Top 10 Essential Travel Tips for Y Tý - Lao Cai

If you're looking for a budget-friendly travel option to Y Tý, consider staying with local families for just 50-70k VND per person per night. For an even cheaper alternative, you can stay at a border guard station and enjoy home-cooked meals. Additionally, try the unique Red Dao herbal bath service for only 40k VND per person. Accommodation options in Y Tý are still basic, with homestays available in local homes rather than developed hotels. Electricity and water supply can be limited in some places.

Recommended Homestays in Y Tý:

• Y Tý Clouds Homestay - Address: Mò Phú Chải Village, Y Tý Commune, Bát Xát District, Lao Cai Province.
• Y Tý Homestay – Cô Si, conveniently located in the center of the commune.
• Thảo Nguyên Xanh Homestay, entirely made of wood.
• A Hờ Homestay, built in the style of a traditional two-story stilt house.
• Minh Thương Homestay - Address: Ngải Trồ Village, Y Tý Commune, Bát Xát District, Lao Cai Province.

Here are some must-visit attractions when you go to Y Tý:

• Border Marker 92 – Lũng Pô Junction: The Lũng Pô junction is where the Nguyên Giang River (from China) meets the Lũng Pô River, both merging to form the Red River as it enters Vietnam. You can stand at the Lũng Pô border marker and enjoy the breathtaking view of the peaceful homeland, which has been shaped by the blood and sweat of soldiers from A Mú Sung who fought to protect this remote border region.
• Vietnam-China Border Markers: During your journey to Y Tý, visiting the border markers between Vietnam and China is essential. Each of these markers holds deep significance, symbolizing national sovereignty and the sacrifices made by people to defend every inch of land.
• Lảo Thẩn – Y Tý: Lảo Thẩn is known as the roof of Y Tý, a perfect spot for enjoying the view of the clouds floating over the vast forested mountains. The peak rises majestically amidst the sky and white clouds, and the mysterious name of Lảo Thẩn adds to its allure. The area attracts travelers not only due to its elevation but also for its natural beauty, which captivates anyone who visits. Whether you're planning a cloud-chasing trip in Y Tý or simply exploring the area, the clouds are almost always visible due to the region's high terrain.
• A Lù – Y Tý: A Lù is a commune located on the border between Vietnam and China, along the Lũng Pô stream. With the road now paved, it’s much easier to access A Lù, making it less of a remote location. The natural landscape remains wild, with towering mountains and vast golden terraced fields that stretch out like waves, embracing simple homes in the middle of the forested hills. The local people are friendly and welcoming, always eager to share their culture and hospitality with visitors.
• Ngải Thầu: Ngải Thầu is a highland commune near the northern border, a place worth visiting while exploring Y Tý, Lao Cai. The area is known for its cool temperate climate and persistent fog that envelops the land year-round, creating a mysterious and enchanting atmosphere. Every morning, as the sun rises, the mist is gradually replaced by the light, revealing peaceful villages, children playing, and wild trees along the roads. The roads leading to the villages are dirt paths, making them especially exciting for adventurers seeking the thrill of discovery. In Y Tý, the unique geography makes cloud hunting easy, whether at sunrise or after a rainstorm.
• The Thề Pả Valley: The terraced fields in the Thề Pả valley are a picturesque sight, often considered one of the greatest works of the Hà Nhì and H'Mông ethnic groups. The harmony between nature and human effort is evident here, where the terraced fields blend perfectly into the landscape. Visitors can also partake in the local festivals, including the “Khu già già” festival of the Hà Nhì people and various traditional rituals like the “Ga ma do” and “Kho kìm” ceremonies of the Red Dao people.
• Y Tý Market: The Y Tý market, located in the center of the commune, is held once a week on Saturdays. It’s not just a place for local trade but also an exciting tourist attraction. The market offers a vivid display of highland culture, with colorful traditional costumes, hand-woven textiles, and lively exchanges between local people. It’s a fantastic opportunity for tourists to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere and pick up unique souvenirs to bring back home.
• The Villages of Y Tý: Y Tý, often called “the land of clouds,” is home to several ethnic groups, including the H'Mông, Hà Nhì, Dao, and Giấy. You can visit local villages to explore traditional stilt houses of the Hà Nhì people and get a glimpse into the daily lives of the indigenous people. The rugged, untamed beauty of the area is both humbling and awe-inspiring, making it clear how resilient and resourceful the local communities are in such harsh conditions.
• Thiên Sinh Bridge: Located at the end of Lao Chải village, about 10 km from the center of Y Tý, Thiên Sinh Bridge has a special meaning for the local people. The bridge was originally a natural stone arch that crossed a deep ravine, serving as a natural border between Vietnam and China. Over time, the locals built a concrete bridge over it. Standing on the bridge, you can look down at the deep ravine and the rushing waters of the Lũng Pô stream below, which creates a white foam that splashes up from the rocks.
• Dền Sáng: Dền Sáng is an area with rich cultural significance to the Red Dao people. The air here is cool and refreshing, and after a 20-minute walk, you’ll reach a rocky area where you can rest surrounded by lush trees. Here, you can admire the ancient azalea trees in full bloom and various species of orchids, adding to the area’s natural charm.
• Mường Hum Market: The Mường Hum market is held every Sunday, located about 44 km from Lao Cai City. This bustling market is a hub for the local ethnic communities, who come to trade goods and buy fresh produce. It’s a great place to experience the authentic highland culture and buy traditional products from the local people.

Here’s a collection of trekking itineraries for Y Tý, with suggestions for nearby tourist destinations that can be added for a longer journey. Feel free to adjust the itinerary to suit your own travel plans.

2 Days 3 Nights Y Tý Trekking Itinerary:

• Day 1: Friday evening, board the sleeper bus to Lao Cai
• Day 2: Lao Cai – Bát Xát (11km) – Trịnh Tường (26km) – Lũng Pô (19km) – A Mú Sung (7km) – A Lù (7km) – Ngải Thầu (5km) – Y Tý (7km)
• On day 2, the journey will take almost a whole day (approximately 80 km), with stops at locations such as the 92nd Border Marker – where the Red River begins its flow into Vietnam, the picturesque route from A Lù to Y Tý during the rice season, the Thiên Sinh Bridge (87th Border Marker) connecting to China, and if you have time, explore villages like Sín Chải, Lao Chải, or even further to Hồng Ngài.
• Day 3: Two options: head to Sa Pa or take the Bản Xèo route back to Bát Xát, then return to Lao Cai
• Option 1: Y Tý – Dền Sáng (29km) (or Dền Thàng, either road leads to Mường Hum) – Mường Hum (10km) – Sa Pa (42km). If you go to Sa Pa, you can spend an extra day sightseeing or just a few hours before taking a bus back to Hanoi. Don’t forget to stop at the most beautiful cafe in Sa Pa.
• Option 2: Y Tý – Dền Sáng (29km) (or Dền Thàng, either road leads to Mường Hum) – Mường Hum (10km) – Bản Vược – Bát Xát – Lao Cai
• Day 3 will take you along the pristine forest paths of Y Tý, particularly the route from Y Tý to Mường Hum. If you visit on Sunday, you’ll get to experience the vibrant Mường Hum market.

Hanoi – Y Tý – Mù Cang Chải – Hanoi:

• Day 1: Friday evening, board the sleeper bus to Lao Cai. Pre-book your ticket and depart from Mỹ Đình. You can also opt for the train, but it takes longer (8 hours by train vs. 4-5 hours by bus).
• Day 2: Lao Cai – Bát Xát (11km) – Trịnh Tường (26km) – Lũng Pô (19km) – A Mú Sung (7km) – A Lù (7km) – Ngải Thầu (5km) – Y Tý (7km)
• On Day 2, the trip covers around 80 km, with stops at significant sites like the 92nd Border Marker, where the Red River enters Vietnam, the stunning rice terraces on the way from A Lù to Y Tý, Thiên Sinh Bridge (87th Border Marker) linking Vietnam and China. If time permits, you can visit villages like Sín Chải, Lao Chải, or Hồng Ngài (9 km from Y Tý).
• Day 3: Y Tý – Dền Sáng (29km) (or Dền Thàng, both lead to Mường Hum) – Mường Hum (10km) – Ô Quy Hồ (35km) – Than Uyên (90km) – Mù Cang Chải (50km)
• On Day 3, if you visit on Sunday, you can attend the Mường Hum market, pass through Ô Quy Hồ Pass (one of the four great mountain passes of the Northwest), and rest at the breathtaking Mù Cang Chải terraced fields.
• Day 4: Mù Cang Chải – Khau Phạ Pass – Tú Lệ – Nghĩa Lộ – Thanh Sơn – Sơn Tây – Hanoi
• On the final day, you’ll conquer another of the four famous mountain passes of the Northwest, Khau Phạ, admire the terraced fields at Tú Lệ, and then return to Hanoi.

Hanoi – Bắc Hà – Sa Pa – Y Tý:

This itinerary is perfect for September, during the rice harvest season in Y Tý and Sa Pa. For this journey, you’ll need to bring your motorcycle from Hanoi, riding one way, and then send your bike back by train for the return trip.

• Day 1: Hanoi – Bắc Hà
• Bắc Hà is approximately 300 km from Hanoi. Depart early from Hanoi via National Road 70 to Bắc Ngầm, then turn onto Route 153 to reach Bắc Hà. It’s best to start on a Saturday so you can enjoy the Bắc Hà market on Sunday morning.
• Day 2: Bắc Hà – Sa Pa
• On Day 2, visit the Bắc Hà market, explore the Hoàng A Tưởng Mansion, and enjoy seasonal flowers like plum, peach, and buckwheat, depending on the time of year.
• After lunch, head from Bắc Hà to Lao Cai and then continue to Sa Pa. Depending on your schedule, you can spend one or two days in Sa Pa, staying overnight there.
• Day 3: Sa Pa – Mường Hum – Y Tý
• Start the day with a coffee in Sa Pa, then head toward Ô Quy Hồ and stop at Mường Hum before continuing to Y Tý. If it’s a Sunday, you’ll also get to visit the Mường Hum market.
• Stay overnight in Y Tý.
• Day 4: Y Tý – A Lù – Bát Xát – Lao Cai
• On your final day, travel along the beautiful terraced rice fields of Y Tý, heading back through Bát Xát, passing Lũng Pô and the 92nd Border Marker, where the Red River meets Vietnam.
• Return to Lao Cai, buy your train ticket, and send your bike back to Hanoi.

The culinary culture of Y Tý is deeply rooted in local ingredients, often prepared by the indigenous highland people, leaving a lasting impression on visitors. Delicacies like forest mushrooms, Hà Nhì beer, Mản Thẩn wine... will surely win the hearts of food lovers.

• Y Tý Forest Mushrooms: In April and May, when the first rains fall, forest mushrooms are harvested by the locals. These mushrooms are incredibly delicious, tender, fragrant, and have an unforgettable taste.
• Hà Nhì Beer: A traditional, hand-crafted beer made by the Hà Nhì people. The brewing process is meticulous, with the yeast made from various forest plants. The longer the beer is aged, the tastier it becomes, and it doesn’t cause headaches after drinking.
• Hà Sin Cô Root: Also known as Hoàng Sin Cô, this root resembles sweet potatoes in shape. It has a light yellow color inside, is very juicy, sweet, crisp, and refreshing.
• Thắng Cố - A delicious dish in Y Tý: The name might sound unfamiliar, but this dish is incredibly flavorful. If you visit the Northwest, you must try it at least once. Thắng Cố is a traditional Mongolian dish made from horse meat and internal organs, cooked with a variety of spices. Nowadays, it’s also made with beef, buffalo, or goat. If you want to taste it at its best, head to Bắc Hà.
• Khẩu Rang – A harvest season specialty from Y Tý: A unique dish only found in Bắc Hà and Lao Cai, Khẩu Rang is made from young, partially ripened glutinous rice. The rice is dried in the sun, then ground into rice kernels. When cooked, it has a sticky, chewy texture with a subtle sweetness and a fragrant taste like green sticky rice. The best time to try it is in September and October, so plan your visit to Y Tý during these months.
• Piglet underarm – A humorous yet tasty specialty: This small breed of pig, called 'piglet underarm,' is a local delicacy in Sapa and other highland areas of the Northwest. The pigs are so small that they can be carried under the arm, hence the name. Raised on natural foods, these pigs remain small despite being raised for a year. You can prepare the meat in various ways such as roasting, grilling, boiling, or stir-frying. The flavor is distinctive and unforgettable.
• Black Pork Sausage: Made from black pig meat, both lean and fatty, this dish is a favorite among visitors. After stuffing the meat into casings, it is dried in the sun and hung in the kitchen to air-dry, resulting in a delicious aroma. When you eat it, you'll experience the sweet, savory taste of the meat that is truly delightful.

Many hotels, guesthouses, and accommodations in Y Tý offer on-site restaurants catering to tourists. However, not all of them are up to standard, and the quality of food at hotel restaurants is often underwhelming. Here are some notable restaurants to consider during your travels:

Restaurant Recommendations in Lào Cai

• Đỗ Quyên Restaurant - Address: 200 Soi Tiền Street, Kim Tân Ward, Lào Cai City.
• Ốc Đảo Restaurant - Address: Ốc Đảo Restaurant, Nhạc Sơn Park, Hoàng Liên Street, Kim Tân, Lào Cai City.
• Hồng Long Restaurant - Address: 128 An Dương Vương Street, Cốc Lếu Ward, Lào Cai City.

Restaurant Recommendations in Y Tý

In Y Tý, most homestays provide meals for guests, so dedicated restaurants for tourists are limited, but there are a few options:

• Lâm Huy Restaurant - Address: Y Tý Central Market, Y Tý Commune, Bát Xát District, Lào Cai Province.
• Hồng Hoa Restaurant - Address: Near Y Tý Commune People's Committee, Bát Xát District, Lào Cai Province.
• Yến Thế Restaurant - Address: Near Y Tý Border Guard Post, Y Tý Commune, Bát Xát District, Lào Cai Province.
• Tùng Thủy Restaurant - Mường Hum - Address: Mường Hum Market, Bát Xát District, Lào Cai Province.

Restaurant Recommendations in Sapa

Most hotels in Sapa have in-house dining options. For a more authentic experience and to enjoy meticulously prepared local specialties, we recommend exploring the food street on Xuân Viên Street in Sapa, where you’ll find several excellent restaurants:

• Mông Cuisine Restaurant - Address: 08 Xuân Viên Street, Sapa Town, Lào Cai Province.
• Ô Quy Hồ Restaurant - Address: 08 Thạch Sơn Street, Sapa Town, Lào Cai Province.
• Khám Phá Việt (Thắng Cố A Quỳnh) Restaurant - Address: 15 Thạch Sơn Street, Sapa Town.
• Rừng Xanh Sapa Restaurant - Address: 172 Thạch Sơn Street, Sapa Town.
• Đỗ Quyên Sapa Restaurant - Address: 214 Thạch Sơn Street, Sapa Town.

Souvenirs to Buy When Visiting Y Tý:

• Séng Cù Rice: Known for its delightful fragrance, stickiness, and high nutritional content, Séng Cù rice is a famous specialty of Mường Khương. During the early rice-growing season, traders visit local homes to buy the best harvest, but the supply is always limited.
• Mường Khương Chili Paste: This chili paste is made from small, red peppers (locally called "chili rice"), known for their distinct aroma and bold spicy flavor. No dish of Thắng Cố is complete without a spoonful of this fiery paste!
• North Hà Plum: Harvested between May and July, these plums are different from those from Lạng Sơn, as they are light yellow when ripe rather than red. These sweet plums are not just delicious but also beneficial for health. Along with them, try the local corn wine from Bắc Hà, brewed from corn grown on rocky mountains, with a distinct fragrance and alcohol content above 40%. The most famous of these is the Bản Phố wine, found at the foot of Cô Tiên Mountain.
• Nậm Pung Rice Wine: This rice wine is smooth and aromatic, with an alcohol content of 47-50%. Unlike some stronger local brews, it is easy to drink and lacks the bitterness of other varieties from the region.

According to seasoned travelers, here are some essential tips for your Y Tý trip:

• Keep an eye on the weather forecast before you go. During the rainy season, the roads in the highlands, including Y Tý, are prone to landslides, so it's important to plan your route accordingly for safety.
• Bring a photocopy of your ID card, as it's required for renting vehicles and may be asked by border patrol officers.
• Since Y Tý is a border region, you will pass by several border posts. If you stop for sightseeing or resting near any of these posts, make sure to inform the border guards so they are aware of your presence.
• The roads leading to Y Tý can be quite rough, so be sure to wear protective gear to avoid injury in case of a fall.
• Bring warm clothing, as the weather can vary greatly depending on the time of day and altitude.
• It's a good idea to carry emergency supplies like extra fuel, dry food, water, and a small cooking pot in case you need them during your trip.

These are the key travel tips for Y Tý. Hopefully, this advice will help you have a safe and enjoyable trip!

Have you ever heard of Y Tý? How far is it from Sapa? Y Tý is a highland commune in Bát Xát District, approximately 80 km from Lao Cai. The 70 km road from Sapa to Y Tý may be challenging and difficult to navigate, but it offers an incredibly scenic route, attracting those who wish to witness the majestic sea of clouds, the golden sunlight, and the vibrant rice fields in full bloom during harvest.

Y Tý is home to the Hà Nhì ethnic group, known for their distinctive customs, traditional attire, and delicious cuisine.

The Hà Nhì people’s mud houses are an architectural marvel. Surrounded by thick, compacted earth walls that provide stability against heavy rain and storms, these houses are topped with thatched roofs. Inside, the homes are divided into cozy rooms, offering coolness in the summer and warmth in the winter. From a distance, the mud houses appear like adorable mushrooms scattered across the mountainside.

When you visit Y Tý, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the lively markets, where locals bring a variety of forest produce, fruits, and vegetables. The sight of young women dressed in beautiful traditional clothing is a highlight, often captivating visitors. You can also visit the Lũng Pô Flagpole, which marks the border with China and is the first point where the Red River enters Vietnam.

The terraced rice fields in Y Tý stretch down the mountainside into the valleys, resembling cascading waterfalls of gold and silver during harvest time. These breathtaking views have earned Y Tý the title of “cloud-hunting paradise,” a popular destination for young adventurers seeking to enjoy the surreal beauty of the landscape.

Even in the summer, Y Tý remains cool, with a gentle sunlight that is far more pleasant than the scorching heat of urban areas. If you’re visiting Sapa, be sure to make time to explore the charming beauty of Y Tý.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that Y Tý is beautiful no matter the season. Based on the experiences of seasoned travelers, each season brings its own unique beauty, offering different scenic views and experiences. Here are the best times to visit Y Tý:

• Harvest Season: The rice harvest in Y Tý typically takes place between mid-August and mid-September. During this period, the entire region is bathed in the golden glow of ripe rice fields. The air is filled with the scent of fresh rice, and the landscape is breathtaking, with terraced fields stretching out beneath a soft autumn sun. Wisps of clouds drift gracefully along the mountain slopes, enhancing the beauty of the rice harvest and leaving a lasting impression on travelers.
• Cloud Hunting Season: The ideal time for cloud hunting in Y Tý runs from September to April. If you’re passionate about capturing the beauty of the clouds or simply enjoying the misty atmosphere, this is the perfect time to go.
• Water-Rising Season: This season occurs from May to June, when the summer rains bring water to the rice fields, signaling the start of a new planting season. The terraced fields look especially mesmerizing as they’re filled with water, creating a mirrored effect. This time also marks the busiest period for the locals, as they prepare for the new rice crop. The sight of water filling the terraced fields offers a unique and picturesque experience.

These are the three most popular times for travelers to visit Y Tý. Depending on your preferences, you can choose the season that offers the kind of beauty and experience you’re seeking.

There are many routes and transportation options to reach Y Tý from Hanoi. You can travel by car, private vehicle, or sleeper bus. However, to ensure the safest and most convenient journey, it’s recommended to take a train or sleeper bus to Lao Cai and then rent a motorbike for a more adventurous ride to Y Tý.

There are two main routes you can take: Lào Cai – Bát Xát – Trình Tường – Lũng Pô – A Mú Sung – A Lù – Ngãi Thầu – Y Tý, or Lào Cai – Sapa – Mường Hum – Dền Sáng – Y Tý. According to experienced travelers, the route from Lao Cai to Bát Xát is preferred, as the road from Sapa is rocky and challenging.

The road to Y Tý is no longer as difficult as before. Lao Cai has become a popular tourist destination, and traveling from Hanoi to Lao Cai and then to Y Tý is much easier now. There are four main ways to reach Lao Cai:

• By Train: You can buy a ticket at Hanoi’s train station for a ride to Lao Cai, which takes about 8 hours. The ticket price ranges from 150,000 to 750,000 VND depending on the service class (hard seat or soft seat).
• By Sleeper Bus: Several bus companies operate sleeper buses to Lao Cai, taking around 5 hours. It’s best to check prices and book in advance, especially during peak travel times such as holidays and weekends. The price for a bus ticket from Hanoi to Lao Cai is approximately 250,000 – 300,000 VND per person.
• By Bus: There is a bus service from Hanoi’s Mỹ Đình bus station to Lao Cai, with a ticket price of 180,000 VND, but it does not offer sleeper beds.
• By Motorbike: Experienced adventurers often choose to ride motorbikes to Y Tý, but keep in mind that Y Tý is about 400 kilometers from Hanoi, and the road can be treacherous with many steep hills and dangerous curves. If you choose this option, make sure to bring protective gear and all necessary documents to prepare for any unexpected situations.