Trekking in Hoang Su Phi
Land of adventure and trekking, Hoang Su Phi fulfills the dreams of walkers in search of grandiose mountains and spectacular rice terraces. The trek in Hoang Su Phi projects you in the heart of an incredible natural heritage, in the daily life of the ethnic minorities.
Hoang Su Phi district is located in the western part of Ha Giang province, a few kilometers from the border with China. It is a hidden area that is not easily accessible. It takes about 7 hours drive from Hanoi to get there. Hoang Su Phi is still a region of wild beauty, untouched by mass tourism. It is a real paradise for hikers.
Mostly mountain people, the inhabitants live mainly from agriculture. The scenes include mountains, tea plantations, terraced fields and forests. Travelers will be amazed by the beauty of the majestic rice terraces on the side of each mountain. These rice terraces have existed for a few hundred years and were designated as a national heritage site in September 2012.
During your trek, you will be able to meet the Dao, La Chi or Nung ethnic minorities. They live in beautiful traditional houses on stilts. It is here that you will be able to share a slice of life with charming people. Sleeping in local homes will be a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. The accommodations overlook breathtaking landscapes with views of picturesque valleys, peaks and rice fields. This is undoubtedly the most authentic trek in North Vietnam !
Where to go trekking in Hoang Su Phi ?
Hoang Su Phi offers a wide choice of treks in the heart of sumptuous landscapes of rice terraces. Depending on your physical condition, several route options are available. Do not miss the following villages :
Ban Phung
It is a pretty village lost, perched on the top of the mountain. It is located next to the Chinese border. The village is surrounded by high mountains and rice terraces created by the talented artists of La Chi ethnic group. It remains difficult to reach because of the state of the roads. This is what allows Ban Phung to keep its authenticity and charm. While trekking in Phung village, be prepared to be captured by the breathtaking scenes of the terraced fields that stretch vertically across the mountains.
Nam Ty and Thong Nguyen
Located in the southeast of the district, the villages of Nam Ty and Thong Nguyen offer spectacular rice terraces, as well as “Shan tuyet” tea plantations in the hamlet of Ta Phin Ho. The trek will take you to discover the way of life and culture of the Dao ethnic group in an amazing landscape.
Ho Thau
This village is home to the Red Dao. The terraced fields of Ho Thau are immense, as far as the eye can see with undulating hills, not too steep.
Ban Luoc
The village is worth a detour to admire the masterpieces of the Dao Ao Dai people. You will be captivated by the breathtaking landscapes of the rice terraces and discover the authentic daily life of the local ethnic groups living in the region. The treks are magnificent.
When to go trekking in Hoang Su Phi ?
October and November are the best months to trek in Hoang Su Phi. This period corresponds to the harvest time when the rice fields turn yellow. You will be able to enjoy the picturesque landscapes and the animation of the activities in the fields.
The transplanting of rice begins around mid-June. You can see the green terraces from late June to September. The landscape during this period is also spectacular. But it often rains in June, July and August.
Avoid absolutely the months of December to February. It is freezing cold and the houses of the inhabitants are not heated. During this period, there is no rice, the landscapes are less impressive.
A trek is an experience to live in Vietnam. A strong immersion in the authentic landscapes of Hoang Su Phi awaits you !
