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For those passionate about exploration, Hà Giang stands as an unmissable destination. This northwestern land, the frontier of the nation, always retains an aura of mystery and allure.
Scenic Routes that Captivate Travelers when Visiting Hà Giang
Hà Giang Travel Tips
For many, the ideal duration for traveling to Hà Giang is around 4-5 days. If you have more time and wish to delve deeper into the majestic beauty of the Northwest mountains, consider a trip lasting 7-9 days, ensuring both leisure and health preservation.
From Hanoi to Hà Giang, travelers can opt for motorbikes, cars, or buses departing from My Dinh bus station. The journey from Hanoi to Hà Giang city lacks distinctive landscapes, so those looking to conserve energy for the main adventure can send their motorbikes on the bus and ride from Hà Giang to Đồng Văn. Alternatively, motorbike rentals are available in Hà Giang with numerous shops offering this service.
When traveling from Hà Giang to Đồng Văn, it's best to take the route: Hà Giang – Quản Bạ (46 km) – Yên Minh (50 km) – Đồng Văn (50 km). There's a shortcut from Yên Minh to Mèo Vạc. I usually go to Đồng Văn first, explore and rest there before heading to Mèo Vạc the next day. Evenings in Đồng Văn are more lively. Moreover, taking a circular route reduces risks, as the road up with the mountain on the right side is safer than the cliff on the other.
The scenery from Hà Giang to Quản Bạ isn't particularly remarkable. It's advisable not to linger much there but rather allocate time for the Yên Minh – Đồng Văn section, which is more challenging yet much more beautiful. Quản Bạ features a sky gate and an area for photographing the twin mountains closely adjacent.
The route from Yên Minh to Đồng Văn passes through a famous winding pass in Lũng Thầu commune, resembling a serpent, then through Lũng Thầu to Phố Cáo. During festivals, there's a vibrant ethnic festival here, with many locals dressed in colorful attire enjoying festivities.
Continuing about ten kilometers past Pao's house – Xã Sủng Là (the filming location of Pao's Story – a film that has won numerous domestic and international awards). It's now developed into a tourist area, with tourist vehicles bustling in and out, offering tickets for sightseeing.
About 5 km from Đồng Văn is the palace of the Hmong King Vương Chính Đức – who once governed the entire Northern and Northwestern regions. There's an entrance ticket to visit. It's recommended to visit to witness its grandeur and unique architecture.
From the Hmong King's place, there are two routes: one goes directly to Đồng Văn, the other loops around to Lũng Cú Flagpole first, then returns to Đồng Văn. If you have time and energy, it's advisable to go up to Lũng Cú first, then return to Đồng Văn for a more convenient route.
The road conditions were quite poor, during Tet 2016, they were still laying stones to pave the road. Upon arrival, if you're on a motorbike, go straight up to the flagpole on foot, buy a ticket, and climb the flagpole. Don't park at the car park, as the climb is extremely strenuous, with hundreds of steps. For those unwilling to climb, there are local motorcycle taxi drivers who will take you up for 40,000 VND round trip.
1 km from the flagpole is the Lô Lô Chải village, a place I always stop by, where the village leader Kai is kind and respected. This village receives sponsorship and has dining areas and homestay accommodations. Many foreign visitors prefer staying here. If you want to stay, you can arrange it with Kai.
At the end of 2015, the village was sponsored to build the Extreme North Coffee Shop. Everyone should visit to enjoy coffee amidst the rocky plateau and observe the way of life of the Northwest ethnic minorities.
From Đồng Văn to Mèo Vạc is about 20 km, passing through the famous winding Hạnh Phúc Pass (Mã Pí Lèng Pass). In the middle section, there's a rest area for photo opportunities where you can admire the panoramic view of the Nho Quế River winding through the mountains. They have now built a viewing area below, making it safer for tourists.
There aren't many attractions in Mèo Vạc. You have to visit during market days to see the interesting aspects. Women line up to sell liquor, while men sit at tables drinking. At the beginning of the year, there's the Vỗ Mông festival, where young men and women get acquainted. You might see Mèo guys surrounding local girls they've met on the street, holding their hands and taking them away, which is quite common.
From Mèo Vạc, it's best to head straight to Yên Minh to avoid returning to Đồng Văn. Another route is to go from Bắc Mê back to the city (following the Lô River). This route is for those who enjoy off-road experiences and intense sensations. Due to the construction of hydroelectric plants, the 70 km journey from Bắc Mê to Hà Giang is quite challenging.
The trucks have torn up the roads, dust, gravel, potholes everywhere, lots of steep slopes, making it easy for inexperienced drivers to have accidents. On the bright side, you can admire the beautiful flow of the Lô River, with some stretches of the river offering picturesque scenery like something out of a painting.
Upon returning to the city, rest up, eat well to regain strength. If possible, indulge in a traditional Dao herbal bath, have medicinal porridge, and rice rolls before setting off back to Hanoi the next day.
According to Zing News
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourOctober 19, 2016
