Top 10 Most Beautiful Landscapes in Hà Giang

As mentioned, Thanh Thủy Border Gate is the largest border gate in Hà Giang. This is also the only official border gate in Hà Giang, playing a crucial role in facilitating the trade of goods between China and Vietnam.

Thanh Thủy Border Gate is located in Thanh Thủy commune, Vị Xuyên district, about 20km north of Hà Giang city. Across Thanh Thủy Border Gate is Thiên Bảo Border Gate in Malipo district, Yunnan province, China. It is not only an important border gate for Hà Giang but also for the entire country.

Thanh Thủy is a bustling trading hub between the people of Hà Giang, specifically, and Vietnam in general, with China. The trading and cultural exchange here are vibrant, promoting economic development for both countries and strengthening their relationship. In addition to trade activities, this is also a cultural exchange route between the two nations, with many student visits and major economic projects taking place throughout the year.

Thanh Thủy Border Gate brings significant value in various aspects, providing opportunities for easier cultural exchange. It is also a place where security is tightly controlled, with border guards ensuring order and safety.

Thiên Hương Cultural Tourism Village is situated approximately 5 km northeast of the central town of Đồng Văn. The village is home to 43 households belonging to the Tày, Nùng, and Giấy ethnic groups, with the Tày being the majority with over 200 residents. According to the village leader, Lương Đình Ninh, the Tày and Nùng communities have been living here for generations. Currently, families still preserve many traditional cultural aspects deeply rooted in their ethnic identity, manifested in festivals, traditional attire, cuisine, and daily activities.

Visiting Thiên Hương, travelers will be impressed by the green space surrounded by towering rocky mountains, with a prominent collection of ancient banyan trees over 100 years old at the entrance of the village. In May 2015, four banyan trees in this collection were officially recognized as heritage trees, dating back to 700 – 750 years old. Nestled amidst the banyan trees is the shrine dedicated to the local deity. Every March in the lunar calendar, when the corn and rice fields are lush, the villagers enthusiastically prepare to worship the deity. The offering includes local produce and traditional dishes such as black pork, local chicken, sticky rice, and various skillfully crafted cakes by Tày and Nùng women.

On the main ceremony day, people of all ages wake up early, don their most beautiful traditional costumes, and bring offerings to the shrine area. The deity worship ceremony is conducted with great solemnity, reflecting the originality of a spiritual festival of the locals, seeking blessings for a prosperous and harmonious year with abundant crops, well-fed families, and good health for everyone. After the ceremony, villagers and visitors alike indulge in the local cuisine right at the shrine. Travelers can enjoy traditional dishes prepared by the locals, sip the fragrant Thiên Hương leaf wine, and immerse themselves in the enchanting tunes of Then and Cọi, as well as graceful folk songs and duets.

The rammed-earth wall house is a distinctive cultural feature of Thiên Hương. Most of these houses are over 100 years old, built on flat ground, leaning against the mountain, with walls made of compacted earth, tiled roofs, wooden rafters and doors, and stone fences surrounded by fruit trees such as peach, plum, and pear. These elements contribute to the unique architectural style of the people on the rocky plateau.

Visit Thiên Hương to immerse yourself in the peaceful and idyllic life of the highland. Step into the warm rammed-earth wall houses nestled at the foot of Pố Lổ Mountain, share the cozy fireplace with the host, and savor the simple and delicious local produce, accompanied by a sip of the fragrant Thiên Hương leaf wine. It will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the footsteps of travelers who have once visited Thiên Hương...

Nestled amidst the lush green tea hills and golden terraced fields of Vị Xuyên District, Hà Giang Province, Bản Thác Hùng of the Dao people is a place where ancient stilt houses provide visitors with a fascinating sense of harmony. Most of these stilt houses were collectively built by the locals, showcasing both beauty and solidity, preserving a precious traditional feature that is still cherished to this day.

This place still maintains the traditional handicraft requiring the skillfulness and sophistication of artisans: silver carving. Passed down through generations, every member of the family must learn this craft. As silver carving is gradually fading in many places, the preservation and continuation of this craft are crucial.

Silver carving demands meticulousness and patience, and the traditional Dao attire is incomplete without distinctive self-carved silver jewelry. In wedding ceremonies, silver funeral effigies also play a significant role. Products made of silver not only serve as unique travel souvenirs but also serve as artifacts preserving the cultural identity of the Dao people in Cao Bồ.

In the rocky plateau of Hà Giang, where many assume only clouds and barren rocks prevail, there lies a place once dubbed the 'paradise in the stone mountains' - Hồ Noong, a pristine lake surrounded by majestic mountains, a destination that captivates every wandering soul. This place is set to become even more 'beautiful' as its fate echoes the tale of 'Shangrila: the lost paradise' in the Tibetan Plateau, gradually crumbling away...

Hồ Noong is situated more than 20km from the center of Hà Giang city. This naturally emerald freshwater lake rests at the foot of Mount Noong, referred to by locals as the 'divine eye' of the forest. What sets it apart is the presence of both thriving and withered trees beneath the lake's surface, creating an intriguing natural tapestry.

From April to October, during the rainy season, the lake swells, allowing visitors to explore it by rustic wooden boats or rafts. From November to April of the following year, during the dry season, the receding water reveals the ancient trees, and locals enclose rectangular areas to release ducks and graze buffalo on the lush green pasture. Hồ Noong has become an indispensable part of Hà Giang province. Serving as a vital water reservoir during the dry season, its distinctive natural green color sets Hồ Noong apart. Amidst pollution affecting many rivers and lakes, Hồ Noong maintains its purity, a truly commendable feat.

Exploring Hồ Noong, visitors also have the chance to savor the culinary skills of the Tày ethnic group. From fish caught in the lake to local ducks transformed into grilled delicacies, whether baked in clay or steamed with ginger, all carry an unforgettable, rich, and sweet flavor. Visit Hồ Noong to experience the freshness of nature and the delicious cuisine in this highland border region.

Lùng Tám Traditional Brocade Weaving Village is located in Lùng Tám commune, Quản Bạ district, Hà Giang province. The traditional brocade weaving craft has a long history, providing employment for many villagers and generating substantial income. In the past, weaving tools were rudimentary, mainly handwoven with traditional patterns. After years of existence, the Quản Bạ district government decided to develop the traditional brocade weaving village.

The craft has been invested in all aspects, including machinery, equipment, and weaving materials. In addition to existing products, residents are guided to create modern products to innovate and attract customers. Now, traditional brocade weaving not only serves households but also brings in high income. New, high-quality patterns have significantly boosted economic efficiency, especially attracting foreign tourists.

Today, many Mông ethnic people have difficulty maintaining or completely preserving this traditional brocade weaving. Preservation and development are essential as it represents a unique cultural heritage.

When visiting Lùng Tám Traditional Brocade Weaving Village, you will witness skilled artisans creating their products. Mông ethnic people consider the brocade weaving craft as a treasure. Crafting a brocade product is a meticulous process. The main material is flax fibers cultivated by the locals, sun-dried for two months, then carefully separated to maintain their integrity. The flax rolls are crushed in a mortar to remove excess powder, leaving behind flexible and durable fibers. These fibers are then boiled in water mixed with kitchen ash and beeswax.

Once the flax fibers turn milky white, the weaving process begins. After weaving, the fabric is sun-dried and washed with beeswax to make it smooth and white. Clothing made from linen fabric is robust and thick. You can purchase some small products as meaningful gifts.

Located 50km from Mèo Vạc town, Sơn Vĩ stands as the furthest commune in Mèo Vạc district and the village at the forefront of the Motherland. Sơn Vĩ shares a border with China. With the green Nho Quế River winding its way through the towering rocky hills, the meandering roads between the mountains, Sơn Vĩ captivates with its wild and majestic beauty. The road to Sơn Vĩ runs along the Vietnam-China border, with China just a few steps away on the left side of the road. Sơn Vĩ is also renowned for the Mã Pì Lèng Pass and the Sơn Vĩ love market on the 28th of March every lunar year.

They say, 'Sơn Vĩ is as beautiful as its name,' and it's undoubtedly true. Following the winding cliffs is the crystal-clear Nho Quế River, and the narrow roads resemble threads weaving through the mountains, creating a mesmerizing watercolor painting.

Sơn Vĩ is a remote and mysterious border commune, situated at the farthest and highest point in the east of Mèo Vạc district, Hà Giang province. The journey from Đồng Văn town to Mèo Vạc is about 24km, traversing the legendary Mã Pí Lèng Pass, often quoted as: 'Not a true adventurer until conquering Pí Lèng.'

Passing the Sống Horse's Nose down to the foot of the pass, turning right to reach the heart of Sơn Vĩ. Both sides of the road are tranquil with swaying grass and tall wild grass about 50cm high. Take a deep breath and enjoy the wonders on the journey to the remote border area, getting closer to the emerald Nho Quế River, admiring the mystical mountains and rivers of Sơn Vĩ. The challenge of countless turns brings you near the fascinating Nho Quế River. Along this border road, you will cross a bridge called Tràng Hương.

After wandering deep into Sơn Vĩ, if it's already noon, visit the corner market to recharge. In this quiet place, finding a restaurant in the midday heat is not easy, so a bowl of instant noodles is impressive and profound.