Bonjour,
A t on besoin d'un "guide" pour faire le marché de Bac Ha le dimanche matin, ou peut on le faire en "individuel" pour bien en profiter? Si on arrive le samedi soir à bac ha.
Y a til vraiment un intérêt à aller ensuite à Sapa pour un trekking de 2 jours/ 1 nuit ou 2x1 jour? Les paysages sont ils vraiment mieux?
Ou encore Vaut il mieux s'installer le samedi 3 jours à sapa et faire l'excursion à bac ha aller retour le dimanche avec l'agence ( sapa sisters) à 35 dollars/ pers ou
Aller direct de Lo Cai à Bac Ha en bus le samedi ap midi et repartir pour 2 jours à sapa après le marché en bus.
Vous avez du vous tromper de forum, ici vous êtes sur celui de la Thaïlande.
Pour le marché de Bac Ha vous pouvez tout à fait le faire seul sans guide et d'arriver le samedi est une très bonne idée!
Il y a des bus qui arrivent d’Hanoï ou si vous préférez il y a le train jusqu'a Lao Cai et un bus de Lao Cai à Bac Ha.
Les bus partent à 19h30 tous les jours à la gare routière de My Dinh au 20 rue Pham Hung, au Nord de Hanoï et arrivent au centre de Bac Ha vers 5h30 le lendemain matin.
Pour le sens Bac Ha – Hanoi les bus de Hai Van partent à 20h30 et à 21h de Bac Ha à la gare routière de My Dinh, Hanoi. Arrivée vers 6h40 le lendemain matin.
Se renseigner à votre hôtel ou dans une agence à Hanoï, tous savent😄!
Le samedi soir il y a un petit marché de nuit qui vous met dans l'ambiance, le marché du dimanche matin est à faire de bonne heure avant l'arrivée des cars de touristes.
Vous aurez ainsi le plaisir de voir les ethnies s'installer sur la place.
Elles descendent de leurs villages et arrivent par les chemins dès 6h, voir plus tôt.
Elles seront accompagnées de leurs animaux, chiens, chevaux, poules dans les hottes ou sur les motos, cochons etc....c'est déjà tout un spectacle.
Ici les ethnies sont majoritairement des Hmongs fleuris ou bariolées (les 2 se disent) il y a aussi des Hmongs, noirs, verts, bleues et d'autres ethnies minoritaires.
Sur ce marché il y a un marché au bestiaux et un aux oiseaux, de la vente de production agricole, d'alcool, des stands de nourritures, des marchands d'instruments de musique, des marchands de vêtements et de bijoux....et plus encore😏.
De là vous pouvez tout aussi bien faire un trekking dans la région de Bac Ha .
Les paysages de Sapa sont différents, à vous de choisir.
Prendre le bus après le marché si vous voulez aller à Sapa, Sapa Sister est une bonne agence.
Très beau voyage!
Asia
Pour bien aimer un pays il faut le manger, le boire et l’entendre chanter. (Michel Déon)
Vous évoquez 3 jours à Sa Pa et pourquoi pas 3 jours à Bac Ha?
En fait si vous prenez le car qui arrive à Bac Ha à 5H30 (voir les infos de Asia7) vous pouvez même visiter le marché moins connu car plus isolé de Can Cau (à 20 Km de Bac Ha) , beaucoup moins touristique que Bac Ha mais qui reste néanmoins à voir + le petit marché de nuit mentionné.
Personnellement nous sommes arrivés le vendredi en fin d'après midi , Samedi matin : Can Cau , samedi après midi : randonnée , samedi soir : marché de nuit , Dimanche matin : marché Bac Ha et fin de matinée : à nouveau randonnée .
Avions un guide pour nous conduire à Can Cau (pas nécessaire) mais utile pour les randonnées . Pas de guide non plus nécessaire pour le marché de Bac Ha . Le guide dans les marchés sert surtout de traducteur et explique également tous les fruits et légumes présents sur les étals et vous explique les différences entre toutes les ethnies rencontrées , puis vous laisse seuls pour une visite à votre convenance . Nous apprécions.
Trek à Sa Pa ou Bac Ha ? effectivement il y a des rizières superbes à Sa Pa . Un bon guide pourra vous faire emprunter des chemins pas trop bondés de touristes . Les Treks à Bac Ha sont moins connus , il y a aussi quelques belles rizières en terrasse à découvrir . Tenir compte du délai de transport entre Bac Ha et Sa Pa qui va prendre sur vos 3 jours .
S'installer 3 jours à Sa Pa et A/R marché Bac Ha : Déconseillé car trop de monde le fait. Préférez partir après le marché de Bac Ha quand tous les touristes de Sa Pa arrivent . ou 3 jours Bac Ha😉.
Bonne préparation.
Eric
TOUT à Sapa est différent de Bac Ha : le bourd lui-même, beaucoup plus petit t sans l aphlétores d'hôtels et de restos; les montagnes (les "Alpes françaises" culminant à 3100 m à Sapa, montagnes moins hautes à BH) ; les rizières (+ spectaculaires à Sapa et autour de BH, de terre pauvre, ce sont surtout des terrasses à maïs) ; les clans ethniques (H'mong Noirs à Sapa, H'mong Fleurs à BH). Faires les deux est donc le mieux. Vous pouvez faire Sapa, puis prendre l'excursion un jour marché de Bac Ha au départ de Sapa et vs dites au guide de vs déposer à la gare de Lao Cai au retour
Méfiez-vous de la vie, car les ratés ne vous rateront pas!
Vous pouvez faire Sapa, puis prendre l'excursion un jour marché de Bac Ha au départ de Sapa et vs dites au guide de vs déposer à la gare de Lao Cai au retour
Le seul Hic à mon sens dans cette organisation est l'arrivée un peu tardive et au milieu de la foule de touristes qui arrivent de Sapa ou d'Hanoï sur le marché de Bac Ha (3 heures de route depuis Sapa).
On débarque sur le marché tous en même temps, vers au mieux 9h30 - 10h jusqu'à environ 11h, alors que d'être sur place la veille permet quand même un point de vue plus intimiste.
Ou alors il faut prendre une voiture privée avec guide et chauffeur et quitter Sapa au plus tôt...çà a quand même un coût.
Bonne journée.
Pour bien aimer un pays il faut le manger, le boire et l’entendre chanter. (Michel Déon)
Sur la meme longueur d onde que Larsay pour les avantages et inconvenients de sapa et bac ha
les paysages de sapa sont epoustouflants et bcp plus spectaculaires que du cote de BAC HA,
MAIS; il y a un gros MAIS:
sapa est l archetype du tourisme industriel du vietnam grace a ses paysages, mais avec toutes les perversions classiques: les prix plus eleves, l'attitude des locaux qui vire au detestable si tu ne craches pas les dollars vite fait (il y a toujours des exceptions, mais la moyenne etait difficile a supporter pour moi) et les arnaques classiques liees au tourisme de masse
Le marché de sapa est par contre bcp moins interessant et riche que celui de bac ha
Ajoute a ça 2 problemes potentiels
1) si tu n as pas de chance avec le climat, tu auras de la brume (tres courrant) donc que les trucs desagreables sans les paysages epoustouflants
2) meme si tu as la chance d avoir un ciel degage, si tu n y es pas a la bonne saison, les montagnes sculptees perdent de leur superbe: de la fin du cycle de culture du riz (couleur paille sechee) à la remise en eau des rizieres (ca change tous les ans mais en gros d'octobre à avril), les couleurs sont plus ternes, moins contrastees qu avec les rizieres en eau-miroirs qui precedent les plantations, ou avec les nuances de vers des pousses de riz encore en pleine croissance
Par contre de l autre cote de la vallee de lao cai, vers bac ha, et un peu plus loin vers can cau, tu auras une version des ethnies locales un peu plus preservee des ravages du tourisme de masse, meme sur les marches (et encore plus en marchant dans les montagnes), et ce quasiment quelle que soit la saison et le climat
par contre; comme t a dit Henon21 , le marche de can cau est le samedi (a verifier), il te faudra donc calculer ca
personnellement, si je n avais que 3 jours, je miserais plus sur bac ha et can cau
des discussions qui te donneront peut etre envie d'y aller:
https://voyageforum.com/v.f?do=post_view_flat;post=3265111
https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6753604
La foule, il ne faut pas exagérer, une centaine de touristes parmi 1500 ou 2000 locaux dans un immense marché, il n'y a pas de quoi fuir (par contre, au petit marché de Can Cau du samedi matin, il commence à y avoir un gros pourcentage de touristes)
Méfiez-vous de la vie, car les ratés ne vous rateront pas!
Je ne pense pas exagérer, j'ai vu et pour moi ce n'est pas engageant.
Bien sur si vous ne pouvez faire autrement et arriver à Bac Ha avec 100 autres personnes pourquoi pas.
Mais, désolée Jacques, pour moi il y a plus "authentique" que d'arriver avec les bus, les voitures privées, qui viennent de Sapa ou d'Hanoï et leur chargement de touristes (à partir d'environ 10h), sans compter ceux qui sont déjà sur place...
Toutes les agences proposent ce marché , çà fait du monde.
Je préfère un peu plus de confidentialité, j'ai ainsi le sentiment de moins déranger ces moments qui appartiennent aux locaux.
Ceci n'empêche en rien de retourner à Sapa après le marché ou de faire un trek à Bac Ha.
Bonne journée
Asia
Pour bien aimer un pays il faut le manger, le boire et l’entendre chanter. (Michel Déon)
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I’m planning to do the Mercantour crossing following the Randoxygène route in mid-July.
I’m used to hiking in the mountains, but I sometimes get vertigo, for example on ridges with drops on both sides. I wanted to check if there are any T4 or T3-T4 sections and find out if there are any very exposed passages—and if so, where—so I can plan an alternative route.
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Thanks!
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We're planning to go at the end of November/beginning of December to visit (with a rental car) and hike on La Palma and El Hierro for 15 full days, including 1 day for inter-island ferry transfers. What’s the best split between the two islands—8 days on La Palma and 6 on El Hierro, or even more time for La Palma? Should we have one or two home bases on La Palma? Thanks for your tips!
Annie
Hi there,
I’m planning to cross the Gourgs Blancs Pass at the end of the month, from La Soula Refuge to Portillon Refuge. On this section near the pass, I don’t have any trail marked on my IGN map. Is the path well signposted, or should I use a compass?
Also, beyond the physical effort, are there any technical, exposed, or vertigo-inducing sections on this part?
Since I’m finding very little info, I’m being thorough with my questions.
I'm developing a free and open-source web app for planning walking and cycling trips (and even car trips). You can create a route by clicking directly on the map to add waypoints, and it can consist of multiple stages. The app provides tools to edit the stages and the overall route, and to display useful information (distances, altitudes, and elevation changes). A relief profile can be shown as a graph for a specific stage or the entire route.
Once the route is ready, it can be exported as a GPX file, which can then be used with a GPS or a mobile navigation app.
The app is built in JavaScript and runs entirely in the web browser. It uses the Leaflet library and several OpenStreetMap-based services. Initially developed for my personal needs (I enjoy hiking and cycle touring), I’d be happy to share it with anyone who might find it useful. It’s free to use, doesn’t require an account, and the source code is available.
hi there
I’m heading to Uzbekistan for three weeks from mid-September to mid-October 2026—a country I haven’t visited yet.
I’d love to do a few multi-day hikes in the mountains without going through a tour operator or hiring a guide. Has anyone here done this?
It doesn’t have to be all trekking; day hikes are great too.
I’m open to any tips!
Also, I see there are lots of train options if you book well in advance—does that only apply to the "fast" trains? Are there buses as well?
Hello,
In mid-November, we’ll be in Mindelo and Santo Antão.
We’ve booked transportation with Kapverden Tours.
One trip is from Porto Novo to Ponta do Sol, including the hike from Corda to Coculi.
What’s the trail like?
Then we’ll be staying in Ponta do Sol,
Here’s what we’re planning:
A hike to Fontainhas—what’s the best direction, considering we’re not great with climbs? No problem with flat terrain or descents.
Take an aluguer to Ribeira Grande and continue along the coastal road.
With the agency:
An excursion to Cruzinha with a short walk.
Return to Porto Novo via the path from Cova to… I’m not sure where yet, to pick up the car for Porto Novo, since we’ll be taking the ferry that evening.
We’ll have a guide for this hike.
We’d love to spend a day in Tarrafal, but getting back requires a boat or taxi, and it’s really expensive!
We’re a couple, 78 and 76 years old.
What do you think of this itinerary?
Not very well known: Hokkaido Island has national parks that rival those in North America. Hiking there is free (even many mountain huts) and requires no formalities. These treks are described in the LP *Hiking in Japan* guide—you can just buy the Hokkaido PDF. It’s way better than Mount Fuji. Of course, everything depends on the weather, which is very unstable in the Japanese mountains (frequent strong winds). The trails are often obstacle courses.
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Hi everyone,
I’m leaving on Monday, August 3rd for my very first long-distance trek: the GR223 from Coutances to Mont Saint-Michel, over 6-7 days (~11-14 miles/day), solo.
I’m looking for tips from people who know this section well (Coutances → Regnéville-sur-Mer → Hauteville-sur-Mer → Bréhal → Granville → Genêts → bay crossing):
Budget-friendly accommodations: I’m struggling to find affordable stopover lodgings (a lot of what I find online are expensive vacation rentals, not really suited for a solo hiker). If you have any great spots (hostels, hiker-friendly B&Bs, nice campgrounds), I’d love to hear them!
Bay crossing: Any feedback on guides/providers leaving from Genêts for the final crossing?
General tips for a first long-distance trek: What you wish you’d known before your first time, pitfalls to avoid, etc.
Hi,
We’re planning to do the 4-day trek from Mestia to Ushguli without an agency. The descriptions mention that there are accommodations at each stop, but we can’t find any details about them. Has anyone got info or feedback on this route?
New to this forum, I’m planning a pretty big project for 2028.
I’m heading to Nepal to do a trek from Kathmandu all the way to Everest Base Camp (a cool 5,300 m 😄).
This trek is a bit special because even though I’ll be part of a group, I’m going solo (so far, no problem—I’m used to it). But it’s my first real trek, and it’s also a humanitarian one: once I reach base camp, I’ll stay an extra week to help clean up the waste left by tens of thousands of climbers! Since I’m originally from South America, from two countries that share the Andes, I have a deep respect for mountains—they fascinate me. So Everest… it’s kind of the trip of a lifetime!
So, a little question for those who’ve done treks to Everest before… any tips for good mental preparation (I’m already working on the physical side)?
We're planning to trek in Peru and Bolivia and would love to find some local agencies.
If you know any, could you share details on prices and, of course, the names of the agencies?
Which trek would you recommend?
Elocine
I'm heading out on a fully self-sufficient trek in Morocco (10 days) from Imilchil to Aghbalou.
Can I find screw-on gas canisters (Coleman, Primus) in Marrakech (any addresses?) or in villages between Imilchil and Aghbalou?
If not, are Butagaz canisters for camping gas (small 230g size) available?
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hello, I’d like to embark on a little trip in my home country, Switzerland. I’ll start walking from La Cure, heading toward Le Noirmont first, then I’ll improvise my route—but it’ll probably follow the French border... at least as far as Lac de Joux.
I’ll decide day by day how much farther to go after that. My goal is to stay in nature as much as possible, wander around for as long as I can, and restock food in villages or towns along the way.
I’m thinking of mostly camping, but we’ll see if I end up in a hotel or another campsite depending on my route.
I’d love to reach La Chaux-de-Fonds on foot... maybe even Delémont.
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We wish you happy holidays and a fantastic 2026, full of discoveries!
Claire and Albert
Hi, this might not be the right section, but I’d like to know if it’s possible to start mountaineering with another person without necessarily hiring a guide. We’ve done quite a bit of hiking but not mountaineering—we’ll just do a half-day glacier course. After that, we were thinking of starting with La Grande Motte and the Pointe de la Traversière, which were recommended to us. Honestly, for things like roping up and knots, I’ll learn at home with lots of videos and a book.
I’d love to know if anyone has done treks in the Rwenzori Mountains and how much it costs on average, what the infrastructure is like, the landscapes, and safety in the area. Thanks so much! I’m really looking forward to your replies.
We’re leaving in 9 days for a two-week trip to Madeira, mainly to hike.
From my research, I’ve found that since last year, access to most trails—and systematically for the most popular ones—is now paid. You have to pay an access fee of 4.50 € per person per classified hike in 2026, and even 10.50 € for the most iconic hike: Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. When paying, you also have to choose a day and a 30-minute time slot for your start time. Of course, this reservation is neither changeable nor refundable, even if the weather that day is terrible.
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However, what’s much less fair is that in reality, most of the available spots are reserved: 1/ for Madeira residents (which is normal); 2/ for "economic operators" (meaning local tour operators). For example, if you’re a non-resident (independent tourist), no booking is possible for the Pico Arieiro hike for an early morning start before September! So, unfortunately, we’ll have to skip this hike.
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I’d love to get recent info, especially about whether it’s possible to park my car in Omalos, do the hike, and then catch a bus back to my vehicle.
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Hi there,
We’re flying from Montreal to Lyon this August to go hiking in the French Alps. We’ve rented a car and will be staying at campgrounds. We’re planning to do day hikes and want to stay a few days in one spot, do a few hikes, then move on to our next camping spot. Could you share your favorite spots or any recommendations for places to spend a few days with great hikes?
A few details:
We arrive in early August and leave in early September.
We’re looking for day hikes (or shorter), moderate difficulty, with a cumulative elevation gain of no more than 1000m, and of course, beautiful scenery!
We’d prefer not to drive too much—maybe it’s best not to head too far south and deal with unnecessary heat?
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Hi there,
I’m planning to go hiking on this island and would like to know the best time to do it. I visited for a few days in November 2018—not for hiking but just to explore—and the weather wasn’t great, especially in the mountains. So, is a star-shaped itinerary doable if I rent a car and maybe use two different accommodations?
I’m not planning to join an organized group—just traveling with one other person and organizing things ourselves—unless you’d recommend a local agency or guide. Finally, even though I’ll be getting maps, a topo guide, and a GPS, I’d really appreciate your top hiking recommendations.
Thanks so much for your tips!
I’m planning a trip around Cap Corse and the AGRIATES in 2026, from May 8th to 15th (there are still 2 spots left, by the way! Just DM me if you're interested).
I’d love to know which hikes are worth prioritizing in the AGRIATES. We’ll be staying in SALECCIA for two days as our base—what should we focus on from there?
A round trip to IGNHU beach? Any other suggestions?
For Ostricano, I think it’s too far for a round trip...
Thanks for your tips!
Have a great day,
Anie, Toulouse
I’d like to get some info about the GR10 Pyrenees traverse. I need help planning the daily stages and accommodations—my wife isn’t an experienced hiker but walks a lot, so I’d like to schedule shorter walking days and thus a longer overall trip in terms of number of days.
Could anyone give me some help and advice?
Best regards,
Hi there, I’m planning the Annapurna Circuit for March 2027 and I’m looking for a local agency with a local guide—preferably French-speaking—to arrange this trek for us. Any suggestions? Thanks
Hello!
We’re spending a few days in Toraja country at the end of May. We’d love to do a day trek—taking our time—on a route that’s stunning in terms of scenery, but not a level 5 in difficulty!
Any suggestions you can share, please?
Thanks in advance
I’d like to do the Mare a Mare Sud in May over 4 days. I’ve found quite a few places to stay along the route, but I’m stuck on the start and finish.
I’ll be arriving by plane on Sunday evening and would like to start pretty early on Monday morning. Ideally, accommodation right at the trailhead (Alzu di Gallina) would be amazing, but I can’t find anything. Any tips?
Also, for the transfer from Figari Airport to Porto Vecchio or Alzu di Gallina?
At the end, I’d like to pick up a rental car—any advice on that too?
I’m traveling solo by plane to Catania in May and plan to hike the northern side of Etna, starting from Linguaglossa where I’ll arrive by bus. After that, I’d love some info on how to get up to Piano Provenzana (shuttles or hitchhiking), since it seems there’s no public transport except in the summer. Can you sleep there in a free or cheap refuge, or camp? And how far up can you go without having to hire a guide? Thanks in advance. Bernard.
