About Ha Giang

About Ha Giang

Like much of Vietnam, Ha Giang has had a turbulent past with invasions from both neighboring China and the French colonials but today the magnificent mountain region sits quietly in peace. Now it is home to ethnic minority communities such the Tay, H’mong, Nung, Giay, Lo Lo and Pu Peo who all have their own unique and fascinating cultures. The interaction of environment and people is evident in the scenery with the iconic terraces of rice fields spilling down the edges of the vast mountains.

Let’s follow Smile Travel to learn more about Ha Giang.

I, Transportation – How to get to Ha Giang?

The trip to Ha Giang by car is highly recommended. Because it can make you have a stopover en route to spend time at each place and go inside the village in your own way. 

The best time in the day to start a trip from Hanoi to Ha Giang is around 9 pm so you can travel while you sleep and save 6 hours of traveling. 

– Transportation in Ha Giang : 

There will be motorbikes for rent but don’t worry if you are not capable of riding a bike, there will be skillful riders who will take care of you on the trip to experience Ha Giang.

II,  Accommodation – Where to stay in Ha Giang?

Since Ha Gang is not a tourist-centric area in the North of Vietnam, the accommodation options and modern hotel services in the area are quite limited. On the contrary, the cost is pretty economical, and you can easily stay under budget on your trip to Ha Giang. The provincial city Ha Giang, Dong Van and Meo Vac districts in the province are where you can find good choices for hotels and homestays.

– In Yen Minh : Thao Nguyen hotel 1 star …

– On the old quarter of Dong Van : Meo Vac hotel 3 stars …

– In Meo Vac town :  Hoa Cuong hotel 1 star …

– In Hoang Su Phi : Tien Dat hotel …

– In Xin Man. Gia Long, Huyen An hotel …

– In Ha Giang city :

+ 3 stars hotel: Ha Giang Wings Bungalow, Phúc Lâm hotel;

+ 4 stars hotel: Phoenix, Yen Bien luxury, resort P apiu

+ Homestay:Ha Giang hostel, Ha Giang Loop hostel

III,  Attractions – What to do in Ha Giang?

1, Quan Ba heaven gate :

– Distance : from city = 1 hour 15 minutes

– Price 💸 : Free

Owning an ideal height to be able to fully view the beauty of Ha Giang from above through the clouds is 1500m above sea level. It is especially proud to say that this is the first and official gateway to the global geological road of the rocky plateau. It is still the very typical beauty of the lush green highlands in Ha Giang when the more interesting point is that you can see the sky is very close to the adjacent point, true to its inherent name.

2, Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark 

– Travel time from the city:  4h40 minutes

– Price 💸 : Free

Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark encompasses a large area including four districts: Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, and Meo Vac in Ha Giang. In 2010, this area was recognized as an international geopark by UNESCO. 

Located at an average height of 1.000 to 1.600 meters above sea level, this area is one of the most special limestone areas of Vietnam. The plateau is also home to many ethnic minorities like Hmong, Yao, Zay, Tay…etc, some native only to this area. Hence, the local culture here is very unique and evident. Visiting Dong Van Karst Plateau, you are going to get blown away by the breathtaking view of nature with spectacular mountain ranges and the rugged beauty of indigenous culture. 

3, The mansion of the Vuong Family

Travel time from the city: 3h43 minutes

Price: 20,000 dong

Open time: 7’30 am – 5 pm

 

This is a 3000m2 mansion built in 1898 and took 9 years to finish. This house originally belonged to Lord Vuong Chinh Duc – the leader of the Hmong community. The palace is a combination of Chinese, French, and Hmong architecture. This complex includes 4 horizontal compartments and 6 vertical compartments with 64 rooms. The entrance to the house is made of granite carved with many patterns. The roof is curved, the gate roof is made of yin-yang tile with many sophisticated designs.

4, Dong Van Ancient Town

– Distance from the city: 4h10 

– Ticket Price: adult – 50,000đ, child – 20,000

 

Consisting of more than 40 ancient houses spreading along a street for about 1 km, the Ancient Town of Dong Van is where you can see typical architectural features of highlanders such as thick clay walls, yin-yang tile roofs, and paved floors.

At the beginning of the street is an old market – the highlight of the ancient town, which was built with stone. On full moon nights, the entire street is lit up with red lanterns of various sizes, serving food and other cultural activities. During the daytime, you can get there to find some coffee from the cafe’ long the street.

5, Lung Cu Flag Tower

Distance: travel time from the city – 4h33

Ticket Price : 

• ADULT: 25,000

• Child under 1.3 meters: free

 

Located at 1400m above sea level, this is the place that marks the farthest point in Northern Vietnam. To get to the flagpole, you have to climb a total of 839 steps but the view from the top is absolutely magnificent. Here is also the living place of Lo Lo ethnic people. Paying a visit to Lo Lo Chai Village is such an interesting experience.

6, Ma Pi Leng Pass & Nho Que River:

– Time travel: 4h48 from Ha Giang city

Ma Pi Leng is considered one of 4 most beautiful yet dangerous passes in Vietnam. It is about 20 km long with an altitude of approximately 1500m above sea level. The name “Ma Pi Leng” in H’mong language means “the bridge of a horse’s nose” which describes its shape. Conquering Ma Pi Leng Pass is an unmissable experience in Ha Giang, which offers you astonishing landscapes of limestone mountains, green forest, blue sky, especially, Nho Que River, like a turquoise blue soft silk ribbon, at the foot of Ma Pi Leng Pass. All create a romantic picturesque scenery. Tourists can also take a boat trip or go kayaking on Nho Que River to enjoy the scenery around.

 

7, Dong Van Market : 

It is held in the town center every Sunday morning of the week. Dong Van fair is located in Dong Van ancient town, this is the largest center of economic, goods and cultural exchange in the Dong Van – Meo Vac Plateau. 

a convergence of cultural identities of ethnic colors in this northern highland plateau. Unlike the plain market, people come to the market to buy and sell, and people come to Dong Van fair. In addition to trading, and exchanging goods, a market is also a place for people to exchange and meet. 

IV, Cuisine :

Besides the basic, typical meals in Viet Nam cooked by local chefs here in Ha Giang, you can try some unique dishes in Ha Giang such as …

– Au Tau Porridge 

This is a type of rice gruel cooked with, you guessed it, a type of poisonous flowering plant! But fear not, au tau is completely safe and edible when appropriately treated.

– Steamed Egg Rolls (Banh Cuon) 

Steamed egg rolls is an easy dish to enjoy. One portion is often enjoyed with a delicious dipping bowl of mixed fish sauce.

– Thang Co 

Thang Co is a type of soup originating from the Hmong people and is usually made from pieces of either horse meat, pork, or beef. The dish is eaten with spicy chili flakes. You can easily spot giant pans of thang co in the weekly market in Ha Giang, ready to be served.

– Con Lam Bac Me 

Com Lam is one of the many signature rice dishes in Vietnam. The glutinous rice is carefully grilled on hot charcoal in a bamboo shoot before being eaten with sesame salt. 

V, When to visit Ha Giang?

Ha Giang shares the humid subtropical climate in the northeast of Vietnam. Nevertheless, the montane weather patterns vary depending on the regions and altitudes. 

There are two seasons: 

– The dry & cold season (November March) 

– The rainy season (April – October), 

So naturally, the dry season is when you can freely explore Ha Giang without worrying about unexpected showers. Nevertheless, Ha Gang still presents distinguished charm at different times of the year, so make sure to check your calendar carefully to plan your ideal itinerary in Ha Giang. 

 

VI, Traveling tips in Ha Giang : 

– GENERAL TIPS : 

• pack according to the weather in Ha Giang.
• Bring cash.

– IF YOU DRIVE A BIKE YOURSELF TO EXPLORE HA GIANG, please note that :

• Check the bike quality carefully
• Be careful of landslides during the rainy season and the sharp turns at the mountain pass.  
• Honk when turning
• Start the journey early 
• Don’t risk going on an unfamiliar road at night.
• Plan your petrol and the distance needed for the day 
• Try to stay on roads on Google Maps that are marked “QL” instead of wandering onto “TL” or “DT” roads. QL roads are considered national highways, so the road conditions are better than TL or DT.

 

Are you looking for Ha Giang Trip/ Ha Giang Loop? Please contact us for more details.

Hotline/ Whatsapp: +84 941776786

 

Smile Travel is one of the fast growing Tour Companies in Vietnam. We are as Inbound and Outbound Tour Operator Licence No 01-1051/TCDL-GPLHQT. We specialize in tailor-making and customizing individual, Couple, family and group tours throughout Indochina destinations.

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