Capital city:     Lao Cai
Area (sq km):     8,050
Population:     616,500
Average temp:     In high mountainous area is between 18 - 28ºC, between 20 - 22ºC in the lowlands.
Ethnic data:     Bo Y, Dao, Giay, Ha Nhi, H'Mong, Khang, La Chi, La Ha, Lu, Muong, Nung, Nung, Phu La, Tay, Thai, Xa Pho
Districts/wards:     An Phu, Chau Phu, Chau Thanh, Cho Moi, Phu Tan, Tan Chau, Thoai Son, Tinh Bien, Tri Ton

• Cattle breeding, fruit gardens, tourism.
•  Natural beauty sights    
• Mount Fan Si Pan (1) at 3,141 metres, Sa Pa (2).

The winter makes Lao Cai the picturesque snowcapped mountain peaks emulate the Alps or the Rocky Mountains. In the Spring many white peach flowers are blooming, welcoming the visitor.
 

Historic sights    
Few - the border areas remain dangerous with active mines remaining from the Chinese invasion in 1979.
 
Festivals    
Long Tong Festival of the Tay, Spring Mountain Festival.
 

Markets    
Bac Ha Highland Fair - every Sunday - in Bac Ha; Can Cau Market (20 kilometres north of Bac Ha) - every Saturday, one of ViêtNam’s most exotic open-air markets; Coc Ly Market (Tuesday) - transport from Sa Pa; Lung Phin Market - Sundays - between Can Cau Market and Bac Ha, about 12 kilometres from the Bac Ha; Muong Hum Market (Sunday - transport from Sa Pa;) Sa Pa Market - every Saturday; several interesting markets are centred around Bac Ha, within a 20 kilometre circle.
 
Transport    
Lao Cai is 340 kilometres from Ha Noi and can be reached by road or rail.

Transport - Air
An airport is presently under construction. Emergency flights are presently handled by helicopter.

Transport - Rail
Two trains depart Ha Noi daily. The first departs Ha Noi's Ga Ha Noi at 06.05H (promptly) arriving in Lao Cai at 5.30H. The second departs Ga Ha Noi at 22.00H arriving in Lao Cai at 07.10H the following morning. Return to Ha Noi from Lao Cai is by the morning train departing at 10.20H arriving in Ha Noi at 19.20H. The evening train departs Lao Cai at 06.45H arriving in Ha Noi at 04.00H the next morning.

Transport - Road
Minibuses link Lao Cai and Sa Pa, 38 kilometres and 2 hours driving with travel coordinated with rail schedules, and there are bus services at other during the day. Costs are USD$2.00.
 
Daily Lao Cai bus service to Bac Ha covers the 63 kilometres for USD$5.
 
A bus service from Sa Pa to Bac Ha is provided on Sundays that includes a guide and a trekk to a Flower H’mong village. The cost for 110 kilometre journey is USD$12. Passengers may alight on the return leg at Lao Cai to meet the evening train to Ha Noi.