Visiting a local market is a great way to explore the culture of Si Ma Cai. (Photo: VNA).

While Sa Pa is a well-known tourism destination, its sister Si Ma Cai is a hidden beauty that still retains its serenity and originality.

Si Ma Cai district sits in the northwest province of Lao Cai. It is about 95km from Lao Cai city, at the elevation of 1,600 metres above sea level.

From Lao Cai city, one can take the bus to Si Ma Cai town. The curving road stretching from the city centre to Si Ma Cai is 95km. At some points, it is quite steep.

Arriving at Si Ma Cai, visitors can indulge in the pure nature, the mountains and thick forest as well as the fresh atmosphere. They can enjoy the beauty of the pink buckwheat flowers, mingle in the local market space and enjoy the local specialties.

The area is surrounded by grand limestone mountain ranges. It is no longer a remote locality as there is a concrete road connecting the district with the neighboring ones.

From the Bac Ha plateau, one drives about 10km to get to Lu Than commune, where the pink buckwheat flower blooms on the hillsides in September.

The blend of the green forest and pink violet flowers makes the area look like a painting.

Si Ma Cai is also decorated with golden terraced rice fields in Sin Cheng commune, the grey rock garden in San Chai commune or the sea of clouds floating in mountains in Thao Chu Phin. The commune is also home to seemingly endless sa moc (evergreen coniferous trees) forest.

A boat tour around the Chay river in Ban Me commune lets you contemplate the tranquil riverscape and valleys.

The unique local market.

Along with spectacular nature, Si Ma Cai also attracts visitors for its diverse culture formed by different ethnic minorities: Thu Lao, Mong, Tay, Nung. Each has their own costumes, cuisine and architecture.

There are a number of options for one to explore the local life and ethnic culture, including the spring festivals and the markets of the Mong, Thu Lao and Nung ethnic groups.

Specialty dishes of the region include maize wine, thang co (a dish made from horse meat and its organs), mountain pork, black chicken and Sin Cheng duck. The Quan Than San Mountain range at the height of 2,800 metres also impresses visitors along with the friendly smiles of locals.

Currently, Si Ma Cai District welcomes about 15,000 visitors a month.

Source: VNA