Are you ready to venture into the mountainous north of Vietnam? Ha Giang, a hidden gem, awaits you with landscapes as spectacular, if not more, than Sapa, but far away from the tourist crowds. This region also captivates with its tremendous cultural richness, home to about twenty ethnic communities. Here are the best experiences to have, the best things to do and to see in Ha Giang to ensure you don't miss any unique and authentic moments in Vietnam.

I. Best things to do in Ha Giang

  • Ha Giang Loop: Explore the winding roads and breathtaking panoramas on this adventure by motorbike or car. You will discover picturesque villages, terraced rice fields, and bustling markets.
  • Ma Pi Leng Pass: Traverse this dizzying road, offering stunning views of the gorges and cliffs. It is one of the most spectacular routes in the country.
  • Hiking in the Quan Ba Mountains: Explore hiking trails surrounded by karst peaks and lush vegetation. The views are breathtaking.
  • Homestay experience: Live an authentic experience by staying with a local family. Share meals, exchange stories, and discover daily life in the Ha Giang mountains.
  • Boat on the Nho Que River: Don't miss the opportunity to take a boat on the Nho Que River. This boat ride on the romantic blue river, winding between the cliffs of the Tu San canyon, offers an unforgettable experience. You will float between sky and earth, and this adventure will remain etched in your memories forever.
  • Tham Ma Slope: Conquer the Tham Ma Slope, renowned as the legendary road of the border region for a long time. When going down to Tham Ma, you will experience the wonderful feeling of moving on steep roads with consecutive zigzag turns. Therefore, this slope is always conquered by many people on their journey to the isolated border area of ​​Ha Giang.

Things to do in Ha Giang

II. Best things to see in Ha Giang

1. Historical destinations to see in Ha Giang

Traveling to Ha Giang continues to attract many domestic and foreign tourists. Besides local specialties such as buckwheat and iconic landmarks like the Dong Van ancient town, this region is full of other fascinating places steeped in history:
  • Lung Cu Flag Tower : Climb to the top of Lung Cu Flag Tower to admire the panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is also the northernmost point of Vietnam.
  • Bac Me Camp (“Căng Bắc Mê” in Vietnamese) : The historical relic of Cang Bac Me (Bac Me camp) was built by the French in the commune of Yen Cuong. Its purpose was to control the road connecting the provinces of Ha Giang, Cao Bang, and Tuyen Quang. This project was designed with a system of prisons, guard towers, and information centers to serve the interests of the French colonialists. Previously, it had functioned as a military post for these same colonialists. In 1938, when the revolutionary movement in Vietnam reached a new peak, this place became a detention center for revolutionary cadres. A number of political prisoners from Son La, Hoa Lo, Phu Tho, were transferred here.
In addition, other historical sites in Ha Giang can be mentioned, such as Cam Mountain (also called Forbidden Mountain), The mansion of Vuong family (known as the king of the Hmong or Meo ethnic minority group), the old quarter of Dong Van, and the ancient rock of Nam Dan.
Things to see in Ha Giang

2. Cultural destinations to see in Ha Giang

In the mountainous province of Ha Giang, you will discover cultural treasures and unique experiences. Here are some of the cultural destinations to explore :
  • Ethnic villages of Phung, Tha, and others : Meet residents of the Tay, H'Mong, Dao and other ethnic communities. Come here to immerse yourself in their culture, customs, and warm hospitality.
  • Dong Van Market : This is the place where ethnic minorities come to sell their products. It is an excellent way to observe local life and taste traditional cuisine. Don’t forget to dive into the lively atmosphere of this weekly market.
  • Pao’s House: Wondering what to do in Ha Giang ? I invite you to explore Pao’s House, one of the must-see attractions in this region of Vietnam. It gained particular fame as the filming location for the award-winning movie titled “The Story of Pao,” directed by Ngo Quang Hai. In this film, Pao is the name of the main character, a young girl of the H'Mong ethnic group. After the movie came out, this location attracted the attention of many tourists. They come here to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the studio and explore the simple beauty of this house.

What to do and to see in Ha Giang ? Visit the mansion of Vuong family

3. Natural destinations to see in Ha Giang

Ha Giang is a natural gem brimming with magnificent destinations. Here are some of the natural wonders to explore in this region:
  • Terraced fields in Hoang Su Phi: Located in the west of Ha Giang province, these terraced fields are known as one of the most spectacular and beautiful terraced fields in Vietnam. During harvest season, they are painted yellow and covered with white clouds, creating an enchanting scene. The best time to visit terraced fields in Hoang Su Phi is:
    • April to June : During this period, water flows abundantly in Hoang Su Phi. If you visit at this time, you can admire the beautiful terraced fields during the rice planting season.
    • September : September is the golden rice season in Hoang Su Phi. The ripe rice plants provide a golden backdrop that makes for stunning photos!
  • Quan Ba Twin Mountain: This mountain offers a panoramic view of the surroundings. The two Twin Peaks stand majestically, offering a breathtaking spectacle to visitors.
  • Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark (Dong Van Plateau): Recognized by UNESCO as one of 77 global geoparks, this plateau is a geological treasure. Its unique rock formations and rugged landscapes attract nature and adventure enthusiasts.
  • Quan Ba Heaven Gate: This natural gate is located at the top of a hill and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. This is the ideal place to watch the sunrise or sunset.
  • Sung La Valley: This is a famous oasis with buckwheat flower fields. In spring, it comes alive with bright colors, contrasting with the aridity of the surrounding rocks. It is a peaceful place where children play in the fields.

III. FAQ - The most frequently asked questions when traveling to Ha Giang

1. When to visit Hoang Su Phi terraced fields, Ha Giang ?

To explore Hoang Su Phi rice terraces, plan your visit between April and September. Each period has its own distinct beauty :
  • April to June : During this period, water flows abundantly in Hoang Su Phi. If you visit at this time, you can admire the beautiful terraced fields during the rice planting season.
  • September : September is the golden rice season in Hoang Su Phi. The ripe rice plants provide a golden backdrop that makes for stunning photos!

2. How to get to Ha Giang from Hanoi ?

There are 2 possible routes to go from Hanoi to Ha Giang :

  • Option 1 (cars and motorbikes) : Hanoi - Vinh Yen - Viet Tri - Doan Hung - Phu Tho - Tuyen Quang - Ha Giang.
  • Option 2 (for cars only) : Take Noi Bai IC9 Highway (Phu Tho). Then take Phu Tho - Tuyen Quang highway. From Tuyen Quang city, go towards Ha Giang.
Additionally, to get here, you can take a public bus from My Dinh station for 200,000 VND/person (about 9 euros).

3. Can I rent a motorbike in Ha Giang ? What is the address for motorbike rental in Ha Giang ?

You can rent motorcycles or cars in Ha Giang. A reliable address is Ha Giang Motorbike Tours. They have an office in Hanoi and another in Ha Giang. If you need practical information regarding your motorcycle tour in Ha Giang, I recommend you stop by the Hanoi office and meet Mr. Ha Than before departing.

Conclusion for things to do and to see in Ha Giang

Whether you are an adventure lover, a culture enthusiast or a lover of breathtaking landscapes, Ha Giang promises unforgettable moments! Here are the must-visit destinations and activities in Ha Giang. These detailed pieces of information gives you a panoramic view of this enchanting region, allowing you to choose the perfect locations for your next adventure. Don't forget to check out Autour Asia's other articles about Ha Giang for more detailed information about this charming land!
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