Buzz
There are always profound and gentle stirrings in the hearts of every traveler upon stepping into Hà Giang. It could be memories of the beauty, the people, or even indescribable emotions. For me, the dreamy beauty of Hà Giang is encapsulated in the 8 most fantastic experiences, which I had the opportunity to explore with a group of friends.
Hà Giang will offer you numerous wonderful experiences.
1. Boat trip on the Nho Quế River
A few years back, standing on the Mã Pí Lèng Pass offered only a distant view of the Nho Quế River. Now, you can immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty by personally paddling a boat on this legendary river. Feeling the boat gently glide on the emerald water and touching the cultural richness firsthand will undoubtedly make you exclaim, 'Ha Giang is incredibly beautiful.'
From Mã Pí Lèng Pass, head towards Tà Làng, then inquire with locals to find the boat dock. About 1km from the dock, there's a small store for parking motorcycles and selling boat tickets at 100,000 VND per person. To reach the boat point, we had to walk approximately 1km—a steep dirt path. It's advisable to leave unnecessary items at the convenience store to facilitate movement. The 30-minute trek, though tiring, seemed to erase all fatigue upon stepping onto the boat. The cool, refreshing breeze and the picturesque scenery acted like a magical remedy.
Immerse yourself in the natural landscape
Sitting on the boat, witnessing the 'most beautiful silk ribbon' of Northeast Vietnam, is one of the most extraordinary experiences. The gentle, clear water, the majestic Tu Sản Gorge, and the breathtaking natural scenery are beyond description. Tu Sản is likened to the deepest and most perilous gorge in Vietnam. Yet, sitting on the boat feels serene, peaceful, as if wanting to linger in the memories of a 23-year-old girl forever—no rush, no noise. Everything freezes in a tranquil space that seems to pause eternally in the mind of this young woman.
2. Admire the Buckwheat Flowers
At the end of October and early November each year, young enthusiasts flock to the northern mountainous provinces to marvel at the blossoming buckwheat fields. While there are numerous places to admire Buckwheat Flowers, the most beautiful and vibrant scenes unfold in the vast flower fields of Đồng Văn, Hà Giang.
The allure of Buckwheat Flowers
The Buckwheat Flower season spans from October to December, amidst the biting cold of the northern mountainous region. Despite the harsh conditions, these pink blossoms proudly display their beauty on the towering rocky mountains. Travelers affectionately refer to this robust beauty as the 'season of flowers blooming on rocks,' symbolizing the resilient spirit of the local ethnic minorities. Despite facing the harshness of nature and scarcity, they rise above all to lead peaceful lives. There are various locations in Hà Giang where you can witness the beauty of Buckwheat Flowers, such as Lũng Cú Flagpole, Sủng Là, Đồng Văn, Phố Cáo, and more.
Season of Flowers Blooming on Rocks
Beautiful Beyond Words
3. Explore Dong Van Market
To deeply understand the cultural essence of the local people, there's no better way than immersing oneself in their simple daily lives. During our brief stay in Dong Van, we seized the opportunity to blend with the rhythm of the locals at the annual market. This market is nestled within the Dong Van Ancient Town—an economic hub in Ha Giang. During market days, the location becomes lively, not only with indigenous people from various ethnic groups like Dao, Thai, Hoa, and Muong but also with numerous tourists, creating a vibrant and bustling neighborhood.
Locals enthusiastically engage in the market activities
Fragrance-filled stalls
A furry companion accompanies its owner to the market
The Mông ethnic women in their traditional attire
A diverse array of goods fills the market, ranging from imports to local produce and livestock. During market days, locals of all ages, from the elderly to young children, gather with their families to participate. Mothers typically shop, while husbands engage in bartering, later enjoying some corn wine by the traditional hearths. Babies carried on their mothers' backs maintain a sleepy expression, and elegantly dressed young men and women seek companionship. Perhaps, all of these unique experiences are exclusive to the Dong Van Market in Ha Giang—a place you should undoubtedly experience at least once in a lifetime, to embrace a multitude of wonderful emotions, as I have experienced.
A charming tavern within the market
A display of pots and pans for sale
The vibrant hues of ethnic attire
Eatery within the market
4. Immerse Yourself in the Forgotten Town of Pho Bang
Pho Bang is an ancient village nestled amidst the rocky plateaus of Dong Van. Many liken this place to a 'forgotten citadel,' lost in the simplicity and tranquility of this small village.
A corner of serenity
Temporarily shelving all commotion in the town, you'll halt at Pho Bang, where tranquility reigns supreme. Here, no one bothers about the passing days; people simply live one day after another through the lens of simplicity. During the farming season, they collectively cultivate the fields, and when it ends, they sit down to knit and weave. The life of 'raising fish and growing additional vegetables' that many urban dwellers dream of is a reality here.
Pho Bang evokes nostalgia with its ancient houses, stone walls, and innocent children. Everything bears a wild charm and a pure beauty that lingers in memory.
Innocent children in the peaceful small village
A toddler following their mother to the fields
5. Visit the Hà Giang 0km Milestone
No matter how many times I visit Hà Giang, the moment of checking in at the Hà Giang 0km milestone remains profoundly sacred. This coordinates is a must-not-miss for every traveler coming to Hà Giang. The 0km milestone stands right in the heart of Hà Giang city, in the green park opposite the 26-3 Square. It often serves as a rest spot for many travelers after a long journey. Near these coordinates, you'll find numerous delightful eateries to satisfy your cravings.
The 0km milestone
6. Overnight Stay at the Ancient House Homestay
If you spend a night in Dong Van Old Town, don't miss out on the fantastic experiences at the Ancient House Homestay. This homestay, one of the oldest in Ha Giang, is built in the traditional architecture of the Hmong ethnic group. Arriving in the dimming twilight, we were warmly welcomed by the friendly hosts. The first impression at the Ancient House is the simplicity immersed in tranquility. As the hosts shared, this ancient house has a history of over 200 years, with all the furniture crafted from rare pine wood. It preserves many traditional beauties of the local people. Despite this, the homestay provides all the comforts, making our stay truly complete with the group.
The serene panorama at the Ancient House Homestay
A corner of the garden at the Ancient House
6. Conquer the Mã Pí Lèng Pass
Part of the majestic mountain passes, Mã Pí Lèng is a dream route that every traveler to Ha Giang wishes to tread upon at least once. Situated on the Happiness Road, Mã Pí Lèng rests gracefully beside the beautiful Nho Que River. This mountain pass connects Dong Van Town and Meo Vac. The beauty of Mã Pí Lèng is renowned among adventure enthusiasts. Here, you'll experience the dramatic contrast between rocky mountains on one side and deep abyss on the other, surrounded by breathtaking and overwhelming nature. Standing at the summit, witnessing the panoramic scenery, we were all overwhelmed with emotions as the nature here is truly impressive. Mã Pí Lèng is undoubtedly a must-stop in your upcoming journey to conquer Ha Giang.
From the Happy Road, a view towards the Tu San Alley
The Nho Que River resembling a silk ribbon winding through the mountains
An immensely majestic landscape
7. Legendary 'M'-shaped Check-in
After a round of exploration in Dong Van, on your way back, you'll pass through the legendary 'M'-shaped road. The winding curves, whether naturally or artificially formed, create a road resembling the letter 'M'. Hence, people have aptly named it the 'M' road. In the late afternoon, the sunlight casting down adds a dreamy and mystical touch to the landscape.
The legendary 'M' shape
8. 'Instagrammable' moments deep in the Yen Minh Pine Forest
Embarking on the journey to Dong Van, traversing the majestic Quan Ban mountain range leads you to the Yen Minh pine forest - a place likened to a green meadow amidst the rocky mountains. Many say that the most enchanting time to visit the pine forest is early in the morning, when the mist still lingers, weaving through the crisp morning air. Though we couldn't witness that mystical scene, arriving at the pine forest during midday revealed a stunning landscape. The sunlight gently filters through the leaves, casting a soft glow on every photo taken here, adding a touch of dreaminess. Wandering through the vast pine forest provides incredibly relaxing moments in our journey.
The lush expanse of green pine forest
A pinecone delicately falls right where we are capturing the essence of the surroundings
An excellent spot for capturing effortlessly chill moments in photos
Those are my most beautiful memories of Ha Giang. How about you? Do you have a special Ha Giang in your heart? Share it with me!
Author: Le Thuy Hoa
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