"Gate to the Roof of Indochina" Top 5 Page for this destination Lao Cai by hientonkin

Lao Cai Travel Guide: 60 reviews and 161 photos

Lao Cai Train station

Lao Cai, the city itself has not much to see. But is the stopover to Sapa - the beautiful spot with nice weather.
The tourist train often arrives at 5.30 or 6.00, some will stop for breakfast & rest here before heading to Bac Ha Market ( if it's Sunday ).
Then again, in the afternoon, bus from Sapa will drop tourist off at the train station at about 5.00, 4 hours waiting for the train. What will you do?
- Shower services are available at most of mini guesthouse, even a room for lieing down for a while.
- Dinner at restaurant & having a beer waiting for train.
- Catch a motorbike-taxi to the border of Vietnam & China ( just 1km far from the train station ). You couldnt enter China if you dont have visa, of course, but it's good to see where the Red River ( one of the main river system in Northern Delta ) starts in Vietnam.
- Or kill time & money for Gambling at Lao Cai International Casino.

* Note: If you want to bring your motorbike up there, must be on train number SP3, SP2 hasnt got big carriage for goods.

Specialty Of Lao Cai

Thang co - one kind of hot-pot made from horse meat, beef meat & theirs insides .
Thang co + Ruou ( Wine ) sounds perfect ........

Last visit to Lao Cai: Sep 2006
Intro Written Sep 17, 2006
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Reviews (4)

Pumpkin Express Transportation (3)

Pumpkin is the 3rd best or 4th best??? I'm not sure. After rennovation last year, the cabins are quite nice following... more travel advice

Tulico Express Transportation (3)

Tulico Express is the 2nd bets after Victoria Express. At the carriage number 6 & 7, Tulico has a wooden decorated cabin... more travel advice

Victoria Express carriage from outside - Lao Cai

Night train Transportation (3)

It is really - headache when deciding which train to take to Lao Cai , or wondering what the soft sleeper or hard... more travel advice

Old French house Hotels (1)

It's nice hotel, located in the centre. The manager is very nice and humourous. You can spend your time talking to him ,... more travel advice

Comments (3)

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cachaseiro Apr 3, 2010 at 1:32 PM

very useful tips. i love train journeys.
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piglet44 Oct 20, 2008 at 4:55 AM

hey Hien your tips are really nice! I hope I can use all this information soon. Ruthi
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iwys Jan 27, 2006 at 12:52 AM

Sounds nice.