Yen Bai, land of tranquility
Yen Bai is a province in the northern mountainous region, it is one of the most attractive stops on the journey to the northwest. Yen Bai is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its multi-ethnic culture.
When you come to Yen Bai, you will find tranquility and the hidden beauty of Vietnamese culture. The splendor of the rice terraces and the hospitality of the local inhabitants offer you unforgettable memories.
Want to get away from the hustle and bustle to find peace? Here is our guide to Yen Bai.
Where is Yen Bai?
The province of Yen Bai is located on the road axis dividing The North into two very contrasting halves: the North-West with very rugged reliefs and the more hilly North-East. Yen Bai, therefore, combines the characteristics of these two regions. Between Hanoi and Lao Cai which begins to become quite eventful with tourist activities or between Hanoi and Ha Giang-this province at the northern end of the country is a total change of scenery. Yen Bai has located some 200 km from the Vietnamese capital and can be a peaceful stopover both on the way there and on the way back: stays in pretty Thai villages with succulent dishes accompanied by glasses of local alcohol, walks in the green valleys.
When is the best time to visit Yen Bai?
You can visit Yen Bai all year round. Indeed, Yen Bai in Vietnam offers a different perspective at every time of the year.
If you come between May and October, you will have the chance to observe the landscapes of Mu Cang Chai which is considered the capital of rice fields in Vietnam. From May to June, the terraced fields become flooded, reflecting like mirrors, creating a stunning beauty that surprises visitors. September to October, on the other hand, is the season for ripe rice, the terraced fields put on their brilliant yellow clothes. This is the perfect time for some great photos!
From December to January, the experiences in the hot spring waterfalls will be the best.
How to get to Yen Bai?
By private car
The most convenient way to reach Yen Bai is by private car. It takes about 3 hours by road from Hanoi. This service also adds flexibility, as you can stop at any time, whether for a photo or to try food along the way.
By bus
A cheap and quite comfortable way to get to Yen Bai is by night bus. Several leave Hanoi’s North Terminal every night, and the cheapest cost you less than $5. The coaches have fully reclining berths which make it easier to sleep. It takes 4 hours to travel.
By train
You can also take the train to go to Yen Bai. It takes about 5 hours on the train and costs from 4 USD. Thanks to the appropriate price, it is a means of transport chosen by many visitors.
Where to sleep in Yen Bai?
There are many hotels in Yen Bai, even in less touristy areas, it is not difficult to find a good quality hotel. Moreover, you can also choose to stay with the locals, it will be an authentic and unforgettable experience.
In the city
It is easy to find a hotel in Yen Bai town. Staying in downtown hotels helps you easily travel to other tourist destinations. You can find many small but charming hotels in Trần Phú, Thành Công, Trần Hưng Đạo, or Lý Thường Kiệt streets.
Homestay in a nearby village
Staying with the locals helps you to have great experiences. The people in Ban La Pan Tan, Ban Nâm Khat, a few km from the town of Yen bai, will welcome you to their houses on stilts with a rare friendliness. Their houses on stilts are built of materials from nature and have all the necessary equipment to spend a pleasant night.
Nghia Lo
As a famous tourist destination, there are many hotels in Nghia Lo, you can choose hotel in Ban Xa Ren, Ban Deu, Ban Chao Ha. However, around September, hotels in Nghia Lo are quickly booked up, you can choose to homestay in a Thai village to experience the traditional cultural beauty of Thai people.
Story of Yen Bai
Home to a large number of ethnic minorities, this region has seen rulers from several different tribes, including the Kinh and Tay tribes.
At the end of the 19th century, after having invaded Vietnam, the French colonialists placed Yen Bai under military occupation (1891-1900). On April 11, 1900, French colonialists established Yen Bai province.
From 1886 to 1898, many people of Yen Bai fought against the French colonialists causing many difficulties for the French colonialists in dominating and controlling the people.
With the whole country from being a poor, backward, oppressed and enslaved nation, the August Revolution of 1945 ignited the fire of patriotism, indomitable spirit and resilience of the people of the Yen Province ethnic group Bay.
Through thousands of years of history, people of Yen Bai ethnic groups have created good traditions of passionate patriotism, a deep sense of community, national solidarity, the virtue of hard work, and creativity.
Nowadays
Today, Yen Bai in Vietnam is a quiet province in the northeast of the country. Ethnic minorities still make up the majority of the population and make this area an exciting and interesting place to visit for travelers wishing to learn more about rural Vietnam and the cultural diversity of the country.
What to see and do in Yen Bai Vietnam?
The main attraction for the visitor is the splendid and poetic mountainous landscapes. In addition, encounters with local ethnic groups, and human exchange goods during local markets make the experience a transcendent immersive journey. A homestay night in Yen Bai area will be an experience you won’t forget.
In order to take advantage of the natural resources, you have the opportunity to visit many cultural and historical sites, passing through villages and picturesque hiking trails.
As a mountainous region, Yen Bai and its surroundings are full of hiking routes offering beautiful views and photos. You can walk from village to village to feel the local atmosphere. We advise you to be accompanied by a guide.
Meet Vietnamese ethnic minorities
Throughout Yen Bai province, you will have the opportunity to meet locals living in remote areas. He often maintains an authentic way of life. It is impressive to observe and exchange with these followers a way of life that seems from another time…
Several minorities live there such as the Dao, the Hmong, the Tay, and the Thai,…
The few attractive sites you should never miss in Yen Bai
Mu Cang Chai
Mu Cang Chai is known as everyone’s dream destination. Not just terraced fields, this place is like a perfect combination, a masterpiece of nature. Its stunning majestic beauty will give you indescribable emotions.
When you come to Mu Cang Chai, be sure to visit Thai village to taste the unique delicacies of the mountainous region and then take a traditional Thai herbal bath.
The villages of Daos Quan Trang (white trousers) on the shores of Lake Thac Ba
The Dao villages of Vu Linh commune under the shade of palm trees scattered along Thac Ba Lake have a special way of welcoming tourists. If the beauty and the serenity of the Thac Ba lake are indisputable advantages of this locality, the attitude of the Daos, often called “Dao with white pants” towards tourists is a real gift for travelers. Indeed, you won’t come across almost any tourist trade there, as is often the case in other popular sites in Upper Tonkin, people are still doing what they are used to doing. We don’t feel at all that your presence here is something strange!
If you want to take a cruise on Thac Ba lake -it’s also highly recommended-, each family that welcomes you to Vu Linh will put a boat at your disposal, either a long motor boat – a bit noisy – or a small sampan full of charm and a driver to discover the peaceful corners of this lake.
Given the remoteness of Ngoi Tu from the main roads, this place is more part of a discovery tour of the north, as the last stop to allow tourists to recharge their batteries.
Conclusion
Yen Bai is the ideal place for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. It is a preserved place in Vietnam for an authentic encounter with the country.
With the marvelous beauty of nature as well as the diverse culture, kindness and enthusiasm of the local people, a trip to Yen Bai will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Discover our stays in North Vietnam to visit this wonderful region!