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

Y Ty Village, a magnificent borderland area in Lao Cai province, is a hidden gem known for its unspoiled beauty and breathtaking scenery. Travelers arriving to Y Ty are met with the spectacle of drifting clouds, large terraced rice fields extending as far as the eye can view, and the rich cultural legacy of Y Ty’s many ethnic populations. What then qualifies Y Ty as a must-see location? Let’s explore it with MOTOGO Tours in this guide.

Where is Y Ty?

Y Ty is a commune in Bat Xat district, Lao Cai province, located about 70 kilometers north of Bat Xat town. Often referred to as the “land of mist,” this region is covered in clouds all year long to provide a magical natural setting. Y Ty lies tucked into the grand Nhiu Co San mountain range, with the tallest peak reaching 2, 660 meters, while seated above 2000 meters.

Y Ty has pleasant year-round weather; frigid winters with snowfall and warm summers with temperatures average between 20 to 25°C make it ideal for a leisure trip. Four main ethnic groups call Y Ty home: Ha Nhi, H’Mong, Dao, and Kinh; each of them adds special cultural customs that give this magical area depth and variety.

Best Time to Visit Y Ty Village

The Water Pouring Season

The rains deliver water to the fields in the summer, therefore indicating the beginning of a new farming season. From May to June, the “water pouring” season sees terraced rice fields filled with water, producing an amazing mirror image across the landscape. While the local youngsters play in the flooded fields under the direction of their parents, the sight of the water-covered fields is a visual feast.

The Rice Harvest Season

As the rice starts to ripen, late August to early September, Y Ty becomes even more captivating with its vivid golden fields. The terraced rice fields are magically illuminated by the warm, mild autumn sun; the clouds float lazily over the steep mountain slopes, finishing the amazing picture. This season is perfect to visit Y Ty when one sees the golden fields and smells the fresh rice.

How to Get to Y Ty Village

Two important routes lead one from Hanoi to Lao Cai and from Sapa to Y Ty.

Transportation Options

Now, since Lao Cai is a major tourist site, getting to Y Ty is lot simpler. One can arrive in Lao Cai in numerous ways.

• By Train: From Hanoi’s railway station, you can catch a train to Lao Cai, almost eight hours’ journey. Depending on the kind of service, train fares run between 150,000 VND and 750,000 VND. You can rent a motorbike to ride up to Y Ty once in Lao Cai.
• By Bus: Operating from Hanoi to Lao Cai, several sleeper buses run roughly five hours. Booking your tickets ahead of time is advised, particularly for weekends or holidays when travel is very heavy. One way bus prices are from 250,000 VND to 550,000 VND per person.
• By Motorbike: Experienced motorcyclists sometimes decide to visit Y Ty by motorbike. For first-timers, though, the 400km trip—which features twisting roads and high hills—can be difficult. If you are going in a group, be careful to pack necessary paperwork and safety gear should any unanticipated events arise.

The Route from Bat Xat to Y Ty Village

Depending on your level of road knowledge, the 1-2 hour motorbike ride from Sapa to Y Ty takes Given its difficult terrain, motorbikes are the greatest way to get along this path. From Sapa, head for Muong Hum in Bat Xat district, then track the Muong Hum stream to get to Y Ty, the furthest commune in Bat Xat district.

Must-See Destinations in Y Ty Village

Moc 92 – Lung Po Junction

The Nguyen Giang River (from China) joins the Lung Po River at Lung Po Junction to form what we know as the Red River in Vietnam. From Lung Po Border Marker (Moc 92), you can stand at the flagpole and let the clouds drift by, gazing out over the calm but historically significant territory once under protection of the A Mu Sung border guards, who battled heroically.

Vietnam-China Border Markers

There are various Vietnam-China boundary markers in Y Ty, which appeal to brave people. Hiking to these border stations provides an amazing perspective of the grand mountains and a great sense of achievement.

Lao Than – Y Ty

The highest mountain in Y Ty is Lao Than, which offers the ideal vantage point to view the sea of clouds over the huge wilderness. Called Y Ty’s “roof,” Lao Than’s soaring height among the white skies begs questions and intrigue. Its breathtaking, unspoiled terrain adds to its natural beauty, which enthralls guests not only for its height.

A Lu – Y Ty

Along the Lung Po creek, in the Vietnam-China border, A Lu is an isolated commune. A Lu is now more easily reachable than it was once as paved road is now available. Here you will find a perfect natural setting comprising small homes tucked away in the foothills and towering mountains and limitless terraced fields flowing like waves. A Lu’s kind and welcoming residents make this place especially more memorable.

Ngai Thau

On your way through Y Ty, Ngai Thau, a highland commune close to the northern border, is worth seeing. The year-round fog and gentle, cold temperature produce a calm environment. Early in the morning, as the sun rises, the fog disappears to expose white hawthorn blossoms along the roadways, quiet communities, and energetic youngsters.

The Pa Valley

Reflecting the imaginative brilliance of the H’mong and Ha Nhi people, the terraced fields in The Pa Valley are a real piece of art. Nature and human creativity harmonically produce an amazing scene. Here you can also take part in customs including the Red Dao people’s “Ga ma do” and “Kho kim” rites, or the Ha Nhi people’s “Khu gia gia.”

Y Ty Market

Found in the middle of the commune, Y Ty Market is open every Saturday. Apart from a center for trade, it offers visitors a rich cultural experience. With locally manufactured fabrics, vivid clothing, and the bustle of female merchants, you may really sink yourself into the colorful environment. The market is the ideal location to get mementos for friends and relatives since it vividly depicts the way of life of the highlands.

Thien Sinh Bridge

About ten kilometers from the center of Y Ty, at the end of Lao Chai Village, Thien Sinh Bridge boasts an interesting past. Originally a natural stone bridge, it is now a concrete construction but it still spans a deep valley where the Lung Po torrent roars below. Perched atop the bridge, you can see the expanse of the valley below, where the river froths.

Den Sang

Den Sang is a place deeply rooted in Red Dao tradition. The cool, fresh air begs you to explore the surroundings. Twenty minutes of walking will lead you to a rocky beach ideal for rest among the tall trees. Here you may appreciate wild blooming antique rhododendrons and vibrantly colored orchids.

Muong Hum Market

Every Sunday, Muong Hum Market is hosted roughly 44 km from Lao Cai city. Driven by the rich culture of the highland ethnic groups, this is a busy area where residents come to trade. The lively character of the neighborhood is very reflected in the market environment.

Things To Do in Y Ty Village

Hiking to the Top of the Mountain

Among the various high points Y Ty has that would be ideal for hiking are A Lu, Lao Than, Nhiu Co San. Adventurers can travel to summit these mountains and take in the amazing vistas of the Northwest Vietnam’s great mountains and forests.

Y Ty Market – Cultural Experience

One of the biggest markets in the Northwest, Y Ty Market is open Sunday morning. The market is a lively environment where guests may browse for handcrafted goods, regional specialties and soak in the lively energy of the market.

Relax at a Homestay

Offering a distinctive and immersive experience, Y Ty includes various homestays constructed in the classic stilt house style. Remaining at a homestay lets guests experience the tranquil way of life of the people and interact with the surroundings.

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

One of the most often engaged in activities in Y Ty is cloud hunting. Early visitors might go to higher locations to appreciate the lovely sea of clouds. With clouds all year long, Y Ty is well-known as “the most beautiful cloud hunting spot in Vietnam” for producing an enigmatic and romantic ambiance.

What to eat in Y Ty Village?

• Smoked buffalo meat: The most well-known treat of Y Ty village is smoked buffalo meat. Visitors must taste the rich and tender meal the beef marinated in spices and smoked for many days produces.
• Y Ty forest mushrooms: Local folks will gather forest mushrooms in April and May when the first rains of the season arrive. These mushrooms taste uniquely and are delicate and aromatic.
• Ha Nhi Beer: Ha Nhi Beer is a sort of traditional craft beer made by the Ha Nhi folks. The fermenting process makes use of several kinds of forest vegetation and is quite exact in nature. Taste increases with increasing brewing length of beer. The beer is pleasant and does not induce headache following consumption.
• Ha Sin Co Root: Locals refer to this root, Hoang Sin Co, as sweet potatoes; its interior color is golden. They deliver fresh taste and are sweet, crisp, juiced.

Other ethnic cuisine such Thang Co (Mong people), Salmon Hotpot (Dao people) and Five-color Sticky Rice (Ha Nhi people) is also available to visitors.

Things to Note When Traveling to Y Ty Village

• Y Ty is a border location; so, the roadways are dotted with border stations. Make sure you check in at the border posts whether you stop for a break or snap pictures.
• You must leave a photocopy of your passport or ID card for border registration while renting a motorbike.Along for the road are some drinks and munchies.
• Y Ty’s great height—more than 2000m—allows the temperature to be cool, hence carry warm clothes, scarves, and caps.

Y Ty Village is a beautiful place with immaculate natural settings, great mountains, and a distinct ethnic culture. Y Ty visitors will have amazing encounters, communing with the natural surroundings and learning about the rich culture of this borderland area.