Mountain adventurers like to compare Si Ma Cai in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai to a shy lass with discrete charms sleeping in the mountain as the beauty of the little-known village lies in the quiet and simple daily lives of different peoples. Si Ma Cai is not as frequented as Bac Ha [...]

The highlands around Bac Ha are about 900 m above sea level, making it noticeably warmer than Sapa. There are 10 Montagnard groups that live around Bac Ha: the colourful Flower Hmong are the most visible, but other groups include Dzao, Giay (Nhang), Han (Hoa), Xa Fang, Lachi, Nung, Pbula, Thai and Thu Lao. One [...]