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District in Northwest, Vietnam
Photo: Truth'soutthere, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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The Sunday market (which is much larger than the Sa Pa market) is a big, colorful bazaar overflowing with everything under the sun. Most visitors will probably be interested in the embroidered fabric handicrafts such as cellphone pouches, clothes, handbags, purses, and cushion covers, tablecloths and table runners sold by minority hill tribes. Also available are scarves; T-shirts; metal jewellery and trinkets; carvings and figurines made of metal, wood and stone; and home furnishings such as place mats, and lacquered bowls and chopsticks created out of bamboo. The meat and vegetable markets make for interesting photographs, and braver tourists may even want to try eating while perched on low benches or stools at one of the roadside food stalls in the market. Locals also visit the market to purchase tools, children's toys, and household items.
The food is average but it has a lively atmosphere as Sapa Green Tours arranges for its customers to dine there.
A friendly host, originally from Ukraine, offering pho (Vietnamese rice noodle soup) and fried rice dishes with meat, tofu, bamboo shoots and other vegetables, and so on, at socialist prices – 20,000 dong for everything! Sure, you still pay more than the locals, but the place offers quite good value for money and a friendly atmosphere. Come late, say 19:30, to get the best of Papa's own dinner.
Located on a quiet lane away from the main street, the restaurant serves reasonably priced noodle and rice dishes, fresh and deep-fried spring rolls, and other Vietnamese staples. There are two pleasant outdoor tables beside the street.
Best spring rolls in town, and other freshly made local dishes at reasonable prices.
A reasonably priced restaurant catering mainly to tourists.
Basic budget rooms in an old wooden building, and slightly more comfortable heated ones in a modern stone building. Friendly owner with rudimentary English. An OK choice for a longer stay – negotiate a price in advance.
Travelling from Lào Cai or Sa Pa to Bắc Hà
Many people visit Bắc Hà as part of a trip to Sa Pa.
Bắc Hà is small, so most things within the town are within walking distance.
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Dien Bien Phu · Regional · DIN
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