Though Y Ty is a large area in the Bat Xat district of Lao Cai, it is generally considered part of the Sapa area. A very mountainous area it sits at 2000m high. The altitude means it is often covered in mist and is great for cloud hunting.
Foreigners need a permit to overnight in Y Ty. You can arrange for one in Lao Cai at the immigration office. Getting a permit can be hit or miss so it is often best to arrange with a tour operator. There is a wonderful Saturday market that is authentic and likely you’ll be the only foreigner there. Y Ty is also famouse for their mud /earthen homes. And of course Y Ty is most famous for the vast terraced rice fields.
Much of Y Ty is quite remote and there are few services. IIf exploring on a motorcycle, it is best to travel in at least pairs in case you have a breakdown or accident.
There is a lot of ground to cover in Y Ty and you can’t do it justice in one day. There are a number of nice homestays just before the turn-off to the market area.
Some highlites include:
- Weekend Market
- Ngải Thầu village
- Thề Pả Valley
- A Lù Commune
You can get to Y Ty by either the central road from Muiong Hum or the road that borders China to the east. This makes for a wonderful loop around the area.
