What to see in Ha Giang The complete guide
This article provides answers to all your questions about Ha Giang province.
Why and how to go to Ha Giang? What’s the best time of year to visit Ha Giang province? Which destinations to visit? Where to stay?
Still little known compared to Sapa, the province nevertheless boasts superb landscapes that will enchant travelers.
Introduction to the Ha Giang region
Ha Giang is the name of the province at the northern tip of Vietnam. It shares its borders with 4 Provinces of Vietnam (Cao Bằng, Tuyên Quang, Lào Cai and Yên Bái) and China.
One of the Province’s special features is called the “Dong Van limestone plateau”. Covering more than 2,000 km² and 4 districts of the Province (Quan Ba, Yên Minh, Dông Van and Mèo Vac), this plateau is the largest in Vietnam. Listed since 2010 by UNESCO as part of the Global Geoparks Network (GGN), this area offers fascinating natural and wild landscapes.
As you’ll see, Ha Giang isn’t just about its “limestone plateau”: there are many other equally impressive landscapes, from rice terraces to vertiginous mountain passes.
For a long time little visited, the region is slowly opening up to tourism, much to the delight of travellers looking for grandiose natural scenery and wanting to meet ethnic groups with ancestral cultures. Its winding roads and rugged landscapes make Ha Giang an ideal destination for authentic, adventurous travel.
Where is Ha Giang Province?
Here are two maps. The first, on the left, locates Ha Giang Province in North Vietnam. The second, on the right, details the province’s districts.
This will make it easier for you to locate the Province in Vietnam, and then the destinations we’ll be talking about.
Maps of Ha Giang, Vietnam
Why and how to visit Ha Giang Province? What to do there?
We’d like to take a closer look at why we recommend you visit Ha Giang Province. We’ll then tell you how to get there and the best ways to discover the region first-hand.
Let’s start with the reasons why we recommend visiting this Province.
We see three main reasons:
#1. Meet the ethnic groups of North Vietnam
#2. Discover breathtaking landscapes
#3. Travel to a little-known, unspoilt region
Meet the ethnic groups of North Vietnam
The region’s total population doesn’t exceed 800,000, yet it includes a large number of different populations (17 different ethnic groups have been counted). The largest ethnic groups are the Hmong (around 35% of the total population), followed by the Tay (25%) and Dao (15%). The Kinh (or Viets) account for just 13% of the total population. However, with the development of tourism in the province, it is likely that their numbers will increase in the coming years.
This ethnographic configuration has evolved over the centuries, with the Thai ethnic group occupying the territory from the 15th to the 17th century. They ceded it to China before the Chinese Empire gave it back to Vietnam at the end of the 18th century.
Today, it’s the Hmong culture that is given pride of place by the authorities in order to promote this province. Every year, a celebration takes place in Dong Van in honor of Hmong arts and traditions.
The ethnic populations of this region impress with their ability to adapt to very difficult environments. The province’s ethnic groups continue to live on the Dong Van plateau and have kept their traditions alive for centuries, also shaping the mountains through their work (mainly growing rice and corn, and raising livestock).
Discover breathtaking landscapes
Every traveller returning from the Ha Giang region says he/she was impressed by the landscapes he/she saw during the trip. Although at a modest altitude (Dong Van is 1,500 metres above sea level, the Ma Pi Leng pass at 1,200 metres), the province’s mountainous landscapes are unique and spectacular. They are also very diverse: rice fields cover the Hoang Su Phi district (south-west of the Province), limestone mountains the Dong Van plateau and more fertile valleys, such as Du Gia, inland from the Province.
Travelling through this province, you’ll see the landscape change rapidly, to the delight of photographers.
Travel to a of beaten track and protected region
Unlike Sapa, which has seen an influx of tourism (foreign and Vietnamese) in recent years that has, it has to be said, disfigured the town of Sapa itself, Ha Giang has been preserved from mass tourism. Its assets are not conducive to relaxing tourism. Discovering Ha Giang Province is well worth the effort! Despite this, the “Ha Giang Loop” has become popular, especially with young travellers wanting to challenge the province’s winding roads by motorcycle. Travelling on this “loop”, you’ll come across many such travellers. Few, however, venture into the villages to meet the locals.
That’s what makes our offer so interesting: accompanied by a guide and often a local, you’ll go where few people go in the province. In many places, you’ll truly feel you’re on “uncharted territory”.
What’s more, the Dong Van geological park is now recognized by UNESCO for its mineral wealth, which commits the authorities to protecting and safeguarding this unique environment. The project also includes a social and economic component for local populations.
How do I travel to Ha Giang Province?
There are two ways to get to Ha Giang:
1 – The first, and most comfortable, is to include the car journey in your tour from Hanoi. We can organize stops along the way so that you don’t find the time too long;
2 – The second, more economical, but more tiring, option is to take a day or night bus (sleeper bus in this case) from Hanoi to the town of Ha Giang. In 7 hours and for a price of 10 euros, you’ll be in the provincial capital.
The Ha Giang loop: discover Ha Giang by motorcycle or car
On the spot, car or motorcycle are required to complete the famous “Ha Giang loop”.
This itinerary will take you to destinations not to be missed: the Quan Ba and Ma Pi leng passes, the Dong Van karst plateau and the villages of Lung Tam and Du Gia.
The tour covers some 350 km of winding mountain roads. We recommend that you spend no less than 4 days on this circuit, whose distances are made long by the winding roads.
Check out somes tours in small groupes
- Ha Giang Loop Easy Rider 4 Days 3 Nights Motorbike Tour (small group) from $ 250 / person
- 3-days Ha Giang loop with Easy Rider from $ 200/ person (small group)
- 3-days Ha Giang loop by car from $ 250/ person ( private 4&4 car and driver )
Hiking and trekking: take your time to discover the villages and their inhabitants
On this route, it’s best to take time to rest and explore the surrounding area on foot. On our private tours, we offer hiking and trekking either on the “Ha Giang Loop” itinerary, around Du Gia and Dong Van for example, or in the Hoang Su Phi district.
Hoang Su Phi is the ideal destination for walking in the heart of nature and meeting minority ethnic groups. To reach this district, you’ll need a car or motorcycle. Once there, you can set off with your guide for several days of trekking to discover the magnificent landscapes and welcoming populations living in remote areas.
Destinations to discover when traveling in Ha Giang
We’ve already mentioned them, now we’ll tell you more about the places not to be missed during your stay in Ha Giang Province.
The village of Nam Dam and the Quan Ba pass
The village of Nam Dam is often the first stop or even the starting point of the “Ha Giang loop”. From Hanoi, for example, you could choose to spend your first night with a local in this village just 45 km from the town of Ha Giang. You’ll be welcomed into one of the Dao families who have opened their doors to travelers. This will be your first encounter with the region’s ethnic minorities. This village is located in the Quan Ba district, famous for its mountains (“Fairy Mountains”) in the middle of the valley. The view from the road is one of the most characteristic images of Ha Giang province. Your guide will take you to the “gateway to heaven”, synonymous with the Dong Van geological park.
On arrival at Nam Dam, you can explore the surrounding area with your guide, and even hike the following day to the Kho My cave, for example, 25 km from Nam Dam.
The village of Lung Tam
The village of Lung Tam lies just 18km from Nam Dam. It is famous for its traditional weaving. You can visit a cooperative created in 2001 to revitalize and promote the village’s traditional crafts.
In 2009, the cooperative even received financial and technical support from a French NGO called BATIK International. Thanks to this partnership, the cooperative has been able to organize training courses and create jobs. The cooperative’s equipment has also been modernized.
So don’t hesitate to buy a little souvenir at the cooperative store!
Dong Van karst plateau
The geological park covers more than 2,000 square kilometers in four districts: Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van and Meo Vac. Along the main road, you’ll see a succession of limestone peaks, each more impressive than the last. In recent years, researchers have found genuine “geological relics” (fossilized sediments and animals), earning the Park recognition from the Global Network of Geo Parks. It is one of only two recognized Geoparks in Vietnam, along with Non Nuoc in neighbouring Cao Bang province.
Ma Pi Leng Pass
This pass lies on the road between Dong Van and Méo Vac, called “hanh phuc” in Vietnamese, meaning “the road to happiness”. Why “happiness”? Because this road, built in the 1960s, has greatly improved the daily lives of the region’s inhabitants. Before, the only way to reach the two towns was on horseback. For the record, “Ma Pi Leng” actually means “horse’s nose”.
The pass is not very high, but as travel writer Olivier Page points out, “at the end of a narrow, winding road, you have the strange sensation of being 4,000 metres above sea level” (see his interview for Le Routard). Once you’ve reached the summit, it’s a veritable masterpiece to behold. You’ll feel very small in front of the immensity and depth of the landscape.
This canyon, through which the Nho Que River flows, is called Tu San. You’ll probably spend long minutes contemplating it, feeling as if time really could stand still.
The village of Du Gia
The village of Du Gia is a little paradise of greenery in this limestone area! In 2015, the Vietnamese government declared the Du Gia nature reserve a national park in order to preserve the region’s natural resources (source: Courrier du Vietnam). In our opinion, the small village of Du Gia is the perfect starting point for hiking in the nature reserve.
And don’t miss the gathering of the region’s ethnic minorities at the end of May. The village is transformed into a huge, colorful market!
Hoang Su Phi
Hoang Su Phi district lies in the western part of Ha Giang province. So we’re leaving the “Ha Giang loop” to tell you about this destination, which we think should be part of every trip to Vietnam!
Hoang Su Phi is a mountainous district with fabulous rice terraces! As in Sapa and Mu Cang Chai, the local populations, particularly the Dao, have sculpted the mountainsides into rice paddies.
It’s a magnificent place, ideal for multi-day treks. The district is home to several ethnic groups, and our tour will enable you to meet many of them.
An off-the-beaten-track destination, expect to spend some superb moments sharing with the local population. That’s what Vincent did last December for 6 days.
Festivals: an unusual way to discover Ha Giang
Festivals are becoming increasingly popular in Vietnam as a way of showcasing the specific cultures of each region. The Ha Giang region is no exception, with a large number of interesting festivals offering travelers unusual access to the culture of the local populations.
First of all, each ethnic group has its own festivities. The Pa Then ethnic group, for example, organizes an annual “Fire Dance” festival, which begins in mid-October in the lunar calendar (around November-December in the Roman calendar). The festival’s opening ceremony is impressive, with young villagers throwing themselves into the fire and dancing without feeling the slightest pain, aided by the spirits that have taken possession of their bodies.
As for the Lolo ethnic group, every year at the end of the dry season (March in the Roman calendar) they hold a “prayer for rain”. A visit to the Lolo ethnic group at this time (Meo Vac district) will give you an insight into the rituals of this people, who perpetuate animist beliefs.
Other festivals include the buckwheat flower festival. After the rice harvest comes the buckwheat flower season, in October. Flowering lasts just one month and covers the hills with the pink color of buckwheat flower petals. So, if you miss the rice harvest in Hoang Su Phi, don’t miss the buckwheat flower season!
Ha Giang markets: at the heart of ethnic daily life
The markets of North Vietnam are held regularly, bringing together local populations in traditional dress. Ha Giang Province is no exception to the rule, and we’ll be happy to show you at least one market during your stay.
For example, you can visit the Lung Phin market in the Meo Vac district, or the Hoang Su Phi market held every Sunday. Near the Chinese border, you can soak up the atmosphere at the Xin Man market.
We’ll schedule your trip to the province around these markets, a colorful showcase of life in the mountains of North Vietnam.
When to visit Ha Giang? Which season is best?
There are really four seasons in North Vietnam. From December to March, you’ll need to bundle up to visit this mountainous region in the far north of the country. Spring (March, April and May) and Autumn (October and November) are the best times to travel the Ha Giang loop. It won’t be too hot, and you’ll avoid the summer rains (June – September).
On the other hand, to visit the Hoang Su Phi district, you’ll need to be prepared to get a little wet to enjoy the most beautiful scenery, between June and October. The rice harvest takes place in September in Hoang Su Phi, and we can’t recommend this time of year enough to meet the local people working in the fields with their families!
Where to stay in Ha Giang? A few good addresses
In Quan Ba, an association has been set up, grouping together several homestays in the villages of Nam Dam, Ngo Luong and Pa Co. We have established relationships with several families who will give you a warm welcome! For a little more comfort, we can offer you the Dao Lodge, built with the help of the Swiss NGO Caritas.
In Dong Van, you can have a little more comfort with improved homestays such as the Bui family’s or the Dong Van B&B.
In Du Gia, the small village is now home to several homestays, including the Du Gia Homestay off the main road.
Finally, in Hoang Su Phi, we recommend a night at Panhou Village, the most beautiful ecolodge in North Vietnam in our opinion! The establishment blends in perfectly with its surroundings. A new ecolodge has also opened, called Hoang Su Phi Lodge. During your subsequent treks, you’ll sleep in the homes of local villagers for total immersion!
Ha Giang or Sapa, should you choose?
We end this article with a question that many of you are no doubt asking yourselves: which should you choose? Ha Giang or Sapa? We’ll put it another way: should you choose?
Not necessarily! The landscapes of Sapa and the “Ha Giang loop” are very different, and you’d be wrong to deprive yourself of a trip that includes both destinations!