Si Ma Cai is a northern border district, Lao Cai province, about 95 km from the city center. Many people say that Si Ma Cai and Sa Pa are twin sisters who were born and raised in the Northwest mountains. If Sa Pa becomes a gorgeous and beautiful princess, Si Ma Cai is still a rustic and simple girl.

Although Si Ma Cai has not been honed by human hands, it is the wild beauty that attracts tourists. In the midst of craggy, precarious rocks, Si Ma Cai, like a muse, still retains a rustic and simple look, attracting backpackers to travel to Lao Cai.
1. Although the road is not beautiful and sparkling, it is attractive.

The road to Si Ma Cai is a pass with many bends, especially the section from Bac Ha town to Si Ma Cai town. The road zigzags between the green mountains and forests, the two sides of the road are sparsely populated. There are very dangerous sections on one side are high mountains, one side is deep abyss, bringing a feeling of both wild and attractive.

In winter, the road becomes more and more challenging with dense fog. You must be very brave to cross the pass road with the frost of this highland.

Ignoring the quiet feeling of the highlands, the scenery on both sides of the road is very romantic. Cat ears cliffs, green forests, corn fields, houses with earth walls, make visitors feel like they are lost in a dream, making people's hearts flutter.

2. Si Ma Cai is more bustling by the romantic triangle season

Traveling to Lao Cai, not only Bac Ha has a triangular circuit, but Si Ma Cai in late autumn also covers the whole sky. Along the way, the hills of buckwheat buckwheat flowers bloom brilliantly. Right at the gateway of Si Ma Cai, Lu Than commune with immense flower hills, stretching endlessly. Lost in the flower forest, visitors are more and more impressed by the changing color of flowers from time to time. Sometimes the color is white and pink, when it is bright pink, when it is deep purple and pink, it bewilders all eyes.

Triangle Circuit Flower Carpet
3. Crowded markets last all week

Traveling to Lao Cai to explore the fair is an interesting thing for many tourists. Coming to Si Ma Cai, you will be satisfied with your passion. Saturday Can Cau buffalo market, Sunday Si market, Wednesday Sin Cheng market, Thursday Coc Cu market, Ban Me commune, Friday Lu Di San market, San Chai commune.

Each market brings its own color and interesting. One thing in common is the bright, vibrant space, the crisp smiles of the locals or the shouting and cheering of the children. When the sun had just glimmered the first rays of light, the mist still lingered, and people flocked to the market. People carrying bags, people leading buffaloes, horses, people hugging dogs, chickens... all over the road rushed out, filling the market in an instant, creating a crowded and bustling scene.

By early afternoon, the clouds began to pull back, and the market began to end. The people slowly left. Shadows of people and horses disappeared on the trails, leaving only the chirping sounds of children.

Winter fun at Si Ma Cai market

4. The long-standing houses of the Mong people

Everywhere in the villages, there are houses with walls made of earth. However, if you want to discover the ancient architecture, you must go to Sao Phin village, Sin Cheng commune. This is a village built quite a long time ago with ancient architecture from hundreds of years ago. The houses are large, airy, square in shape. Surrounded by a thick layer of soil, with two main and side doors and a harmonious and unique design in the house. The four sides are roofed with yin and yang tiles, inside is a square empty box with airy, bright sky, very suitable for daily activities, cultural exchanges, and arts during the holidays. …

A very loving Si Ma Cai, with a rustic and idyllic feature that makes the traveler's heart flutter. Traveling to Lao Cai, remember not to miss this interesting stop. The moment you immerse yourself in life here, you will see all the fun of it. Come and feel for yourself!

Phan Phuong