Lao Cai is a provincial capital in the northwest of Vietnam, close to the China Yunnan border. Visitors heading for Kunming in Yunnan often make a stop in Lao Cai.
The main reasons for coming to Lao Cai are for the border crossing into southwest China and ultimately to the city of Kunming, while nearby Sapa in northern Vietnam is also a popular tourist haunt. To the north of Lao Cai town is Vietnam’s highest mountain, Phan Xi Păng (Fansipan).
Lao Cai is a market town first and foremost and many ethnic groups come here to sell their wares. Some great souvenirs can be had. The Red River (Song Hong) cuts a path through Lao Cai Province and much of the province is heavily forested and lofty, making for good trekking.
Getting There & Away
Lao Cai lies on the Hai Phong railway, 340kms northwest of Hanoi. The best way here is by sleeper train; a 9-hour journey from the Vietnamese capital. Buses also run here from Hanoi as well as from Sapa (1 hour, 30 minutes) and Kunming in Yunnan, China. Hanoi’s international airport (Noi Bai International Airport) is the nearest main gateway.
Things to Do
Lao Cai Attractions
- Phan Xi Păng
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Vietnam’s highest point has good trekking and affords fine views over lao cai province.