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Ha Giang, located in the northernmost region, features a rugged mountainous terrain with towering peaks and majestic rivers. Discover the ultimate Ha Giang travel guide on Mytour, packed with valuable insights!
Overview
Ha Giang, situated in the northernmost part of Vietnam, is renowned for its breathtaking mountainous landscapes and the rich cultural heritage of its ethnic minorities. This is a land of stone, home to the UNESCO-recognized Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. Ha Giang tourism captivates visitors with its stunning mountain passes like Ma Pi Leng, the iconic Lung Cu Flagpole, and seasonal blooms such as buckwheat flowers, yellow canola flowers, and white plum blossoms. Additionally, Ha Giang preserves traditional culture through its vibrant highland markets and ethnic villages.
Best Time to Visit Ha Giang
Ha Giang experiences a distinctly cold climate due to its high mountainous terrain. The region is divided into two seasons: the rainy season (May to October) and the dry season (November to April). Average temperatures range between 21-23°C. However, during winter, especially from December to February, temperatures can drop below 5°C, with occasional frost or snow in higher areas. The ideal time to visit is from October to November to witness the blooming buckwheat flowers, or from January to February when plum and peach blossoms paint a dreamy spring landscape. Additionally, September offers a stunning view of golden ripe rice terraces, making it another attractive option.
Transportation
From Hanoi
Buses to Ha Giang are available throughout the day from My Dinh, Luong Yen, Yen Nghia, and Gia Lam stations. Travelers can choose between sleeper buses or limousines. Ticket prices from Hanoi to Ha Giang range from 200,000 to 300,000 VND.
From Ho Chi Minh City
Travelers from southern provinces must first fly to Hanoi before continuing their journey to Ha Giang. Flight prices vary depending on the time of booking, airline, and seat class. You can quickly book flights to Hanoi here.
Getting Around Ha Giang
You can rent a motorbike for self-travel at a cost of 150,000 – 300,000 VND per bike per day. If you lack the stamina or are traveling with elderly or young children, consider hiring a 7 to 16-seater car service.
Must-Visit Spots in Ha Giang
Dong Van Market
Dong Van Market, held every Sunday morning, is a cultural gem of the highland communities. When traveling to Ha Giang, visitors should not miss this unique market. Locals bring homemade and homegrown products to trade and sell. Most spend the entire day here shopping, socializing, and enjoying local delicacies. The market offers a rich variety of foods, including black sticky rice cake, five-colored sticky rice, cornmeal, and pho. You can also purchase chili sauce, angelica roots, fermented beans, dried buffalo meat, tam hoa plums, and other local specialties as souvenirs.
Ma Pi Leng Pass
Ma Pi Leng Pass, meaning 'the horse's nose bridge,' is hailed as the king of mountain passes in the Northwest. This rugged pass, dotted with jagged limestone rocks, spans Pa Vi and Pa Lung communes in Meo Vac district and Ta Lung commune in Dong Van district. It lies on the legendary Happiness Road, connecting Ha Giang city with Dong Van and Meo Vac districts. From the summit, visitors can admire the panoramic view of the Dong Van Karst Plateau, with its majestic scenery featuring steep cliffs on one side and the deep emerald waters of the Nho Que River on the other.
Lung Cu Flagpole
The Lung Cu Flagpole, located atop Dragon Mountain in Lung Cu commune, Dong Van district, symbolizes the northernmost point of Vietnam. Standing at approximately 1,700 meters above sea level, the flagpole is designed to resemble a Dong Son bronze drum, crowned with a proud red flag bearing a golden star. To reach it, visitors must climb nearly 800 steps, rewarded with breathtaking views of terraced fields and ethnic villages below. This is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Ha Giang.
King of the H'mong Palace
The King of the H'mong Palace, situated in Sa Phin commune, Dong Van district, was built in the early 20th century. It served as the residence of Vuong Chinh Duc, the head of the Vuong family, who was regarded as the 'king' of the H'mong people at the time. The palace blends traditional Chinese, H'mong, and French architectural styles, constructed with precious wood, blue stone, and yin-yang tiles. Perched on a turtle-shaped hill, it stands as a testament to the Vuong family's power and wealth, as well as a historical witness to the ups and downs of Ha Giang.
Tham Ma Slope
Tham Ma Slope, located on the winding road from Yen Minh to Dong Van, is surrounded by majestic mountains. The name 'Tham Ma' originates from an old tale where locals used this slope to test the strength of pack horses—only those that could climb it were kept. Stopping at Tham Ma Slope, visitors can admire the vast valley dotted with small villages and terraced fields. It’s an ideal spot for photos, often featuring flower baskets and charming H'mong children.
Lo Lo Chai Village
Nestled at the foot of the Lung Cu Flagpole, Lo Lo Chai Village is a peaceful settlement known for its simple earthen-walled houses, yin-yang tiled roofs, and stone fences. Visitors can explore unique cultural traditions and savor local cuisine. Often described as a 'hidden gem' on the Ha Giang plateau, the village offers a serene escape amidst the rocky landscape.
Pao's House
Pao's House, located in Sung La Valley, is an ancient H'mong home made famous by its appearance in the movie 'Pao's Story.' The house features traditional architecture with thick earthen walls, yin-yang tiled roofs, a stone-paved courtyard, and surrounding stone fences. Visitors can experience the simple, tranquil beauty of this home nestled in pristine nature.
Nho Que River
The emerald Nho Que River, winding at the foot of Ma Pi Leng Pass, is one of Ha Giang's most iconic sights. This slender, jade-green river stands out dramatically against the towering limestone cliffs. A must-try experience here is a boat ride along the river, offering views of Tu San Alley—the deepest gorge in Southeast Asia.
Buckwheat Flower Fields
From October to November, buckwheat flowers bloom, painting the mountains and valleys in shades of pink and purple. These flowers, with their rustic and romantic charm, are a symbol of the rocky plateau. Buckwheat flowers come in various colors, including white, pink, and purple, and are grown for both their blooms and seeds. The fields are mainly found along National Highway 4C and in villages like Van Chai, Pho Cao, Sung La, Lung Tao, Sa Phin, Thai Phin Tung, Ma Le, Lung Cu, Sung Trai, and Dong Van town.
Quan Ba Heaven's Gate
Quan Ba Heaven's Gate serves as the entrance to the Dong Van Karst Plateau. At an elevation of 1,500 meters above sea level, it offers panoramic views of the valley, terraced rice fields, and the legendary Twin Fairy Mountains. The gate provides a sense of closeness to nature, as if touching the clouds.
Twin Fairy Mountains
The Twin Fairy Mountains, nestled in a lush green valley, are perfectly rounded and symmetrical, resembling two youthful, life-filled forms. Linked to a legend of love and sacrifice, these mountains captivate with their enchanting beauty. From Quan Ba Heaven's Gate, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the landscape, clouds, and terraced fields.
Pa Vi Cultural Village
Pa Vi Cultural Village is renowned for its traditional earthen-walled houses, yin-yang tiled roofs, and stone fences. Visitors can explore unique customs, participate in cultural activities like traditional dances and flute performances, and experience local crafts such as weaving and basketry. The village also offers a chance to savor authentic local cuisine, rich in highland flavors.
Lung Tam Linen Weaving Village
Lung Tam Linen Weaving Village preserves the traditional linen-weaving craft of the H'mong people. Here, skilled artisans transform flax, a plant grown on rocky mountains, into soft and durable fabrics. The entire process, from planting flax to spinning, natural dyeing, and embroidery, is done by hand, producing items like shirts, skirts, scarves, and bags.
Ha Giang's Local Delicacies
When traveling to Ha Giang, you cannot miss the iconic dishes that define the rocky plateau region.
Steamed Rice Rolls
Steamed rice rolls are a popular choice for breakfast or lunch. The version from Dong Van Old Quarter is particularly loved for its thin, soft, and fragrant rice sheets, filled with minced meat and wood ear mushrooms. Served with a rich bone broth dipping sauce, dried shallots, and fresh herbs, this dish is a local favorite.
Aconite Porridge
Aconite porridge is made from aconite roots soaked in rice water and cooked until soft. The dish combines rice, minced pork, and aconite, resulting in a light brown porridge with a rich aroma. While aconite is highly toxic in its raw form, traditional preparation methods transform it into a nutritious ingredient. The porridge has a creamy, slightly bitter taste that gradually reveals a sweet and savory flavor.
Humpback Sticky Rice Cake
Humpback sticky rice cake is a specialty of the Tay ethnic group in Ha Giang, known for its unique shape. Unlike the traditional square version, this cake has a slightly curved form, resembling a person carrying a basket. Made from fragrant sticky rice, filled with mung beans and pork belly, it is wrapped in dong leaves and boiled for hours. This dish is a staple during festivals and Tet celebrations.
Thang Den
When it comes to delightful snacks in Ha Giang, Thang Den is a must-try. The main ingredient is aromatic sticky rice from Yen Minh district, known for its large, round, and firm grains that become chewy and sweet when cooked. The sticky rice balls are filled with various ingredients like mung beans or red beans, offering a soft and mildly sweet taste. It is typically served with ginger-infused sugar syrup or peanut sauce.
Thang Co
Thang Co, a dish made from horse offal, leaves a lasting impression on visitors to Ha Giang. The broth is simmered from bones and organs, enriched with 12 distinctive mountain spices like lime leaves, star anise, cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger. Cooked in a large pot for hours, Thang Co is often enjoyed with a glass of fragrant corn wine.
Buckwheat Cake
Buckwheat cakes are made from the seeds of buckwheat flowers. After harvesting, the seeds are finely ground, mixed with water, and shaped into small cakes. These are then grilled over charcoal, resulting in a dark brown cake with a mild aroma and a sweet, nutty flavor.
Trang Kim Pho
Trang Kim Pho is entirely handmade from rice flour, creating chewy, soft, and fragrant noodles. The broth is simmered from bone marrow and seasoned with distinctive spices. It is served with beef, chicken, or local pork. Visitors to Ha Giang should not miss the chance to enjoy a steaming bowl of Trang Kim Pho, especially in the cool highland weather.
Five-Color Sticky Rice
Five-color sticky rice is a traditional and iconic dish in Ha Giang. Made from fragrant glutinous rice, it is naturally dyed using leaves like magenta plant (purple), turmeric (yellow), ginger leaves (green), red perilla leaves (red), and plain white rice. The five colors symbolize the five elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth.
What to Buy in Ha Giang as Souvenirs?
Oranges
Ha Giang oranges are juicy, exceptionally sweet, and a hallmark of the rocky plateau region. The fruit has a reddish-yellow peel and flesh. For a slightly tangy flavor, choose green oranges, but for sweetness, opt for those with a yellowish hue. These oranges make for a delightful local gift.
Rock Cake
Recently, rock cakes have gained popularity on social media. Known as 'banh da' or 'banh lo khoai,' this traditional cake is a specialty of the Dao and Nung ethnic groups. Shaped like a brick, the cake is round and elongated. Its name comes from its rock-hard texture. In the past, locals would store these cakes in cool streams to preserve them. To make a delicious, chewy rock cake, high-quality rice is essential. After cooking the dough, it is kneaded by hand until cohesive, then shaped into the final product.
Peppermint Honey
Peppermint honey is derived from bees that collect nectar from wild peppermint flowers growing on rocky mountain slopes. These flowers are rich in essential oils. The honey has a lemon-yellow or light green hue, a refreshing aroma, a mild sweetness, and a hint of spiciness. It is known for its health benefits, aiding respiratory and digestive issues.
Shan Tuyet Tea
Shan Tuyet tea from ancient trees in Ha Giang is one of the region's most renowned specialties. These ancient tea trees grow naturally on high mountain ranges, some hundreds of years old. Covered with a fine layer of white 'snow' on their buds, Shan Tuyet tea offers a delicate aroma and a sweet aftertaste. The harvesting and processing are entirely manual, preserving the pure flavor of the tea leaves. Shan Tuyet tea is a refined drink, known for its cooling and detoxifying properties.
Smoked Buffalo Meat
Smoked buffalo meat is a unique delicacy of the northern mountainous region. The meat is selected from fresh cuts, marinated with chili, garlic, ginger, and mac khen, then hung over a kitchen fireplace and smoked with forest wood for several days. The result is a flavorful, slightly chewy meat with a natural sweetness and a rich aroma of spices. This is a must-try specialty to bring home from Ha Giang.
Corn Wine
Traditional corn wine is brewed from golden glutinous corn grown on terraced fields. The corn is fermented with a special leaf yeast made from forest herbs, giving it a strong, aromatic flavor. The fermentation and distillation processes are entirely manual. Corn wine is often enjoyed with Thang Co or five-color sticky rice.
Accommodation in Ha Giang
Travelers have a variety of lodging options in Ha Giang, ranging from high-end resorts with ethnic themes to homestays in local homes. In Hoang Su Phi, options include Hoang Su Phi Lodge, Kinh Homestay, and Ho Thau Eco Village. Alternatively, you can stay at Chúng Pủa – Auberge de MeoVac in Meo Vac, featuring traditional earthen houses, or Bụi Homestay, a stilt house in Dong Van. Dong Van also offers Hoang Thân Ancient House, Ong Vàng Meo Vac, and Lo Lo Ancient House Homestay.
P’apiu Resort Ha Giang
P’apiu Resort in Ha Giang is not just a stunning retreat amidst majestic mountains but also an invitation to immerse yourself in the rich cultural stories of the region. Each room at the resort features unique architecture, offering poetic views and a variety of engaging experiences.
H’mong Village Resort Ha Giang
H’mong Village Resort spans 20 hectares, divided into three distinct areas with different designs. The highlight is 15 houses shaped like the traditional H'mong baskets. Perched on a high mountain slope, the resort blends natural materials seamlessly, creating a space rich in highland cultural identity.
Four Points by Sheraton Ha Giang Hotel
This is the first international 5-star hotel in Ha Giang, managed by Marriott International. Designed in a modern resort style, the hotel spans 20 floors with a total of 151 rooms. It offers dining services, a gym, a spa, and a year-round swimming pool.
Panhou Retreat Ha Giang
Panhou Retreat is located in the mountainous border district of Hoang Su Phi, a natural oasis amidst pristine wilderness. Its 22 rooms blend seamlessly with nature, reflecting the cultural heritage of the Dao people. The simple yet elegant decor ensures a comfortable experience for guests.
According to Mytour.vn
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour.vn
Mytour.vnDecember 27, 2024
