Cho Moi

Cho Moi (Vietnamese: Chợ Mới) is a rural district in southeastern Bắc Kạn province, approximately 30 km southeast of Bac Kan city. The district covers 606 km² and has a population of about 37,600. The district capital is the town of Chợ Mới.

Cho Moi is situated at a lower elevation than most of Bắc Kạn province, with the terrain varying from low hills to flat river valleys along the Cầu River. The district is known for its agricultural productivity, particularly wet rice, maize, and fruit orchards. The population is a mix of Tày, Nùng, Dao, and Kinh ethnic groups. Like the rest of the province, Cho Moi experiences a humid subtropical climate with rainy summers and cool, dry winters.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, about 150 km south. From Hanoi, take a bus to Bac Kan or directly to Cho Moi.

By Car / Road

Cho Moi lies on National Highway QL3, the main road connecting Hanoi to Cao Bằng. Buses from Hanoi's Mỹ Đình station bound for Bac Kan or Cao Bằng stop in Cho Moi (3.5–4 hours, 150,000–250,000 dong). From Bac Kan city, it is a 30-minute drive south.

The main highway makes it easy to pass through Cho Moi, but getting to outlying communes requires a motorbike or arranged transport. Local buses run between Cho Moi town and Bac Kan city.

• Chợ Mới town — A modest roadside settlement with a market serving the surrounding agricultural area. The surrounding landscape of low hills and rice paddies is pleasant.

• Cầu River valley — The river that flows through the district offers scenic riverside views, particularly during the rice-growing season.

• Local fruit orchards — The district is known for citrus fruits, including oranges and pomelos.

• Motorcycle touring — Cho Moi lies along the popular northern Vietnam motorbike loop between Hanoi and Bac Kan.

• Farming visits — The agricultural landscape offers opportunities for photography and village walks.

• Roadside phở and cơm bình dân eateries along QL3 serve basic Vietnamese meals for 25,000–40,000 dong. Local fruit, particularly citrus in season, is worth trying.

• Trà xanh — Green tea is widely consumed. Bottled water is recommended.

• Basic guesthouses (nhà nghỉ) in Chợ Mới town offer rooms from 150,000–250,000 dong. Most travellers continue to Bac Kan or Ba Bể to stay overnight.

• Chợ Mới Market — A morning market with fresh produce, including locally grown fruit and vegetables. Prices are very affordable.

• Bac Kan (30 km north, 30 minutes) — Provincial capital with markets and services.
• Thái Nguyên (60 km south, 1 hour) — Tea plantations, museums, and urban amenities.
• Bach Thong (50 km north, 1 hour) — Rural district on the QL3 corridor.
• Ba Bể National Park (90 km northwest, 2 hours) — Ba Bể Lake and trekking.