You want to discover Vietnam differently, a place off the beaten track for an original exploration? Ha Giang is one of the best choices!
Located in the extreme north, about 300 km from the capital of Hanoi, Ha Giang province seduces nature lovers with its breathtaking landscapes with perilous trails, serpentine roads, winding curves, breathtaking terraced fields and the diversity of ethnic minorities.
Today, we share with you our favorite activities of the region that you should not miss.
1. Discover the limestone plateau of Dong Van
The Dong Van limestone plateau, classified as a UNESCO World Geopark since 2010, offers a remarkable cultural and natural wealth. Perched between 1,000 and 1,600 m above sea level, this plateau is the largest in Vietnam covering an area of 2,356 km² and consists of four districts of Ha Giang: Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Meo Vac and Dong Van. This plateau is also called “the land of rocks”. Despite the difficulties, people, trying to wrest from a poor land their livelihood. It is rich in the cultural identity of several ethnic minorities such as the Hmong, Lo Lo, Tay, Nung, Dao…
2. Explore local weekly markets
Ha Giang is known for its colorful local markets such as Dong Van market, Meo Vac market, Lung Phin market, Pho Cao market, etc….They usually take place in the morning on Saturday or Sunday, and some of them on a different day of the week, according to the lunar calendar.
Early in the morning, the inhabitants of several villages in traditional costumes, accompanied by horses loaded with goods, gather for the market. They sell their products and buy some, meet and share good moments together.
The visit of the markets allows you to meet the different ethnic groups in traditional dress, to discover the local products and the so particular way of life of the mountain dwellers living in the remote places outside the traditional routes.
3. Go hiking
As a mountainous region, Ha Giang offers several hiking routes to explore beautiful landscapes and meet local people. The hikes offer unique travel experiences, which make you discover the best of this region and integrate you into the authentic life of minorities. The green vegetable gardens, corn fields, and rice terraces are yours to explore. You will appreciate the calm of this isolated region far from mass tourism.
4. Emprunter le col de Ma Pi Leng
Located at about 2,000 meters above sea level, Ma Pi Leng Pass is one of the four highest passes in Vietnam. With a length of 200 km, the road was built between 1959 and 1965 by the young volunteers of the 16 ethnic groups living in the 8 northern provinces of Vietnam. On both sides of the road, the gray rock is omnipresent, with here and there the green spots of food crops. The road offers spectacular views of the poetic Nho Que River, the picturesque valleys and a panoramic view of the entire geological karst plateau and the beautiful landscapes.
5. Take a boat ride on the Nho Que River
The Nho Que River, which runs through the Tu San Canyon along the Ma Pi Leng Pass, is like a blue silk ribbon winding through the mountains, the scenery is fantastic. During a boat trip on the Nho Que River, you will have the opportunity to admire the poetic and majestic natural beauty in a calm and serene place.
6. Reach Lung Cu flag tower
Located at 1700 meters above sea level at the northern end of Vietnamese territory, the Lung Cu flag tower is considered as the “roof” of Vietnam. From there you can admire China on the other side of the border. From the top, you will have a superb panoramic view of the countryside, the rice fields and the small villages of the ethnic minorities.
7. Visit the palace of the Hmong king
The Vuong family residence or Hmong king’s palace is located about 12km from Dong Van, in Sa Phin village. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, the palace is the largest building in the region with a particular architectural style mixing traditional Hmong and Chinese art. You will be able to understand the eventful history of the Hmong ethnic group in Vietnam. The palace has been classified as a national heritage site.
8. Make a stop at Lung Tam village
While making the Ha Giang loop, Lung Tam village is a nice stop for those interested in local handicrafts. By visiting this village, you can observe the process of making fabric items made from hemp and dyed with natural pigments, a cultural heritage of the Hmong. You can also buy these beautiful souvenirs at reasonable prices.
9. Visit the Heavenly Gate of Quan Ba
Located 40 km from Ha Giang city in Quan Ba district, Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate offers a panoramic view of the beautiful valley with rice terraces surrounded by majestic mountains. Between the mountain and the rice terraces, many strangely shaped mountains amaze visitors with their spectacular beauty. You can admire the twin mountains Co Tien, resembling a proud woman’s chest, set on a beautiful checkerboard of rice fields.
10. Admire the incomparable rice terraces of Hoang Su Phi
When visiting Ha Giang, you cannot miss Hoang Su Phi which is famous for its fabulous rice terraces, the largest in the country. The rice terraces of Hoang Su Phi date back to 3 centuries. At an altitude of about 1000m, the rice terraces draw a breathtaking landscape. These rice terraces cover six communes: Thong Nguyen, Nam Ty, Ho Thau, Ban Phung, San Sa Ho and Ban Luoc.
11. Explore the ethnic villages
Ha Giang has many interesting villages to discover such as Thon Tha village, Nam Dam, Khuoi My, Pho Bang, etc… Walking through these villages, you will have a great view of the surrounding rice fields, forests and mountains. It is also an opportunity to meet local people living in these remote areas such as Dao, Hmong, Tay, Nung, Lo Lo, La Chi…
12. Sleeping in a local’s house
The best way to immerse yourself in the local culture is to sleep in a local’s home. It is the opportunity to discover more deeply the daily life and to exchange with the people. In spite of the basic comfort conditions, the night at a local’s house will remain an unforgettable memory during your trip in Vietnam.
With this article, we hope you will have more precise ideas of what to see and do in Ha Giang. Come and discover this incredible region that promises you unforgettable memories.
