After having a full breakfast in Sapa with the highest calories, we kick off our tour to Lao Cai. To catch up on the peak conditions of the tour, Honda Motorbikes ranging from 125cc – 150cc engines are preferential and ensure your bike is properly serviced for a long journey. From Lao Cai, passing Highway 4D, visitors will reach Phong Nien commune, Bao Thang District. Along the provincial road 153, through Bac Ha Town, is our first destination - Can Cau Market, located in Can Cau commune, nearly 100km from the northeast of Lao Cai.
Set in the mountains, 9km south of the Chinese border, Can Cau market is renowned as one of the fascinating open-air markets in Sapa, specializing in livestock and local cuisine. From a far distance, you will feast on the breathtaking view of Can Cau Market, surrounded by terraced fields successively clinging to the mountainside. And there are outlines of majestic mountains over the horizon that paints a picturesque.
Entering the market, visitors will be overwhelmed by the variegated costumes of the local Hmong and the diversity of goods from the indigenous and Chinese traders.
The market is divided into separate zones for items such as veggies, utensils, brocade products, cattle, and poultry. Furthermore, you find a sense of coziness when gathering in tents with smoke rising, noisy sounds of chopsticks hitting, and the great smell of food. Your mouth will be watering with the sample local dishes and beverages. Thang Co is the most popular dish you absolutely have to try here. It encompasses various organs of some species (pig, cow, buffalo) and herbs (lemongrass, ginger, bouquet garni). After visiting the Can Cau market, we will return to Bac Ha to check in at the hotel and enjoy supper.
Summary:
Distance: 135 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
