Explore off tracks breathtaking landscapes and immerse in fascinating local cultures.
The mountainous province of Lai Chau, located in the northwest of Vietnam, is one of the most sparsely populated in the country and shares a border with China.
The province, primarily rural and mountainous, is home to two of Vietnam's most significant peaks: Phan Xi Pang, the highest point in the country, and Phu Si Lùng. It's a region of sublime landscapes, with terraced rice fields, karst mountains, peaks exceeding 3000 meters elevation, with tea and rose plantations.
Lai Chau is also a treasure of cultural diversity, hosting a wide variety of ethnic minorities. Twenty ethnic groups live here, representing 84% of the population. Among them are the H'mong, Dao, Tai, Mien, La Hu, Si La, and many others. Each group possesses a unique cultural identity, traditions, and customs, enriching the cultural mosaic of the region.
The provincial capital, also named Lai Chau, has 70,000 inhabitants and is located in the middle of a broad valley. It's a sprawling, modernized city with the necessary infrastructure to welcome tourists. Over the past decade, the city has benefited from significant resources for its expansion and modernization. Its central square, around which the provincial administrative buildings are situated, is considered the most beautiful in the country due to its location, design, and impressive dimensions.
Long one of the most remoted region of Vietnam, the province has also benefited from extensive investment programs, contributing to the strong expansion of its economy in recent years, aided by its proximity to China. Transport infrastructure in general, and road infrastructure in particular, have greatly improved. A new tunnel road connecting Lao Cai to Lai Chau is under construction, as is the joint Lao Cai / Lai Chau airport.
Lai Chau is located 60 km from Sapa, 95 km from Lao Cai, 200 km from Dien Bien Phu, and 380 km from Hanoi. It is an ideal stopover for those exploring the northwest of Vietnam.
About Lai Chau
How to get in Lai Chau ?
By Bus: There are several bus companies operating routes from Sapa / Hanoi to Lai Chau.
From Hanoi, buses usually depart from My Dinh bus station in Hanoi. The journey takes around 6-7 hours, so it's best to opt for a sleeper bus for a more comfortable trip. Tickets = 450,000 VND
From Sapa, Many local minibuses travel to and from Lai Chau. The distance is 60 km, and the journey takes around 2 hours. Rides would not exceed 80,000 to 120,000 VND
From Dien Bien Phu, as well many minibus options to rally Lai Chau. Distance is 200 km, takes 5 to 6 hours, and will cost between 150 to 200,000 VND
By Motorbike: For the more adventurous, you can rent a motorbike in Hanoi or Sapa and ride to Lai Chau. The roads can be challenging, with winding mountain passes, but the scenery is breathtaking. From Dien Bien Phu, you will drive on an easy and new road along Black river.
By Car: If you prefer a more comfortable and quicker option, you can hire a private car or taxi from Hanoi or Sapa. This allows you to travel at your own pace and make stops.
Lai Chau bus terminal propose many direct destinations to Lai Chau province and North (west and East) cities, among Hanoi, Hai Phong (Ha long Bay), Ninh Binh (Tam Coc) or Dien Bien Phu.
Sleeping bus have greatly improved in last years. The berths are spacious and comfortable, equipped with warm blankets. It is an economical and fast way that allows you to optimize your stay by traveling at night, so you can start your new days (almost) rested!
If you prefer private vehicles (cars, 4x4, van, minibus), we are partner with local transportation company offering recent and safe vehicles.
Practical Lai Chau
Below you will find practical information to make your stay in Lai Chau more enjoyable. These are not commercial recommendations (we do not receive any commissions), but simply suggestions. Of course, we remain at your disposal for more detailed information at the following address: Contact@tonkinoutdoor.com
Anh Hong Hotel ***
027 Đường Bờ Hồ Công Viên Thủy Sơn, Lai Chau 30000 Vietnam - +84 819 631 868 - longnv140920@gmail.com
Muong Thanh Lai Chau Hotel ***
113 Le Duan Street, Tan Phong Ward Lai Chau 28000 ·- +84 213 3790 888 - Muong Thanh Lai Chau Hotel - info@muongthanh.vn
Khách sạn Hoàng Nhâm Lai Châu ****
69 Điện Biên Phủ, phường Tân Phong, thành Phố Lai Châu, tỉnh Lai Châu - 0213 626 9999 - info@hoangnhamhotel.vn
Emergency numbers
Police: 113
Fire station: 114
Ambulance: 115
Provincial Hospital: (0213) 3 875 115 / 3 875 185
Bus station long distance: Lý Tự Trọng, Tam Đường, Lai Châu, Viêt Nam -Bến xe khách Lai Châu - Google Maps
Taxi: for instance Xanh Taxi Lai Chau , phone: 0213 628 82 88
Cars / 4x4 / vans / minibus: Partnering will local transportation company having recent and secure large range of vehicles (private cars, 4x4, 16 seats vans, minibus) with drivers.
Motorbike rental: Tonkin Outdoor rent some. They are recent, well maintained and absolutely secure. Contact us!
Transportation
Where to eat?
Lai Chau is a provincial city where locals tend to lunch and dine quite early.
Many local restaurants ("co'm Binh Dan") may already run out of food or even close after 11:30 AM and 6:45 PM while formal Restaurants ("Nhà hàng") will close a later.
Numerous local restaurants are located around cross roads "đường Bùi Xuân" and "Phố Hoàng Diệu". You will find some as well around bus station
Among restaurants, you can choose:
"Truz M'Hong" - số nhà 13, Lò Văn Hặc, Trần Quốc Mạnh, Tân Phong, Lai Châu, Viêt Nam,
A bit farer in same street, in Thai house style, " Mộc An Restaurant" is also a good choice,
Another popular option specialized in "self barbecue", located in administration district is "Nhang", at the intersection of Lê Lợi and Thanh Niên street
If you are seeking for a good Bun Cha, only at lunch time, you can go to "Hai Dang" - 034 Ngô Quyền - Đoàn Kết district
Finally, if you're craving some Western food (and not only pizza), Restaurant "Pizza Oi" will be an excellent choice, though it won't open its doors until October 2025.
Supermarket:
Several grocery stores are scattered throughout the city, but the largest (and most well-stocked) is undoubtedly the Winmart located at 58 Điện Biên Phủ, Avenue - Chau Tuan Coffee - Google Maps (coffee "Chau Tuan" is located just beside Winmart)
Our office
Office address:
27 Phan Đăng Lu'u, Lai Chau City, Province of Lai Chau, VIETNAM
Hours
Monday - Sunday
7am - 9pm
Contacts
Bertrand: English ~ French
+84 (0)379614630 -
TonkinOutdoorLaiChau@outlook.com
Get in touch
