Staying awake with the night streets of the highlands.

As the sun sets behind the mountains, Bac Ha – the "white plateau" of Lao Cai – comes alive with a new rhythm of life. The vibrant night streets are filled with cultural colors, distinctive culinary flavors, and folk sounds, offering visitors an unforgettable experience and opening up promising avenues for the development of the local night-time economy.

As the sun sets behind the rolling mountains, Bac Ha – the "white plateau" of Lao Cai – seems to don a new coat. Along the central streets of the commune, bright yellow lights illuminate rows of shops and the radiant smiles of the vendors. The aroma of thang co (a traditional stew) and grilled meat, mingled with the lingering smoke, guides visitors to its alluring culinary corners.

Lao Cai 's "White Plateau" is sporting a new look with streets bathed in golden lights.

While during the day, Bac Ha evokes fond memories with its vibrant markets, the tranquil Hoang A Tuong Palace, and the peaceful villages of the Mong, Tay, and Phu La ethnic groups, at night it transforms into a lively tapestry of sounds, lights, and cultural colors. The night-time economy is gradually becoming an indispensable part of this region, adding vitality and new opportunities to this "white plateau."

From 6 PM onwards, Bac Ha pedestrian street begins to bustle. Along the street, which is less than 500 meters long, dozens of colorful handicraft stalls display everything from Hmong ethnic brocade scarves and Tay ethnic cloth bags to exquisite silver-engraved items. The melodious sounds of the Hmong flute blend with the gentle melodies of Then singing and the zither played by elderly artisans, creating an atmosphere rich in traditional culture, yet very familiar and welcoming.

The place that keeps tourists lingering the longest is still the night food market. The simmering stew (Thắng cố) in large pots, the aroma of sour pho, men men (corn porridge), grilled corn, and grilled stream fish wrapped in mac khen leaves blend together, making anyone passing by want to stop. At the closely spaced wooden tables, tourists raise glasses of red-flowered corn wine, chat with the locals, and listen to stories about Bac Ha during the plum blossom season and horse racing season...

Mr. Giàng A Hải, Director of the Bắc Hà Regional Culture, Sports and Communication Center, shared: The development of the Bắc Hà night market has created a unique cultural and tourism space where visitors can experience local cuisine, enjoy cultural performances, shop for specialties, and interact with the local people. This is not only an activity that promotes tourism and creates livelihoods for the people, but also a way to preserve, spread, and promote the cultural identity of ethnic groups, bringing the image of the "white plateau" of Bắc Hà closer to friends both domestically and internationally.

A distinctive feature of Bac Ha's night-time economy is the active participation of local people. Since the pedestrian street opened, dozens of households in Bac Ha commune and neighboring communes have set up stalls selling brocade goods, food, or erected small stages to perform folk art.

Young people in Bac Ha are also quick to embrace the night-time economy trend. Some groups of young people have opened cafes that combine acoustic music, inviting local artists to perform on Saturday nights.

Other young entrepreneurs have started businesses with a "night tour" model – taking tourists to take photos, visit pedestrian streets, have bonfires, and enjoy Bản Phố corn wine.

The Women's Association of Bac Ha commune has also established a group for processing traditional dishes, both preserving old recipes and creating stable jobs for its members. These activities not only increase income but also help people feel more connected to their homeland.

Unlike the bustling major cities, Bac Ha's nightlife has a quiet charm. The cool climate creates a pleasant feeling when strolling through the streets at night. Security and order are well-maintained, ensuring tourists can enjoy their stay in Bac Ha with peace of mind.

A day exploring the "white plateau" begins in the morning with a stroll through the local market, a visit to the Hoang A Tuong mansion, and discovery of villages in Na Hoi Tay, Na Hoi Nung, Ta Chai, and Ban Pho hamlets. In the afternoon, enjoy horseback riding, mountain climbing, and taking photos with year-round flower gardens. In the evening, visitors can walk through the night market, savor local cuisine, and enjoy unique cultural performances by ethnic minority groups, creating a complete and memorable experience.

According to Giàng A Hải, Director of the Bắc Hà Regional Culture, Sports and Media Center, the locality is planning to open more night tourism products such as a night flower market in the spring, cloud-hunting tours at dawn combined with overnight stays in homestays, and organize larger-scale folk art performances and events... creating novelty to encourage tourists to stay in Bắc Hà longer.

Recently, on August 10, 2025, Bac Ha commune commenced the reconstruction of the main stage of the night market with a larger design, mimicking the architecture of a Mong ethnic house, creating a more familiar and authentic atmosphere. This will be the center for organizing outdoor cultural and artistic events and activities to support the Bac Ha night market.

Although showing initial signs of improvement, Bac Ha's night-time economy is currently facing several challenges. Lighting infrastructure, parking, and public restrooms in some areas do not meet the needs of the increasing number of visitors. The workforce serving night-time tourism, particularly in foreign language communication and service skills, is limited. Many small traders are not yet accustomed to civilized sales practices, and instances of aggressive sales tactics or unclear price listings still occur.

Some also worry that product repetition and a lack of innovation will make Bac Ha's night-time economy less attractive. Therefore, it is essential to develop the economy in parallel with preserving cultural identity, avoiding commercialization that distorts folk art activities. The local government has also put forward a plan to train people's skills, improve infrastructure, and organize regular competitions and festivals to revitalize the atmosphere of the night streets.

The nighttime economy is not just about trading; it's also a way for tourists to fully experience the soul of Bac Ha – where culture, cuisine, and people blend seamlessly into a new rhythm of life. Like a two-part love song – serene during the day, vibrant at night – Bac Ha awakens to the resounding sounds of the Mong flute, the aroma of fermented corn wine, and the laughter of people meeting in the night streets.

With a strategy focused on cultural preservation and environmental protection, the night-time economy will become a new "lifeline," propelling the "white plateau" onto a path of prosperity, ensuring that every night in Bac Ha is a memorable experience for visitors from near and far.

Presented by: Bich Hue

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/thuc-cung-pho-dem-cao-nguyen-post879820.html