Your tailor-made tours specialist in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar & Laos

Lai Chau is a north-western border province of the country, 450 km southeast of Hanoi. The North and Northwest borders with China, Dien Bien province on the west, and Lao Cai and Yen Bai provinces on the east and southeast, and Son La province on the south. The landscape is beautiful and made up of high mountain ranges stretching from the northwest to the southeast with narrow valleys, beautiful rivers and springs completing the natural beauty of the place.

Best time to visit

Lai Chau has a tropical monsoon climate with hot days and cold nights. The best times to travel to Lai Chau are springs (February to April) and winters (November – January). The annual temperatures range is from 21oC to 23oC. The yearly weather pattern is as follows:

  • May to September: rainy season, high temperatures and humidity
  • November to March: dry season, cold weather, low humidity

Check the below table for the general idea of Lai Chau weather throughout the year.

Month Avg. High (°C) Avg. Mean (°C) Avg. Low (°C)
Jan 11.2 8.1 5.6
Feb 15.3 11.7 8.5
Mar 19.6 15.6 12.1
Apr 21 17.3 14.4
May 23.4 20.1 17.3
Jun 22.9 20.2 17.8
Jul 22.3 19.6 17.5
Aug 22.6 19.4 17.2
Sep 21 18.1 16.1
Oct 18.6 15.5 13.3
Nov 16.4 13.6 11.3
Dec 11.8 8.8 6.5

Lai Chau’s current weather and 7-day forecast

LAI CHAU WEATHER

Lai Chau possesses sublime nature with mountain peaks among the highest ones in Vietnam. You'd need permits from the local authority to climb these mountains though. The province is home to a number of diverse ethnic communities that can be visited on your trip through Lai Chau such as Gia Khau Village (Hmong, near the city), Hon Village (Lu People, Tam Duong District, 15km from the city), Na Luong (Lao People, Tam Duong District), Pu Dao (Hmong, Sin Ho District), Vang Pheo (Thai, Phong Tho District, 30km from the city)...

Here are top things to do in Lai Chau:

1. Sin Ho Plateau

A trip to Sin Ho village is really an off-the-beaten-track journey to all arrivals on a tour to Northern Vietnam. Sin Ho village, located in Sin Ho district, Lai Chau Province, about 60km to the west of Lai Chau city, is considered as ‘the roof of Lai Chau province’ with an altitude of 1,500m and the cool climate all year round. The village has attracted more and more tourists in recent years thanks to its unspoiled nature the diverse cultures of local ethnic minorities.

Coming to there, tourists will be appealed by abundant stunning and picturesque landscapes such as O Rocky Mountain, Tien Cave, Pu Sam Cap cave ensemble, Sin Ho Stream, etc. When deeply learning about the daily life and unique customs of ethnic groups there, you can pay a visit to the villages of Pu Dao, Ta Ghenh, Hoang Ho, Ta Phin, Phang Xo Lin, etc or integrating into highland markets on weekends. Particularly, you can have a great experience of different types of cure methods such as medicinal herb bath, massage, and point acupuncture services on your tour to Vietnam.

Some should be recommended to bring along:

  • Motorbike: it could be rented
  • Sleeping bags and tent: in case that you cannot find any accommodation.
  • Food and water
  • Raincoat and warm clothes: it can be chilly at night and early in the morning. Lai Chau weather is very unpredictable and rains can happen quite often
  • The app maps

2. Pu Sam Cap Cave

The creator has granted Lai Chau many majestic mountain ranges, lush green forests, beautiful rivers, and streams….Among these, Pu Sam Cam is the brightest tourism point, a must-see destination for a tour to the Northwest.
Pu Sam Cap cave, a limestone mountain range formed from the tectonic era, is on the way to Sin Ho plateau. This complex consists of 3 big caves named Thien Mon (Heaven Gate), Thien Duong (Paradise) and Thuy Tinh (Glass). With wild and mysterious scenery, Pu Sam Cap cave has been luring intrepid tourists.

3. Hoang Lien Son National Park

Hoang Lien Son National Park is one of the important special-use forests of Vietnam for ecotourism and scientific research. On the northwest of the Hoang Lien mountain range located the highest peak Fansipan Indochina (at 3,143m). There are 2,024 species of 200 families of plants, including 66 species in the Red Data Book of Vietnam, 32 rare species, 11 endangered species such as blue cypress, bamboo, red pine. Apart from this, there are 700 species of medicinal plants, such as rhododendron, needle, cardamom, etc.

You can have trekking and overnight camping trips or enjoy a lot of other activities such as archery, bird watching and learning how to walk on stilts.

4. Tam Duong Market

Tam Duong is the town between Sapa and Lai Chau. Tam Duong market is a typical mountain market. On the midway through town on National Highway 2, the local market is a must-see visit.

Being at the foot of Hoang Lien Son mountain range, Tam Duong market is not only the trading place for local specialties and production tools but also the meeting point for the Dao, Mong, Thai, Giay, and Lu ethnic minority people on every Thursday and Sunday.

When shopping in this market, you will be lost in the middle of abundant locally-made products which reflect the local culture. Market goers, in their hand-made colorful costumes, sell even locally-made musical instruments like flutes and pipes.

5. The Village of Na Luong

Thanks to the uncultivated beauty and the remaining cultural values, the village of Na Luong (Na Tam commune, Tam Duong, Lai Chau) has become a tourist attraction attracting the eyes of adventurers. 100% of the inhabitants who are of the Lao ethnic group know how to preserve striking features of the tradition. The stilt houses hidden above the green trees in the fog and the women in colorful clothes impress you right away. It is perfect to participate in the traditional spring water fight.

6. The Village of Vang Pheo

Vang Pheo Village (Muong So Commune, Phong Tho District) is a place that has long been home to the ethnic White Thai. The culture of the Thai White ethnic group in Vang Pheo remains intact despite development. Houses on stilts, White Thai clothes (black dress, long …)  all preserved bath you in the minority culture. Traditional games during the holidays (nem con, gay day …) are worth discovering.

7. The Rice Field of Muong Than

Muong Than is the third of the four largest rice paddies in the mountainous regions of northern Vietnam. The seasons of rice, corn, vegetables give different colors to the landscapes.

8. Tac Tinh Waterfall

Tac Tinh Waterfall is known as mother nature provides fresh and plentiful freshwater for people in Tam Duong district. Every time the rainy season comes, the water from the top of Hoang Lien Son mountain makes the image of Tac Tinh Waterfall be lively with the water flowing down to the lake looked like white silk stretching to the bottom of the waterfall.

9. Pu Ta Leng Peak

Before conquering Mount Fansipan – the roof of Indochina, you have to overcome the peak Pu Ta Leng. In order to reach the peak of Pu Ta Leng, the visitors have to prepare psychological readiness for climbing the stream through the forest thoroughly. A secret to traveling Lai Chau safely is to go on a sunny day if you want to successfully conquer the peak of Pu Ta Leng mountain. If it rains, the road is extremely difficult and also easy to encounter natural disasters such as flash floods.

Lai Chau is getting popular and visited more frequently by foreign travellers and Vietnamese tourists nowadays, but the infrastructure for tourism is still not up to international standards. There are no luxury travel services in Lai Chau just yet. There are decent hotels in Lai Chau City and Phong Tho Town though. You can also find clean and simple guest houses in other townships such as Tam Duong, Than Uyen, Tan Uyen, Sin Ho, Muong Te. Homestay at a local ethnic family can be a good choice for those who love an authentic and engaging experience, but the service is not stable due to lack of visitors.

Tam Duong is the capital of Lai Chau province. If you come here, Muong Thanh Lai Chau hotel is the best choice. 

Muong Thanh Lai Chau Hotel

Add: 113 le Duan Street, Tan Phong Ward, Lai Chau city, Lai Chau

Whether you're a tourist or traveling on business, Muong Thanh Lai Chau Hotel is a great choice for accommodation when visiting Lai Chau. From here, guests can enjoy easy access to all that the lively city has to offer. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations.

The facilities and services provided by Muong Thanh Lai Chau Hotel ensure a pleasant stay for guests. To name a few of the hotel's facilities, there are free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, Wi-Fi in public areas, car park.
98 rooms spread over 7 floors provide a warm and pleasant home away from home. Modern comforts such as television LCD/plasma screen, internet access – wireless, internet access – wireless (complimentary), non smoking rooms, air conditioning can be found in selected rooms. Besides, the hotel's host of recreational offerings ensures you have plenty to do during your stay.

1. Purple sticky rice

This food is prepared by the skillful hands of the Thai, and Day women….The local women often say they have their own secrets to cook this food, so the taste of this rice is unique and special which attracts all the visitors from near or far.
Khau Cam (its medical name is Hedyotis capitellata), the ingredient makes the purple color, is mixed with the scented sticky rice which has been washed and soaked in water from previous 6 hours. This food is the reason for many tourists to come back there again.

2. Smoked Pork

This food is originated from the Pu Na people, but then it is extended to be the traditional food of some highland people. This dish has a typical mountainous as well as impressive taste.

This kind of Jambon must be done in winter. If not, this will fail and unable to eat. To cook this food, locals marinate pork in a long time about 5-7 days, then hung up in the kitchen and smoked until meat is dry, fat is melted. The typical seasoning for this food is Mac Khen ( a kind of spices made of seeds from Mac Khen trees).

3. Diplazium esculentum Salad (nom rau don)

This is the typical dish of Thai people in Lai Chau. To prepare this salad, the freshest shoots of the diplazium esculentum is chosen, then cleaned and dried under the sun. Then, it will be put in a pot called ‘Cho’ to steam them within about 20 minutes to keep them green. After finishing, the food will be mixed with spices: chili, lemon, ginger,….

When enjoying the food, you will feel the sweet and buttery taste of the diplazium esculentum as well as the sour and spicy different spices.

Lai Chau is aroudn 450km from Hanoi and it takes full day to get there by bus. Sleeping bus is highly recommended as it is comfortable and possible to sleep during the long journey. There is no airport in Lai Chau and below are our suggestions:

By plane to Dien Bien

From Hanoi, tourists can take an hour flight to Dien Bien then catch the bus to Lai Chau which takes around 3-4 hours.

Contact us for the latest flight schedule and price. Or you can check via some online platform such as SkyScanner.com or Kayak.com

Here you can find some tips to book the cheapest flight

By road

From Hanoi, tourists take the bus to Lao Cai and visit Sapa for few days before catching the bus from Sapa to Lai Chau which takes around 2 hours.

TOUR PACKAGES INCLUDING "Lai Chau"

Vietnam Adventure Holiday: The Unseen Northern Vietnam in 4 Weeks Vietnam Adventure Holiday: The Unseen Northern Vietnam in 4 Weeks

- Vietnam -

Vietnam Adventure Holiday: The Unseen Northern Vietnam in 4 Weeks
Unseen / 27 days / fr. $2,549

Explore Vietnam’s most remote and rugged region with an unforgettable scenic road trip. The journey rewards with visits to colorful hill-tribe villages and a chance to summit Vietnam’s... More

Vietnam Adventure Travel: 3-Week Trek the Northwestern Vietnam in Style Vietnam Adventure Travel: 3-Week Trek the Northwestern Vietnam in Style

- Vietnam -

Vietnam Adventure Travel: 3-Week Trek the Northwestern Vietnam in Style
Trek & Hike / 24 days / fr. $2,590

Venture into Vietnam’s north, escaping the modern world and delving into a land rich in culture and natural beauty. Spend the night in the middle of nowhere, trek through vibrant rice terrace... More

Vietnam Adventure Tours: 18-Day The Unseen Northwestern Vietnam Adventure Tours: 18-Day The Unseen Northwestern

- Vietnam -

Vietnam Adventure Tours: 18-Day The Unseen Northwestern
Unseen / 18 days / fr. $1,920

Exploring the fairy-tale landscapes of Northwestern Vietnam in style. Starting the discovery at the famous Sapa before heading to Son La & Dien Bien Phu, touching clouds on grandiose mountains... More

Northwest Vietnam Pedal Tour: 11-Day Cycling Sapa to Hanoi Northwest Vietnam Pedal Tour: 11-Day Cycling Sapa to Hanoi

- Vietnam -

Northwest Vietnam Pedal Tour: 11-Day Cycling Sapa to Hanoi
Cycling & Biking / 11 days / fr. $1,523

Ride across the soaring landscapes of Northern Vietnam on an unforgettable biking adventure. Pedal from Sapa to Hanoi, crossing over vibrant mountain ranges and through lush valleys. Stop to mingle... More

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN Vietnam
Hanoi
Hanoi

Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay

Sapa
Sapa

Hoi An
Hoi An

Hue
Hue

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

image
24-hour response
guaranteed!
REQUEST A FREE QUOTE
NOT READY YET?

We believe you have the right to arm yourselves with as much information as possible before making any decision. Check below our recommended plans regarding the theme you prefer or what you can do based on the time frame you have

Vietnam PLANS BY TRAVEL THEME
Must-see
bee-white Must-see

Check out all the must-see places and things to do & see

Luxury Holiday
bee-white Luxury Holiday

Unique experience combined with top-notch services

Honeymoon Vacation
bee-white Honeymoon Vacation

Easy excursions combined with unique experience making the long-lasting romantic memories

Wellness & Leisure
bee-white Wellness & Leisure

Easy excursion combined with week-long beach break

Cruise
bee-white Cruise

The combination of some must-see experience and the cruise tour along the mighty rivers

Family Vacation
bee-white Family Vacation

The combination of fun and educational activities

Unseen
bee-white Unseen

Reveal off-the-beatentrack routes, least explored destinations, and unknown tribe groups

Cycling & Biking
bee-white Cycling & Biking

Explore every corners of the destination on two wheels

Trek & Hike
bee-white Trek & Hike

Explore the least visited destinations and unknown experience on foot

Vietnam PLANS BY TIME FRAME
white-icon About 1 week
yellow-icon About 1 week
white-icon About 2 weeks
yellow-icon About 2 weeks
white-icon About 3 weeks
yellow-icon About 3 weeks
white-icon About 4 weeks
yellow-icon About 4 weeks
image
Already got a plan? REQUEST A FREE QUOTE
Vietnam TRAVEL TIPS & GUIDE

Either are you wondering about best time to visit, visa policy, or how to get the cheapest flight, we have your back!
WHAT MORE? Choose the country you plan to visit, then search for your nationality below to see our special travel tips & advice for your country. CONTACT US if you cannot find yours.

Tourist Visa Policy
bee-white Tourist Visa Policy
Best Time to Visit
bee-white Best Time to Visit
Budget & Currency
bee-white Budget & Currency
Getting Flight There
bee-white Getting Flight There
Packing List
bee-white Packing List
Internet & Phone
bee-white Internet & Phone
Local Etiquette
bee-white Local Etiquette
Getting Around
bee-white Getting Around
Safety & Precautions
bee-white Safety & Precautions
Buying & Bargaining
bee-white Buying & Bargaining
Tipping Customs
bee-white Tipping Customs
Travel Insurance
bee-white Travel Insurance
Vaccinations
bee-white Vaccinations
Useful addresses
bee-white Useful addresses
Vietnam BLOG ARTICLES

Taking a cruise on the fascinating Mekong River offers a unique and memorable travel experience. The Mekong River, one of the longest rivers in Asia, flows through several countries, including China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Each destination along the river offers its own distinct cultural, historical, and natural attractions. In this article, we will go over what you can expect when cruising the Mekong River. 

...more

Before being awarded a one-star rating by Michelin Guide for the first time, four Vietnamese restaurants - one in HCMC and three in Hanoi - were honored by international media and received applause from foreign diners.

...more

"Should I visit Thailand or Vietnam?" is some of the most frequently asked questions that we have from our travelers

Well, Vietnam and Thailand are the most popular holiday destinations in Southeast Asia. They are similar in climate and food, though obviously different in culture, lifestyle and travel experience.

Below we list 13 major differences between the two countries, to give you a quick overview and help you decide which to visit first. These are based on our own travel experiences, investigations, and partnerships with local operators.

...more

How long to spend in Vietnam may seem like a ridiculous question to address, but if you have plenty of time and aren’t sure how much to dedicate, this blog will definitely help you out.

You can find here and there that you should spend 10 days, 2 weeks, 20 days, or 1 month to best explore Vietnam. So what is the best Vietnam tour duration for you?

Well, as long as you like! From 10 days to a month, there are various ways you can travel across Vietnam and uncover its secrets. Advising an ideal trip length for Vietnam is a bit of a complex challenge, as it depends on several factors such as the places you wish to visit, the activities you plan to join, or if you want to combine Vietnam with its neighbor countries. 

Stay tuned! We are going to sort all these things out including the step-by-step guide to create the best itinerary in Vietnam.

...more

Vietnam would scrap the Covid-19 testing requirement for all arrivals starting Sunday, May 15th 2022, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has directed.

In a document issued Friday, the Prime Minister requested the Ministry of Health to closely follow the coronavirus situation and provide proper guidance. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should direct Vietnamese authorities outside the country to inform people who wish to enter Vietnam to follow appropriate disease prevention measures, he said.

The latest decision has been made as the number of Covid-19 infections and deaths drops both in Vietnam and around the world. Several countries have been taking steps to relax coronavirus restrictions, including scrapping testing before entry.

Current policies issued by the health ministry require entrants to have negative results from PCR tests done within the previous 72 hours, or a negative result from a rapid test done within the last 24 hours.

Those who don’t have a negative test result must refrain from making contact with others during the first 24 hours after entry. They will be able to move freely once they test negative after arrival.

Children under two don’t need to be tested.

Vietnam stopped requiring medical declarations from those arriving from abroad starting April 27, and for domestic travel starting April 30.

...more

The “Colorful Hanoi” hot air balloon festival is one of the attractive activities within the framework of the program “Hanoi tourism welcomes 2022” taking place from March 25-27, 2022.

...more
CHECK OUT OTHER DESTINATIONS
Thailand
bee-white Thailand
Friendly and food-obsessed, hedonistic and historic, cultured and curious, Thailand tempts visitors with a smile as golden as the country's glittering temples and tropical beaches.
Cambodia
bee-white Cambodia
There's a magic about this charming yet confounding kingdom that casts a spell on visitors. In Cambodia, ancient and modern worlds collide to create an authentic adventure.
Myanmar
bee-white Myanmar
It's a new era for this extraordinary and complex land, where the landscape is scattered with gilded pagodas and the traditional ways of Asia endure.
Laos
bee-white Laos
Vivid nature, voluptuous landscapes and a vibrant culture collide with a painful past and optimistic future to make Laos an enigmatic experience for the adventurous.
loading
back top