As the first cold winds of the season begin to sweep through the mountains of Northwest Vietnam, Lao Cai gradually dons a new, mystical, serene, and captivating cloak. Winter here is not only a transitional period for nature but also a special tourist season, attracting millions of domestic and international visitors seeking to experience the majestic beauty of the highlands and the unique culture of the ethnic minorities.
The weather is perfect for adventures.
Winter in Lao Cai possesses a unique, gentle, and poetic beauty. Daytime temperatures hover around 20 degrees Celsius, while evenings are cool, sometimes dropping below 10 degrees, creating a pleasant feeling for tourists seeking the tranquility and freshness of the mountainous region.
Tourists conquer the high mountain peak.
This is also the ideal time to conquer Vietnam's famous mountain peaks. Fansipan, the "roof of Indochina," at 3,143m, is a must-see destination. With a modern cable car system, visitors can easily reach the summit, where fluffy white clouds swirl around the majestic Hoang Lien Son mountain range. The feeling of standing amidst a sea of clouds, breathing in the pure air of the Northwest region, is captivating for anyone.
Adventurous travelers often choose trekking routes through pristine mountain paths such as Ta Xua, Ta Chi Nhu, Lung Cung, or Ngu Chi Son. Nguyen Thanh Tung, a tour guide in Sa Pa with 15 years of experience, shared: "Winter is the most beautiful season to explore Northwest Vietnam. There's less rain, the air is cool, and the scenery is fresh and has depth. Tourists who trek during this time usually have the most fulfilling experience."
A distinctive feature of the cold season.
From November to February, Lao Cai enters its season of dense fog. The landscape is hazy and ethereal, like something out of a traditional ink painting. Sa Pa, Y Ty, and Bac Ha are covered in a thick white mist during these days, with only glimpses of stilt houses, tiled roofs, and trees hidden in the hazy smoke – a beauty that captivates many tourists and photographers.
The vibrant cherry blossom-lined road in Sa Pa (Lao Cai) during the early days of winter attracts tourists who come to take photos and enjoy the picturesque scenery amidst the mountains and forests of Northwest Vietnam.
During periods of intense cold, frost and ice blanket the slopes of Fansipan, Y Tý, Mù Cang Chải, and Lao Chải mountains. The entire highland region transforms into a "miniature Europe" in the heart of Vietnam. Tran Duc Huy, a landscape photographer, recounts: "Every year I go to Y Tý to hunt for frost. Sometimes I have to wait many days to find the most beautiful moment. But just seeing the forest covered in white frost is truly worthwhile."
In particular, December is also the season when the Tớ dày flower, a symbol of winter in the highlands, blooms profusely. In Mù Cang Chải, Púng Luông, and Lao Chải, the vibrant pink and purple blossoms seem to warm the entire cold landscape.
Highland markets - where cultural identity converges.
Visiting Lao Cai in winter, tourists cannot miss the highland markets – a distinctive cultural activity of the Mong, Dao, Tay, and Nung ethnic groups. Bac Ha Market and Can Cau Market are two prominent destinations.
Here, people from distant villages bring their agricultural products, brocade fabrics, and livestock to buy, sell, and trade. The entire market is bustling with laughter, the sound of Hmong flutes, and the calls of people echoing in the damp, cool morning air. On the stalls are the vibrant colors of dresses, brocade scarves, and steaming pots of thang co (a traditional Hmong stew).
The ethnic minority woman from the highlands skillfully wraps five-colored sticky rice - a traditional dish with the rich flavors of the mountains and forests, sold at the markets of Lao Cai.
Recognizing the great potential of cold-season tourism, the Lao Cai authorities and local businesses have been investing heavily in infrastructure and services. Roads, parking lots, resorts, and homestays have been upgraded; and organized local experience programs are being developed, linked to cultural and environmental preservation.
Mr. Tran Van Quang, representative of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lao Cai province, said: "The province's goal is to develop autumn-winter tourism into a unique brand of Lao Cai. We aim for sustainable tourism development, effectively exploiting natural landscapes while preserving cultural identity." Simultaneously, the province is also promoting tourism through digital platforms and organizing cultural and artistic events such as the Sa Pa Winter Festival and the Bac Ha Cultural and Tourism Week, creating highlights to attract domestic and international tourists.
A journey filled with memorable experiences.
With its fresh climate, breathtaking scenery, and unique culture, Lao Cai in winter is becoming one of the most attractive destinations in Vietnam. It offers not only a journey to explore majestic nature but also a profound cultural experience, where visitors can feel the warmth of the highland people amidst the cold mountain air.
From the sea of clouds atop Fansipan to the radiant smiles of Hmong women at the market, from the icy landscape of Y Ty to the pink hues of the Tớ dày flowers, everything blends together to create a captivating Lao Cai winter, both romantic and rich in Vietnamese identity.
Source: https://vtv.vn/lao-cai-phat-huy-tiem-nang-du-lich-mua-dong-100251101215312769.htm
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