Journey of Exploration: Hà Giang through the Lens of a Foreign Photographer

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3. Bach Ma Temple, Hanoi: Ben McKechnie made a pit stop in Hanoi on his way to Ha Giang to soak in the atmosphere of the capital and explore Bach Ma Temple. Legend has it that in 1010, when King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long, his attempts to build the city were repeatedly thwarted by collapses. Seeking divine guidance at the temple, the king witnessed a white horse emerge and followed its path, marking the blueprint for a stable city. This temple stands as one of the oldest, a quintessential architectural relic of Hanoi.

4. Women are meticulously counting and arranging offerings at Bach Ma Temple, Hanoi. Ben McKechnie likened the scene to “money laundering in a Hong Kong movie.”

5. Bus Ride to Dong Van – Ha Giang: Starting from Hanoi, Ben McKechnie boarded a bus at My Dinh bus station bound for the city of Ha Giang. From there, he either rented a motorbike or caught another bus to Dong Van. According to Ben McKechnie, the journey from Ha Giang city to Dong Van is breathtaking yet perilous.

6. Scenery from the Northernmost Point – Lung Cu, Ha Giang: At the northernmost point of Vietnam stands a flagpole named Lung Cu, offering a panoramic view that extends into China's Yunnan province. Ha Giang and Yunnan share many similarities, including predominantly Hmong ethnic communities. They reside in both Ha Giang and Yunnan, forming smaller communities such as White Hmong, Black Hmong, and Flower Hmong.

7. Landscape of Dong Van, Ha Giang: The primary economic activities of the local people involve rice and corn cultivation. Additionally, they cultivate and export various fruits such as peaches, plums, and apricots.

8. Generations in Dong Van, Ha Giang: Ben McKechnie noted that foreign visitors are a rare sight for the locals. Tourism in this area only began to flourish in the late 2000s; however, by 2015, rapid changes were underway.

9. Ma Pi Leng Pass: Stretching approximately 22 km, Ma Pi Leng Pass connects the city of Ha Giang with Dong Van and Meo Vac town. According to Ben McKechnie, this is a destination you must visit at least once in your lifetime to marvel at its beauty.

10. Hmong Children Taking a Break: Ben McKechnie believes that the 22 km stretch along Ma Pi Leng Pass is a dream for photographers to capture timeless images. He also shared that before 2015, obtaining temporary residence permits in Dong Van was quite challenging as you had to personally visit the police station in Ha Giang city to register. But now, you only need to register with the receptionist at hotels or guesthouses, pay the required fees, and they will handle all procedures for you.

11. Mother Bird Protecting Its Nest – Meo Vac, Ha Giang: Ha Giang is home to various wild species, including the endangered snub-nosed monkeys, which still thrive here. Additionally, the Prime Minister has decided to establish Du Gia National Park by merging the Du Gia Nature Reserve and the Khau Ca snub-nosed monkey Reserve to conserve the ecosystem of this area.

12. Ben McKechnie captured the image of sweat drops on the forehead of a woman after hours of hard work. According to him, the tourism development here is a double-edged sword: firstly, it improves infrastructure to boost tourism and create more jobs for locals; secondly, as tourism grows, the local cultural identity may fade, accompanied by increased prices of services and environmental pollution.

Similar to Sapa, as tourists flock here, the area has increasingly commercialized. The rich cultural heritage of ethnic minorities is being standardized to cater to tourists. But Ben McKechnie believes that with the establishment of Du Gia National Park, Ha Giang may choose a different path of tourism development than Sapa.

13. Early Morning on Ma Pi Leng Pass: Ben McKechnie feels that the far northern region of Vietnam has 'hooked' him to stay. Simultaneously, he hopes that the establishment of Du Gia National Park will contribute to protecting the environment and culture of this area as tourists begin to flock here in increasing numbers. And given the chance, Ben McKechnie is sure to return to Ha Giang once again.

As per Traveltimes.vn

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Reference: Travel guide by Mytour

MytourOctober 19, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

What historical significance does Bach Ma Temple hold in Hanoi?

Bach Ma Temple is significant as it played a crucial role during the establishment of Hanoi in 1010, guiding King Ly Thai To through divine intervention to create a stable city.

How does the scenery along Ma Pi Leng Pass enhance tourism in Ha Giang?

Ma Pi Leng Pass, stretching 22 km, offers breathtaking views and is considered a must-visit destination, attracting photographers and tourists eager to experience its natural beauty.

What are the economic activities of local people in Dong Van, Ha Giang?

The locals in Dong Van primarily engage in rice and corn cultivation, along with exporting fruits such as peaches, plums, and apricots, contributing to the area's economy.

What measures have been taken to protect the wildlife in Ha Giang?

To protect wildlife, including endangered species like the snub-nosed monkeys, Du Gia National Park has been established, merging two reserves to conserve the ecosystem and biodiversity.

How has tourism impacted the cultural identity of Ha Giang's local communities?

While tourism has improved infrastructure and job opportunities, it poses a risk of cultural standardization, potentially diluting the rich heritage of ethnic minorities in Ha Giang.

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