Lao Chai Village: A Tranquil Haven In Sapa You Shouldn’t Miss

Where Is Lao Chai Village?

Lao Chai is the largest village in Sapa and about 10 km from the town center. Positioned between the renowned Hoang Lien Son and Ham Rong ranges, it's a prosperous region, and the population in this area is relatively dense.

This village is a focal point for ethnic minority families, primarily the Hmong and Red Dao. Notably, there are extensive rice fields that have been cultivated for decades, bearing witness to the enduring efforts and love of the people here. 

Lao Chai

Lao Chai

What Is The Best Time To Visit Lao Chai Village?

The best time to visit Lao Chai is from September to April. During this period, the village shows off its beauty in different ways.

If you visit in September, you'll admire the golden color of ripe rice on terraced fields winding along the mountain slopes. At this time, you'll feel the bustling, happy atmosphere of the village preparing for the busy harvest time.

In early spring, around February and March, the hills come alive with the pink blossoms of wild peach trees and the fresh white blooms of plum blossoms; this adds to the festive atmosphere of traditional ethnic celebrations during Tet, the Vietnamese New Year.

If the above two times do not match your travel schedule, consider April to June. It's the time when locals sow rice seedlings, the terraced fields will appear with the lush green color of newly sprouted seedlings full of life and energy.

Lao Chai In September

Lao Chai In September 

Why Should You Visit Lao Chai Village?

Lao Chai Village represents simplicity, a charming rural atmosphere, and a peaceful vibe. Its standout feature is its beautiful, neat, and straight-terraced rice fields. 

Besides the fields, you get a firsthand look at their unique customs and traditions when you visit. You can see their distinct way of life and even participate in their daily activities. 

That's how you can break from the fast-paced city life!

The simplicity of the surroundings, combined with the warmth of the local community, creates a memorable and enriching travel experience. So, if you're in Sapa, Lao Chai Village is a must-visit for a peaceful and culturally immersive adventure!

What To Explore In Lao Chai Village?

Lao Chai is a destination for those who love to explore and experience the unique culture of ethnic minorities. Here, you can participate in many ecological, cultural, and tourist activities as follows:

Admiring Terraced Rice Fields

Lao Chai Rice Fields

Lao Chai Rice Fields

The terraced rice fields in Lao Chai are a stunning sight that changes throughout the year, making it a great place to visit anytime. 

  • If you come between April and June

You'll see the fields covered in vibrant green. This time is when the local people, mostly ethnic communities, are busy planting new rice crops. 

The terraced fields look like a beautiful green carpet, showing the hard work and hope of the farmers as they prepare for the upcoming rice season.

Take a stroll through Lao Chai and you'll see farmers busily planting young rice saplings in the paddies, with everyone bent over, hands moving rhythmically to plant each seedling just right. 

Laughter and conversation intermingle with the sounds of the work. No matter what time of day you go, you'll admire the scenery and comfortably take beautiful photos.

  • If you visit in September or October

You'll be amazed by the golden scenery of the ripe rice fields ready for harvest. The entire landscape turns yellow, like those images you've seen online. 

During this time, the village is full of energy and excitement as people get ready for the busy harvest season. 

You can see farmers working hard to harvest the golden rice, young women from the village laughing and chatting while helping with the harvest, and children playing freely in the fields.

When walking through the field, you'll experience the real and unfiltered daily life of Lao Chai. You get to witness the simple yet profound scenes of farmers working in the fields and the joyous activities of the village's children. 

That is what most tourists having Sapa tours want to experience!

Exploring Weekly Market 

Lao Chai Market

Lao Chai Market

Lao Chai's market is lively, attracting tourists with exciting shopping and eating experiences. Here, you get to connect with local people and try unique dishes you can only find in Lao Chai.

Every weekend, the locals organize a market right in the village center. This market starts early, around 4:00 AM, and finishes by 8:00 AM. So everyone can get back to their daily routines after the market fun.

At this local market, you'll find all sorts of fruits, veggies, and special foods from Lao Cai and Sapa. These foods are either grown locally or gathered from the nearby forests. 

So, they guarantee freshness and great taste. If you have the chance, join the market to pick up these local treats for a tasty experience.

But that's not all! The market also has clothes, handmade crafts, and artwork, all bursting with colors. You can pick up unique items as gifts for your family and friends. Don't worry about the price because the items here are very cheap!

If lucky, you'll see men showing off their horse-taming skills, flute and trumpet playing skills.

The smell of fresh produce, the bright colors of handmade goods, and the happy talk of locals and visitors blended together. You can explore the local way of life through the stalls and flavors of Lao Chai.

Living In A Homestay

A House In Lao Chai

A House In Lao Chai

The best way to dive into the local way of life and experience the true essence of the region is by staying in a homestay. 

The simple wooden houses, nestled against the mountainside and surrounded by terraced fields, create the best setting for this experience.

When you stay in these homestays, you'll see wooden bells on buffalo, traditional Hmong flutes, and unique Giay ethnic textiles. 

You might witness locals doing their daily routines, like feeding pigs, weaving fabrics, and heading to the fields early in the morning. 

Sleeping in these basic thatched-roof houses lets you connect with the locals around the fireplace. At the same time, you can enjoy the fresh mountain air and feel part of the community.

In just a day, you can soak in the stunning beauty of early sunrises painting the terraced fields with a golden hue. Also, you’ll observe daily activities starting with the crowing of roosters. 

These are moments of pure beauty that you can fully experience by trying to live here, even if just for a day.

Here are a few quality homestays you can consider:

  • Muong Hoa Homestay

  • Ta Van Go Homestay

  • Phori's House 

These homestays open a chance to make lasting memories, share stories around the fireplace, and enjoy the unmatched beauty of the highland mornings. 

Joining Roong Poo Festival And Folk Games In The Spring

In The Roong Poo Festival

In The Roong Poo Festival

In spring, you can enjoy the unique Roong Poo festival of the Giay people, with colorful parades, energetic dances, and meaningful rituals. It’s at the end of Tet and the beginning of a production cycle, a new season. 

This festival also encourages the local people to pray for good corn and rice, the development of livestock, peaceful villages, and good health for everyone. 

It brings the community together, creating a sense of unity and shared identity. It's also a way for locals to express gratitude to their deities, ancestors, and nature. 

Also, you'll see lively folk performances with songs and dances that reflect the cultural roots of the local ethnic groups. 

When the day quiets down, the village comes alive at night. Locals gather around big campfires, singing, dancing, and sharing happiness after a day of hard work. You can join in on these activities, connecting with the friendly communities.

Besides, you can be part of traditional worship ceremonies and watch special mountain performances to understand more about the customs and traditions. It's a chance to really get to know the local way of life and the strong spirit of the people.

Tasting Local Specialties

Tasting Local Specialties

Tasting Local Specialties

Lao Chai not only has breathtaking landscapes but also offers a rich and diverse culinary scene. Let's explore some must-try local specialties you shouldn't miss when visiting this village!

  • Armpit-Clip Pork

Armpit-clip pork is a dish deeply rooted in the cultural identity of the locals. Here, pigs roam freely on the hillsides, feeding on natural vegetation. 

When the pigs reach around 20kg, locals usually clip their armpits and take them for sale, giving rise to its name.

This pork can be prepared in various ways, such as stir-fried, steamed, grilled, or roasted over a charcoal stove. This dish is typically priced between 100,000 VND to 120,000 VND per kilogram.

  • Grilled Mountainous Fish

The mountainous fish, about the size of a hand, has firm and flavorful meat. Usually, locals catch the fish from small streams, clean them, and secure them on bamboo sticks. 

Placed over charcoal, the fish is grilled until it turns a light golden color. When cooked, the outer skin becomes crispy. For just 120,000 VND per portion, you can enjoy this Northwest-flavored dish.

Grilled Mountainous Fish

Grilled Mountainous Fish

  • Grilled Chicken With Green Pepper

Like the pork, chickens in the area roam freely, foraging for their food; this leads to lean and flavorful meat. The locals grill and marinate the chicken with green pepper sauce for an enhanced taste. 

The authentic way to enjoy grilled chicken is by tearing it into small, elongated pieces using your hands. This method allows you to fully experience the green pepper sauce's aroma and the sweet taste of the chicken. 

You can savor this delicious local specialty for just 150,000 VND to 200,000 VND.

  • Corn And Sticky Rice Wine

Daily meals in Lao Chai lose some of their uniqueness without these beverages. So, it's recommended for visitors to taste a cup of corn or sticky rice wine to truly understand the warmth and hospitality of the locals towards tourists.

When opening the bottle, the strong scent of corn or sticky rice wafts into your nose. However, the taste of the wine is smooth and not overpowering. 

It's common to pair corn or sticky rice wine with dishes like grilled buffalo meat or roasted mountainous fish to enhance the overall dining experience.

  • Fresh Vegetables

To elevate the dining experience, locals in Lao Chai often accompany their meals with fresh greens. The cool and pleasant climate of the region ensures that the greens are vibrant and tasty throughout the year. 

Among them, mustard greens are a favorite among the locals. You can use these greens to cook soup or wrap them around beef slices for a hot pot.

Taboos You Need To Know When Visiting Lao Chai

People In Lao Chai

People In Lao Chai

There are certain taboos deeply rooted in the cultures of the Lao Chai ethnic groups you should be aware of to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience:

  • Don't enter during ceremonies. If you see wooden knives or rooster heads at a village entrance, it's ceremony time. 

  • Before entering a local's home, observe for signs such as green branches, thorns, or fox-eye-shaped woven panels near the entrance. These symbols indicate restrictions and reluctance to welcome strangers. 

(If you disregard these signs and enter, you might be fined by contributing to the ceremonial offerings to restore the sanctity of the house).

  • Each village has sacred forests dedicated to supernatural forces. These locations are often marked by large trees or rocks. It’s forbidden to cut down, damage, or visit these areas with improper intentions, especially for unmarried individuals.

  • Don't make noise or push wood with your feet in the kitchen. Be careful when bringing firewood; don't carry it with the front pointing forward.

  • During meals, wait for the host to signal before pouring alcohol or starting to eat.

  • Don't sleep along the roof ridge or under the main altar.

  • Don't touch the heads of Hmong or Dao children.

How Can You Go To Lao Chai Village From Sapa?

How Can You Go To Lao Chai Village?

How Can You Go To Lao Chai Village?

Starting in the center of Sapa, go past the Stone Church, turn onto Cau May Street, and continue along Muong Hoa Street. After a short distance, you'll reach Lao Chai Village, known for its unique Hmong wooden houses on stilts.

For transportation, you can easily rent a motorbike in Sapa to make the journey. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can also trek or hike from Sapa to Lao Chai, enjoying the beautiful hills and terraced rice fields along the way.

Where To Stay In Lao Chai Village?

If you're heading to Lao Chai Village and want a nice, affordable place to stay, here are three chill homestays to check out!

  • Muong Hoa Homestay

It's a great spot if you want to explore the beauty of Sapa. Located by the Muong Hoa stream amidst green terraced fields, this homestay lets you experience the life of the Northwestern people in traditional wooden houses.

  • Ta Van Go Homestay

This homestay is a fantastic choice for a vintage, cozy vibe in Lao Chai. You'll enjoy views of bamboo forests and peaceful pine-covered hills from unique wooden houses. 

The rooms are carefully decorated in warm tones for a comfy feel. Plus, there are evening barbecues and campfires to share with others. They also provide excellent food services and bikes for exploring the mountains.

  • Phori’s House

This house is perfect for those who want a simple and friendly stay in the beauty of Sapa. You can freely use a well-equipped kitchen to cook your meals, making it feel like home.

Enjoy the calm surroundings, tasty local food, and friendly community during your visit to these homestays!

Worth-Visiting Tourist Attractions Near Lao Chai

Worth-Visiting Tourist Attractions Near Lao Chai

Worth-Visiting Tourist Attractions Near Lao Chai

If you're in Lao Chai and want to explore nearby places, here are some cool spots to check out:

  • Ancient Stone Area

This place has around 200 stones with unique patterns. It's a mysterious outdoor museum that tells stories from long ago. It's great for a bit of exploring and immersing in history.

Just a short 4-kilometer trip, Ta Van is a quiet and charming place. It gives you a taste of local life and the chance to see how people from different ethnic groups live. The natural beauty and the cultural vibe make it a must-visit.

Nestled in the hills, Ta Phin is stunning with its golden fields. The fields here are even more beautiful than the ones in Lao Chai.

  • Cat Cat Village

Only 3 km from Sapa's center, Cat Cat is known for its beautiful surroundings. You'll see wooden houses and colorful fabric panels and hear the peaceful sound of a flowing stream. It's a nice place to unwind and take in the local vibe!

  • Fansipan Mountain

For those who love a good adventure, Fansipan is a challenge worth taking. It's the highest peak in Indochina, and reaching the top gives you stunning views of the mountains and valleys below.

Tips For Visiting Lao Chai Village

Before you lace up those hiking boots, here are some down-to-earth tips to make your adventure smooth and memorable.

  • Weather-appropriate clothing

Be well-prepared with warm clothing, a hat, a scarf, gloves, and an umbrella, as the weather in Lao Chai can be chilly and rainy. I recommend comfortable, durable sneakers or high-quality shoes for walking on dirt roads.

  • Respect local custom

When communicating with locals, respect their customs and culture. 

Accept invitations to share traditional rice wine or meals. But be mindful not to overindulge, as local rice wine can be potent. Show appreciation for their hospitality without compromising your own well-being.

Always ask for permission before taking photos of local people, and refrain from taking pictures without consent or paying a fee. 

  • In cultural landmarks visit,

Follow guidelines regarding safety and environmental protection. Do not cross-protective barriers, and refrain from starting fires or littering at resting points along the way. 

  • Health precautions

Ensure you have basic health supplies such as a first aid kit, hand sanitizer, and necessary medications. Stay hydrated and be cautious with the consumption of local foods to prevent any stomach discomfort. 

Don’t forget to check with a healthcare professional before the trip.

  • Local Purchases

If you wish to buy local products, do so from established markets or shops to support the community directly. Bargain politely and avoid haggling excessively.

And please, no buying stuff from kids or handing out cash for odd jobs. Let's encourage their independence, not child labor.

  • Consider guided tours

Consider joining guided tours led by knowledgeable locals or reputable tour operators, such as Asia Tour Advisor; this can provide you with valuable insights into the culture, history, and ecology of Lao Chai Village.

Conclusion

Lao Chai Village is not just a destination but a timeless experience that beckons travelers seeking solace in nature's embrace and a connection with its traditions. 

As you navigate the winding paths here, the terraced fields and traditional wooden houses whisper tales of a community deeply rooted in its heritage. 

For the most complete experience visiting Lao Chai, let Asia Tour Advisor plan your Vietnam tours packages from A to Z! Check out our tours HERE!

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