15 Tourist destinations in Tay Bac, Vietnam

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The Tay Bac, the land of majestic mountains, golden terraced fields and rustic villages, is always a destination that makes every traveler’s heart flutter. From breathtaking passes to peaceful villages, this article will take you through each  specific, detailed and fascinating Tay Bac tourist destination.

Tay Bac Vietnam
Tay Bac Vietnam

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15 Tourist destinations in Tay Bac, Vietnam

1. Fansipan Peak (Sa Pa, Lao Cai) – “The Roof of Indochina”

Fansipan Peak, located in the heart of poetic Sa Pa, is a must-see tourist destination in the Tay Bac with an altitude of 3,143m – worthy of the title “roof of Indochina“. You can choose a modern cable car to see the majestic mountains in 15 minutes, or try trekking through the dense Hoang Lien Son forest – an experience for adventurous souls.

Fansipan - Vietnam
Fansipan – Vietnam

The sea of white clouds drifts lazily beneath your feet, like a paradise in real life. Don’t forget to visit the pagoda complex on the top – a sacred place in harmony with majestic nature. This is the place that brings the feeling of standing on the highest peak of the country, embracing the beauty of Sa Pa in your heart.

2. Dong Van Plateau (Dong Van, Ha Giang) – Mysterious stone plateau

Dong Van Plateau, located in the remote Dong Van district of Ha Giang, is a tourist destination with an incredibly wild beauty. Recognized by UNESCO as a Global Geopark, this place impresses with its endless gray cat-ear rocks, like a mysterious natural painting.

Lung Cu Flagpole – the place marking the northernmost point of the country, standing here you will feel pride rising when looking down at the green valley. Dong Van market with colorful H’Mong costumes is also an unforgettable experience, blending into the rhythm of mountain life. This is a place not to be missed for those who desire to explore the original beauty and rich culture.

3. Muong Hoa Valley (Sa Pa, Lao Cai) – Colorful terraced fields

Muong Hoa Valley (Sa Pa, Lao Cai) – Colorful terraced fields
Muong Hoa Valley (Sa Pa, Lao Cai) – Colorful terraced fields

Muong Hoa Valley, nestled at the foot of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range in Sa Pa, is a destination that captivates all nature lovers. During the rice harvest season (September-October), the terraced fields curve like brilliant yellow silk ribbons, creating a rare, picturesque landscape painting.

What is the special highlight of Muong Hoa valley? The 15km long Hoa stream flows through the valley, murmuring along with the sound of the mountain wind, bringing a feeling of absolute peace. Don’t miss the ancient stone field with mysterious patterns from thousands of years ago – a mystery waiting for you to discover. This is the perfect place to sightsee, take pictures and enjoy the fresh air of Sa Pa.

4. Ma Pi Leng Pass (Meo Vac, Ha Giang) – King of the passes

Ma Pi Leng Pass, connecting Dong Van and Meo Vac in Ha Giang, is known as the “king of passes” in Vietnam. More than 20km long, the pass winds between steep cliffs, bringing a feeling of both suspense and excitement. Winding around the pass is the Nho Que River, sparkling with emerald green, flowing under the deep abyss like a natural masterpiece in the heart of the rocky mountains.

Standing on the pass, you will feel small before the majesty of the land and sky. This is one of the  beautiful Tay Bac scenes  that you cannot miss if you are passionate about backpacking and “addicted” to the feeling of wanting to conquer challenges.

5. Ban Lac (Mai Chau, Hoa Binh) – Peaceful paradise

Ban Lac (Mai Chau, Hoa Binh) – Peaceful paradise
Ban Lac (Mai Chau, Hoa Binh) – Peaceful paradise

Ban Lac is located in the poetic Mai Chau valley of Hoa Binh. This is a tourist destination with a rare gentle beauty. The rustic wooden stilt houses of the Thai people appear and disappear in the middle of the green valley, surrounded by fragrant rice fields, creating a peaceful scene like a painting.

Experience cycling around the village, listening to the melodious Thai flute and enjoying the bustling bamboo dance. This is a place for you to temporarily leave the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the slow pace of life. Ban Lac is the ideal stopover for those who seek relaxation and the beauty of ethnic culture.

6. Khau Pha Pass (Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai) – Romantic peak

Khau Pha Pass, located in Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai, is ranked as one of the “four great mountain passes” in Vietnam with a length of more than 30km. The pass winds between the mountain slopes, opening up a scene of golden terraced fields, as beautiful as a watercolor painting in the ripe rice season (September-October).

The sea of white clouds drifting slowly at the foot of the pass gives the feeling of being lost in a fairyland. This is the dream road of backpackers, where you can both challenge your driving skills and be fascinated by the beauty of nature. Khau Pha Pass is a must-see Tay Bac tourist destination for those who love freedom and romantic scenery.

7. Dai Yem Waterfall (Moc Chau, Son La) – Soft stream

Dai Yem Waterfall (Moc Chau, Son La) – Soft stream
Dai Yem Waterfall (Moc Chau, Son La) – Soft stream

Dai Yem Waterfall, located in the middle of the green Moc Chau plateau of Son La, is a scenic spot with a gentle yet captivating beauty. The white water flows down from a height of more than 100m, soft as a silk strip across the mountains and forests, especially majestic in the rainy season (May-September).

The cool, fresh air blends with the sound of flowing water, bringing a feeling of absolute relaxation. Surrounding the waterfall, green pine forests and small paths lead the way, making this place an ideal check-in spot. Dai Yem Waterfall is the perfect destination for you to enjoy nature and capture beautiful moments.

8. Lung Cu Flagpole (Dong Van, Ha Giang) – The sacred northernmost point

Lung Cu Flagpole, located on the Dong Van Plateau, Ha Giang, is a sacred tourist attraction, marking the northernmost point of the country. From the top of the 1,470m high flagpole, the red flag with a yellow star flies proudly among the rugged mountains, evoking intense national pride.

Standing on the top of the mountain, the panoramic view of the rocky plateau stretches before your eyes with small, pretty H’Mong villages hidden in the mist. Conquering the 839 steps up to the flagpole is not only a journey of discovery but also a moment for you to feel the majesty of the land and sky. This is a must-see Tay Bac tourist destination for those who want to set foot in the northernmost part of Vietnam.

9. Cau Dat Tea Hill (Moc Chau, Son La) – Endless green

Cau Dat Tea Hill (Moc Chau, Son La) – Endless green
Cau Dat Tea Hill (Moc Chau, Son La) – Endless green

Cau Dat Tea Hill is one of the prominent destinations in Moc Chau Plateau, Son La. Visiting here, you will feel the  peace amidst the endless green of the fields. The soft, winding tea rows stretch as far as the eye can see, like a living carpet in the middle of the mountains and forests.

The cool, fresh air and the faint scent of tea make you want to sit down, sip a cup of hot tea and let your soul drift with the wind. This is also an ideal place to take photos, with beautiful “virtual living” angles in the middle of nature. Cau Dat Tea Hill is the perfect tourist destination for those who love relaxation and want to enjoy the famous Moc Chau tea specialty.

10. Sin Suoi Ho Village (Phong Tho, Lai Chau)

Sin Suoi Ho Village, located in Phong Tho District, Lai Chau, is a mysterious and peaceful Tay Bac tourist destination where you will feel like you are lost in a “paradise garden” in the middle of the mountains and forests. Thousands of wild orchids bloom all year round, decorating the winding small roads with brilliant purple, white, and yellow.

The fresh, quiet air and the sound of the stream flowing through the village create a rare natural symphony. Although the road to get there is a bit bumpy, the wild and rustic beauty of Sin Suoi Ho will make you forget all the hardships. This is a place for those who want to find a hidden place to enjoy the peace with wild beauty.

11. Hill A1 (Dien Bien Phu, Dien Bien) – Historical site of the Dien Bien Phu battle

Hill A1 (Dien Bien Phu, Dien Bien) – Historical site of the Dien Bien Phu battle
Hill A1 (Dien Bien Phu, Dien Bien) – Historical site of the Dien Bien Phu battle

Hill A1, located in the center of Dien Bien Phu city, is a tourist attraction steeped in historical value, marking the victory that “resounded throughout the five continents and shook the world” in 1954. The special highlight? The fortified command bunker of the French army is still intact, next to a tank and a giant bomb crater – evidence of the fierce battle of the past.

Standing on the hill, you will feel the solemn and sacred atmosphere combined with the majestic surrounding mountains and forests. This is not only a place to explore history but also a place to arouse national pride in every visitor.

12. Silver Waterfall (Sa Pa, Lao Cai)

Silver Waterfall, about 12km from the center of Sa Pa, is a wild and enchanting beauty. From a height of more than 200m, the white water rushes down, creating a mist that sparkles like silver under the sunlight – the origin of the waterfall’s poetic name.

The cool air all year round, combined with the sound of water rushing through the deep green pine forest, brings a wonderful feeling of refreshment. This is the ideal place for you to take pictures and enjoy the pristine nature. Silver Waterfall is a destination not to be missed when visiting Sa Pa.

13. Pa Khoang Lake (Muong Phang, Dien Bien) – Peaceful in Thai village

Pa Khoang Lake (Muong Phang, Dien Bien) – Peaceful in Thai village
Pa Khoang Lake (Muong Phang, Dien Bien) – Peaceful in Thai village

Pa Khoang Lake, located in Muong Phang Commune, Dien Bien, is a tourist destination with a peaceful beauty in the heart of the mountains and forests. The calm, clear blue lake reflects the rolling mountains and more than 10 Thai villages along the shore, creating a rare poetic scene.

Don’t miss the experience of rowing a boat on the lake, watching the sunset and visiting the nearby Ten village to enjoy xoè dance and bamboo rice. The fresh air and tranquility here will soothe all your fatigue. Pa Khoang Lake is an ideal place for those looking for a peaceful place in the midst of Dien Bien nature.

14. Tu Le Valley (Van Chan, Yen Bai) – Fragrant rice scent

Tu Le Valley, located in Van Chan District, Yen Bai, is a prominent tourist destination with its rustic and simple beauty. During the rice harvest season (September-October), the golden terraced fields stretch across the valley, exuding the fragrant scent of Tu Le sticky rice – a famous specialty of the region.

The natural hot spring is located in the middle of the valley, where you can soak and relax after a long journey. Tu Le is not only a place to sightsee but also to enjoy unique cuisine such as sticky rice. This is definitely a destination that will make you fascinated by the beauty of the countryside and friendly people.

15. Hang Kia (Mai Chau, Hoa Binh) – Village in the clouds

Hang Kia (Mai Chau, Hoa Binh) – Village in the clouds
Hang Kia (Mai Chau, Hoa Binh) – Village in the clouds

Hang Kia, located at an altitude of over 1,000m in Mai Chau, Hoa Binh, is a destination with a magical beauty like a fairyland. The village is hidden among the layers of white clouds drifting slowly, creating a poetic scene that is rarely compared to any other place.

The Hmong weekend market, where colorful clothes and bustling laughter are evident, is imbued with the culture of the mountains and forests. With a cool climate all year round, Hang Kia is an ideal place for you to enjoy the fresh air and explore the ethnic life. This is the perfect tourist destination for those who want to “escape” to the highlands, immerse themselves in nature and people.

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Experiences to know before traveling to the Tay Bac in 2025

  • Best time: March (flowers blooming), September-October (rice ripening).
  • Means: Motorbike for backpacking experience, bus/car from Hanoi.
  • Accommodation: Homestay in the village (Ban Lac, Hang Kia) or hotel in town (Sa Pa, Moc Chau).
  • Preparation: Warm clothes, climbing shoes, camera to record the beauty of the natural landscape.

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