Lao Cai – Gateway to Sapa and Northwest Vietnam

Lao Cai City sits on the Red River at the border with China's Yunnan Province, 345 km northwest of Hanoi. It serves as the main transit hub for the Sapa region – the overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (8–9 hours) is one of Vietnam's classic travel experiences. From Lao Cai, shuttle buses and taxis run the 38 km up to Sapa town (1 hour). The city itself has a lively cross-border market. Lao Cai Province is also famous for the Bac Ha Sunday Market – Vietnam's most colourful ethnic minority market, held every Sunday and attracting Flower Hmong, Tay, Nung, Dao and Phu La peoples in traditional dress.