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The rock music artist offers detailed insights into various attractions and resting spots while leaving room for individual exploration.
Trần Lập's Guide for First-Time Adventurers in Hà Giang
Starting off his personal sharing, Trần Lập mentions receiving numerous inquiries about adventuring in Hà Giang, particularly regarding destinations for the last two days of the week. Drawing from his experience as a biker (a member of the Vietnamese motorcycle community), he straightforwardly suggests: “If you only have 2 days from Hanoi, it's better to choose another area to avoid wasting effort because even if you go, you won't reach your destination.” According to him, to truly experience renowned destinations and immerse in the emotions of the region, allocate at least 4 days and 3 nights.
Spending a night in Hà Giang city will help you conserve energy for the following day. It serves as the hub for commencing various exploration routes. From his experience, covering approximately 165 km from Hà Giang city to various spots may take a whole day, unless you resist stopping for photos, eating, and “emptying the tank.”
National Highway 4C is narrow, winding, steep, and hugs cliffs with hidden corners behind mountains. He advises against recklessly hitting the gas pedal to chase sunlight or straining to catch fleeting glimpses, urging instead to appreciate the unfolding scenery with patience. The value of time spent is not measured in hours but in the geographical uncertainty.
Arriving at Heaven's Gate, take a moment to quench your thirst with a cup of tea and indulge in some sweet treats at the observation station on the left side of the road. Take in the scenery and immerse yourself in the culture of Tam Son Quan Ba before continuing your journey. Note that if you plan to purchase any local specialties such as snow Shan tea, buffalo horn-shaped cake, or Hà Giang sweets, it's advisable to do so here as there are no guarantees you'll find them along your intended route for the next hundreds of kilometers.
Returning to National Highway 4C from Quan Ba, you'll reach Yen Minh, Pho Bang. Just to the right of the road at the bottom of a long slope is Sủng Là – a favorite spot for young travelers to capture memories with the triangular circuit. Trần Lập also shared his thoughts on the idea of charging for photographs at Pao's house.
'Many people complain about the nominal fee, but I see it differently. The amount may be small, but it goes a long way in helping the impoverished and mountainous communities. Just look at them, and you'll see that despite the changes, they are far more content and fulfilled compared to those in the lowlands. I don't really lose anything,' he expressed.
Arriving at Dong Van, Trần Lập often dines at a small eatery deep within the ancient market, although it has changed ownership now. In the mornings, he enjoys having egg rolls, which although not vastly different in taste from those in Lang Son or Cao Bang, are distinct from those in the lowlands, especially with the dipping sauce.
'They serve it in a bowl with a fragrant piece of pork sausage, finely chopped spring onions. If you're not observant, you might make the mistake of scooping up a bite before dipping the roll in the sauce. The trick is to cut the roll into small pieces and then dip it into the sauce,' he described.
Before embarking on the journey to Ma Pi Leng and Mèo Vạc, he reminds travelers to refuel in Dong Van town as there are no gas stations along the mountain pass. For Trần Lập, among the four great mountain passes in the North, O Quy Ho and Ma Pi Leng are the most magnificent: 'I feel that O Quy Ho stretching from Lai Chau to Sa Pa exudes a romantic, endless charm, while Ma Pi Leng is fiercely majestic and incredibly imposing.'
In the realm of maple triangles, the flowers in Mèo Vạc seem more vibrant than those in Phó Bảng, Sà Phìn. Though I haven't had the chance to visit the Khâu Vai love market, Trần Lập once ventured into the livestock market. For him, indulging in a colorful bite of sticky rice at the head of the district market also unveils many fascinating insights.
To conclude the journey, Trần Lập suggests that adventurous bikers may opt to continue through Bảo Lâm, Bảo Lạc towards Cao Bằng, exploring the Northeast, or turn back towards Yên Minh to complete the loop back to Hà Giang city. Another route through Bắc Mê presents a daunting challenge for drivers. With a 4-day, 3-night itinerary, it's advisable to return to Hà Giang city or head down to Tuyên Quang for an overnight stay before returning to Hanoi the following day.
In his closing remarks, he advises those planning a trip to Hà Giang not to rush into traffic jams. Don't fret over the expenses or time spent on the journey because what you gain is far more valuable when you still have the energy to embark on it.
Just a few days after sharing his travel experiences, Trần Lập's friends and fans were shocked to learn that the singer had been diagnosed with cancer. He recently underwent a 6-hour surgery, and his current health condition has not been specifically disclosed.
Source: Vnexpress.net
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Explore with expertise: Travel guide by Mytour
Experience Mytour firsthandOctober 19, 2016
