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Another province in the Northwesttern region of Vietnam, Lao Cai adjoins four
Vietnam’s provinces Lai Chau,
Ha Giang,
Yen Bai and
Son La. It has a total area
of up to 6’383.9 sq. km and a population of 613.1 thousand inhabitants,
including major ethnic groups of the country such as Viet (Kinh), H’Mong, Tay,
Dao, Thai, etc.
As its location implies, Lao Cai possess a true mountainous yet diverse
topography with several valleys lying between hills and mountains. Fansipan -
the most famous mountain peak in Vietnam and also the highest peak in the
Indochina Peninsula, stands 3’143 m above the sea level. This is one of the most
precious treasures of Asia, and one of the most visited attractions in the whole
country. There are approximately 107 rivers flowing pass Lao Cai, including Red
River (the one that crosses Hanoi), Chay River, and Nam Mu River. Such wondrous
terrain also gives the province more than 30 types of mineral among which
cooper, iron and apatite are most valuable. Mother Nature also loves this land
so much that she gave it an admirable variety of biological treasures: 2000
types of flower, 442 types of bird and animal. Many of them can only be found in
Lao Cai and nowhere else in Vietnam, or in the world to be exact.
Lao Cai’s climate can gives you a whole range of feelings: sometimes it is too
cold to enjoy the scenery, but most of the time it is dry and cool enough to
become one’s frequent getaway. Annual average temperature is about 23oC. Snow is
reported to have fallen down during some winter, but they are totally the
tropical type of snow! So in a nutshell, the weather can be summarized in two
words: chill out! The rains only come between April and September, but they are
the mild, romantic tropical rains that are worth looking for.
If you have ever heard about Vietnam tourism, you might have known a little bit
about the famed Sa Pa tourism magnet. Yes it is in Lao Cai. But apart from
Sa
Pa, there are still hundreds of places that can amaze you in this part of
Vietnam. If you want something historical, try visiting Muong Hoa Valley, Pho
Rang vestige, and beautiful caves in Cam Duong or
Bac Ha. Those are where you
can find pictures, maps, handwritings from centuries ago. If you want to try
something else more entertaining, a trekking trip to the villages of the ethnic
groups such as Cat Cat Village is an absolutely good idea. No matter which type
of person you are, or what resource you have available, there will be something
for you to explore in Lao Cai. Now get ready, let’s go! |
