Located beneath the famous Ma Pi Leng Pass, Tu San Canyon is nature's gift to Ha Giang, Vietnam, boasting majestic and spectacular beauty that attracts many tourists to visit at least once. Once submerged under the ocean millions of years ago, Tu San is now the deepest canyon in Southeast Asia, offering a picturesque landscape with the poetic Nho Que River. Come explore Tu San Canyon - a unique geological heritage in Ha Giang, and discover useful travel tips in the article below!
Tu San Canyon (Vietnamese name: Tu Sản) is located in Giang Chu Phin commune, Meo Vac district, home to some of the most famous natural sites in Ha Giang. In fact, Tu San is one of the most magnificent natural wonders of the Dong Van Karst Plateau.
Tu San Canyon is about 1.7 km long, 1,000 m deep, with cliffs measuring between 700 and 800 m in height. This is why Tu San is recognized as the deepest canyon in Southeast Asia.
About 364 million years ago, Dong Van Karst Plateau was still submerged under marine waters. Over millions of years of crustal transformations, the topography of Ha Giang changed. The karst plateau gradually formed and rose to more than 2,000 meters above sea level. Thanks to this, Tu San Canyon emerged, winding along Nho Que River, offering a grand, unique, and poetic natural landscape.
There is a legend about Tu San Canyon. Once upon a time, when the sky and earth were forming, there was a high mountain here that divided the land in two.
A river flowed down from this mountain, but it only flowed on one side. This caused the water to rise higher and higher on one side of the mountain, while the other side remained dry and cracked.
One day, the River God discussed with the Mountain God about moving the mountain so the river could flow directly to the parched land. However, the Mountain God ignored the suggestion, and the mountain remained still.
The River God then decided to take the matter to the Jade Emperor. Angrily, the Emperor ordered the Thunder God to descend with lightning to cut the mountain in half.
Nicknamed "the most majestic landscape of Ha Giang" by locals, Tu San Canyon has features that make it a true masterpiece of nature in the heart of the karst plateau.
This canyon is framed by two immense vertical stone walls, rising to impressive heights, creating a spectacular scene that leaves visitors speechless. These steep cliffs, witnesses to millions of years of geological formations, open to a clear blue sky, adding to the grandeur of the panorama.
At the foot of the canyon, Nho Que River flows with brilliant emerald blue water, beautifully contrasting with the gray, white, and green hues of the limestone walls and trees.
Tu San Canyon is also adorned with variously shaped stalactite formations. These stalactites add an extra dimension to the natural beauty of the place, making the trip worthwhile.
Kayaking or taking a boat on Nho Que River is one of the most interesting activities to do in Ha Giang. From the river, you can admire the natural beauty and the majestic Tu San Canyon.
To access Tu San Canyon from Nho Que River, you need to disembark at Trang Huong Bridge to board a tour boat. It then takes about 20 minutes by boat on Nho Que River to reach Tu San Canyon.
The price for a boat ride on Nho Que River is around 120,000 to 150,000 dong per person, including the transfer to the dock.
To reach Tu San Canyon, you'll need to cross the daring Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of Vietnam's top four mountain passes. This thrilling journey takes you along steep cliffs on one side and the deep, awe-inspiring Tu San Canyon on the other.
Traveling across Ma Pi Leng Pass is an adventure you won't soon forget. As you navigate this dramatic landscape, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Nho Que River winding far below and the vast expanse of Tu San Canyon stretching out before you.
This unique vantage point offers a stunning perspective that is completely different from the view at the base of the mountains, making it a truly memorable experience for all who undertake the journey.
Note that if you are visiting Ha Giang for the first time, it is recommended to book a tour by motorbike or car with a private driver and tour guide. This will make your trip to Ha Giang more complete. If you are looking for a travel agency, please contact Autour Asia, your Vietnam travel company, for the fastest assistance from their advisors.
You can check out the detailed itinerary here: Ha Giang Loop tour from Hanoi.
Tu San Canyon is one of the symbols of Ha Giang's majestic nature, attracting many national and international visitors each year. If you plan to travel to northern Vietnam, don't miss Ha Giang and Tu San Canyon. Experiencing a boat trip on Nho Que River, enjoying the fresh air, and admiring the wild scenery of Tu San will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience.
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