Places to visit & things to do

Vietnam had been on my travel list for years, but I didn't want to rush through it. When I finally had two weeks to spare, I planned an itinerary that combined the country's biggest highlights with one experience I had always dreamed of, the Ha Giang Loop. Looking back, it was the perfect balance of lively cities, remote mountain roads, peaceful bays, and historic towns. Here's exactly how our 2-week Vietnam itinerary with Ha Giang Loop unfolded, day by day, along with the travel tips we picked up along the way.

Before diving into the details of the destinations and activities, keep this in mind: Ha Giang, often dubbed "the unsung jewel of Vietnam", is home to Ha Giang rice terraces in Vietnam that have been shaped over more than seven centuries. These are among the most stunning Vietnamese rice fields, still remarkably preserved, offering a more authentic and less touristy experience than those in Sapa. Whether you’re into trekking, Ha Giang Loop, photography, or exploring ethnic festivals, Ha Giang brings together all the elements of a truly genuine travel experience—far beyond the clichés often linked to rice fields of Vietnam. Here are some essential tips from Autour Asia, a local travel agency in Vietnam, to give you a complete overview and all the practical information you need to make your Ha Giang trip a success.

Located in the heart of Ha Giang's karst plateau, Nam Tan cave is a hidden treasure in Northern Vietnam. Since few tourists are aware of this site, Nam Tan cave still preserves its wild and mysterious beauty. Exploring this cave, you'll be amazed by the stalactite formations and underground streams that create a unique atmosphere, one that can only be fully appreciated in person. These streams, after years of erosion, have shaped the stalactites and have given birth to Nam Tan cave as it stands today in Ha Giang, making it the most beautiful cave in the region.

Located amidst the karst mountains of Ha Giang, Thanh Son village in Bac Quang district is renowned as a Thanh Son paper-making craft village, attracting numerous national and international visitors. By visiting this ethnic village, you'll not only have the chance to immerse yourself in the culture of the local ethnic minorities but also explore the paper production methods practiced by the village artisans. Discover in this article what makes the paper-making process at Thanh Son village so unique!

Yen Minh market, located in a small town about 100 km from Ha Giang city center, reflects the lively spirit of the locals amidst a wild and majestic nature. Due to its distance from other Ha Giang ethnic markets, Yen Minh market stands as a hidden pearl, waiting to be discovered by visitors. Not just a bustling marketplace, it is also a living tableau of the cultural life and customs of various ethnic groups in northern Vietnam. Yen Minh market is an essential gathering place where residents from distant ethnic villages come together to exchange their unique local products, creating a typical highland trading atmosphere.

Nestled in Ha Giang majestic mountains, Trang Kim market offers a true showcase of local ethnic traditions from northern Vietnam. The unique appeal of this ethnic market lies not only in its role as a meeting and exchange point for various ethnic groups but also in its ideal setting for discovering culinary specialties. Among these, pho Trang Kim stands out as an emblematic dish of Quan Ba district and Ha Giang as a whole. For visitors to Ha Giang, tasting this unique pho, found only at Trang Kim market, is a must. From artisanal products to traditional dishes, every stall at Trang Kim market tells a story, providing visitors with an authentic immersion into the rich cultural and gastronomic heritage of this fascinating land.

When discussing the Ha Giang Loop, it's impossible not to mention its unique ethnic markets, among which Hoang Su Phi market stands out as the oldest and most remarkable, nestled within this majestic landscape. Established long ago by the local residents of Hoang Su Phi district, this ethnic market has preserved its original beauty, rich in color and uniqueness. The article below will serve as an essential guide for those looking to visit Hoang Su Phi market in Ha Giang, northern Vietnam.

Exploring Ha Giang Loop, you will not only be amazed by the grand natural landscapes but also discover the rich cultural diversity of ethnic minorities through Quan Ba market – one of the must-visit destinations in Ha Giang. Quan Ba market is not just a place for trading and commerce but also an opportunity for different ethnic groups to meet, discuss, and share their culture. Thus, by visiting this ethnic market, you will experience Ha Giang in all its liveliness and vibrancy. The article below will provide you with all the useful information about Quan Ba market in Ha Giang, northern Vietnam.

In Quan Ba district, Ha Giang, there is Quyet Tien market that always attracts large crowds, with people looking to buy all kinds of products, such as food, clothing, and jewelry. Unlike the wild and majestic nature of Ha Giang, Quyet Tien market offers a lively and bustling atmosphere, characteristic of the ethnic minorities of Northern Vietnam. They always warmly welcome visitors to their region. Explore the article below to learn more about Quyet Tien market, one of the best Ha Giang ethnic markets!

Meo Vac market, famous for being the largest ethnic market in Ha Giang, offers a vibrant scene where buyers and sellers from different ethnic minorities, as well as locals and tourists, come together. It can be said that Meo Vac market is the most representative showcase of the culture, customs, and daily life of the ethnic groups in northern Vietnam. This is why the market is a must-visit when exploring Ha Giang Loop. Here’s an essential guide to exploring Meo Vac market, one of the best ethnic markets in Ha Giang.

Located in the Meo Vac district, the Khau Vai love market is famous for being one of the most unique ethnic markets in Ha Giang. Perhaps because at the Khau Vai love market, buying and selling are not the most important aspects, as the ethnic groups believe that this market is a place where they preserve the traditional cultural values of Ha Giang, which have existed for over 100 years. The Khau Vai love market remains a destination that attracts the attention of all visitors. The article below explains why this market is so appealing!

Lung Phin Market, located in the majestic mountains of Ha Giang, is a cultural treasure in Dong Van Karst Plateau. This vibrant and colorful market is not just a place for commercial exchange but also an authentic reflection of the daily life and ancient traditions of the various ethnic groups in northern Vietnam. Discover more about Lung Phin Market in this article below, a must-visit destination in Ha Giang for tourists seeking an authentic travel experience in Vietnam.

Traveling to Ha Giang in 7 days? Discover the captivating wonders in 1 week in Ha Giang! Nestled in northern Vietnam, Ha Giang offers a unique blend of spectacular mountainous landscapes, vibrant local cultures, and ancient traditions. If you wish to explore winding passes, discover picturesque villages, and experience a true adventure in northern Vietnam, get ready for 7 days in Ha Giang by following the detailed one-week itinerary below!

Do you love nature and look for a trip to Ha Giang in 2 days? Indeed, as a province located in northern Vietnam and accessible only by road, many visitors feel that 48 hours in Ha Giang are not enough to explore all the famous sites and understand the culture and customs of the ethnic minorities. However, given limited time, spending 2 days in Ha Giang remains a viable option to discover some of Ha Giang’s iconic places that you cannot miss. Here is a detailed 2-day Ha Giang itinerary to optimize your stay and fully enjoy everything this region has to offer.

How to travel to Ha Giang in 24 hours? Ha Giang, located in the far north of Vietnam, is a mountainous region known for its stunning landscapes, vast terraced rice fields, winding passes of Ha Giang Loop, and ethnic villages. Spending 1 day in Ha Giang, even with limited time, is an opportunity to explore this land rich in culture and natural beauty. So, is it possible to visit Ha Giang in 24 hours while discovering its highlights? Here is a suggested 1 day in Ha Giang travel itinerary to maximize your time in this picturesque region.