Bac Ha

File:Bắc Hà banner sunday market - Toys, Bắc Hà banner sunday market Bắc Hà is based in north-western Vietnam, on the border with the town of Hekou in Yunnan, China. The main reason to visit this town is its colorful Sunday market. Many travellers place Bắc Hà on their itinerary when they visit Sa Pa. Bắc Hà Sunday market, Vietnam - 20131027-15 - Bắc Hà Sunday market

Travel to Bac Ha

Travelling from Hanoi to Lào Cai

Travel by train to Bac Ha

Bắc Hà can be visited by a nine-hour train journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai|Lào Cai (pronounced lao kai), followed by a separate #Travelling from Lào Cai or Saturday Pa to Bắc Hà|transfer to Bắc Hà. Vietnam Rail operates some of the carriages in the train, but others are operated by private companies (Fanxipan Express, Friendly, Ratraco, Tulico, Victoria Hotels and many others). Some of these cars are significantly nicer than the standard cars. You may need to arrange with a travel agency to get tickets on these tourist cars, but any traveller can purchase tickets for the Vietnam Rail cars at the Hanoi train station. Warning: several of these cars are not significantly better than standard Vietnamese sleeping cars, but are still substantially more expensive. Pumpkin second class is actually a Vietnam Rail vehicle booked through this company. Even Pumpkin first class only has a squat toilet (although a sign above the toilet door says "Asian-style toilet"!). Prices vary according to both the type of seat purchased and the season during which you are travelling. Dates around Vietnamese holidays are particularly expensive and tickets cannot be assumed available for same day travel, so book ahead if feasible. Travellers are strongly recommended to purchase a berth in a soft or hard sleeper car, though the trip in soft-seat class is not intolerable.

• Cheaper travel. Cheaper tickets, especially in hard sleeper class, can be difficult to come by at times, as tour companies and travel agents will snap up these to foist on their own clients (too frequently a promised soft sleeper berth will turn into a hard sleeper when it comes time to board). To avoid ripoffs, it is better to go to the train station yourself and get the ticket from the ticket office. Thit is the only way to make sure that you will get what you have paid for. Although one cannot be assured of finding a place, it is often feasible to arrive at the station a short while before boarding time, as there are young men hanging around trying to hawk unfilled berths at the last minute. The price of these tickets will fall dramatically as departure time draws near.
• More expensive travel. For a bed in a hard or soft sleeper carriage, expect to pay in the area of 430,000–525,000 dong one way. For a soft seat, expect to pay 220,000 dong one way (May 2012). Tickets can be booked online from a travel agent such as Vietnam Impressive. You will be emailed a voucher which must be printed out and presented to a train company representative at the station about 30–60 minutes before the departure time to obtain the actual tickets.

The Victoria Hotel train has a dining vehicle serving good, surprisingly affordable Noodles (10,000 dong) and Rice porridge (10,000 dong), but other trains such as Fanxipan do not. On the latter train a packet of biscuits, a banana and a bottle of water are provided as part of the cost of the ticket (October 2013) and it is feasible to purchase pot Noodles and [ Snacks on board, however you may prefer to purchase your own hot food, [ Snacks and soft drinks from vendors in the grounds of the train station. There are toilets on the train but no showers.

It is recommended that you book a return ticket when you buy your outward journey, as picking up tickets in Lào Cai is harder than in Hanoi. The staff do not speak as much English and they possibly only sell tickets for travel on the same day, so sleepers may already be sold out unless you go first thing in the morning. Pay attention to the time of your return train. Trains leaving Lào Cai around 20:00 will arrive in Hanoi at around 05:00. If you are planning to stay in a hotel or hostel that does not have a 24-hour reception and do not make prior arrangements when you return to Hanoi at an early hour, you may find yourself sitting outside your hotel waiting a few hours for the reception desk to open.

Travel by Bus to Bac Ha

Sleeper buses run direct from Hanoi to Lào Cai for around USD15–20. Ask at the local tourist office, a reputable tour agency, or your hotel or hostel regarding tickets. These buses are reasonably modern and the beds are small and recline back, typically in three single or two double rows. The bus will make stops for bathroom breaks and Snacks and once in Lào Cai city. If you are a light sleeper the journey could be uncomfortable with many sharp twists and turns and some claim that the mountain roads are dangerous, although there is no evidence of accidents on the route. The bus stop is near the lake area.

Travelling from Lào Cai or Saturday Pa to Bắc Hà

Conducted coach tour

Many people visit Bắc Hà as part of a trip to Sa Pa. If you are thinking of doing the same, it is worth planning your travel so that you arrive in or leave from Lào Cai on a Sunday, as Bắc Hà is nearer to Lào Cai than Saturday Pa. Your hotel in Saturday Pa may be able to arrange for someone to meet you at the Lào Cai train station and put you on a coach tour conducted by a local guide (USD15 in October 2013) that will take you to the Bắc Hà Sunday market; a village inhabited by the Flower H'mong; and the border between Lào Cai and Hekou, a small town in Yunnan, China; and then bring you to Saturday Pa (or the reverse if you are leaving Saturday Pa and catching the train from Lào Cai). Tours from Saturday Pa which take in the Bắc Hà Sunday market and often the stops mentioned above or others, leave Saturday Pa at 07:00 and return around 16:00 or 17:00. These cost USD 17–12.

Travel by Bus to Bac Ha

Buses leave from Lào Cai for Bắc Hà at 06:30, 07:30 and 13:00 daily, take roughly two hours and cost 60,000 dong. Beware of a common scam: bus conductors may try to charge you USD 17 or at least 100,000 dong for the bus ride. There will be no argument if you walk to the bus station which is 300 metres southwest of Lào Cai train station down Phan Đình Phùng and purchase a ticket there. Buses returning to Lào Cai leave Bắc Hà at 17:30 and 0:00.

By motorcycle

It is feasible to ride a motorbike to Bắc Hà from Lào Cai (63 km) or even Saturday Pa (110 km), however the road is not great at parts and can be very dusty in the dry season. Travellers have reported that a tarmac road is in the process of being built. When it is complete, motorcycle trips will be a good deal more friendly.

Transportation in Bac Ha

Bắc Hà Sunday market, Vietnam - 20131027-03 - Colorful fabric handicrafts on sale at the Sunday market Bắc Hà Sunday market, Vietnam - 20131027-25 - Meat displayed on wooden tables in the market Bắc Hà is small, so most things within the town are within walking distance.

What to See

• Bắc Hà Sunday market , tourist buses will stop in a parking area in the centre of town; from there, roadside stalls will be visible and walking in their direction will bring you to the heart of the market - The Sunday market (which is much larger than the Saturday Pa market) is a big, colorful bazaar overflowing with everything under the sun. Most visitors will probably be interested in the embroidered fabric handicrafts such as cellphone pouches, clothes, handbags, purses and cushion covers, tablecloths and table runners sold by minority hill tribes. Also available are scarves; T-shirts; metal jewellery and trinkets; carvings and figurines made of metal, wood and stone; and home furnishings such as place mats and lacquered bowls and chopsticks created out of bamboo. The Meat and vegetable markets make for interesting photographs and braver tourists may even want to try eating while perched on low benches or stools at one of the roadside food stalls in the market. Locals also visit the market to purchase tools, children's toys and household items.

Shopping in Bac Ha

See the description of the Bắc Hà Sunday market in the "[[#See|See" section above.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Bac Ha

Restaurant Sunday Boulevard, Bắc Hà, Vietnam - 20131027-02 - Restaurant Sunday Boulevard There are a number of Halal restaurants in the main square in the centre of town and a few on quieter side streets.

• Hoang Yen Restaurant 9 Street 20-9 - beside the vehicle park at the end of Ngọc Uyến Road ☎ +84 912 005 952, +84 945 378 198 The food is average but it has a lively atmosphere as Sapa Green Tours arranges for its clients to dine there.
• Papa Russe and the only brick building in the market from 20,000 dong A friendly host, originally from Ukraine, offering pho (Vietnamese Rice Noodles soup) and fried Rice dishes with Meat, tofu, bamboo shoots and other vegetables and so on, at socialist prices – 20,000 dong for everything! Sure, you still pay more than the local residents, but the place offers quite good value for money and a friendly atmosphere. Come late, say 19:30, to get the best of Papa's own dinner.
• Restaurant Sunday Boulevard , next to Hotel Sunday Boulevard at 001 Vù Văn Mật Street ☎ +84 203 880 618 Located on a quiet lane away from the main street and the restaurant serves reasonably priced Noodles and Rice dishes, fresh and deep-fried spring rolls and other Vietnamese staples. There are two friendly outdoor tables beside the street.
• Spring Fair Restaurant 22.53787,104.29079 at the crossroads before the large Sao Mai Hotel From 20,000 dong Best spring rolls in town and other freshly made local dishes at reasonable prices.
• Thanh Son Restaurant , across the road from the bus station ☎ +84 20 388 0407 Opening Hours: 06:00–22:00 A reasonably priced restaurant catering mainly to tourists.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Bac Ha

Bac Ha - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Bac Ha, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Bac Ha. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Bac Ha and its surrounding regions. With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Bac Ha. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values. The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Bac Ha. Key components include: Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Bac Ha: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Bac Ha. Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Bac Ha: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Bac Ha, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Bac Ha. Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Bac Ha, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations. Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Bac Ha, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values. Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Bac Ha and beyond. Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Bac Ha, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Bac Ha, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Bac Ha without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients." The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Bac Ha is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Bac Ha. About eHalal Travel Group: eHalal Travel Group Bac Ha is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values. For Halal business inquiries in Bac Ha, please contact: eHalal Travel Group Bac Ha Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Bac Ha

eHalal Group Bac Ha is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Bac Ha. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Bac Ha. At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Bac Ha ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property. For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Bac Ha. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living. If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Bac Ha, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values. For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Bac Ha are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan Celebrations in Bac Ha

Ramadan 2025 in Bac Ha

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

In general and there's no reason to stay overnight in Bắc Hà unless you have arrived on Saturday afternoon and wish to visit the Sunday market the next day, or your onward journey from Bắc Hà is on the following Monday.

• Hotel Sunday Boulevard 001 Vù Văn Mật Street - on a side street just off the town centre - 200,000–800,000 dong (more expensive on weekends; May 2013)
• Sao Mai Hotel - , in the center of town, overlooking the Sunday market ☎ +84 20 388 0288, +84 913 297 828 +84 20 378 0352
• Toan Thang Hotel 22.53864,104.29010 opposite Sao Mai Hotel ☎ +84 20 388 0444, +84 20 350 5394 +84 20 388 0444 160,000–200,000 dong Basic budget rooms in an old wooden building and slightly more comfortable heated ones in a modern stone building. Friendly owner with rudimentary English. An OK choice for a longer stay – negotiate a price in advance.

Go Next

Can Cau market (6223927056) - Can Cau Market

• If you are unable to visit the Bắc Hà Sunday market or are staying for a few days and the following markets (some of which operate on other days of the week) are in the vicinity of Bắc Hà:
• Lung Phin Market , about 12 kilometers from Bắc Hà - Opening Hours: every Sunday
• Coc Ly Market , about 35 kilometers from Bắc Hà - Opening Hours: every Tuesday
• Can Cau Market Bàn Phố Road 22.544903,104.27742 about 20 km north of Bắc Hà - Opening Hours: every Saturday
• Sa Pa

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