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Ha Giang has long been known for its stunning trekking routes, majestic Dong Van and Meo Vac plateaus, poetic Lung Cu, or the picturesque Ma Pi Leng Pass. However, today, let me take you on a completely different journey through Ha Giang, a true off-the-beaten-path experience.
This trip is entirely designed with activities and destinations that may be quite unfamiliar to many readers who have heard of Ha Giang. Notable among them are rope swinging at Tham Ma slope, exploring and surveying Qua Na cave, or rope swinging amidst the abyss of the Death Trap in Meo Vac. Stay tuned for the upcoming images and stories!
Transportation from Hanoi to Ha Giang
Our team embarked from Hanoi on motorbikes, covering a distance of over 350km along National Highway 2 towards the North to reach Ha Giang. Upon arriving, we checked in at the legendary milestone 0 before heading to the homestay for some much-needed rest after a long day of travel.
Prior to departure, the team gathered with all the necessary equipment, as we were an exploration team geared up for cave adventures.
Resting in Ha Giang
First dinner at the homestay
This is a charming little rest stop, built in the style of the local ethnic people. Despite the simple dinner with familiar Vietnamese dishes, they are prepared exceptionally well. Our group enjoyed dining and cultural exchange amidst this picturesque scenery.
The front space of the homestay
A challenging journey awaits in Ha Giang
Conquering the Tham Ma slope in a unique way
After a night of rest and recharging, we continued our journey to explore the roads and caves of Ha Giang. Along the way from Ha Giang to Meo Vac town, our group stopped at Tham Ma Pass and experienced rope swinging from the top of the pass. Tham Ma Pass is located on National Highway 4C, in Tham Ma village, Ho Thau commune, Quan Ba district, Ha Giang province. This road runs amidst tall mountains and rocky valleys, renowned for its pristine natural scenery and lush green fields. Tham Ma Pass is also known as the 'High Memories' due to its steepness and challenging terrain, making it a test for drivers and an attractive sightseeing spot for tourists.
(Note: This rope swinging activity should be conducted by experienced organizations and professionals trained with proper equipment. Under no circumstances should it be imitated without proper training)
A member of the Hanoi Cave Club, a member of our expedition, demonstrating rope swinging technique at Tham Ma Pass.
Rope swinging (rappelling) is a common rope-based movement technique in the international cave exploration community. Currently, there are only 3-5 units organizing this adventurous rope swinging activity in Vietnam. If you're in Hanoi and interested in experiencing this discipline, you can seek out and join the Hanoi Cave Club - a reputable and professional organization, trained extensively by representatives from the National Speleological Society and the French Federation of Speleology. During the rope swinging process, single rope techniques are usually employed for experts, while for less experienced individuals, an additional life-line (bailey rope) is used to ensure absolute safety.
Enjoying a meal at Tham Ma Slope
Following our successful conquest of Tham Ma Slope, we proceeded to explore and survey several caves in the area.
Exploring the pristine Qua Na Cave
Qua Na Cave, nestled near the Vietnam-China border, is a breathtakingly beautiful cave. Although the entrance is narrow, as we ventured deeper, a vast and enchanting world unfolded before us. Moving through the darkness illuminated by the beam of our specialized exploration headlamps, I was in awe of the grandeur and mystique of the cave, adorned with stunning stalactite formations.
Qua Na Cave - A magnificent and stunning cave, with a vast expanse of limestone field stretching out before us.
Within Qua Na Cave, every step must be carefully chosen and calculated to minimize impact on the intricate stalactite formations.
Swinging on ropes at the collapsed pit within Qua Na Cave, facing a sheer wall towering over 70 meters high.
Checking in at the furthest point of Qua Na Cave.
Conquering the Abyss of Death in Meo Vac
Located about 3km from Meo Vac town, in Giang Chu Phin commune, the Abyss of Death was discovered by local residents. Guided by Mr. Tien from Tia Chi Dua village, we trekked through pine-covered hills and dense vegetation to reach this abyss. Also known as the Giang Chu Phin Abyss, Ha Giang Skylight, Meo Vac Abyss, or Ha Giang Abyss, this site is considered a pristine tourist destination attracting adventurous travelers. With an estimated height of 40 meters, we were determined to explore this majestic abyss.
Setting up a system of ropes using pulleys and harnesses for movement.
Hanging suspended on a hammock at the mouth of the Abyss of Death.
The panoramic view of the sinkhole from inside, the combination of hanging vines creates a prehistoric atmosphere.
Hà Giang, besides its famous tourist routes, has many other unique and exotic destinations. Hopefully, in the future, tourism in Hà Giang will continue to flourish, especially the potential for adventurous rope swinging activities. Let's team up and explore this place together.
Mytour Golocal is a blog program introducing beautiful destinations across Vietnam, part of the Mytour Go & Share program. This is a great opportunity to promote local tourism to everyone. For each qualified article, you will receive 800,000 VND and the chance to become a Collaborator with Mytour. For more details about the program, visit: https://trv.lk/golocal
