Lao Than is probably a well-known name among trekkers, but it is unfamiliar to many others. If you're still curious about this mountain, it's located in Bat Xat district, Lao Cai province, about 80 kilometers from Sapa town.

Although not as majestic as Fansipan, the road is not as dangerous as climbing Putaleng mountain (3,049 m high in Ta Leng (Tả Lèng) commune, Tam Duong (Tam Đường) district, Lai Chau (Lai Châu) province); however, Lao Than is popular with tourists because it is one of the most beautiful cloud hunting spots in the Northwest.

However, Lao Than, like many other places, has the most beautiful times of the year, and if you want to explore and conquer this mountain, the months of October to December and March to May each year are the best. November to January of the following year, in particular, is the best time to hunt clouds and watch the beautiful sunrise.

So, let's go trekking in Lao Than right now!

When you arrive in Lao Than, you will notice that the "sea of clouds" is extremely fond of eyes like this.

Cost of climbing Lao Cai

Hiring a porter is essential for those who have never trekked before, as well as those who have climbing experience. This is also one fixed cost (almost mandatory) when trekking, unlike when traveling elsewhere. However, the cost of porter rentals is not prohibitively expensive, so don't be concerned.

Furthermore, when trekking, it is best to invite only one group to accompany you (about 5-7 people). To be safe, never go alone and never go with too few people.

For your convenience, here is the cost of climbing Lao Than mountain in two days and one night for a group of five people. If you are traveling in a larger group, multiply this amount to estimate your expenses when trekking Lao Than!

Porter not only led the way but also carried items for the friends, bringing more food to prepare for everyone once the group reached the summit. Spend no money on this! It's fine as long as you hire a reputable porter.

General cost:

1 million VND/2 porter rental

200,000 VND for snacks and drinks

500,000 VND for a 2-day motorcycle rental

Lunch costs around 700,000 VND.

Expenses incurred (parking, roadside water): 100,000 VND

As a result, the total general cost is 2.5 million VND/5 people. Divide 500,000 VND by the average person.

Separate expenses (separate items per person)

To get to Lao Than, take the bus to Sapa and allow yourself as much time as possible to rest. In fact, you can go straight to Y Ty (Y Tý), but for those who are not in good health, such a move will consume a lot of energy, not to mention that without time to rest and start the journey right away, climbing will be difficult.

As a result, you must spend more money on buses traveling from Hanoi to Sa Pa. The average round-trip price is 400,000 VND.

Accommodation and meals cost 150,000 VND per person.

The sum of these individual expenses is estimated to be around 550,000 VND per person.

Furthermore, after completing the trekking journey, you can travel to Sapa to walk around and buy specialties as gifts while waiting for the bus from Sapa to Hanoi.

Thus, the cost of climbing Lao Than for two days and one night (including travel from HN to Sapa) is approximately: 1 million VND/person.

The end of the year is beautiful but cold, so make sure you have enough utensils, jackets, and other warm clothing.

What do you need to prepare for?

Each trip must prepare all of the necessary items for the trip to be the most complete, with climbing being especially important.

As a result, here are the essential items that you should not overlook:

- Smooth trekking shoes with a good grip to keep you from slipping. Because walking in the summer is often squashy and sweaty, waterproof climbing.

- Approximately 2-3 raincoats

- Travel backpack: Use a backpack with multiple compartments and shoulder pads to prevent fatigue.

- Tents for camping.

- A sleeping bag.

- Pads for sleeping bags.

- Travel bag with multiple functions

- Clothing: nightgown, sun jacket, wind jacket, etc.

- Pain relievers, abdominal pain medications, headache medications...

- Medical supplies: scissors, gauze, cotton, ego, glucose, etc.

- Insect repellents and sunscreen.

- A camera, a phone, and a power bank.

Furthermore, to serve the dining on top of the mountain, you can bring the following items and ask the porter for assistance if you are not in good enough health:

- Picnic and grilling grills (if you want to organize a BBQ).

- Charcoal, lighters, and aluminum foil

- Ingredients for baked goods that have already been marinated.

- Fast food: cakes, hot dogs, bread...

- Water consumption (sufficient for members).

With the information provided above, you should be able to plan your budget as well as all of the necessary supplies and tools for your journey to the peak of Lao Than Mountain!

Source: Toquoc.vn

The terraced fields at Ta Van begin to turn yellow in the middle of August, adding to the peaceful and poetic beauty of this place.

Ta Van village is a Giay ethnic group area with 40 households and a small number of other ethnic groups. The Giay people have a stable way of life, always growing rice in lowlands near rivers and streams, whereas the Hmong prefer to grow corn, cassava, and rice in high places.

Muong Hoa clear stream flows in front of Ta Van, while the back leans against the Hoang Lien Son mountain range.

Ta Van village is approximately 12 kilometers from Sapa town center; therefore, visitors can rent motorbike taxis, taxis, or cars. There are many homestays in the village that have been licensed by the government to accept guests to sleep, making it convenient for tourists.

"Most homestays have a very simple, rustic, peaceful beauty, often with a balcony overlooking the rice field, bringing a sense of peace," said Hanoi visitor Bui Quang Thuy.

Ta Van rice fields change color from green to shiny yellow in the autumn, creating a beautiful landscape picture. The ripe rice season is also the most enjoyable and cozy time in the village.

The strong aroma of rice blends into the wind, spreading throughout the space as if inviting visitors from all over the world to come and experience the mountainous region's way of life.

The rice field is surrounded by layers of mountains that overlap indefinitely. The green of the mountains and rice fields blend to form a stunning Ta Van image.

Ta Van village, with its majestic beauty of terraces, mountains, and waterfalls... is also an ideal location for trekking activities.

Walking to the villages not only allows visitors to fully appreciate the natural beauty, but it also allows visitors to better understand the life, activities, and culture of the locals.

When visiting Sapa, visitors should not miss out on visiting ethnic villages such as Ta Van, in addition to exploring the bustling town.

Source: Thanh Hiền - Nguyễn Nhi - Bùi Quang Thụy

Nam Cang is located in Lien Minh commune, Sa Pa town, Lao Cai province, approximately 36 kilometers from Sapa's center. Nam Cang is a valley surrounded by mountain forests, so it is somewhat isolated from the rest of the region. But it is also because of the isolation that the space here is more peaceful and quiet.

Nam Cang means "water at the headwaters" in the local language. In recent years, the beautiful natural landscape and unique culture of the mong and Dao ethnic groups have gradually drawn visitors to Nam Cang.

People here make a living by farming, raising livestock, visiting the forest, and living near streams.

During the ripe rice season of 8 and 9 months, visitors become increasingly enthusiastic about this land because Nam Cang is dressed in a gleaming golden new shirt, creating an impressive natural picture.

When viewed from above, the scenery in Nam Cang during the ripe rice season is both majestic and poetic.

Images of Nam Cang rice ripening season on tour groups taken by photographer Tran Minh Thin, a Lao Cai resident, have recently captured the attention of many online communities.

Mr. Minh Thìn said, "Nam Cang is a favorite land for photographers because nature is still unspoiled, with mountains and forests, golden terraces, and fresh streams."

The rice ripening season in Nam Cang is most beautiful between the months of August and September.

Visitors can walk through the roads of golden ripe rice fields, hear the rice fields rustle in the wind, and hold the round rice grains in their hands.

Visitors can reach Nam Cang by taking Provincial Road 152 from Sapa town. This route follows the stream and is suitable for both cars and motorcycles. Along the way, there are small waterfalls and picturesque scenery.

"Nam Cang is a poetic picture of serenity," Mr. Thìn said. "The people of Red Dao and Hmong here are very friendly and hospitable."

Visitors to this land can rest in homestays at the foot of the mountain or request to spend the night in homestays.

Visitors to Nam Cang during the ripe rice season should not miss out on the opportunity to enjoy appealing dishes such as thang tri, salmon hot pot, pork thieves, and so on.

Source: Khanh Minh

Source: Vi Yen - Tran Trung Hieu