48 Hours in Y Tý - Discover the Mystical Land of Clouds

Y Tý in Lào Cai is the perfect weekend getaway for cloud hunters, offering stunning landscapes and fresh, invigorating air.

Located on the border with China, Y Tý Commune in Bát Xát District is about 70 kilometers from Lào Cai City. At an altitude of over 2,000 meters above sea level, Y Tý is famed for its sea of clouds, pristine atmosphere, and rich cultural identity.

This 48-hour itinerary is based on traveler Yến Đỗ from Hanoi, advice from a Y Tý travel group with over 52,000 members, and experiences from a VnExpress journalist. The journey begins early morning in Lào Cai. Visitors should travel overnight on a sleeper bus from Hanoi, arriving in Lào Cai in the morning, where they can rent a motorcycle for 200,000 VND per day. Rental shops often double as places to rest and freshen up for 70,000 VND per person.

Day 1

Journey to Y Tý

Begin with breakfast in Lào Cai City, savoring local specialties like cuốn sủi or Bắc Hà noodles, before heading to Y Tý via the Lào Cai - Bát Xát - Trịnh Trường - Phìn Hồ - Y Tý route. This 70 km journey includes a 4 km stretch of rough road.

“The road from Trịnh Tường to Y Tý through Phìn Hồ is quite rough and sparsely populated, requiring a firm hand,” says Yến.

Visit Y Tý Market

The Y Tý market convenes every Saturday morning. It is a meeting place for ethnic minorities from Bát Xát District, predominantly the Hà Nhì, with H’Mong and Giáy people also present. The market divides into four main areas, selling traditional attire, food, agricultural products outdoors, and warm clothing indoors.

“To experience the lively and bustling atmosphere of the market, visitors should arrive early, as it becomes sparse by noon,” Yến advises.

Check into a Y Tý Homestay

Visitors can choose lodgings in the central area opposite the market, such as Y Tý Ta Chill, Y Tý Cloud Homestay, Sanh Homestay, Homestay Đại Ngàn, Nhìu Cồ San Homestay, Homestay Sần Lù, and Y Tý Farmstay. Double rooms range from 300,000 to 700,000 VND per night. Lunch can be enjoyed at a local eatery, followed by rest at the homestay.

Explore Choản Thèn Park

This is a must-visit spot in Y Tý. Located about one kilometer from the center, Choản Thèn Park is nestled within the Choản Thèn community village, always bustling with tourists photographing, cloud-hunting, rice harvest viewing, and enjoying the sunrise or sunset. Mõ Coffee is recommended for sunsets, with its beautiful scenery.

A striking feature here is two tall chestnut trees growing close together, known as the “Love Tree” or “Happiness Tree.” From the park, the view extends to a valley with terraced fields below.

Dinner with Chicken Hotpot

Dine at Trung Hiếu restaurant with a local speciality chicken hotpot. A pot for two costs 350,000 VND. Don’t forget to try Hà Nhì beer amidst the cozy highland atmosphere.

“To purchase Hà Nhì beer, ask locals or request help from the restaurant. Each liter costs 20,000 VND, with a unique and smooth taste,” notes Yến.

Retire for the night at your homestay.

Day 2

The second day’s journey follows the Y Tý - A Lù - A Mú Sung - Trịnh Tường - Bát Xát - Lào Cai City route, covering around 100 km.

Breakfast in Town

Y Tý offers a variety of breakfast options. If unfamiliar with mountain cuisine, visitors can opt for bún chả. Other choices include thắng cố, colored sticky rice, and bitter bamboo sprouts.

Make sure to refuel your motorcycle before heading back to Lào Cai City.

Visit Ngải Thầu Thượng

Ngải Thầu is a border commune. The road from A Lù to Ngải Thầu is considered the most scenic part of the route. During the rice harvest, from above, the landscape appears dreamlike. Follow the map to the S-Road and head to Ngải Thầu Thượng, one of Vietnam’s highest villages at about 2,100 meters.

Even without clouds, the scenery is beautiful for photography. It features Turtle Rock, a popular spot for travelers.

Check in at Lũng Pô Flagpole

Leaving Ngải Thầu, head towards A Mú Sung to arrive at the Lũng Pô Flagpole. This notable landmark is located at the Lũng Pô border station in A Mú Sung Commune, Bát Xát District.

According to Lào Cai Portal, the structure spans 2,100 m² with a height of 31.43 m, symbolizing the 3,143 m Fansipan peak. Atop is a 25 m² flag representing 25 ethnic groups in Lào Cai. It’s where the Red River enters Vietnam.

“From here, you can watch the Vietnamese flag flying high while gazing across the river towards China, then follow the Red River along the border back to Lào Cai City,” Yến shares.

Return to the City

Back in Lào Cai City, explore the border gate with China, shop, and experience the bustling cross-border trade. Enjoy a meal with Vietnamese or Chinese dishes like Sichuan hotpot, dumplings, grilled food, or clay pot rice.

Return the motorcycle, rest, wait for the shuttle, and head back to Hanoi.

Notes

All three routes to Y Tý are being repaired. Besides the two mentioned, the third route via Bản Vược - Mường Hum - Dền Sáng is challenging but achievable with caution, ample time, and skilled driving.

Alternative Options

Visitors can reach Ngải Thầu Thượng early around 5 a.m. to hunt for clouds, as chances decrease with rising sun. With more time, adventurers can trek Lảo Thẩn peak at 2,860 m or cross the Hà Khẩu border for a stroll.