5D4N Northern Tet Tour: Experience the Colorful Highlands During Tet with Exciting Adventures

Spring in the highlands is always filled with the pink of cherry blossoms, the pure white of plum and apricot flowers, or the golden yellow of mustard flowers in the garden. Experience such a romantic spring on the 5D4N Northern Tet Tour!

5D4N Northern Tet Tour: Experience the Colorful Highlands During Tet with Exciting Adventures

Quan Ba Sky Gate – Twin Fairy Mountain

Quan Ba Sky Gate is located at an altitude of about 1,500 meters above sea level, the highest point on the route from Ha Giang city to Quan Ba district. It is one of the stopping points that attract tourists because from the sky gate, one can overlook the majestic mountains and forests.

If the rocky plateau is likened to paradise, then Quan Ba Sky Gate is the gateway leading to that paradise. Standing out amidst the valley below the sky gate are two limestone mountains shaped like the twin humps of a young woman, known as the “Twin Fairy Mountain”.

Legend has it that in the land of Tam Son, there was a young Hmong man who played the flute remarkably well. Every time he played, the sound resonated far and wide, profound and haunting. The flute's melody traveled along with the wind to the ears of the fairy Hoa Dao. She was enchanted by the flute's sound and descended to the mortal realm.

The two fell in love, became husband and wife, and bore a son. Later, the Jade Emperor discovered Hoa Dao's departure from the celestial realm and became enraged, sending someone to bring her back. Feeling deep love for her husband and responsibility for her child, she left her breasts behind for her husband to continue nurturing their child.

The breasts of the fairy Hoa Dao, full of sweet milk, nourished the child into adulthood. These breasts later transformed into two perfectly round mountains, evenly shaped and strangely magnificent, now known as the Twin Fairy Mountains.

Dong Van Karst Plateau

The 5D4N Northern Tet Tour would not be complete without a visit to the global geopark - Dong Van Karst Plateau. The karst plateau stretches across 4 districts: Dong Van, Meo Vac, Yen Minh, and Quan Ba. In 2010, UNESCO recognized the karst plateau as Vietnam's first global geopark and the second in Southeast Asia.

The natural park covers an area of 2,356 square kilometers, with 70% of exposed limestone on the surface. It is a spectacular combination of towering mountain peaks and deep valleys, with the highest peak being Mount Ma Pi Leng (1,971m) and the deepest abyss being Tu San Gorge, also the deepest gorge in Southeast Asia, with a depth of over 700m.

The karst plateau preserves the traces of 7 geological epochs of the Earth. These traces are evident in paleontological sites, geological layers, topography, formation, karst, caves, and crucial fractures.

Dong Van karst plateau is not only diverse in paleontological features but also hosts two rich natural reserves, including various fauna and flora such as conifers, southern serows, and numerous indigenous bird species.

The karst plateau is also home to 17 fraternal ethnic groups, totaling over 250,000 people. Each ethnic group contributes distinct cultural activities, making the plateau a diverse mosaic of ethnic heritage.

Lung Cu Flagpole

Perched on Dragon Mountain, Lung Cu Flagpole marks the northern sovereignty of Vietnam. Surrounding it are Lolo, Mong, and Giay ethnic villages veiled in mist. Their earth-walled houses and tiled roofs paint a tranquil scene. The ever-burning hearths of local families offer warmth to weary travelers in this remote borderland.

The octagonal flagpole stands 33.15 meters tall, adorned with eight Dong Son bronze drums. Beneath it, eight relief panels illustrate various historical periods. The 54-square-meter red flag with a golden star symbolizes Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups—a sacred emblem evoking myriad emotions in visitors.

Mã Pí Lèng Pass

Mã Pí Lèng Pass, also known as Mã Pí Lèng, is one of the 'four great mountain passes' in Northern Vietnam. The other three passes are Khau Phạ Pass, Pha Đin Pass, and Ô Quy Hồ Pass. Here, travelers experience traversing a perilous 20km journey. The pass lies on the Hanh Phúc route connecting Dong Van and Meo Vac districts with Ha Giang city.

Mã Pí Lèng in the Hmong language means 'horse's nose', due to its terrain resembling the nose of a horse. In 1959, thousands of youth volunteers endured hardships and sacrifices to complete the road, facilitating easier travel.

Tu San Canyon

Tu San Canyon is regarded as the 'foremost majestic spectacle' of the Dong Van karst plateau, with cliffs soaring 700-800m high, stretching 1.7km in length, and nearly 1km in depth. The most thrilling experience here is drifting on the Nho Que River, gazing at the towering cliffs and the crystal-clear emerald waters—a unique shade rarely found in other rivers and streams.

Vuong Family Mansion

Vuong Family Mansion stands as a remarkable highlight in the 5-day 4-night Northern Tet Tour in Lung Phin commune, Dong Van district. It was constructed by King Cat over a span of 8 years. The mansion is closely associated with the lives of two Cat kings: King Chinh Duc and his son King Chi Sinh. King Chi Sinh was a revolutionary monarch, serving as a delegate to the first and second National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

The Vuong family mansion is a distinctive and peculiar structure, blending architectural styles seamlessly and harmonizing cultures naturally, devoid of any forced elements. It is not grandiose but rather simple, closely resembling folk architecture. It's one of the few mansions in Vietnam that serves multiple functions: family residence, workplace, and military stronghold.

Cat Cat Village

Cat Cat Village is an ideal community tourism destination for exploring and experiencing the cultural life of the highland region. It's a pure Hmong ethnic village dating back to the mid-19th century.

The village comprises nearly 80 households lining the stone steps along the village path, with some scattered along the mountainside. A few hundred meters up the steps lies the village center, where the convergence of three streams—Tien Sa, Vang, and Bac—creates a perpetual frothy spectacle. Nearby, Si Bridge and A Lu Bridge attract visitors for memorable photo opportunities.

Visitors to Cat Cat Village during the early days of the year have the opportunity to participate in the Gau Tao festival, a spring festival reflecting the unique cultural life of the local community. During the festival, guests can enjoy local specialties such as corn wine, roasted meat, smoked buffalo meat, bamboo shoots cooked with chicken, corn cakes, and roasted peanuts.

Dragon Jaw Mountain

Dragon Jaw Mountain is a cluster of natural rock formations stacked on top of each other, resembling the shape of a dragon's head, becoming a captivating destination for tourists. The ecological tourist area of Dragon Jaw Mountain comprises three zones: Ham Rong Flower Garden, Thach Lam Rock Garden, and Ham Rong Peak. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Sapa town from above, perfect for capturing beautiful photos.

The ecological tourist area covers 48 hectares, offering ample space for visitors to explore and enjoy themselves. With the mountain rising to 1,850 meters, adorned with numerous vibrant flower gardens, the natural and artificial beauty blend harmoniously, creating an alluring highland space. As visitors ascend, the scenery becomes more breathtaking, requiring them to traverse stone steps to reach the mountain peak.

One-Pillar Pagoda

The One-Pillar Pagoda, also known as Dien Huu or Lotus Pedestal, was built in 1049 during the reign of King Ly Thai Tong. In a dream, the King saw the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara sitting on a lotus pedestal, inviting him to ascend.

Upon awakening, King Ly Thai Tong ordered the construction of the pagoda to replicate his dream. Over time, the pagoda has undergone several renovations. In 1954, during the French colonial period, the pagoda was destroyed by explosives. However, in 1955, the One-Pillar Pagoda was reconstructed to its original state.

The pagoda now consists of a square lotus pedestal, with each side measuring 3m in length. It has a curved roof, standing on a 4m-high column, not counting the part submerged underground. The upper part of the column is a system of wooden beams supporting the pedestal above. The lotus pedestal has tiled roofs, curved corners, and double moon-shaped finials.

In 2022, the pagoda was classified as a National Historical and Architectural Monument. In 2006, it was recorded in the Vietnam Record List. In 2012, the Asian Record Organization recognized the One-Pillar Pagoda as the most unique architectural structure in Asia. Today, the One-Pillar Pagoda still preserves the essence of ancient Thang Long, symbolizing the capital's thousand years of civilization.

The entire year in the highlands remains tranquil until awakened by spring. Therefore, spring becomes the most suitable time to explore the plateau along with the Northern Tet 5N4D tour. Contact us now to own the tour with many benefits and professional service!

Source: Mytour

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide