Y Ty Village: Discover the Hidden Beauty of Vietnam’s Remote Highland

Y Ty Village, a beautiful borderland corner of Lao Cai province, feels like a rare jewel surrounded by untouched nature and stunning scenery. When travelers get to Y Ty, they are greeted by clouds that drift across the sky, endless terraced rice fields that shine in the sun, and the deep cultural heartbeat of the many ethnic groups who live there. So, what is it about Y Ty that makes it so moving? Let MOTOGO Tours show you the magic that is hidden.

Where is Y Ty?

Y Ty is a commune in the Bat Xat district of Lao Cai province. It is about 70 kilometers north of the town of Bat Xat. This highland paradise is often called the “land of mist” because it is always covered in clouds, which gives it a dreamlike, otherworldly feel. Y Ty is a beautiful place to be, sitting gracefully above 2,000 meters and surrounded by the grandeur of nature. It is located next to the powerful Nhiu Co San mountain range, which has its highest peak at 2,660 meters.

Y Ty is a great place to get away from it all because the weather is always nice. Winters are cold and sometimes snowy, and summers are warm, with temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. There are four main ethnic groups that live here: the Ha Nhi, H’Mong, Dao, and Kinh. Every group brings its own lively cultural traditions that make this beautiful place even more interesting, warm, and soulful.

Best Time to Visit Y Ty Village

 The Season for Pouring Water

The terraced fields come to life when the summer rains come, starting a new farming cycle. From May to June, during the sparkling “water pouring” season, the rice terraces fill with crystal reflections. This makes the mountainsides look like giant mirrors that catch every glint of sky. As their parents guide the water, kids laugh and splash in the fields, making a scene that is both poetic and alive.

 The Season for Rice Harvest

From late August to early September, when the rice turns ripe and golden, Y Ty becomes even more appealing. The terraced fields look like waves of gold in the soft, warm light of autumn. Clouds float lazily above the rough hills, making the scenery so beautiful that it looks like a painting come to life. This is the best time to take in the smell of fresh rice and let the golden scenery wash over you.

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How to Get to Y Ty Village

Most people who travel go from Hanoi to Lao Cai or from Sapa to Y Ty.

Transportation Options

Getting to Y Ty is now much easier because Lao Cai is a big tourist destination. There are a few different ways to get to Lao Cai before going on to the mountains.

• By Train: It takes about eight hours for trains to go from Hanoi to Lao Cai. Prices range from 150,000 VND to 750,000 VND, depending on the type of cabin. You can rent a motorbike in Lao Cai and ride it into the clouds of Y Ty.
• By Bus: Many sleeper buses run between Hanoi and Lao Cai and take about five hours. It is highly recommended to book ahead of time, especially on weekends and holidays. Prices for one-way tickets range from 250,000 to 550,000 VND per person.
• By Motorbike: Experienced riders often take the road to Y Ty on a motorbike. But for beginners, the almost 400-kilometer trip with its winding roads and steep climbs can be very hard. If you’re going on a trip with others, make sure you have all the documents and safety gear you need in case of an emergency.

The Route from Bat Xat to Y Ty Village

Depending on how comfortable you are with mountain roads, it will take 1 to 2 hours to ride a motorbike from Sapa to Y Ty. Motorbikes are the best way to get around on this route because the ground is rough. From Sapa, go to Muong Hum in the Bat Xat district. Then, follow the Muong Hum stream until you reach Y Ty, the most remote and romantic commune in Bat Xat.

Must-See Destinations in Y Ty Village

Moc 92 – Lung Po Junction

The Nguyen Giang River from China and the Lung Po River meet at Lung Po Junction to form Vietnam’s famous Red River. When you stand at the Lung Po Border Marker (Moc 92), you can look out over a peaceful but spiritually charged landscape that was once fiercely guarded by the A Mu Sung border soldiers. The wind carries their stories, which are quiet, strong, and unforgettable.

Vietnam-China Border Markers

There are Vietnam–China border markers all over Y Ty that call out to people who want to explore. When you hike to these faraway places, you get to see huge, wild mountain views and feel a deep sense of accomplishment that only a trip to the border can give you.

Lao Than – Y Ty

Lao Than, the highest peak in Y Ty, is the best place for people who love clouds. People often call it the “roof of Y Ty.” It goes up into soft white skies that look like they are close enough to touch. Its rough, clean slopes make people want to know more and be amazed. The untouched wilderness here captures your heart long before you get to the top.

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A Lu – Y Ty

A Lu is a quiet community by the Lung Po stream near the border between Vietnam and China. Newly paved roads make it easier to get to than it used to be. Here, gentle hills hold tiny wooden homes, terraced fields flow like golden waves, and tall mountains surround the village in quiet beauty. The locals’ warmth makes the experience even better.

Ngai Thau

Ngai Thau is a highland commune near the northern border. It is cool and misty almost all year. As the sun rises, the fog slowly lifts, revealing hawthorn flowers along the roads, peaceful huts, and happy children welcoming the new day. It’s a sweet moment that is simple, beautiful, and very human.

The Pa Valley

The H’mong and Ha Nhi people used their creativity to make the Pa Valley a work of art. Terraced fields stretch across the valley like brushstrokes, where human creativity and nature come together in perfect harmony. You can also see traditional ceremonies like the Red Dao’s “Ga ma do” and “Kho kim” or the Ha Nhi’s “Khu gia gia,” which bring the valley’s cultural soul to life.

Y Ty Market

Every Saturday, Y Ty Market takes place in the center of the commune. It’s not just a place to buy and sell things; it’s a living tapestry of highland culture. The bright colors of the fabrics, the handmade goods, the laughter of women selling their wares, and the smell of local food all make for a lively, colorful atmosphere. It’s the best place to get meaningful souvenirs and feel the energy of Y Ty.

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Thien Sinh Bridge

Thien Sinh Bridge is about 10 kilometers from the center of Y Ty, at the edge of Lao Chai Village. It has an interesting history. It used to be a natural stone bridge, but now it’s a strong concrete structure that crosses a deep gorge where the Lung Po stream roars below. You can feel the valley’s raw power as you stand here and look down at the foaming waters far below.

Den Sang

Den Sang is full of Red Dao traditions and has cool, fresh air that makes you want to explore. A short 20-minute walk takes you to a rocky riverside that is hidden among tall trees. This is a great place to relax or reconnect with nature. Wild orchids and rhododendrons bloom in bright colors, making the forest look beautiful in a quiet way.

Muong Hum Market

Every Sunday, Muong Hum Market, which is about 44 km from Lao Cai city, is the center of the highlands. People from different ethnic groups come here to trade goods, tell stories, and fill the air with color and energy. It’s a lively look into the everyday life of people in Northwest Vietnam.

Things To Do in Y Ty Village

Hiking to the Top of the Mountain

A Lu, Lao Than, and Nhiu Co San are some of the most beautiful peaks in Y Ty. Each has exciting trails and great views of Vietnam’s wild northwest. The view from the top is so beautiful that every step is worth it.

Y Ty Market – Cultural Experience

Y Ty Market is one of the biggest markets in the Northwest and takes place every Sunday morning. Visitors can look at handmade crafts, try local foods, and enjoy the lively, colorful atmosphere.

Relax at a Homestay

Y Ty’s charming homestays, which are often built in the style of traditional stilt houses, give you a warm, personal look at life in the area. When you stay overnight, you can slow down, breathe in the mountain air, and really connect with the village’s natural beauty.

Cloud hunting in Y Ty – An activity not to be missed

Y Ty loves to hunt for clouds. Get up early and go to high places to see a dreamy ocean of clouds rolling under your feet. Y Ty is often called “Vietnam’s most magical cloud-hunting destination” because it has mist almost all year. This makes every traveler feel romantic and mysterious.

What to eat in Y Ty Village?

• Smoked buffalo meat: The main dish at Y Ty is tender buffalo meat that has been marinated in local spices and smoked for days. Full of flavor, smells great, and is hard to forget.
• Y Ty forest mushrooms: These fragrant mushrooms are picked during the first rains of April and May. They are soft, smell good, and taste great.
• Ha Nhi Beer: A traditional beer made by hand from herbs found in the forest. The taste gets better the longer it ferments. It doesn’t give you headaches, and it’s smooth and refreshing.
• Ha Sin Co Root: Locally known as Hoang Sin Co, this root has a sweet, crisp, and refreshing taste, whether you eat it fresh or juice it.

People can also enjoy ethnic foods like Mong Thang Co, Dao salmon hotpot, and Ha Nhi five-color sticky rice.

Things to Note When Traveling to Y Ty Village

• Y Ty is on the border, so you’ll see a lot of border stations. When you need to rest or take pictures, stop and register.
• You need to leave a copy of your passport or ID at the border when you rent a motorcycle. Pack snacks and water for the trip.
• Temperatures can be cold at heights above 2,000 meters. Bring warm clothes, hats, and scarves.

Y Ty Village is a place where nature is free to breathe. The mountains, misty skies, and rich ethnic culture all come together to make an unforgettable trip. People who come here don’t just visit; they really connect with the land, the people, and the soulful beauty of Vietnam’s borderlands.

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