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As August gently transitions into autumn, Northwest Vietnam dons the vibrant golden hues of ripening rice fields. The mild sunshine, fresh air, and cool early autumn weather create a romantic invitation, beckoning wanderlust to this remote border region.
In the vibrant colors of autumn, Lao Cai emerges with its layers upon layers of shimmering terraced rice fields, becoming an ideal destination for a 2-3 day trip, just enough time for visitors to immerse themselves in the majestic nature and experience the colorful culture and poetic rhythm of life in the highlands.
A harmonious symphony of ripening rice and the vibrant cultural colors of the highlands.
A journey to Lao Cai during the rice harvest season is like enjoying a symphony woven from colors and fragrances. Along the way, terraced rice fields stretch endlessly, winding gracefully like the lustrous hair of a mountain maiden. Just take a deep breath, and you'll feel the peace spreading in every breeze, every breath of the earth and sky.
Lao Cai during the rice harvest season is like enjoying a symphony woven from colors and aromas.
But Lao Cai is not just about the golden harvest season. It's also a vibrant tapestry of culture, where the rhythms of 25 ethnic groups blend harmoniously with the vast natural landscape. Strolling leisurely through the bustling markets, you'll encounter a kaleidoscope of sounds and smells: the lively chatter and laughter, the colorful brocade dresses, the smoky aroma of cooking fires mingling with the warm fragrance of corn wine. A stroll around Coc Lieu market, a visit to the pedestrian street, or a stop at the bustling Ha Khau border gate, you'll feel like you're touching the daily life of the Dao, H'Mong, and Tay people – simple yet vivid stories that contribute to the unique and unmistakable identity of this highland region.
But if you want to find the most pristine beauty, leave the town and venture into the villages nestled amidst the vast forests. In Cat Cat, sip a hot cup of coffee in the early morning mist, watch the clouds drift slowly over the wooden rooftops, and listen to the babbling stream like the whispers of the mountains and forests.
Or when visiting Ta Van or Ta Phin, everyone will feel a lingering sense of nostalgia as they gaze at the smoke from the cooking fires drifting lazily in the evening, listening to the local people gathered around the warm fire telling each other simple yet heartwarming stories of their lives. In that moment, all the hustle and bustle of the city seems to vanish, leaving only the slow, peaceful pace of life, imbued with the pure breath of the Northwest mountains and forests.
A culinary adventure amidst the mountains and forests.
After feasting your eyes on the natural scenery and immersing your heart in the cultural stories, embark on a culinary adventure – where the flavors of the mountains and forests blend with the imprint of the borderlands to create delicious dishes that will captivate every traveler.
Among the specialties of the highlands are smoked buffalo meat with its smoky mountain aroma, crispy grilled stream fish in the cool evening breeze, fragrant sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes, rich and tender braised pork belly, and vibrant five-colored sticky rice that seems to gather all the colors of the mountains and forests into one meal. Besides these, simple treats like fragrant pho con sui or rustic Mong rice cakes are enough to leave a lasting impression.
Aromatic and fragrant steamed rice cakes
Dried buffalo meat
The vibrant five-colored sticky rice seems to gather all the colors of the mountains and forests into one meal.
To fully enjoy the feast of the mountains and forests, leisurely visit the local markets, where the smell of cooking smoke mingles with the lively sounds of laughter and conversation, or choose the O Quy Ho restaurant – where diners can enjoy local specialties while gazing out at the Sa Pa square. Cuisine is now more than just food; it's a vibrant piece of culture, bringing together the finest elements to tell a genuine, heartwarming story of everyday life amidst the vast wilderness.
A new type of resort in Lao Cai
After hours of exploring the majestic nature and vibrant culture of the highlands, everyone needs a place to rest and recharge. Tru by Hilton Lao Cai City Riverside is the ideal accommodation choice for solo travelers and young couples who appreciate modern amenities in a youthful, dynamic, and distinctive hotel model, different from traditional styles. Operated according to the international standards of the Hilton group, Tru by Hilton offers a quality experience at an accessible price, especially suitable for dynamic young customers.
As one of the first international hotels in Lao Cai, this hotel boasts a youthful ambiance and a prime location with a frontage overlooking the tranquil Red River. Simply drawing back the curtains reveals a picturesque landscape and the slow-paced life of the border region, offering a sense of peace and tranquility, dispelling all worries. From the hotel, just a few steps away are the bustling Coc Lieu market and the lively international border gate – exciting stops to continue your exploration of the city.
Tru by Hilton Lao Cai City Riverside is one of the first international hotels in Lao Cai.
Upon arriving at Tru by Hilton Lao Cai City Riverside, start your day with a Hilton-standard "Top It" buffet breakfast, where you can create your own personalized meal. Or, as the sun sets, nothing beats a cozy BBQ by the river, leisurely breathing in the cool breeze from the highlands, allowing all your senses to immerse in a rare moment of peace. This is not only a place to rest and recharge, but also a "touchpoint" connecting cultural and natural experiences with modern, convenient, comfortable, yet sophisticated amenities.
The picturesque landscape, with its tranquil borderland lifestyle, is beautifully captured through the hotel's prime location.
And then, as the journey concludes, the golden season in Northwest Vietnam leaves behind profound emotions in the hearts of travelers, where the majestic beauty of the mountains and forests blends with the gentle rhythm of highland life. A trip is only truly complete when adventure goes hand in hand with comfort, when local traditions blend with modernity. It is this fusion that has transformed Tru by Hilton Lao Cai City Riverside into a sophisticated highlight, a launching pad for travel enthusiasts to continue their own inspiring and stylish journeys.
