Ha Giang is the final frontier in northern Vietnam, an amazing landscape of limestone pinnacles and granite outcrops. The far north of the province has some of the most spectacular scenery in the country – if not the region – and the trip between Yen Minh and Dong Van, and then across the Mai Pi Leng Pass to Meo Vac, is quite mind-blowing.
Ha Giang, a beautiful land, will probably instill in the souls of travel enthusiasts a beauty of magnificence and charm. If you are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to set foot in the top land of the Fatherland, you will easily realize that Ha Giang not only has Ma Pi Leng pass - one of the four great peaks of Vietnam but also a "tunnel" of Vietnam. The buckwheat flower is the place where you can immerse yourself in the famous Khau Vai love market. Because it is still a quite wild and somewhat dangerous place, you need to know a few Ha Giang travel experiences to discover them most clearly.
In March, Ha Giang is famous for the pink of peach, plum steeped in the sunlight of spring. Peach blossom season in Ha Giang
April is still paved with a little afterglow of peach and plum flowers, but the Khau Vai Love Market festival is the most special. As a big festival of the year, this is also an opportunity for boys and girls to meet, get to know each other, and couples who love each other but can't come together also take advantage of chatting and confiding.
In May-June, when you come to Ha Giang in this season, you will find this place very charming with waterfalls pouring on terraced fields. There are no longer the pouring water seasons only in pictures, the feeling of being cool to see the waterfalls rushing from the tops of the mountains, then bumping into the small fields looks extremely lively. In this season, people also begin to rush to the fields to sow the first seeds for the next crop. The atmosphere is also very exciting.
A picture of the golden season will appear from September onwards, the fields begin to ripen full of life. With such a masterpiece-like natural scenery, just looking at it is not enough, you have to smell and feel the gentle fragrance of the rice flowers to feel fully. The season of ripe rice in Ha Giang glows in a corner of the sky
The time of season change between October and November is when Ha Giang is filled with the purple color of buckwheat flowers, as if covering a whole sky, full of peace and harmony. dreamy. Flowers grow in every corner, from the forests and hills and into the alleys, as a symbol of the intense vitality of the people in this land. November is the season of buckwheat flowers.
Then December is the season of yellow canola flowers, brilliant flowers in a corner of the sky. Tiny broccoli flowers, with a vitality full of shimmering under the sun and wind, will be the outstanding highlight among the green colors of the mountains and forests, creating a romantic but tender space.
There are 4 ways to travel to Ha Giang that are most chosen by you including:
Option 1: Going by private vehicle (motorcycle or car)
Option 2: Take a bus from Ha Hoi Go to Ha Giang, then rent a motorbike/car to visit and explore by yourself.
Option 3: Take a motorbike tour from Hanoi
Option 4: Take a car tour from Hanoi.
I myself have had the opportunity to experience almost all of these modes of transportation, but to say which option is better, It's really too difficult because everyone is different, with different health, financial, and personal needs.
Option 1: Take a car/motorcycle to Ha Giang by yourself
I have experienced once going to Ha Giang by traveling by motorbike from Hanoi to Ha Giang and I have a piece of advice for you: DON'T choose this option if traveling by motorbike because it is very extreme and dangerous. Moreover, the road from Hanoi to Ha Giang city is almost nothing special, so traveling by motorbike is not interesting to experience. Of course, except for those who are passionate about backpacking and like to conquer the roads, if you simply want to come and explore Ha Giang, you should not. If you have a car to move, it is also a very good suggestion because you can take the initiative in everything, especially the safety and security of the car you use on the trip. Moreover, traveling by car also helps you carry more things. However, you must make sure that the person has experience in driving long distances, has enough energy and is especially knowledgeable about the road from Hanoi to Ha Giang.
Option 2: Take a bus to Ha Giang then rent a motorbike/car
This is also the option I recommend you the most! This way is quite time-saving, because if you have to run from Hanoi to Ha Giang by yourself, it takes more than 6 hours for a distance of nearly 300km. Not to mention, if you are not familiar with the road or do not have a firm grip on the steering wheel, it is quite dangerous to go by yourself, because the road to Ha Giang is not easy to go, many mountainous areas, the road around is high, not the plain. Renting a car to travel in Ha Giang During 6-7 hours in the car, you can take advantage to sleep, for example, the car runs from 10 nights, 4-5 am to arrive. Just in time, you can pack your things and make the trip that same day. If you ride a motorbike/car, you will get to the place where you are already tired, it will take about 1/2 more day to rest. If you only have 2-3 weekends, the option of taking a bus will be the most reasonable idea. In general, nowadays, it is not too difficult to book bus tickets to travel from Hanoi to Ha Giang, but the difficulty lies in booking a vehicle that is both comfortable, quality and safe. Personally, I prefer to ride the palace sleeper bus because it is comfortable, spacious, clean, private and above all safe. It is a luxury car with 22 beds and cabins. Equipped with wifi, curtain, entertainment screen, Massage bed. Car rental price is only about 350k / time, very reasonable.
Option 3: Take a motorbike tour Hanoi - Ha Giang
This is a very interesting form you can consider choosing because they both help you have a safe trip but also complete with both beautiful scenery and experience. experience. It is only a motorbike tour, but exactly, you will still be able to travel by bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang City, then only move by motorbike from here. That is, it's the same as the 2nd method but if you get it, you won't have to worry about anything, because the tour party takes care of everything from delicious food, clean accommodation, beautiful places to explore, take pictures… most of all, it can travel by motorbike in almost absolute safety. Having someone to support during the trip is of course better.
Option 4: Take a car tour Hanoi - Ha Giang
This is also an interesting way for you, especially if you are a lazy driver, your health is not enough for a long-distance drive.
Run through Can Ty commune to Yen Minh pine forest, go through Quang Ba twin mountains about 40 km, through zigzag roads will reach Yen Minh pine forest. , is known as the 2nd Da Lat of Vietnam. Here, the green pine trees, soaring in the middle of the mountains, whispering in the wind will make the hearts of travelers come here.
Run through Can Ty commune to Yen Minh pine forest, go through Quang Ba twin mountains about 40 km, through zigzag roads will reach Yen Minh pine forest, dubbed the 2nd Da Lat of Vietnam. Here, the green pine trees, soaring in the middle of the mountains, whispering in the wind will make the hearts of travelers come here. Pho Bang is home to ancient houses with unique architecture. The fields on both sides of the road in Pho Bang are filled with buckwheat flowers. On the way to Pho Bang, on the way you will pass through a valley of roses and a large field of buckwheat along the road. From Pho Bang, you will go to Lung Cam, where there is a peaceful and beautiful Sung La valley.
Sung La is known as one of the famous tourist destinations in Ha Giang with blooming flower gardens. Sung Valley is known as the flower in the middle of the rocky plateau, Sung La attracts visitors by the rustic and peaceful beauty of small roofs, green corn fields, and buckwheat flower strips. tenderness. The scenery of Sung La is the typical beauty of the mountainous region. In Sung La valley, there is Lung Cam village, where life still has its identity intact such as: carrying a basket to fetch vegetables, carrying a baby, weaving linen, etc.
Lung Cam is currently the residence of more than 60 households and owners. mainly the Lo Lo, Mong and Han ethnic groups. In particular, Lo Lo village is the place with rustic colors, the oldest of all. This place is also known for being the setting for the movie "Pao's story" in the nearly 100-year-old house. The house has gone through so many ups and downs over time, so it has recently been remodeled. However, the hundred-year-old house of Lo Lo village still retains its rustic beauty because of the life of the people here. Going to Lo Lo village, going to "Pao's house" will cross a road stretching buckwheat flowers, in January and February every year around Pao's house are peach blossoms, plum blossoms, pear flowers, .. looming. Behind the flower canopy is a house with walls tinged with time. The entrance to Pao's house also has a very beautiful rose valley. Next to the Vuong mansion in Sung La.
The Vuong family's mansion is located on the top of a small hill, where the entrance has rows of ancient, straight samu trees. Going inside is the Vuong family mansion of King Meo, the richest family in the region by selling opium in the past. The mansion has a unique architecture, influenced by three architectures: Chinese, Mong and French. This mansion was recognized by the State as a National Monument in 1993. In 2004, the Vuong family decided to dedicate this mansion to the State for conservation. Standing on the mansion, looking down at the attractive valley below, you can see the grandeur of the mansion. If you come here on the day of the Sa Phin market right near the palace of the Vuong family, meeting on the day of the Snake and the Pig, remember to stop by. From the Royal Palace to Dong Van is 14km. Ticket price to visit Vuong's mansion: 20,000 VND.
From the Vuong residence, you go back to the fork, turn to Pho La, Ma Le to reach Lung Cu flagpole - where the first pen stroke is placed on the S-shaped map. Right on the way from Ma Le to Lung Cu will be saw a large buckwheat field on the hillside. This is the place where the most buckwheat triangles are planted so far. Lung Cu is at an altitude of 2000 m above sea level, Lung Cu is the only place where Lo Lo people live. Standing on the Lung Cu flagpole, watching the national flag fluttering in the wind, seeing firsthand the first point where the brush stroke was drawn to create an S-shaped map is when national pride and love for the country overflowed. Standing on the Lung Cu flagpole watching the sunset, then back to Dong Van town to stay in Dong Van for one night. Because people often tell each other that, going to Ha Giang without sleeping in Dong Van is not called Ha Giang.
The old town is nestled in the middle of a valley surrounded by four rocky mountains. The Old Quarter has only 40 roofs, nestled under the rocky mountains. At night, the old town is quiet and contemplative. If you go to the old town on the evening of 14, 15, 16 lunar month, you will see a very different old town with red lanterns, in addition, there are also some activities such as displaying ethnic brocades, performing and selling handicrafts. Traditional dishes of ethnic groups are extremely fun. Early in the morning, the painting of the old town is an ingenious blend of two tones: the bright yellow of the sun and the gray of the old houses. Looking down from above, next to three rows of markets arranged in a U shape with yin and yang tiles, there are two rows of old streets running into the foot of the mountain. The popular architecture here is a two-story house with a wall. In the early morning, sitting under a small roof, enjoying a cup of hot coffee in the middle of the highlands is an extremely enjoyable experience, then the typical dishes of the nation to get strength to go on the road. From Dong Van, crossing the Ma Pi Leng pass is coming to Meo Vac district.
The address of Dong Van old town on google map
From Dongto Meo Vac about 20 km, go through Hanh Phuc road (Ma Pi Leng pass) Ma Pi Leng pass is located on Hanh Phuc road which connects Dong Van and Meo Vac. This is known as the most beautiful road in the rocky plateau. If you come to Ha Giang once, try to drive and drive precariously between the sky-high rocky mountains on one side, the deep abyss on the other, and watch the Nho Que river winding like a strip that will make you experience many different arcs. wonderful level of emotions. It is like a big challenge for adventure lovers. Standing on high, looking out into the distance, there are thousands of gray layers of the mountains, the fanciful whiteness of clouds, and the deep and attractive depths of the abyss. Here, especially there is a cliff protruding on Ma Pi Leng pass, this is the place to fully feel the immense majesty of the mountains and forests of the northern border region. Here you can see how small you are and feel the immense beauty of your home country. Through the pass you will come to Meo Vac district, here you can turn to Yen Minh to Ha Giang city or through Meo Vac to Bac Me (this road is very far).
Ha Giang retains its national identity, so the retro market (Phien market) still takes place according to the schedule that has been created so far. Participating in the markets, visitors will partly feel the breath and soul of the ethnic minorities here. However, we are used to using the solar calendar, so it is difficult to calculate the correct days of the markets according to the lunar calendar. So if you go to Ha Giang and stumble across one of the markets below, you will be quite lucky. Pho Cao backward market (through Yen Minh near Pho Bang, meeting on the days of the Dragon and the Dog) - Backward market on Pho Bang (the intersection of Sung La comes in, meeting on the days of the Rat and the Horse) - Sa Phin backward market (near the family palace) Vuong, meeting on the days of the Snake and the Pig) – Lung Phin back market (meeting on the days of the Tiger and the Monkey). The fairs are held early and will end at noon, the shops are sold in different areas such as brocade dresses, vegetables, traditional Chinese medicine, food, shoes, armpit pig, etc. dogs of the H'mong, etc. There is also Dong Van market in Dong Van town, the market takes place every Sunday. Dong Van market was built of stone in the 1920s, so it has brought many ancient features to contribute to the rusticity of Dong Van old town. The market also sells items such as cloth, towels of the Mong people, indigo clothes of the Tay people, anise, cinnamon, sandals, shoes, vegetables, foods such as thang co, five-color sticky rice, donuts, and tam cakes. buckwheat, tortillas, and especially the corn wine area have a long row. There is also Khau Vai Tinh market in Meo Vac, but I see that the market is no longer as beautiful as the previous day. If you go on the 27th of the third lunar month every year, please stop by and let us know.
Around May (the water season) or September (the ripe flood season) are both beautiful times to travel to Hoang Su Phi. To Ha Giang, you can rent a motorbike in the city and travel to Hoang Su Phi. In Hoang Su Phi, the terraced fields go up to the sky, sporadically interspersed with golden fields are ethnic houses hidden in the groves. Every afternoon when sunset falls, the color of clouds in the sky mixed with the smoke from the kitchen on stilts makes the scenery here peaceful, rustic but indescribably majestic. The most rice-growing areas in Hoang Su Phi are: Ban Luoc, Ban Phung, San Sa Ho, Nam Ty, Ho Thau and Thong Nguyen.
The mountain is located near the city. Ha Giang, near 19-5 road. The road to the mountain has Thanh Long stream, Tien stream, .. streams of water flowing all year round, cool. On the mountain, there are large lakes and caves such as: Ong The Cave, Ong Ho Cave, Thuy Tien Cave, .. Traveling to Ha Giang, you can bathe in Dao people's medicinal leaves, enjoy Ha Giang's cuisine: poison porridge, Dong Van rolls, Thang Co, buckwheat pancakes, triangular buckwheat wine, corn wine, stream fish, hill chicken, pork under armpits, etc. The best time to come to Ha Giang is the Triangle Flower season, from October to mid-November is also a crowded occasion, so you need to prepare a reservation early if you want to have a good room.
Above is the tourist information in Ha Giang. Hope you have gained useful information when exploring the beloved Ha Giang land!
