Lai Châu – Lai Chau Travel Guide (Updated 2019) Travelfish
Sprawling and sparkling Lai Chau feels like it has been dropped into the countryside from outer space. Boulevards, as enormous as they are devoid of traffic, slice through the centre of this provincial capital which, by and large feels almost deserted even at peak hour.
Đang xem: Lai Châu
On this page: An introduction to Lai Chau
Why should you go to Lai Chau?
Lai Chau is the natural spot for an overnighter for those travelling to or from Sapa to the east, or Muong Lay or Sin Ho to the west. Despite the half deserted feel and enormous size, this is a clean and well manicured city—probably the cleanest spot we saw in all of the northwest. The overall setting is stunning—in the distance mountain peaks surround much of the city, and the centre has a large and pretty public park (hemmed in by more boulevards), along with a pond with a few spots to eat.
Lined up like wedding cakes. Photo: Stuart McDonald
ATMs are scattered around town, making Lai Chau a good spot to cash up before heading further west. The primary post office is in the centre of town, opposite the large lake (and yes, on the boulevard).
Lai Chau’s bus station is in the southern reaches of town, on the south side of the boulevard to the east of the General Hospital. Note that where Google Maps marks it (at least at the time of research in September 2019), is incorrect.
Where to stay in Lai Chau
Lai Chau has plenty of mini-hotels, many of which can be booked online, mostly clustered towards the northern end of town and a couple strung out along the boulevard. We’ve listed just the one, a simple budget hotel, primarily due to the location and that the manager speaks good English and is handy for food and attraction tips. If you’d prefer something more midrange, take a look online.
Under US$10
Doan Ket 1 Guesthouse# Chieu Tan, Lai Chau T: (0988) 669 366 The Doan Ket 1 is an unassuming guesthouse opposite a wet market towards the northern reaches of Lai Chau, and while it is simple fare, the setting ticks a lot of authenticity boxes.
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A slightly lumpy bed but plenty of light. Photo: Stuart McDonald
While staff speak no English, the manager has good English and will do his best to convince you to prolong your stay in Lai Chau. He volunteered to take us out to a dog restaurant (we declined), but is also just as happy to head out for a few cold beers or just furnish you with a few tips on where to go eat yourself. He also has plenty of information on the surrounds and can also arrange motorbike hire if you don’t have your own.
Map of where to stay in Lai Chau
Map of where to stay in Lai ChauMap legend
Click on the hotel name to open its position in Apple or Google maps.
Where to eat
Like everything else in Lai Chau, the eating options are all over the place, and having your own transport can be helpful in getting around.
Greasier than it looks. Photo: Stuart McDonald
By the smaller pond (not the grandiose lake) you’ll find Kim Ngan Banh Xeo. Now banh xeo are always a bit on the greasy side, here, moreso. If that doesn’t do it for you, walk around the corner and you’ll see a row of semi-open air BBQ meats and snail cafes that also serve up cold drinks in a relaxed setting.
Talking cold drinks and food, on the main drag, Nha Hang Chau Tuan is easy to spot (by a cinema), and can dish up cold drinks and simple one plate dishes. Open lunch and evenings only. For something more substantial, towards the bus station, on your right on the boulevard is Quan 25, a BBQ suckling pig place—be warned the staff here can be very curt—get there by 19:00 to avoid missing out.
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Map of where to eat in Lai ChauMap legend
Click on the restaurant name to open its position in Apple or Google maps.
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