Top 10 Famous Tourist Destinations in Lai Châu Province

Ô Quý Hồ Pass, also known as Hoàng Liên Sơn Pass, is one of the longest, most treacherous, and majestic mountain passes in Northern Vietnam. Situated on National Highway 4D traversing the Hoàng Liên Sơn mountain range, the pass connects Lào Cai and Lai Châu provinces, with its summit also marking the border between the two provinces. Legend has it that in this mountainous region, there used to be or still is a species of bird with a haunting cry, associated with the love story of a couple. Over time, the cry of this bird has given the pass its name, Ô Quý Hồ Pass, at an altitude of nearly 2,000 meters.

The beauty of Ô Quý Hồ Pass is ever-changing: On the Lào Cai side, there is mist, while on the Lai Châu side, there is warm sunshine; in winter, there is snow and in summer, there are floating clouds, making it all the more attractive to domestic and international tourists alike.

On a clear day, tourists from the summit can enjoy a panoramic view of the winding mountain road traversing through majestic forests to Bình Lư or to the tourism hub of Sa Pa. On sunny days, they can also admire the grandeur of Mount Fansipan from the Lai Châu side. During the bitterly cold winter, with temperatures dropping below 0°C, the landscape of Ô Quý Hồ Pass becomes enchanting, a sight rarely seen elsewhere with snowflakes swirling through the forest. At the foot of the pass towards Sa Pa lies Thác Bạc (Silver Waterfall), one of the ten most beautiful waterfalls in Lào Cai, always attracting young people to explore. The beauty of Ô Quý Hồ Pass has long fascinated a large number of international tourists and has also served as a source of creative inspiration for many famous Vietnamese artists such as Nguyễn Tuân, Xuân Diệu, Xuân Quỳnh, Nguyễn Thành Long, Võ An Ninh, Vĩnh Cát, Ma Văn Kháng, and Lò Ngân Sủn...

Ô Quý Hồ Pass winds along the slopes of the Hoàng Liên range, considered the highest road in Vietnam, meandering and hiding among the mountains, occasionally revealing itself, with its majestic and impressive mountainous scenery. On clear, cloudless days, one can observe cars slowly climbing the tiny slopes, glimpsing distant villages from the Lai Châu side, and the rugged mountain ranges resembling watercolor paintings, and of course, there may even be the lofty peak of Fansipan amidst the clouds...

Address: National Highway 4D at the border between Lào Cai and Lai Châu provinces

Tiên Sơn Cave is located in Tam Đường district, Lai Châu province, with 36 magical caves, steeped in the legend of 99 mountains and 99 lakes of the Lự people (Northwest) symbolizing the natural beauty of the mountains and forests in this area.

Adjacent to Highway 4D — the road connecting Lào Cai town, Sa Pa, Lai Châu town to Điện Biên Phủ. The cave area boasts the majestic beauty of the Hoàng Liên Sơn range, with the famous Phan Xi Păng peak shrouded in white clouds throughout the year, blending harmoniously with the Nậm Giê stream winding through the mountains.

The cave is located in Bình Lư commune, Tam Đường district, 50 km from Sa Pa. The cave was formerly known as Đán Đón Cave, commonly understood as White Stone Cave; nowadays, it is often referred to as Tiên Sơn Cave or Bình Lư Cave. The cave consists of 49 chambers (49 caves) connected in series running through two mountain slopes, with the deeper chambers being larger. Inside the cave, there are numerous stalactites of various shapes and colors, creating a mystical atmosphere. A distinctive feature is the stream flowing through the cave, meandering through the chambers all year round. This creates an interesting and sometimes bewildering experience for visitors.

Tiên Sơn Cave is closely associated with the legend of 99 mountains and 99 lakes in the serene, azure waters of the Lự people in this area. According to legend, the 99 mountains represent the 99 strong, robust young men, while the 99 lakes represent the image of 99 hardworking, beautiful young women. The consecutive mountains and lakes form a protective wall embracing a fertile, abundant land. Compared to many other caves that are increasingly altered by human intervention, Tiên Sơn Cave still retains its natural beauty. Venturing deeper into the cave, the rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites gradually reveal themselves, resembling a fairyland scene. Inside the cave, there is also an underground stream, flowing into small streams through the rock crevices, creating delightful rustling sounds.

According to research documents, Tiên Sơn Cave was formed from limestone carxto (a type of limestone) millions of years ago. The cave has 36 different chambers, connected in series through two mountain slopes, with the deeper chambers being expanded. Each cave chamber is given sacred names by the local people, such as Mẫu Âu Cơ, Lạc Long Quân, Bà Chúa Kho... However, when venturing deep into the cave, visitors will not encounter the smoky scenes often seen in other cave areas, but instead, a spacious, fresh environment awaits.

Address: National Highway 4D, Sơn Bình, Tam Đường, Lai Châu

Tác Tình Waterfall, also known as Tác Tình or affectionately by the locals as Tình Waterfall, is one of the most attractive tourist destinations that attracts a large number of visitors from both within and outside the province to admire.

Located in Bình Lư commune, Tam Đường district - Tác Tình Waterfall lies amidst a picturesque mountainous area. From a distance, the waterfall resembles a strip of soft silk cascading amidst the vast expanse of majestic mountains and forests. It is unknown since when the lives of the Dao people and local residents have been closely intertwined with Tác Tình Waterfall. The cool water flowing day and night from the waterfall serves as a vital resource for agricultural production and daily activities of the local people. Despite its beauty, few know that behind this enchanting beauty lies a profoundly melancholic love story.

Legend has it that long ago, no one remembers exactly when, in a village of the Dao ethnic group at the foot of the waterfall, there was a beautiful girl named Lở Lan, whose beauty was likened to the wild orchids - beautiful and fragrant. She fell in love with a boy in the village, and the two cherished each other, clinging together like deer or fawns in the forest, staying together day and night. However, their happiness did not last long before tragedy struck. Their love faced countless obstacles and thorns, torn apart by malicious scheming, unable to fulfill their marital vows. In order to preserve their unwavering love and the oath between them, Lở Lan threw herself into the waterfall. Admiring the young girl's noble act, the local people named the waterfall Tác Tình, to commemorate her and to wish for the reunion of the two lovers.

With a name full of meaning, the pristine natural scenery of the Northwest mountains and forests, and the intense love story of the couple have created a waterfall that is both captivating and mysterious, enchanting the hearts of people. Despite the vicissitudes of time and historical events, Tác Tình Waterfall still retains its pristine beauty and grandeur. It attracts the attention of many tourists, leaving indelible impressions on everyone who sets foot here, about Tác Tình Waterfall - the waterfall of love.

Address: Tam Đường Town, Tam Đường, Lai Châu

“Nà Củng Resistance Cave” is located in Nà Củng village, Mường So commune - Phong Thổ district - Lai Châu province. Before the province was divided in 2004, Nà Củng Cave belonged to Nà Củng village - Mường So commune - Tam Đường district - Lai Châu province (old).

The relic site is situated on the top of a low mountain, with Tùng So field below, where storks flap their wings and the Nậm So stream flows in front of the cave before pouring into the Nậm Na river. Standing in front of the cave, one can see the gentle flowing stream like a white handkerchief of a diligent girl in the wind. Intertwined with it is the Tùng So field with countless plots, promising abundant harvests and a prosperous life for the local people.

When visiting the relic site, tourists can travel by various means, but for the most convenience, it is recommended to use motorcycles to both travel and enjoy the fascinating natural scenery, the cool gentle breeze, and the gentle sunlight of the land with a long-standing historical tradition. Moreover, each stretch of road and each tourist destination offers a very unique and distinctive cultural aspect. From houses, costumes, to production activities, everything captivates tourists and immerses them in new emotions. At the relic site, there is a large flat ground that can be renovated to serve the parking needs of tourists.

In addition, tourists can reach the relic site by road from Điện Biên City, which has a glorious historical victory that shook the world. With a length of about 180km, tourists will experience a completely different atmosphere, living with nature, living with the hidden vitality that helps tourists rid themselves of all worries in their livelihoods. When visiting any relic site, tourists always feel like they can shed their anxieties and troubles. Tourists will be captivated by the majestic natural scenery with towering rocky mountains enveloping them, amidst which is a small valley with cool, gentle streams.

Address: Mường So, Phong Thổ, Lai Châu

Mường Tè Fort Relic was recognized as a provincial-level historical and cultural relic on December 31, 2008, under Decision No. 2354/QD-UBND of the People's Committee of Lai Châu Province. The relic is located on the 'Phụ độn' hill, also known as the fortress hill, in Nậm Củm village - Mường Tè commune - Mường Tè district - Lai Châu province. It was built on the top of a relatively high and rugged hill, situated at the crossroads of the Nậm Củm stream and the Đà River, making it convenient for observation in all directions and for escaping to the Đà River towards Mù Cả when under attack.

In April 1890, after the French colonialists completely occupied Lai Châu province and suppressed the uprisings of the indigenous people, they began to build a ruling apparatus using various deceitful and treacherous schemes, with many Taä in various regions serving as collaborators for the French colonialists.

On March 27, 1916, the French colonialists established the 4th military region in Lai Châu, consisting of: Lai Châu, Quỳnh Nhai, Đại Lý, and Điện Biên; the northern border areas including: Mường Tè, Mường Nhé, Mường Bum (Mường Tè), Mao Xà Phìn (Sìn Hồ).

According to Decree No. 2016 dated September 6, 1917, issued by the Governor-General of French Indochina, forts were established in A Pa Chải and Mường Tè, with French commanders and local people tasked with guarding the northern border areas to ensure security.

By 1929, the Northern Resident Superior allowed the consolidation of three border areas: Mường Tè, Mường Nhé, Mường Bum, into an administrative unit under the control of a French lieutenant stationed at the Mường Tè fort outpost, hence the local people often referred to it as the Mường Tè Fort.

Address: Nậm Củm village, Mường Tè commune, Mường Tè district, Lai Châu province

Situated in the Hoàng Liên Sơn range, Putaleng is located in Tả Lèng commune, Phong Thổ District, Lai Châu Province. In the H'Mông language, Putaleng is called Pú Tả Lèng, where 'Pú' means mountain. Standing at 3049 meters above sea level, Putaleng is the second highest peak in Vietnam, dubbed as the 'second roof of Indochina' after the 3,143-meter Fansipan. With such impressive altitude, Putaleng poses a challenge to all adventurers, even professional hikers.

Trekking Putaleng is no easy feat. Typically, it takes about 3 - 4 days to ascend and descend the mountain. However, if you wish to rest more or camp along the way, the duration may extend to 5 - 6 days.

To conquer Putaleng, you must overcome a treacherous route with steep climbs, mountain passes, stream crossings, and dense primeval forests. But the reward you receive will be incredibly enticing. The Putaleng Peak looms in and out of dense fog, accompanied by the exquisite beauty of rhododendron forests along the way.

Conquering Putaleng is possible in all seasons. However, according to many sources, it's best to go in May when the rhododendrons bloom vigorously throughout the mountains. During this time, the northwest region, including Tả Lèng, is adorned with vibrant hues of pink, purple, and red, truly captivating every visitor's heart.

To admire the majestic mountain scenery and the poetic beauty of the forests, you must conquer the first 1500 meters. As you ascend, rhododendrons become more abundant. Some areas are blanketed with flowers on rocky outcrops, creating a soft and alluring flower carpet.

If the pink, white, or purple rhododendrons are relatively small and low, only about 2 meters tall, the yellow rhododendrons stand out thanks to their large size. They are often ancient trees, towering over 10 meters tall, stretching themselves to soak in the sun and wind in the pristine mountain forests. Exploring Putaleng is as challenging and arduous as any other mountain. But the feeling of standing at 3049 meters above sea level, beholding the finest scenery of the mountains, is an unforgettable moment for everyone.

Address: Tả Lèng, Tam Đường, Lai Châu

Pu Sam Cap Cave is one of the magnificent karst caves that Lai Châu boasts, attracting millions of tourists every year. Pu Sam Cap Cave is often compared to the caves in Halong Bay and Phong Nha Ke Bang.

The Pu Sam Cap Cave complex belongs to the Pu Sam Cap mountain range, with altitudes ranging from about 1300m to 1700m above sea level. The cave is located on provincial road 129 connecting Lai Châu city with Sìn Hồ district, about 5 km from the city center. Stretching from the northwest to the southeast, it is a natural boundary between Lai Châu city, Tam Đường district, and Sìn Hồ district. This is a limestone mountain range formed from the geological era, with a caster terrain sloping southward and steep cliffs, cutting northward.

The Pu Sam Cap Cave complex is a masterpiece of nature, with over 10 large and small caves. Among them, there are 3 large caves, also the 3 representative caves of this complex that are currently being exploited: Thien Mon Cave, Thien Duong Cave, and Thuy Tinh Cave.

First is Thien Mon Cave, appearing with a large entrance, looking mysteriously into the darkness. Stepping into that mystical darkness, one can feel the coolness from the stone, the gentle breeze passing by. Stalactites grow on the cave floor, dripping water drops can wet your hair. In the spacious cave floor, there are many stalactites, crystallized over millions of years of water flow from the stone. The stacked stalactites create countless familiar yet strange shapes. Walking to the center of Thien Mon Cave, you will be amazed by the high, wide cave arch, with a flat bottom below. A little light shining through the end of the cave creates a contrasting space of light and darkness.

Thien Duong Cave with its primitive, natural, and attractive images, Thien Duong Cave appears before your eyes like a watercolor painting. The way down to the cave is a thrilling experience with a rope, clinging to the rock wall. As you go deeper into the cave, you seem to encounter a colorful, multidimensional space... Glittering on all sides are white stalactite towers like glass pillars around the water lake. And the stalactites, stalagmites with strange shapes will make your imagination rich.

Thuy Tinh Cave is also the last cave in the complex of 3 large caves of Pu Sam Cap. Thuy Tinh Cave has not been explored much due to its relatively treacherous terrain, lying steeply on the high ground of the cave complex. It is also a cave that attracts those who love exploration and adventure. What Thuy Tinh Cave has is still a mystery yet to be solved.

Address: Be Van Dan, Nam Loong, Lai Châu town, Lai Châu

Ban Na Luong, located in Na Tam commune, Tam Duong district, Lai Chau, is home to more than 90 households with 400 Laotian residents. The scenery here remains pristine, and traditional cultural values ​​are still preserved by the locals, so they are not affected by the passage of time. This has made the Laotian community in Na Luong a fascinating community tourism destination for domestic and foreign tourists.

According to the explanation of the local people here, in the Lao ethnic language, the word 'Luong' means 'dragon', and 'Na' means 'field'. According to legend, this is a fertile land, with a flat terrain, green mountains, and the clear Nậm Mu river flowing gently all year round, conducive to rice cultivation and corn planting. The picturesque scenery and the hospitality of the people make dragons often come down to bathe and rest on the fields...

After about 20 minutes on the winding mountain road, tourists will be overwhelmed by the natural scenery here. In the golden sunlight of the late afternoon, the headwaters of Nậm Mu river shimmer under the sun like silver. Looking down from above, what strikes the eye of tourists is the golden rice fields ready for harvest.

Na Luong emerges with ancient stilt houses, and wisps of smoke in the evening drifting among the ancient trees.

The lives of the local indigenous people largely remain self-sufficient. The main dishes are mainly prepared from home-made products such as: wild vegetables, grilled stream fish, and bamboo-cooked rice... Although about 10km away from the district center, locals have long been growing vegetables to serve daily needs and contribute to community tourism development. In addition, Laotian men are skilled in carpentry, woodworking, and fishing. Laotian women are good at growing cotton, strawberries, raising silkworms, and farming. Women always spend time embroidering, sewing, and decorating their costumes with floral patterns. Each floral pattern, each stitch, represents perseverance, patience, love for nature, and a burning desire for a beautiful tomorrow.

Visiting Ban Na Luong, besides experiencing the daily production labor of the people on the terraced fields, the almost pristine forests, or the rich and diverse flora and fauna, tourists also immerse themselves in the unique cultural and traditional space. Beautiful costumes, shiny black teeth of young girls, ancient folk songs with the sound of mouth organs, flutes, or the water throwing ritual (Bun Voc Nam) on festive occasions, holidays, weddings... All blend together to create a unique, friendly, and hospitable Na Luong.

Address: Na Luong, Na Tam, Tam Duong, Lai Chau

Sin Ho is the highland border district of Lai Chau province, located about 60 km west of Lai Chau city. It borders Phong Tho district to the northeast; Lai Chau city and Tam Duong district to the east; Than Uyen district to the southeast; Nam Nhun district to the west; Tua Chua district (Dien Bien province) and Quynh Nhai district (Son La province) to the south; and Yunnan province (China) to the north.

The climate of Sin Ho district exhibits characteristics of the highland tropical region in Northwest Vietnam, with little influence from storms. The weather throughout the year is divided into two distinct seasons: cold and dry winter, hot and rainy summer with high humidity. The average annual rainfall is relatively high at about 2,604 mm/year and is unevenly distributed. Rainfall in highland areas ranges from 2,600 to 2,700 mm/year, while in lowland areas and along the Nam Na river it ranges from 2,480 to 2,750 mm/year. The highest rainfall occurs in June and July, accounting for up to 70% of the average annual rainfall. The average humidity ranges from 80 to 86% throughout the year, with the highest in July ranging from 85 to 90%, and the lowest in March ranging from 70 to 80%. The total sunshine hours range from 1,850 to 1,900 hours per year.

Sin Ho boasts a dense and diverse network of rivers and streams. The district has two main rivers, the Da River and the Nam Na River, as well as numerous streams with large water reserves such as Nam Ma Stream, Nam Mung Stream, Nam Tam Stream, and Phieng Ot Stream. Particularly, the district has 08 communes located within the reservoir area of ​​the Son La hydroelectric lake. The favorable terrain, climate, hydrology, and rivers are conducive to economic development and the development of eco-tourism, landscapes, and resorts.

In addition, the district is home to many scenic spots, historical relics, caves, and famous natural rock formations such as Rock Mountain, Quan Am Cave, and Heaven's Gate... The district is inhabited by many ethnic groups such as the Thai, Dao, Lu, H'Mong... each with its own cultural identity, with songs, dances, and the melodious sound of the mouth organ of the Thai people, and the dance and melodious sound of the H'Mong flute. Every year, during festivals and Tet holidays, visitors can also witness the Gau Tao festival, a traditional festival of the H'Mong people.

Sin Ho is also famous for its unique cuisine of the Thai and Mong people such as: Moss Stone combined with forest leaves, grilled fish, dried meat, spicy fish salad with chili, the fragrant flavor of 'mac khen', wild pepper, lemongrass, ginger, sour bamboo shoot soup... showcasing the talent and skillfulness of the women in the Northwest region, and each dish deeply imbued with sincerity.

Address: Sin Ho, Lai Chau

Bach Moc Luong Tu is the enchanting name given by travelers to the Ky Quan San mountain range. Located on the border between Lao Cai and Lai Chau provinces, with an altitude of 3,046 meters above sea level, Bach Moc Luong Tu ranks fourth in the top 10 highest mountains in Vietnam. Standing at the summit, travelers can indulge in their passion for 'cloud hunting' and enjoy the vast sky. 'Sunrise on the clouds' has truly become the brand of Bach Moc.

Similar to other mountainous provinces in Northwest Vietnam, the weather in Bach Moc Luong Tu is cool in summer and cold in winter. The ideal time to conquer this mountain is during the transitional period between spring and summer when the weather is not too cold but not too hot either.

With its majestic, pristine yet romantic and surreal beauty, Bach Moc Luong Tu becomes an irresistible attraction for adventure travelers who love to challenge themselves. It is dubbed as the 'Cloud Heaven of Northwest Vietnam', a promising destination for adventurous souls.

Address: Sin Suoi Ho, Phong Tho, Lai Chau