Can Cau & Bac Ha Market - 2 Days 3 Nights

Visit the famous Bac Ha Sunday market and trek around the villages too.

Time: 7 pm from Hanoi Old Town

Distance : 30km

Fitness level: Easy - Medium*

*Please note that the terrain can be challenging, with steep inclines, particularly during foggy or rainy weather. We recommend wearing sturdy walking shoes with good grip for your safety and comfort.

Night 1 (Saturday) : Hanoi - Bac Ha

6 - 6:30 pm: You should be at Ha Son bus office located in My Dinh bus station. You will board the sleeper bus to Bac Ha town. The bus will depart at 7:30 pm.

Day 1 (Saturday): Motorbike to Can Cau market (B, L, D)

4 am: Our tour guide will meet you at the bus station and lead you to the homestay in Ban Pho village of the Flower Hmong. You will take a rest here.

6:30 am: Have breakfast at the homestay.

7:30 am: You will start the motorbike trip to visit Can Cau market by driving toward Si Ma Cai district. Enjoy 30 km of meandering roads with beautiful views of rice terraces and a small stone garden. You will reach the market in about an hour.

Can Cau is a busy market which is held every Saturday. Located next to the Chinese border, it is a colourful, vibrant market where you will encounter ethnic minority people such as the Flower Hmong (Red Hmong), Nung, Phu La and even Chinese people from across the border. All kinds of goods are traded here, from fabric to various types of livestock to the strong local corn wine.

11 am: Continue biking to the centre of Si Ma Cai district and have lunch at a local restaurant.

12 pm: Drive to Hoang Thu Pho waterfall (recommended for rainy season). Have a rest here and enjoy the view of rice terraces. A long road wrap around the mountain slope will take you to Ta Van Chu village to visit the Flower Hmong. You will be mesmerised by the spectacular view of mountains, valleys and cabbage flowers. The colourful dresses of Flower Hmong women hanging on the clothesline look like colourful butterflies on this “White plateau”.

Return to the homestay in Ban Pho village at around 3:30 pm to take a rest.

Night 2: Chat with the homestay host while having dinner at around 7 pm. Have a good rest at the homestay.

Day 2 (Sunday): Bac Ha market and horse carting (15 km) (B, L, D)

6:30 am: Leave homestay for Bac Ha market. Before walking around to visit the market, you will have breakfast at a local restaurant where many ethnic minority people have their breakfast too. Bac Ha market is the biggest ethnic minority market in the Northwest of Vietnam opening once a week every Sunday. In the market, you will meet different ethnic minority groups such as: Nung, Tay, Phu La, Flower Hmong, etc. You will have a chance to discover the differences in culture, customs and ethnic dressing with your Flower Hmong tour guide.

Have lunch at the market, try authentic local food with corn wine. This wine is very strong and is one of the trade marks of Bac Ha.

1 pm: You will explore Bac Ha town by horse carting. It will take 15 km from Bac Ha town to Na Lo village of the Tay people followed by Thai Giang Pho village of the Flower Hmong people. At Thai Giang Pho village, you will see a big garden of orchid, flowers and fruits. You will take a moment here to enjoy the beautiful views and take photos. The horse cart will proceed to Hoang A Tuong Palace where the King of Hmong people once lived. He was from the Tay ethnic group. Under the support from French colonial masters, Hoang A Tuong rule the region which consists of 70% Hmong. Tour around the palace to see the fusion of Chinese and French architecture and pictures which describe how the people lived in this area. Next stop is a visit of Nung people in Na Kheo village before returning to Ban Pho. You will prepare your luggage and get ready to go to the bus station.

Night 3: At 7 pm, our guide will lead you to the bus station where you will take a sleeper bus to Hanoi. It will depart at 8 pm and you will reach My Dinh bus station in Hanoi at around 4 am next morning. Your tour ends here ;(

You may wish to spend more time in Bac Ha or visit Sapa instead of returning to Hanoi. Please contact us for customisation of your tour.

    • English speaking ethnic minority guide

    • Sleeper bus between Hanoi and Bac Ha, transportation in Bac Ha

    • Breakfast (day 1 & 2)

    • Lunch (Day 1 & 2)

    • Dinner (Day 1 & 2)

    • Homestay

    • Horse carting

    • 1 big bottle of mineral water/day

    • Soft drinks

    • Travel insurance

    • Personal expenses

    • Comfortable trekking shoes and suitable clothes

    • Sun cream, sunglasses, hat

    • Mosquito repellent

  • $206 pp

    1 person

  • $150 pp

    2 to 3 people

  • $132 pp

    4 to 5 people

  • $125 pp

    6 to 10 people

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • The best time to visit Sapa and Northern Vietnam is during the dry season, from September to April, when temperatures are milder, and rainfall is minimal. In mountainous Sapa, winter months (December to February) can get chilly, with temperatures occasionally dropping below zero.

    Sapa is known as the “Town in the Clouds” and offers unpredictable, fast-changing weather. One village might be experiencing thick fog while another enjoys clear blue skies.

    For the most stunning views of Sapa's terraced rice fields, visit in September or early October when the fields glow golden with ripe rice.

    Ethnic minority festivals are most vibrant around Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, which typically falls between mid-January and late February.

  • Your ideal stay depends on your travel style and interests. We recommend at least two days to get a taste of Sapa’s charm, or up to a full week for a deeper, more immersive experience. This gives you time to trek through ethnic minority villages, explore the local markets, climb the majestic Fansipan Mountain, and soak in the stunning landscapes. Most trekking tours range from one to three days, so plan accordingly.

  • Sapa’s weather can be unpredictable, so come prepared:

    • Year-round: Breathable, waterproof clothing and sturdy trekking shoes.

    • Summer: Sunscreen and mosquito repellent to stay protected.

    • Winter: Warm layers, gloves, and a hat – temperatures can drop below zero.

    • Rainy days: A poncho or umbrella, easily available in town at reasonable prices.

    Need help packing? We’re happy to give you more tips!

  • In Sapa, you may encounter ethnic minority villagers, including children, selling handmade crafts or performing for tips. While their persistence can feel overwhelming, here’s how you can respond responsibly:

    1. Show Understanding: Many villagers rely on street selling due to poverty and limited opportunities. However, buying from children encourages them to stay out of school, limiting their future opportunities. Please, do not buy from them.

    2. Be Firm but Polite: If approached, respond calmly and firmly without giving money. Children are sometimes sent to evoke pity, with parents watching nearby.

    3. Support Ethical Tourism: Choose responsible businesses that hire locals as guides, support homestay development, and invest in education and healthcare. Your choices can help create long-term, positive change in the community.

  • From Hanoi you have two convenient options:

    Bus/Minibus

    The fastest and most affordable option, with frequent departures throughout the day. Choose from standard seats, sleeper seats, or VIP cabins.

    • Duration: ~6 hours (with snack/toilet stops)

    • Cost: 200,000–500,000 VND

    Train + Transfer

    Take the overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, followed by a short transfer to Sapa. Vietnam Railways offers budget-friendly tickets, while Chapa Express and King Express provide more comfort.

    • Duration: ~8 hours by train + 1-hour transfer

    • Cost: 500,000–1,000,000 VND (train) + ~75,000 VND (transfer)

    Let us know if we can help you book your journey – we’re happy to assist!

  • Sapa Town is compact and easily explored on foot.

    For more convenience, taxis and shuttles are readily available (~25,000 VND/km).

    Looking for adventure? Rent a motorbike (~100,000 VND/day) or mountain bike (~200,000 VND/day) and ride the scenic trails of Muong Hoa Valley.

    For your convenience, you can also rent motorbikes and bicycles directly from us – reach out, and we’ll be happy to help!

  • We recommend Indigo Inn Sapa, conveniently located where our office is based. Enjoy stunning mountain views, comfortable private rooms, and the ease of starting your trekking tours right from the doorstep.

    Just a 10-minute walk from Sapa town center – the perfect blend of tranquility and convenience!

  • Sapa offers a variety of delicious local treats. Don’t miss:

    • Chestnut Cake (Bánh Hạt Dẻ) – roasted ground chestnuts, fried until golden and sprinkled with sesame, available at street stalls.

    • Barbecue – grilled meats and veggies, perfect for a cozy evening.

    • Salmon or Sturgeon Hot Pot – a hearty dish made with fresh mountain-raised fish.

    For local produce:

    • Sapa Market (7:30 am–6 pm) – Fresh produce, spices, clothing (including ethnic clothing), and a budget-friendly food court.

    • Night Market (evenings) – Just outside the main market, great for snacks and souvenirs.

    • Xuân Trường Supermarket (8 am–9:30 pm) – The largest supermarket in town, a one-stop shop for groceries at local, non-haggle prices.