Hekou - a small county in Yunnan province, China, famous for its beautiful natural scenery and rich culture. This is the ideal destination for those who want to experience Chinese culture without having to travel long distances. With a convenient location near Lao Cai border gate, Vietnam, Ha Khau easily attracts international tourists, especially from Vietnam. If you had 2 days and 1 night in Hekou, where would you go and what would you do? Vietjet suggests you the top places to eat and play here!
1. Some information about Hekou, China
Hekou is located in the south of Yunnan province, China, bordering Lao Cai, Vietnam. This is one of the important trade gateways between Vietnam and China, with a bridge across the Nam Thi River. Hekou is not only an economic center but also an attractive tourist destination with many unique shopping, culinary and cultural areas that have recently attracted tourists from all over.
To go to Hekou, China, Vietnamese tourists only need to travel through Lao Cai border gate, Vietnam.
Hekou has a humid tropical climate, with hot, humid summers and cool winters. The ideal time to travel to Hekou is in the fall and spring, when the weather is pleasant and there is little rain. However, visitors can visit Hekou at any time of the year, depending on their preferences and travel plans.
2. Self-sufficient travel guide to Hekou
2.1 Travel from Vietnam to Hekou
From Vietnam, especially from Hanoi, visitors can easily go to Hekou China through many means:
- Coach: This is the most popular and economical means. From Hanoi, you can catch a bus straight to Lao Cai, then cross the border gate to enter Ha Khau.
- Train: If you have free time and are healthy, you can choose to take the train from Hanoi to Lao Cai. The trip lasts about 8 hours and brings an enjoyable experience of seeing Vietnam's mountain and forest landscape.
- Personal vehicle: If you have your own car, driving to Lao Cai and continuing through the border gate is also a convenient option.
Besides, if you are from other provinces, you can choose to travel to Hanoi by Vietjet plane, then continue to move to Lao Cai. Vietjet offers thousands of attractive summer deals when passengers buy airline tickets, especially thousands 0 VND flight tickets are released within the time frame of 12:00 - 14:00 every day, don't miss the opportunity! |
Travel everywhere with Vietjet at extremely cheap fares.
2.2 Moving in Hekou
Once you arrive in Hekou, you can travel by many means such as taxi, bicycle or walking. Hekou has a small area, so moving around town is quite easy. Taxis are popular and convenient, but you can also rent bicycles to freely explore the area. Strolling to fully feel the daily atmosphere here is also an interesting choice.
See more: Self-sufficient travel to Hekou China: Things to keep in mind
3. Top 5 beautiful places to visit in Hekou
Where should you visit in Hekou China? Vietjet suggests you 5 extremely beautiful places with strong local impressions.
3.1 Dai Lau underground supermarket
Dai Lau underground supermarket is one of the famous shopping destinations in Hekou. Here, you can find a variety of items from fashion, household items, to food and souvenirs. Not only a shopping place, this supermarket is also a unique attraction with modern architecture and large space.
3.2 Hekou Lantern Street
Hekou Lantern Street is a colorful street with thousands of colorful lanterns hanging along shops and eateries. This is a great place to enjoy street food and immerse yourself in traditional Chinese culture. In the evening, the lantern street becomes even more sparkling, attracting many tourists to take photos and visit.
The lantern street is especially sparkling when night falls.
3.3 Light park
Light Park is a prominent highlight in Hekou with majestic light shows and unique art works. This is the ideal place to stroll in the evening, admire the shimmering beauty of light works and participate in entertainment activities.
3.4 Bac Son administrative square
Bac Son Administrative Square is a large open space where visitors can visit modern architectural works and immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere of the town. The square often hosts cultural and artistic events, and is a great place to enjoy the outdoors.
3.5 Hekou town center
Hekou town center is a hub for shopping, dining and entertainment. This is also where visitors can explore the daily lives of local people and experience Chinese culture. In particular, this area has many restaurants and cafes with attractive specialties.
4. Specialties of He Khau
4.1 Hand-shaken rice paper
Hand-shaken rice paper is a popular snack in Hekou. The cake is made from rice flour, then shaken with spices such as chili powder, salt, and pepper. This is a simple dish but rich in flavor, suitable for those who like to explore street food.
4.2 Dumplings
Dumplings are a traditional Chinese dish, with a soft and smooth crust and a variety of meat fillings. At Ha Khau, dumplings are often served with broth or steamed, bringing a delicious and attractive flavor.
Effervescent dumpling is one of the dishes you must try when coming to Hekou.
4.3 Stinky tofu
Stinky tofu is a special dish and famous for its strong flavor. This dish is made from fermented tofu, then deep fried. Despite its unique smell, stinky tofu has an attractive flavor, especially when eaten with spices such as soy sauce, garlic and chili.
A typical dish that any tourist wants to try once in their life.
4.4 Sidewalk barbecue
Sidewalk barbecue is an indispensable part of Hekou cuisine. Foods such as meat, seafood, and vegetables are grilled on the sidewalk, bringing delicious and attractive flavors. This is a popular dish in the evening, when visitors can enjoy it in the airy outdoor space.
4.5 Malatang hotpot
Malatang hotpot is a popular dish in Hekou, especially in winter. This is a buffet hot pot, with a variety of meats, seafood, vegetables and spicy broth. Guests can choose their own ingredients and dip them into the boiling hot pot, creating a cozy and delicious meal.
Malatang hot pot has the typical spicy flavor of Chinese broth.
5. Suggested detailed itinerary for Ha Khau tour 2 days 1 night
Below is a reference itinerary for a 2-day, 1-night Ha Khau tour for 1 person and departing from Ho Chi Minh City:
Day | Schedule | Reference price |
Day 1 | Book flight tickets from City. Ho Chi Minh - Hanoi | From only 390,000 VND |
Travel by bus from Hanoi to Lao Cai | 300,000 VND | |
Move to Lao Cai International Border Gate to complete procedures through Ha Khau Border Gate, Yunnan, China. | 250,000 - 500,000 VND | |
Visit around He Khau town and Bac Son square. | Free of charge | |
For lunch, enjoy typical dishes such as roasted duck, succulent meat, and Sichuan tofu. | 200,000 VND | |
Free time to visit Son Lam Park (also known as Light Park), Ha Khau Lantern Street and shop at large commercial centers such as Quoc Thai supermarket, Dai Lau Department Store. | Free of charge | |
Day 2 | Have breakfast | 100,000 VND |
Free time to visit the central area of Ha Khau town and shop for souvenirs |
| |
Lunch with Ha Khau specialties | 250,000 VND | |
Enter Lao Cai border gate |
| |
Get on the bus to Hanoi | 300,000 VND | |
Continue flight Hanoi - City. Ho Chi Minh | From only 390,000 VND |
This itinerary not only provides an exciting experience of Chinese culture and cuisine, but also helps you enjoy moments of relaxation and discovery in one of the most attractive destinations in Yunnan.
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