About Ha Giang
Ha Giang (also called Ha Giang Loop by international travelers) is a province located in the northernmost part of Vietnam – 300 kilometers (186 miles) from Hanoi.
Ha Giang is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, including the UNESCO-designated Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, lush mountains, steep hills, and winding roads, making it a popular destination for adventure travel and cultural exploration. Ha Giang is also renowned for its rich cultural diversity, with several ethnic minority groups, including the H’mong, Tay, and Dao, living in the area.
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Best time to visit Ha Giang
The best time to visit Ha Giang, Vietnam, is typically during two main seasons: spring and autumn.
Spring (March to May): This is a wonderful time to visit as the weather is generally mild and pleasant. Spring in Ha Giang is known for its blooming flowers, including peach blossoms and plum blossoms, which cover the hills in vibrant colors. This season also marks the beginning of the Khau Vai Love Market festival, an annual event that attracts people from various ethnic groups.
Autumn (September to November): Autumn is arguably the most stunning season in Ha Giang, when the weather is cool and comfortable. This period is famous for the terraced rice fields turning golden-yellow as they ripen, creating breathtaking landscapes. Late October and early November are particularly recommended for photographers and nature enthusiasts looking to capture the beauty of the harvest season.
While these are the optimal times for scenic beauty and cultural experiences, Ha Giang can be visited year-round. Each season offers its own unique appeal:
Summer (June to August) can be quite hot and rainy, which may lead to landslides in the mountainous areas. However, the rain also brings lush, green landscapes.
Winter (December to February) is cold, especially in the higher altitudes, with occasional frost and snow. While it’s less ideal for trekking, the winter season offers a different perspective on the region’s beauty and the challenge of colder weather.
Choosing the best time to visit depends on what you want to see and experience. The spring and autumn seasons offer the most comfortable weather conditions and the most vibrant landscapes.
Where to stay in Ha Giang
Meo Vac Valley
Meo Vac Valley is a wonderful place to spend your time. It’s located in a scenic valley overlooking the mountains. The room was clean, warm, and spacious and the beds are super comfortable for relaxing.
- Address: QL4C, Pả Vi, Mèo Vạc, Hà Giang, Vietnam
- Contact: 0941260789
- Amenities: free wifi, breakfast, parking, restaurant
Mong Lodge
Mong Lodge is a gem place in the stunning remote areas of Ha Giang. The host is very friendly and accommodating. Linens and towels are fresh, with hot water. Dinner and breakfast are available.
- Address: Pả Vi, Mèo Vạc, Hà Giang, Vietnam
- Contact: 0857899333
- Price: 400,000 – 500,000 VND
- Amenities: free wifi, breakfast, dinner parking, restaurant
Hoang Su Phi Lodge
Hoang Su Phi Lodge has fabulous rooms overlooking a flooded rice paddy field with regular water buffalo visitors. Loud frogs croaking at night to send you to sleep. Lovely friendly staff, great food, cold beer in the fridge. Lovely peaceful walks around the surrounding area.
- Address: Nam Hong Village, Hoàng Su Phì District, Ha Giang, Vietnam
- Contact: 0866196878
- Price: 950,000 – 2,000,000 VND
- Amenities: free wifi, breakfast, dinner parking, restaurant, airport transfer, laundry
H'Mong Village Resort
H’Mong Village Resort offers unique architecture inspired by traditional Hmong culture, set in a serene environment over 20 hectares, with views of the Mien River and surrounding mountains. The resort features bungalows designed to mimic the shape of a traditional Hmong back carrier, providing a culturally immersive experience.
- Address: Khu Tráng Kìm, Quản Bạ, Hà Giang, Vietnam
- Contact: 02193836868
- Price: 1,650,000 – 1,800,000 VND
- Amenities: free wifi, breakfast, dinner parking, restaurant, airport transfer, laundry, spa, swimming pool
P'apiu Resort
P’apiu Resort in Ha Giang is highly praised, with a perfect score for its unique accommodations and exceptional services. It offers villas with stunning mountain views, a garden, a terrace, sauna, and hot tub. The on-site restaurant serves both American and Vietnamese cuisine, catering to vegetarian preferences as well.
- Address: Km18, Bắc Mê, Hà Giang, Vietnam
- Contact: 02193841999
- Amenities: free wifi, breakfast, dinner parking, restaurant, airport transfer, laundry, spa, swimming pool, massage,..
Best things to do in Ha Giang
Milestone Zero
“Milestone Zero” or Milestone KM 0 in Ha Giang is a symbolic starting point for travelers embarking on their journey through the stunning landscapes of Ha Giang province. Located in the city center, it’s more than just a geographical marker; it’s a testament to the adventurous spirit of the region. This spot is highly attractive to travelers for both its cultural significance and as a launching pad for exploring the diverse, scenic routes of Ha Giang. It’s a place where journeys begin, filled with the promise of natural beauty, rich history, and the enthralling challenge of the roads ahead.
For more information, read this article:
Milestone Zero Ha Giang – The start of all Ha Giang Loop tours
Bac Sum Pass
The Bac Sum Pass is a mountainous stretch on National Highway 4C, extending from Minh Tan commune (Vinh Xuyen district, Ha Giang) to Quyet Tien commune (Quan Ba district, Ha Giang). This is Ha Giang province’s longest pass, spanning 7 kilometers with an altitude exceeding 450 meters.
Ma Pi Leng Pass
Ma Pi Leng Pass is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and dramatic mountain passes in the country. It stretches over approximately 20 kilometers between the towns of Dong Van and Meo Vac, traversing the Dong Van Karst Plateau. The pass is situated at an elevation of about 1,500 to 2,000 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views of steep hills, deep valleys, and the Nho Que River below.
Tham Ma Pass
Tham Ma Pass is one of the most impressive mountain passes on the Ha Giang loop, particularly renowned for its steep inclines and breathtaking landscapes. The pass’s unique name, which translates to “Horse’s Nose Pass,” adds to its allure, inviting adventurers to experience its distinct and memorable path through Ha Giang’s captivating highlands.
M Pass
Although Tham Ma Slope and Ma Pi Leng Pass are familiar names to many tourists, the “M Pass” is not as widely recognized. Traveling from Meo Vac towards Yen Minh and returning to Ha Giang city, travelers will discover a road that beautifully winds into the shape of an “M,” a distinctive feature of the Bac Sum Pass.
Quan Ba Heaven Gate
Quan Ba Heaven Gate, a prominent landmark in Ha Giang, stands over 1500 meters above sea level and is about 43 km from Ha Giang City. Positioned between two mountain peaks, it allows for a road to pass through, marking the beginning of the Happiness Road and serving as Ha Giang’s first gateway. From atop the mountain, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Northwestern forested landscape.
Tam Son Town
Tam Son Town serves as the administrative center for Quan Ba district and is the gateway to the Dong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark. This town is traversed by National Highway 4C and is notably home to the enchanting Twin Fairy Mountains, a natural marvel that stands out in the region.
Lonely tree Ha Giang
The Ha Giang Lonely Tree, a towering hsienmu wood tree approximately 40 meters tall with a trunk wide enough to be embraced by five people and a lush canopy, is situated beside National Highway 4C through Can Ty commune in Quan Ba district, Ha Giang province. This road, flanked by rocky mountains on one side and deep valleys on the other, has made the tree a must-visit photo spot, widely shared online, turning it into an iconic stop for visitors to Ha Giang.
Nho Que river
Gently flowing at the base of Ma Pi Leng Pass, the Nho Que River is a well-known spot beloved by Ha Giang travelers. Throughout the year, its waters display a stunning emerald green hue, shining amidst the cool grey of the surrounding mountain bases. This tranquil river, with its deep green patches, complements the majestic scenery of ancient forests, mountain rocks, and clouds, making it a picturesque escape within Ha Giang’s grand natural landscape.
Pa Vi Village
Around 160km from the heart of Ha Giang city, Pa Vi H’Mong Village stands as a unique tourist destination that draws numerous visitors. Covering an area of about 46,000 square meters, it comprises three main areas with nearly 30 households. The village features a cultural house, an exhibition hall, and a recreational area used for showcasing the local people’s cultural and artistic expressions, promoting the beauty of the local community.
Nam Dam Village
Nam Dam Village, renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and well-preserved traditional values, offers visitors an immersive experience in its distinctive stilt houses and the local Dao ethnic group’s simple, friendly lifestyle. This commitment to tradition and tourism development has positioned Nam Dam as a sustainable destination. Recognized for its efforts, Nam Dam has been honored with an ASEAN award for its accommodation model that integrates the introduction, experience, and preservation of heritage within the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark.
Tha Village
Tha Village in Ha Giang welcomes visitors with its serene and unpretentious beauty, characterized by gentle terraced fields, simple stilt houses, and lush palm hills. While sharing similarities with other villages in Ha Giang, Tha’s identity as a Tay community adds unique cultural nuances to its charm.
Lo Lo Chai Village
Located at the base of the famous Dragon Mountain in Lung Cu commune, Dong Van district, Ha Giang province, Lo Lo Chai cultural village is just about 1km away from the Lung Cu Flag Tower. Home to the Lo Lo and Hmong people for generations, Lo Lo Chai has emerged as a prime tourist destination in the Dong Van Karst Plateau and Ha Giang at large, attracting visitors with its rich culture and history.
Dong Van flea market
The Dong Van flea market convenes every Sunday morning, offering a once-a-week opportunity to witness the transformation of the usually quiet old quarter into a bustling, vibrant festival. This market day brings together a kaleidoscope of colorful attire worn by ethnic groups like the Dao, Hmong, Tay, Nung, Giay, and Lo Lo, infusing the air with a sense of celebration and community.
Lung Cu flag point
The Lung Cu Flag Point, a national flagpole, is perched atop Lung Cu peak, also known as Dragon Mountain, at an elevation of 1470 meters above sea level in Lung Cu commune, Dong Van district. Visiting this historically sacred site is a must-do for anyone exploring Ha Giang, as it symbolizes the spirit and unity of the Vietnamese people.
Pao's House
Pao’s House, located in Sung La commune, Dong Van district, became a notable tourist attraction after being featured in a film. Visitors traveling to Ha Giang often make it a point to visit this location, which is about 20 kilometers from Dong Van. Reminiscent of an oil painting, Pao’s house evokes nostalgia for bygone eras, offering a unique glimpse into decades past and scenes typically found only in movies, with its traditional yin-yang tiled roofs and closely built structures.
H'Mong King's Palace
The H’Mong King’s Palace, also known as the Vuong family mansion, is a grand architectural work covering nearly 3,000 square meters. Located in the Sa Phin valley of Dong Van, Ha Giang, this majestic mansion was built in the 20th century. Its ancient beauty and strong ethnic identity have made it a popular destination, drawing numerous tourists annually.
Sky path Ha Giang
Perched on the Dong Van Karst Plateau, known for its raw and poetic beauty reminiscent of a “gray paradise” amidst the mountains, the Sky Path Ha Giang is a miraculous earth formation standing approximately 1,700 meters above sea level. The majestic landscape of the Sky Path, as we see it today, has been primarily shaped by the geological faulting of the Nho Que River over 30 million years ago.
Transportations
To Ha Giang
To get to Ha Giang, travelers typically start from Hanoi, which is the nearest major city with various transport options available. You can take a sleeping bus or limousine car, which is the most common method, with several companies offering daily services to Ha Giang. The journey takes approximately 6-8 hours. Alternatively, for a more adventurous route, you can rent a motorbike in Hanoi and drive to Ha Giang, enjoying the scenic route at your own pace. This option offers flexibility and the opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes along the way.
Around Ha Giang
The best way to explore Ha Giang is by motorbike, offering the flexibility to navigate the winding roads of the Ha Giang Loop at your own pace, with opportunities for impromptu stops to admire the scenery. This method is highly popular among adventurers seeking to fully experience the region’s dramatic landscapes and cultural richness up close.
Itineraries and tour
The best itineraries to explore Ha Giang are 3 days 2 nights (3D2N) or 2 days 1 night (2D1N). While 3D2N is best for exploring almost all things to do in Ha Giang, 2D1N is the optimized itinerary for those who don’t have much time.
For detailed itineraries and the best Ha Giang Loop tour, visit this:
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