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Bac Ha

Eat and meet

Bac Ha

There's not a great deal of choice in the Bac Ha restaurant scene. Most places near the market are tourist friendly and offer standard Vietnamese dishes at slightly varying prices. At lunchtimes those attached to hotels, such as the Confu, Ngan Nga and Sao Mai, fill up with noisy tourist groups.

If you want to avoid this our pick would be Hoang Yen, opposite the Sao Mai hotel. The menu doesn't offer anything special but it's small and décor is heavy on the wood, so it has a cosier feel than the other options and prices are average. Thanh Son, opposite the bus station is another reasonably priced, tour group free choice.

If you have a craving for Western food, the best option is Spring Fair, at the top end of the craft market, which has slipped sandwiches, burgers and pasta in amongst the noodles and rice. Seating is in a pleasant enough covered outdoor area but it still has a conveyor belt feel to it.

If you're feeling brave then head to the food stalls in the market. At the end of the road where the bus station is, locals gather at low tables to eat … something. It's a case of point and nod but a more authentic option.

Hoang Yen Bar: Across from the Sao Mai Hotel, Bac Ha. T: (0912) 005 952, (0945) 378 198. hoangyenbar@gmail.com. Hours: 07:00-22:00.
Spring Fair Restaurant: On the main road, by the craft market, Bac Ha. T: (020) 378 0497, (0977) 503 957, (01699) 569 000
Thanh Son Restaurant: Across from the bus station, Bac Ha. T: (020) 388 0407. Hours: 06:00-22:00.


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