Bordering China to the north and east, where the Red River serves as a natural boundary between Lao Cai and China’s Yunnan Provinces, the mountainous Bat Xat district is a popular destination for tourists seeking to explore the wilderness of Vietnam.
Bat Xat is known for its unique beauty, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the magnificent natural scenery, breathe in the fresh atmosphere, and learn about the rich cultural diversity. The district is home to over 14 ethnic groups, with ethnic minorities representing 2% of the population.
Y Ty
Situated on the Y Ty plateau at elevations of up to 2000 meters, the serene commune of Y Ty serves as the district’s main tourist attraction. The journey to the commune takes travelers through breathtaking natural landscapes adorned with forests, waterfalls, charming terraced fields, and picturesque villages nestled among the mountains.
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| The best time to visit Y Ty is from August to December. Photo: Wikipedia |
Y Ty enjoys a cool weather year-round, especially during the winter when temperatures sometimes drop below 0°C. Lucky visitors may even witness snowfall on the coldest days in the commune. However, Y Ty’s beauty can be appreciated at any time of the year, with each season offering its own allure. Late August to mid-September is the rice season, while the cloud hunting season begins in winter and lasts until spring.
Lung Po flagpole
While on the journey to Bat Xat, travelers should seize the opportunity to visit the Lung Po flagpole in A Mu Sung commune. The Lung Po flagpole covers an area of 2,100 m2 and stands at a height of 31.43 m, providing a panoramic view of the majestic mountains and forests below.
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| While on the journey to Bat Xat, travelers should seize the opportunity to visit the Lung Po flagpole in A Mu Sung commune. Photo: CheckinTravel |
Lung Po is the name of a stream in Bat Xat district that marks the border between Vietnam and China. This stream meets the Red River at milestone 92, which is the first point where the Red River enters Vietnam. Lung Po is now known for its historical significance and serves as a testament to the bravery of the A Mu Sung border guards who fought and sacrificed their lives to protect the nation’s borders. Visitors are encouraged to stop by this place to experience the sacred atmosphere that permeates every inch of the homeland.
According to tour guides, visitors can ascend to the top of the flagpole by following a spiral staircase located inside. From the top, they can admire the breathtaking view of the Bat Xat district’s majestic mountains. In the distance, they can see villages of ethnic minorities, while nearby is the Lung Po junction where the Lung Po stream meets the Red River.
Lao Than mountain
Another mesmerizing destination to explore in Bat Xat is the Lao Than mountain peak, which is an idyllic spot for cloud hunting, offering a majestic, untamed, and poetic scenery. Lao Than Mountain, often referred to as the “roof” of the Y Ty house, perfectly combines the wild nature and the ethereal, dazzling clouds. Although it may not possess the grandeur of Fansipan or the treacherousness of Ba Den, Lao Than is still a renowned cloud hunting spot in the Northwestern region.
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| Cloud-hunting on Lao Than mountain. Photo: Saigon Tourism |
To reach Lao Than Mountain, travelers can opt to travel from Hanoi to either the My Dinh bus station or Giap Bat. While Lao Than is not considered too challenging, it is still important for people to make necessary preparations before embarking on their journey.
Cloud hunting and watching the sunrise from the top of Lao Than offer captivating experiences that epitomize the charm of this Northwestern region. By climbing to the summit, which stands at an altitude of 2,862m, at 6 am in the morning, photographers can capture the most unique and extraordinary moments of nature.
Ky Quan San mountain
Bach Moc Luong Tu or Ky Quan San is both the name of the village located at the foot of the mountain and the colloquial name for the mountain itself. Situated on the natural border between Lao Cai and Lai Chau provinces, this mountain range, which is the fourth highest in Vietnam, boasts rugged terrain that attracts adventurous souls seeking to explore its stunning and untamed landscapes.
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| Bach Moc Luong Tu or Ky Quan San is both the name of the village located at the foot of the mountain and the colloquial name for the mountain itself. Photo: Wikipedia |
The highest peak of this mountain range stands at an altitude of 3,046m above sea level. Reaching the summit is not only a 30 km trek but also entails navigating steep cliffs covered in moss. However, the barren hills, bamboo forests, and grand trees that dot the landscape make for awe-inspiring companions.
In a land amidst the clouds
Y Ty Commune in Bat Xat District, Lao Cai province, has welcomed many visitors after the provincial authorities allowed the resumption of tourist attractions and services following the easing of social distancing orders.
‘Pouring water season’ in Y Ty
The best time to admire the golden rice fields in Y Ty in the northern province of Lao Cai is from September to October, however in ‘pouring water season’, starting from May to June, Y Ty is as beautiful as a watercolor painting.
Northwestern golden season comes calling
The most beautiful time of year in the northwestern mountains is slowly beginning and as the terraced rice fields ripen, the region is draped in a changing colourful blanket day by day.
Top Vietnam Destinations: Year-round magical beauty of Y Ty – the northern highland
Y Ty Plateau, in the northern province of Lao Cai, is the place that any tourist would love to set foot in to enjoy the spectacular beauty of a “dreamy destination”. Located just some 80km from Lao Cai city, Y Ty is a perfect getaway from the daily hustle for city dwellers.
Harvest season begins in the mountains of Y Ty Commune
Located in the northwestern edge of Lao Cai Province’s Bat Xat District, the Y Ty highlands are more than 2,000m above sea level, which gives it a mild climate all year round,
