 AM: Board the boat to take us back to Bảo Nhai Market.
- At 8:00 AM, we drove from Bảo Nhai Market to Bắc Hà Town.
- At 8:30 AM, we arrived in Bắc Hà Town, and fortunately, it was Sunday, the day of the weekly market. We indulged in local delicacies and bought souvenirs. The market also had a livestock section where they sold buffaloes, cows, horses, pigs, chickens, and even dogs. My friend bought a Bac Ha breed dog, considered one of the four great national dogs of Vietnam.
- At 10:00 AM, we visited the Palace of the Cat King, Hoàng A Tưởng.
- At 11:30 AM, we had lunch at Thắng Cố restaurant near the bus station. I don't remember the name of the restaurant next to it, but there was a sour pho stall nearby. After trying Thắng Cố, we found the mixed pho quite delicious.
- In the afternoon, we visited a few more places: the flower valley - went to the triple blossom plum garden to pick and enjoy the plums, and also bought some as gifts.
- At 3:30 PM, we got on the car and returned to Lào Cai city.
- At 5:30 PM, we returned the motorbikes and sat around chatting while waiting for the bus back to Hanoi.
- At 6:30 PM, we boarded the sleeper bus.
- At 11:00 PM, we arrived back in Hanoi, concluding our 2-day adventure and returning to the bustling urban life.
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