TRAVEL GUIDE TO HA GIANG: EXPLORE TOP ATTRACTIONS IN THIS CITY

Ha Giang, a stunning province in northern Vietnam, is known for its dramatic landscapes, rich cultural diversity, and vibrant ethnic communities. I will introduce you to the travel guide to Ha Giang, and the top attractions in this city.

Ha Giang – explore the beauty of mountain.

1. Where is Ha Giang?

Ha Giang is situated in the northeastern region of Vietnam, sharing its northern border with China. It lies around 300 kilometers (about 186 miles) from Hanoi, the nation’s capital. This mountainous province is renowned for its breathtaking terraced rice fields, impressive limestone cliffs, and meandering roads that offer picturesque views of the nearby valleys and hills.

Ha Giang is on the list of 17 top tourist destinations in Vietnam.

2. How to get there?

-By Bus: Tourists can choose a sleeper bus or a high-quality limousine, depending on their budget. However, you should travel by night bus to save time and energy for a long journey of discovery. The ticket price from Hanoi to Ha Giang and vice versa ranges from 200.000 – 300.000 VND (8 to 12 USD) one way.

3. The ideal time to visit Ha Giang?

Being a mountainous province, Ha Giang experiences a climate that is considerably cooler than that of the surrounding lowlands and midlands. The average annual temperature hovers around 21-23 degrees Celsius, and the region is characterized by high humidity and frequent, heavy rain throughout the year.

You can visit Ha Giang any time of year, but many visitors prefer to go in autumn when the rice is ready for harvest. The most picturesque months are October, November, and December, when buckwheat flowers and mustard fields are in full bloom. In spring, the forests are adorned with white apricot and plum blossoms, creating a dreamy atmosphere.

If other places have the white color of Bauhinia flowers, Ha Giang is brilliant with the pink color of late blooming peach blossoms.

In May, the rice fields shimmer during the flooding season. June and July bring light, drizzling summer rains that make many people nostalgic for Ha Giang. However, this humidity enhances the vibrant green landscape of the mountains and forests.

4. Top attractions in Ha Giang

4.1. Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark

For those seeking the most stunning display, Dong Van is a must-visit. This ancient town captivates many backpackers with its peach branches bursting into bright pink flowers against the backdrop of traditional yin-yang tiled roofs, glimmering in the sunlight. The peach blossoms also enliven the tranquil ambiance of Dong Van, blending together the lively and nostalgic elements of the town, creating a picturesque scene reminiscent of a charming interaction between a grandmother and her grandchildren—truly poetic and romantic.

In the dreamy and peaceful atmosphere of Dong Van, the bright pink color of peach blossoms will stand out even more.

Peach blossoms in Dong Van bloom abundantly, evenly and extremely beautifully in March.

The distance from Ha Giang city center to Dong Van Stone Plateau is about 130km, taking 3 – 4 hours by car. You should go by motorbike or car via National Highway 4C, which is the fastest route.

Address: Dong Van is located in all 4 districts of Ha Giang province: Dong Van, Yen Minh, Quan Ba ​​and Meo Vac.

4.2. Pao House

Pao’s house is situated within the Lung Cam cultural tourism village, where its ancient charm harmonizes beautifully with the stunning natural landscape of the Ha Giang stone plateau, creating an impressive masterpiece that captivates all who visit.

Peaceful scene at Pao’s house.

Sung La Valley is home to various ethnic groups, including the Mong, Han, and Lo Ho. Here, you’ll find many traditional, enchanting homes that blend seamlessly with the majestic scenery of the stone plateau. Visitors are often greeted with warm hospitality from the villagers.

Pao’s house is popular with tourists because of its rustic, peaceful beauty that is rarely found anywhere else.

Pao’s house is a prime example of this architectural beauty, built entirely by hand using precious wood. The house features stone pillars and fences, and its roof is adorned with yin-yang tiles, adding to its distinctive character.

The path to Lung Cam village is adorned with vibrant purple and white hues of buckwheat flowers. These blossoms are at their peak from early October to late November, attracting visitors from around the globe to Sung La for the buckwheat flower festival, where they can marvel at the blooms.

In addition, the golden mustard fields put on a colorful display, reaching their prime from late January to early February. As you make your way to Pao’s House, you’ll find fields of yellow mustard flowers lining both sides of the road, so be sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning moments.

Note: You will have to pay a fee to visit the buckwheat flower fields of 10.000 to 20.000 VND/person and an entrance ticket to visit Lung Cam cultural village of 10.000 VND/person.

Address: Sung La commune, Ha Giang and about 123 km from Ha Giang city.

4.3. Lung Cu Flag Pole

When discussing the must-visit check-in spots in Ha Giang, Lung Cu Flag Pole stands out prominently. Positioned at an altitude of over 2,000 meters above sea level, it offers breathtaking views of the beautiful national flag waving amid the expansive forests and mountains. This picturesque setting guarantees that your souvenir photos will capture bright smiles and unforgettable memories. The area is home to the friendly and hospitable Lo Lo people, so you need not worry if you plan to embark on a backpacking adventure here.

Lung Cu Flag Pole

Address: Lung Cu Commune, Dong Van District, Ha Giang City.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours.

4.4. Dong Van Ancient Town

Dong Van Ancient Town is situated at an altitude of 1,000 to 1,600 meters in the Dong Van district of Ha Giang. Tucked away and surrounded by dense mountains and forests, the area boasts remarkably fresh and cool air.

The entire space of Dong Van ancient town has a sad and gentle tone like an old movie.

The predominant architectural style in this town features tube houses, which typically consist of two floors and are adorned with yin and yang tiles—a hallmark of the northern border region. Additionally, while exploring Dong Van Ancient Town, you’ll notice numerous homes decorated with red lanterns, adding a vibrant touch to the overall ambiance.

Every angle is poetic and has hidden art behind it.

Address: No. 29, Pho Co Street, Ha Giang City.

Opening hours: 7:00 AM to 11:30 daily (Wednesday open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM)

4.5. Meo Vac Market

As one of the most renowned markets in Ha Giang, located in the northernmost part of Vietnam, Meo Vac Market takes place in the heart of Meo Vac town. Unlike lowland markets that operate daily, this market is held just once a week on Sundays. If you plan to attend, be prepared to rise early, around 4-5 AM.

Meo Vac Market

From dawn, people from nearby communes and districts begin to navigate the winding mountain roads toward Meo Vac town. The market usually opens quite early, where you’ll be greeted by the sounds of passing vehicles, lively laughter, and ringing bells filling the air, creating a uniquely bustling and vibrant atmosphere.

As one of the largest markets in the rocky plateau, Meo Vac Market also attracts many people to come and have fun, shop and exchange goods.

Address: Meo Vac Town, Ha Giang City.

Opening Hours: 4:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

However, Meo Vac is more than 150 km from Ha Giang city and about 30 km from Dong Van town. From the city, the most popular route is to drive along National Highway 4C through Quan Ba, Yen Minh and then to Meo Vac.

4.6. Hoang Su Phi

Hoang Su Phi is a mountainous district characterized by a fragmented terrain, which results in a variety of climates, soils, and natural landscapes. Spring is the perfect season for those interested in exploring the unique festivals of Hoang Su Phi. It also offers a chance for photography enthusiasts to capture the beauty of peach and pear gardens, as well as the picturesque tea hills.

Buckwheat flower season in Ha Giang is an indispensable highlight of this land.

Nestled at the base of the impressive Tay Con Linh peak, Hoang Su Phi Market takes place every Sunday. Here, locals gather to trade everyday goods such as vegetables, fabrics, and embroidery. Although the market may not be overly busy, it is filled with a joyful atmosphere. Visitors approach the market with excitement, as if attending a festival. Many young men and women even prepare the night before to ensure they arrive on time.

Hoang Su Phi market is bustling with buyers and sellers.

In addition, when you visit Hoang Su Phi, you can visit these attractions: Ban Phung terraced fields, admiring the beauty of buckwheat flowers, Chieu Lau Thi Mountain peak, Suoi Thau Temple, Ancient tomb of La Chi ethnic group, Tay Con Linh, Vinh Quang Temple.

Address: Hoang Su Phi located in the west of Ha Giang and about 80km from Ha Giang city center.