Unveiling the Highlands: A 200km Escape from Hanoi to a European-Esque Mountainous Retreat, with a Twist of Adventurous Cuisine.

The landscapes of Y Ty leave every visitor in awe. Fluffy white clouds float around mountain peaks, with terraced rice fields, traditional houses of the Ha Nhi people covered in moss, and villages hidden behind a thin layer of mist. The harmony between nature and human life creates a unique beauty for the Y Ty highland.

Y Ty welcomes visitors all year round, as each season offers a distinct charm. However, the best times to explore this destination are from September to April of the following year, when Y Ty is at its most popular for cloud hunting. In the early mornings, thick clouds cover the entire village, creating a dreamy and ethereal atmosphere reminiscent of Chinese ink paintings.

For a different experience, visit Y Ty in August and September when the golden rice terraces stretch along the mountain slopes, making it more captivating than ever.

Cloud hunting is a favorite activity for visitors to this highland.

From Hanoi, you can choose to travel to Lao Cai City by train or overnight bus. From there, continue by renting a motorbike or car to get to Y Ty. The distance is about 100km, but the mountain pass is winding, with many steep sections and dense fog, so an experienced driver and careful preparation are necessary.

Some adventurous travelers choose to ride motorbikes directly from Hanoi, following this route: Hanoi – Lao Cai – Bat Xat – A Lu – Y Ty. However, this journey is quite long (over 350km) and requires good health, a strong bike, and skilled riding.

Note that during the rainy season (June-August), the road to Y Ty can be muddy and slippery due to landslides, so check the weather carefully before your trip.

When visiting Y Ty, you can immerse yourself in the majestic natural scenery and engage in exciting exploration activities. One notable destination is Ngai Thau Thuong, an ideal spot for cloud hunting in the early morning when the mountains are covered in a sea of clouds, creating a romantic atmosphere reminiscent of Europe.

Ngai Thau Thuong, a highland village in A Lu commune, Bat Xat district, Lao Cai province, is known as one of the highest villages in Vietnam.

In addition, the terraced fields in A Lu, A Mu, and Lao Chai are also ideal spots for photography, especially during the rice harvest season in September and October. For those interested in cultural exploration, visiting the villages of the Ha Nhi, Hmong, and Red Dao people will offer unique experiences—from traditional stilt houses and festivals to authentic highland cuisine. Y Ty is not crowded or bustling, making it a peaceful destination for those seeking a break from city life and a chance to discover the pristine beauty of the Northwest mountains.

The peaceful life of the people in the Northwest region.

Y Ty is home to various ethnic groups, including the Ha Nhi, Hmong, Dao, and Kinh people. Each ethnic group has its own distinct customs, architecture, costumes, and festivals, contributing to the diverse culture of this highland region. Notably, the Kho Gia Gia festival of the Ha Nhi people, held around the sixth lunar month, is an occasion to pray for favorable weather and a bountiful harvest, as well as an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the local cultural life.

The festival showcases the unique and distinctive features of the Ha Nhi people’s rituals and beliefs, worshipping the gods of agriculture, forest, water, and earth, praying for good weather, prosperous crops, lush forests, thriving livestock, and happiness for the villagers.

Y Ty captivates not only with its pristine scenery but also as a “paradise for virtual living.” From the rolling clouds at Ngai Thau Thuong in the early morning to the winding passes through the misty forests, every corner can become a perfect backdrop for “million-like” photos. During the rice harvest season, the vibrant yellow of the terraced fields in A Lu and Den Sang creates a vibrant natural painting, harmoniously blending earth and sky.

The moss-covered stilt houses, the carefree laughter of highland children in the morning sun… all capture priceless moments that enchant young people. Without any fancy filters, Y Ty offers dreamlike backdrops with a romantic European flair, yet distinctly Northwest.

Delicious Specialties to Try in Y Ty Highland

Black Hmong Chicken

Black Hmong Chicken is a unique breed of chicken raised by the Hmong people in the highland region of Lao Cai. It is renowned for its delicious and nutritious meat. These chickens are free-range and fed a natural diet of grass, insects, pebbles, and forest herbs, resulting in lean and flavorful meat with thick, crispy, black skin.

Visitors can enjoy Black Hmong Chicken prepared in various ways, such as steamed with lime leaves, grilled over charcoal, or simmered with Chinese herbal medicine. Each cooking method preserves the original flavor and natural sweetness of the meat.

Black chicken is not just a delicacy but also considered a tonic by the locals. Savoring a plate of hot black chicken by the fireside in a traditional stilt house on a chilly Y Ty evening is an unforgettable culinary experience.

Mèn Mén

Mèn mén is a traditional dish that is indispensable in the daily meals of the Hmong people in Y Ty. It is made from dried corn kernels ground in a stone mortar and then steamed multiple times until soft. Mèn mén has a distinctive aroma, a slightly dry texture, and a nutty flavor. It is typically served with bone broth or steamed wild vegetables, creating a harmonious combination of tastes.

This modest dish reflects the frugality, respect for seasonal produce, and creativity of the highland people in utilizing available resources.

Despite being made solely from corn flour, mèn mén is far from boring. The round balls of mèn mén, served on a platter alongside grilled meat, stir-fried cat’s ear mushrooms, or chili dipped in fish sauce, create a unique culinary experience. Tasting mèn mén in Y Ty is a way to understand the life and culture of the ethnic minority people in this region.

Thang Co

Thang Co is one of the most distinctive and ancient dishes of the Hmong people in the highland region of Lao Cai, including Y Ty. It is a traditional dish commonly found in markets, festivals, and community gatherings. Originally made from horse offal, it can now also be prepared with beef, buffalo, or even pork, depending on the region and availability. Over ten types of spices and herbs from the mountains, such as galangal, wild ginger, Sichuan pepper, and more, are added to the large pot.

The dish has a very strong and savory flavor, which may be challenging for first-time tasters. However, it is a source of pride for the locals as it represents the community’s resourcefulness and unity when gathered around the boiling pot of Thang Co.

Thang Co – a traditional dish of the Hmong people that may raise eyebrows due to its unusual ingredients.

In Y Ty, enjoying Thang Co in the market or at a small roadside stall is an authentic local experience. It’s not just about tasting the dish but also immersing yourself in the vibrant local culture and hospitality.

A trip to the Y Ty highland is not just about discovering majestic natural landscapes but also about immersing yourself in the rich and pristine local culture of Lao Cai province. Amidst the rolling clouds, sprawling rice terraces, and simple way of life, Y Ty offers moments of tranquility and serenity in the mountains. If you seek a destination that is both majestic and serene, this highland is definitely worth exploring.