Buzz
Ha Giang - just mentioning its name is enough to stir the hearts of travel enthusiasts. Unlike the hustle and bustle of urban areas, Ha Giang makes you feel like you've entered a different space, gentle yet filled with intriguing colors. Whether you crave tranquility, romantic scenic beauty, or adventurous challenges, Ha Giang is the perfect choice for you.
Motorcycle Adventure Tour in Ha Giang
To fully experience Ha Giang, consider choosing a motorcycle as your mode of transportation. If you're traveling solo or lack confidence in your riding skills, you can check out the Motorcycle Adventure Tour in Ha Giang offered by Epic Tour.
An opportunity for you to meet many like-minded friends. Image: Epic Tour
Whether rain or shine, you will still have unforgettable experiences. Image: Epic Tour
Don't worry when you hear about a 'tour' because Epic Tour is built by young people with full experience, thorough understanding, and a passion for Ha Giang. Therefore, the tour itinerary will be extremely unique, fresh, and not constrained like traditional tours. You also don't have to worry about finding places to eat or stay because everything is included in the Ha Giang motorcycle tour.
Unique and fresh tour itinerary, suitable for young people
Epic Tour spans over 3 days, which is the perfect timeframe for you to explore and experience Ha Giang to the fullest. This will be your chance to push your limits and indulge in your passions. You'll walk on lush green hills, sway under the pine trees in the wind, stand on high hills, gaze to the end of the horizon, and enjoy the sunset or freely roam the winding trails at the foot of the hills.
Each journey is always fully equipped with protective gear
An opportunity for you to indulge in your passions
But wait, with the tour guides who understand Ha Giang better than anyone else, you'll have the chance to explore the local life, learn about the unique local culture. It could be an afternoon of lively conversation, experiencing the daily work of a H'Mong family in Lung Tam village, or an evening enjoying a meal with the locals, sipping corn wine and enjoying the mesmerizing tunes of the H'Mong flute.
Experience the art of weaving in Lung Tam village
Life in the highlands may have its challenges, but you'll always see the joy, optimism, and beauty in their eyes. They say, in Ha Giang, just a smile from the children can be a 'medicine' to help you forget the worries and anxieties of daily life.
People and vehicles roam freely, unrestricted, allowing for ample check-ins
Ha Giang motorcycle tour by Epic Tour includes:
- Transportation: Epic's Luxury Sleeper Bus and Limousine will pick you up from Hanoi to Ha Giang and back. Upon arrival in Ha Giang, the journey begins with motorbikes. All other expenses such as fuel, repairs, and insurance are already taken care of by Epic.
- Accommodations (1 night on the sleeper bus, 1 night at the central Dong Van hotel, 1 night homestay in Pa Vi)
- Flexible sightseeing tickets and activities.
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, featuring authentic Ha Giang cuisine.
- Experienced guides cum drivers will take you around and help you discover everything. Photography for the group and images sent to you after the trip are, of course, included.
- Local guides to prevent getting lost, ensuring full support for travelers from A to Z.
- For tour booking or inquiries, contact Mr. Long: 0986 635 986
The 3-day itinerary is as follows:
First Night: Hanoi – Ha Giang: Escape to the Plateau
Epic's Luxury Sleeper Bus
8:30 PM: Epic's Luxury Sleeper Bus will pick you up at 28 Nguyen Sieu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, or your hotel in the Old Quarter Hanoi. Alternatively, we can pick you up at Noi Bai International Airport around 10:00 PM.
You will spend the night on the bus and arrive in Hanoi city around 3:00 AM the next day. Free accommodation until morning.
Day 1: Ha Giang – Dong Van
Starting from Kilometer 0 – Bac Sum Pass – Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate – Can Ty Pass - Sung La Valley – Lung Cam Village – Tham Ma Pass – King Cat's Palace.
After breakfast, check-in at the first meeting point, Kilometer 0 milestone, marking the beginning of an extraordinary and promising journey. The winding and perilous road from Bac Sum Pass to Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate will surely challenge even the most skilled drivers. The climate convergence in the mountainous region creates a fascinating spectacle, with one side of the mountain slope immersed in chilly mist while the other basks in sunlight. From the summit of Heaven’s Gate, the panoramic view of Tam Son town unfolds before your eyes. Crossing Can Ty Pass feels like drifting clouds in the void, with vast pine forests stretching across the high mountain slopes to Yen Minh town. This is also a rest stop for lunch.
Next, conquer Tham Ma Pass and Chin Khoanh Pass, mesmerizing travelers with the vibrant colors of traditional costumes and indigenous flowers. Visit Lung Cam Cultural Village, a beautiful village featured in the famous movie 'Pao’s Story'. Surrounded by rows of stately fir trees, Vương family's mansion bears witness to numerous historical ups and downs. Here, you can admire unique architectures, patterns, and motifs influenced by the H'Mong, French, and Chinese styles, along with insightful historical stories about the 'Cat King', enriching your knowledge.
As the sun sets over the mountain passes to Dong Van town, flowers and grass along the roadside display their beauty under the twilight. Check in at the hotel, have dinner, and freely explore Dong Van Old Quarter at night with various activities and entertainment imbued with the frontier atmosphere.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Overnight stay at the central hotel in Dong Van
- Motorbike transfer: 150 km
Day 2: Dong Van – Meo Vac – Pa Vi
Flagpole Lung Cu – Ma Pi Leng Pass – Happiness Road – Nho Que River – Tu San Alley
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Travel to Flagpole Lung Cu, the northernmost point of the country, representing the unity of the Vietnamese people. Standing proudly atop the dragon mountain peak, the red flag flutters proudly in the wind. Two lakes below, symmetrical and resembling dragon eyes, create a unique picture. One side is Lo Lo Chai village, the other is Then Pa village, like scenes from a fairy tale. Return to Dong Van town for lunch.
Check-in and take photos at Ma Pi Leng Pass stop before conquering one of the 'Four Great Passes' on the famous Happiness Road. The breathtaking scenery will leave you speechless yet thrilled. From above, imposing rocky outcrops and winding passes pose both awe-inspiring and dangerous moments. Admire the Sky Walk where you can climb to the top and marvel at the picturesque scenery of the deep green Nho Que River below. The descent to Tu San Alley truly challenges us all with slopes ranging from 70 to 90 degrees and a length of 1.7 km. You have the option to sit on a motorboat looking up at the towering cliffs seemingly touching the sky or kayak upstream through the mist-covered waters.
Stay overnight at Pả Vi Village homestay amidst lush green rice fields stretching to the horizon. Enjoy local cuisine and raise a toast with corn wine. Immerse yourself in the intoxicating rhythm of the lives of the H'Mong people.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Overnight homestay in Pả Vi Village, Meo Vac
- Motorbike transfer 100 km
Day 3: Meo Vac - Ha Giang City - Hanoi
Khuc Cua Chu M – Mau Due - Lùng Tam Weaving Village – Ha Giang – Hanoi
Witness the sunrise in Pả Vi village, where you'll have breakfast and bid farewell to the locals. From Meo Vac to Mau Due, the treacherous road winds along the mountain ridges. The M-shaped curve seems to soften like a miraculous arrangement in the road-building process. The scenery appears somewhat wilder with simple houses, terraced fields right next to rocky mountains. Lùng Tám Weaving Village is the home of the H'Mong people. They use linen materials to embellish traditional costumes with intricate, unique patterns and vibrant colors.
Heading back to Quản Bạ, in the distance, the twin mountains of Cô Tiên adorn the cat-eared rocks with affectionate allure, inviting. Returning to Ha Giang City, you can take a bath or rest before heading back to Hanoi at 4:30 PM.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Motorbike transfer 100 km
- At 4:30 PM, board the Epic limousine back to Hanoi, arriving around 11:00 PM
Now let's explore some tips to make your trip to Ha Giang even more enjoyable and fulfilling!
1. When is the best time to visit Ha Giang?
It's undeniable that Ha Giang is beautiful all year round, each season, each month here has its own interesting features. So, to answer the question “When is the best time to visit Ha Giang?” is almost impossible. Depending on your preference, you can plan your trip at the most suitable time. It could be the season of plum blossoms, peach blossoms in March, buckwheat flower season in November, or the rice season from May to September…
1.1. Spring
January-February: If you love experiencing traditional festivals, then January-February is the best time for you. You will witness the longevity celebrations of the Tay people; participate in exciting games like buffalo fighting, stilt walking, horse racing, etc.
March: If you're on team flower-lover, March is the time to be in Ha Giang, as this is when the peach and plum orchards burst into full bloom with spring colors. The entire region is adorned with interwoven white and pink hues, complemented by cool weather and refreshing air, perfect for leisurely motorcycle rides to immerse yourself in nature.
March is the season when peach and plum orchards are in full bloom. Image: Hai Yen Chu
The serene scenery of Ha Giang in March. Image: Hai Yen Chu
1.2. Summer Season
April: Surely you've heard of the 'Khau Vai Love Market,' right? If you visit Ha Giang in April, you'll have the opportunity to participate in this unique 'Outsider Love Market.' The festival is a brief moment for lovers who cannot be together to reunite, chat, and share their feelings.
May-June: This is when Ha Giang's terraced rice fields don a new outfit, with overflowing water, turning Ha Giang into a vibrant giant mirror.
Ha Giang during the flooding season. Image: Chu Viet Bac
1.3. Autumn Season
August-September: Following the flooding season, August-September is the season of ripe rice in Ha Giang. The rice fields transition from green to yellow during this time. Not only can you admire them, but you can also feel and smell the fragrant scent of these golden fields.
Ha Giang during the rice ripening season. Image: @khoailangthang
1.4. Winter Season
October-November: This is the time when the buckwheat flowers begin to bloom vibrantly, with white flowers intermingled with light purple, covering the vast hillsides into expansive fields, surely captivating you endlessly.
Buckwheat flowers cover the entire hillside. Image: @toays_
December: As the buckwheat flowers fade away, it's also the time when yellow mustard flowers bloom abundantly, coloring the entire mountainous region. During this time, the weather in Ha Giang is quite cold, with clouds covering the sky every morning. Try riding a motorbike to experience the winter in the rocky plateau.
2. What transportation should you choose for a trip to Ha Giang?
It's not cars; the answer is motorcycles. Nowhere else is more suitable for motorcycle adventures than Ha Giang.
Exploring Ha Giang by motorbike is not easy, especially for female travelers or those accustomed to resort-style vacations. To fully experience Ha Giang, you'll need to ride an average of 150km per day on small mountainous roads with countless hairpin turns, almost 360 degrees. On one side, there are towering mountains, on the other side, deep abysses without visible bottoms or barriers... But it's precisely in such conditions that you truly immerse yourself in the beauty of this land.
Traveling Ha Giang by motorbike allows you to fully experience the beauty of this place. Image: Hai Yen Chu
Moreover, riding a motorbike allows you to stop and rest wherever you want, freely take photos, check-in, and explore small, deep, and dangerous corners that cars cannot reach.
You can stop anywhere to check-in. Image: Hoàng Linh Hà
3. Must-Experience Mountain Passes by Motorbike
Many choose Ha Giang as a destination for its fields of buckwheat flowers, or the cherry blossom and plum blossom trees lining the roadsides. But perhaps what mesmerizes travel enthusiasts the most is the feeling of riding on winding mountain passes, with deep abysses on one side and towering cliffs on the other.
3.1. Ma Pi Leng Pass
When talking about beautiful mountain passes in Ha Giang, overlooking Ma Pi Leng Pass would be a tremendous oversight. Ma Pi Leng Pass stretches about 20km, with an elevation of approximately 1200m, situated on the Dong Van Karst Plateau. Renowned for its winding and twisting route along the mountain slopes, one side features sheer cliffs while the other side plunges into deep abysses.
Ma Pi Leng Pass shrouded in mist. Image: Hoàng Linh Hà
Ascending the steep slopes, admiring the rugged and perilous limestone cliffs with their bizarre shapes, setting foot on the summit of Ma Pi Leng Pass, that's when you will truly feel happiness with what lies before you.
Conquering Ma Pi Leng Pass by motorbike. Image: @yen.lee.vivu
3.2. Tham Ma Slope
Located on the winding mountain pass on National Highway 4C connecting from Hà Giang city to Mèo Vạc district, Tham Ma Slope stretches about 5km and is one of the most perilous adventure routes in Hà Giang in particular, and the Northern region in general.
Tham Ma Slope. Image: Hoàng Linh Hà
Viewed from above, Tham Ma Slope resembles a soft silk ribbon stretching across the mountain ridge. From this slope, looking to both sides, there are towering rock walls, steep and seemingly able to collapse at any moment. Looking down below is a thousand-meter abyss, indicating the considerable height of Hà Giang compared to the area below. The 5km journey on Tham Ma Slope by motorbike is truly a short but exciting adventure.
The sheer cliffs at Tham Ma Slope. Image: Hoàng Linh Hà
3.3. Bac Sum Slope
Bac Sum Slope, connecting from Minh Tan commune (Vi Xuyen) to Quyet Tien commune (Quan Ba), is one of the most winding and twisting slopes in the high rocky plateau region. Besides the softness and charm of a silk ribbon, Bac Sum Slope also holds many challenges with numerous sharp bends – this is a challenge that young adventurers who love exploring and conquering nature always eagerly embrace.
Conquering Bac Sum Slope. Image: @ducthinhzhn
3.4. Ta Lang Pass
To descend into Tu San Alley, you'll have to pass through Ta Lang Pass. With an 8km stretch of road from an altitude of 1,500m down to the edge of the Nho Que River, you'll be truly amazed by its 47 bends, with half of them being hairpin turns. The narrow road is only wide enough for two motorbikes to pass each other, with one side being the mountain wall and the other side a deep abyss blending with mountain clouds.
The narrow path of Ta Lang Pass. Image: Collected
Many bends here have steep slopes and are tight, so motorbike riders must downshift to gear 1 or 2 and continuously handle the brake pedals. But the scenery is truly impressive, making you feel like you're in a celestial paradise.
3.5. Windy Pass
Windy Pass is a route with an altitude equivalent to Ma Pi Leng, equally majestic due to its height and rugged scenery. The first thing you'll notice when conquering Windy Pass is its steepness, as it winds around the mountain slope. Consequently, its width is extremely narrow; it's wide enough for two pedestrians but only one motorbike can pass at a time.
Windy Pass is extremely narrow. Image: Collected
Another special feature of Windy Pass is the absence of protective guardrails on the mountain side. If you're afraid of heights, don't look down. However, the scenery on both sides is extremely fascinating. As you ascend, the air becomes cooler, with vast tree canopies and the sound of babbling streams.
Check out more: Top 6 most beautiful mountain passes in Ha Giang
4. Must-Visit Check-In Spots in Ha Giang
4.1. Fairy Twin Mountains, Quan Ba
Quan Ba is located 46km north of Ha Giang city. After crossing Bac Sum Pass, you'll reach the gate of Quan Ba, where you can easily admire the Fairy Twin Mountains.
Fairy Twin Mountains in Quan Ba. Image: @nguyen.duy_95
This mountain is distinctive for its fairly round shape, with a summit that is not as sharp as neighboring peaks. It consists of two adjacent peaks often likened to the bosom hills of a fairy submerged in a dreamy haze.
4.2. Yen Minh Pine Forest
After navigating through challenging slopes and treacherous twists and turns hugging the mountainside, the Yen Minh Pine Forest emerges amidst the valley, enveloped by majestic, romantic, and mystical mountain ranges.
Yen Minh Pine Forest. Image: @daisyvoyages
Exploring the pine forest by motorcycle is an ideal experience to discover the beauty of the Yen Minh forest slopes. Riding along the winding roads with gentle curves on the hillsides, you'll be immersed in the beauty of the endless pine forests. On one side are lush pine forests, on the other side are deep valleys, and as you look around, you'll see small houses hidden in the early morning mist.
If you're on a motorcycle, you can venture deep into the forest. Image: @teapaul
4.3. Pho Bang Town
Pho Bang is located in Dong Van district, just about 4 km from the road from Ha Giang city to the Dong Van Karst Plateau. If you're on a motorcycle, simply turn left down the slope at the intersection, and you'll immediately feel the tranquil atmosphere enveloping you.
Pho Bang Town is as beautiful as a painting. Image: Hoàng Linh Hà
Pho Bang is a peaceful town with houses made of earth, displaying ancient colors of brown mixed with red, ivory yellow, and shades of time. There are walls covered in green moss, wooden frames at the entrances, old wooden doors, and red Han Chinese couplets hanging on both sides of the walls.
The old houses colored by time. Image: Hoàng Linh Hà
4.4. Lung Cu Flagpole
Lung Cu Flagpole is the national flagpole, located at an altitude of 1,470 meters above sea level and has a long history. This place is considered the starting point on the map in the shape of the letter S, as it is the northernmost point of Vietnam.
Lung Cu Flagpole. Image: @vietnamtravelers
To reach Lung Cu Flagpole, you have to climb 349 stone steps and 140 steps inside the flagpole. The higher you climb, the more beautiful the scenery opens up with green mountains, distant villages interspersed with terraced fields surrounding small houses. Once there, you can touch the flagpole, and above it is a flag with an area of 54m2 symbolizing the 54 ethnic groups across the country.
4.5. Nho Que River
Nho Que River lies right at the foot of Ma Pi Leng Pass. In fact, this river not only flows in Ha Giang province but also flows through Cao Bang province. However, the upper part of the river flowing from Seo Lung village, Lung Cu commune through Tu San Alley is considered the most spectacular section.
Experience boating on Nho Que River. Image: Collected
Once you reach Nho Que River, you should not miss the experience of boating. Wherever the boat sails, you will clearly feel the changes in the natural scenery. The coolness from the rocks, the sound of flowing water, the whispering of the wind, the drifting clouds, the smoke from the villages above, everything seems to be immersed between the towering cliffs. Truly, there are no words that can fully describe the grandeur of this natural wonder.
Kayaking to build your health. Image: @kimthy.xie
Moreover, if you seek a more memorable experience, opt for kayaking. Each boat can accommodate around 1 - 2 people, providing you with the opportunity to exercise while admiring the beauty of Nho Que up close.
4.6. King Cat's Palace
Built around the early 20th century, King Cat's Palace, belonging to King Cat Vuong Chinh Duc, has stood for nearly a century. Here, you'll be impressed by the unique design of the palace, consisting of 4 horizontal houses, 6 vertical houses, divided into forecourt, central court, and backyard with 64 chambers accommodating up to 100 people.
King Cat's Palace. Image: Collected
Surrounding the palace are towering century-old sycamore trees. Passing through the majestic stone gate is a pathway entirely crafted from meticulously carved granite slabs.
4.7. Pao's House
Pao's House is an ancient dwelling located in the cultural tourism village of Lung Cam, Sung La. The house is the 'fourth street' of a Hmong family renowned for many years, emerging from the film 'Story of Pao.' Amidst the arid rocky plateau, 'Pao's House' resembles a miniature painting depicting the authentic and captivating life of the Hmong people.
Pao's House. Image: @nhile95_
4.8. Dong Van Ancient Town
Dong Van Ancient Town is situated in Dong Van Town, Ha Giang, where the Dong Van Market, built of stone in the 1920s, remains nearly intact to this day. The Ancient Town captivates with its ancient yin-yang tiled roofs adorning ancient houses. During the bustling weekend market, the town pulsates with the rich cultural essence of the highlands. Lanterns illuminate the streets, the aroma of corn wine fills the air, and from Doan Cao - a vantage point offering panoramic views of Dong Van Town...
Dong Van Ancient Market. Image: @binztk
5. Culinary Experience in Ha Giang
5.1. Smoked Buffalo Meat
When visiting the northern mountainous provinces in general and Ha Giang in particular, you must try this divine dish of smoked buffalo meat. It's a traditional dish of the Black Thai people. After being seasoned with spices, chili, ginger, and mac khen, large chunks of buffalo meat are skewered onto iron rods, smoked over wild wood fire, and hung above the stove for two consecutive months to absorb the flavors until the meat turns dark and dry. After a while, the dried buffalo meat, with its rich sweetness and distinctive flavor, is simply irresistible.
Smoked Buffalo Meat. Image: @Collective
Dipping the dried buffalo meat into a spicy chili sauce is simply unbeatable. The sweet taste of the meat combined with the spicy kick on your palate will leave you endlessly enchanted.
5.2. Wild Boar Meat
The reason for its name, 'wild boar carried under the armpit,' is because the wild boar is a crossbreed between the forest boar and the Muong pig. These wild boars look quite small and are usually carried tucked under the armpit when caught, hence the name. Wild boar meat is fragrant, as they are not raised in pens but allowed to roam freely and forage in the forest.
Wild Boar Meat. Image: @Collection
There are many ways to prepare wild boar meat, among which the most delicious and famous dish is steamed offal and belly meat. When eating, the meat is dipped in crushed basil leaves mixed with toasted sesame seeds or toasted dổi seeds, and green chili. The delicious flavor blends the slightly sour, bitter taste of the dổi seeds, lime leaves combined with the sweet, tender pork belly.
5.3. Tẩu Root Porridge
This porridge is made from tẩu root, a type of tuber that grows on rocks in the northern mountainous regions. The toxin of tẩu root can be fatal, but don't worry, thanks to the ingenious processing methods of the locals, tẩu root has become not only a healthy dish but also a specialty of Ha Giang.
Tẩu Root Porridge. Image: @Collection
Tẩu root porridge has a deep brown color, a rich taste, and a distinctive aroma. It combines the fragrance of sticky rice mixed with glutinous rice, the earthy taste of stewed tẩu root, the rich broth from pork leg stew, and the aroma of spices. Additionally, tẩu root porridge also helps relax muscles, reduce muscle pain, and relieve joint discomfort.
5.4. Victory Delight
Victory delight is a winter treat, similar to the floating cake of the delta people. The rice used for the cake is Yen Minh sticky rice from Ha Giang, soaked overnight and then ground into tiny balls resembling thumbtips, boiled until cooked. The unique aspect of this dish lies in the broth made from mai flower sugar, coconut, and ginger, each prepared differently by individuals.
Victory Delight. Image: @Collection
If you visit Ha Giang on chilly winter days, when the cold winds blend with the scent of the land, and you stop by the roadside to enjoy a bowl of victory delight, sprinkled with sesame or peanuts, there's nothing to complain about.
5.5. Hearty Triumph
This is a traditional dish of the H'Mong ethnic group, prepared from a composite of horse ingredients including: head, legs, various meats, organs... along with various herbs and fruits. In the past, the H'Mong people only prepared hearty triumph from horse meat, but nowadays this dish is also made from other meats such as buffalo, beef, goat...
Hearty Triumph. Image: @Collection
Eating hearty triumph often involves sitting squat, placing the food on a long piece of wood, and eating with a wooden spoon. There is always a bowl of salt alongside fresh crushed chili for added spice. A bowl of hot hearty triumph with the aroma of herbs, dổi seeds, lemongrass, combined with the rich flavor of meat warms the space amidst the chilly weather.
5.6. Buckwheat Triangle Cake
Buckwheat flowers are not just for admiring, folks. These flowers are also processed by the people of Ha Giang into a type of cake that is simple yet incredibly delicious that you absolutely must try.
Buckwheat Triangle Cake. Image: @Collection
To make such a delicious cake, locals have to go through several steps. After harvesting, buckwheat seeds are dried and ground into flour for making cakes. Buckwheat flour is not as smooth as rice flour but has a slightly nutty, forest-like taste. This cake is best when steamed, with a rich, creamy, sweet flavor, carrying the characteristic purple color of the plateau's flower.
5.7. Five-color Sticky Rice
This is an indispensable dish on the table of the people in this highland region. Called five-color sticky rice because unlike ordinary sticky rice, five-color sticky rice is made up of five types of sticky rice with five different colors. Those colors are red, yellow, green, purple, and white. The harmony of colors and flavors creates a dish that is not only delicious but also visually appealing.
Five-color Sticky Rice. Image: @Collection
The unique colors of five-color sticky rice are created from completely natural ingredients. The red color comes from gac fruit and red glutinous rice leaves, while the yellow color is from aged turmeric roots soaked in water. The green color is from ginger leaves, green glutinous rice leaves, or bitter melon skin, pomelo, or ba soi tree leaves burnt to obtain ash soaked in lime water. The purple color is from black glutinous rice leaves or sau sau tree leaves.
The golden time to explore Hà Giang has arrived, so what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and let's go right away!!!!!
