Lai Chau
Lai Chau province (Lai Châu) has long been the poorest and least industrialized area in northern Vietnam. Lai Chau city is 450 km from the Hanoi and 70 km from Sapa. The North and Northwest borders with China, Dien Bien province on the west, and Lao Cai and Yen Bai provinces on the east and southeast, and Son La province on the south.
The fall (especially from September to October), which is also called the "Yellow Season", are favorable for tourists who love to get immersed in the bright yellow fields of ripening rice that cover the whole area. The comfortable weather and great visibility are also remarkable advantages of this season.
If flower fields and dry weather sound enticing to you, the period from late December to March is ideal. Lai Chau's landscapes look the most colorful during these months. Moreover, in February, you will have a better chance to enjoy spring festivals and get deeper insights into the cultural diversity of this region.
March and April are the sure bets for tourists who seek out high vista of the so-called ocean of cloud in Sin Ho district. The atmosphere is very quiet and serene during this period and hence quite attractive to introverts.
From April to early June, Lai Chau's rice terraces are filled with water, forming the most scenic and unique background for your photos. Tourists who love to explore the unique culture of Vietnamese rice plantations in mountainous regions would make the most out of their trip during this season. Due to the high seasons, Lai Chau is quite crowded in October, January and June. Hotels and flight tickets should hence be booked well in advance should you want to reduce your expenditure.
On the other hand, its low season runs from June through September, especially July and August, during which heavy rainfalls, misty weather, landslides and floods out of town make it difficult for inexperienced bikers.
