Ha Giang: The Complete Guide

Ha Giang, located in the northernmost part of Vietnam, offers wwonderful landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. Visit Ha Giang to witness its towering limestone peaks, winding mountain passes and vibrant ethnic minority communities, all of which provide a unique travel experience.

Visitors can also explore traditional markets, visit ancient villages and enjoy the hospitality of local people. For those seeking adventure and tranquility, a Vietnam tour that includes Ha Giang is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Vietnam's highlands.

What to see in Ha Giang

Ha Giang is often described as a land of wonderful mountains, winding passes, and deeply rooted ethnic traditions. Known for its dramatic landscapes and authentic cultural experiences, this destination has become a dream for adventurous travelers. If you’re planning a trip, here are the must-see attractions in Ha Giang that showcase the region’s beauty and heritage.

Dong Van plateau

One of the four great limestone plateaus in Vietnam, about 400 km northwest of Hanoi.

Characterized by steep, narrow, passes and deep chasms, combined with fields, rice fields, fruit trees, medicinal plants, Dong Van becomes a famous land with ravishing landscapes.

 

Dong Van old quarter

An old town located in the center of Dong Van district, Ha Giang province. Well-known for its well-preserved more than 40 ancient houses built in the 1800s by the local Hmong people.

One of the most maintained old quarters in Vietnam, preserving and promoting the cultural and historical values of the H’Mong people.

Sung La valley

A small valley located at an altitude of about 1,000 meters above sea level, with special natural scenery and beautiful scenery.

The climate is cool, fresh and lush all year round, where fruit trees such as apples, pears, plums, peaches, mangoes and root vegetables are grown. Also known for the buckwheat flower garden, which grows many different types of flowers, creating a beautiful scene, especially in autumn and winter.

Hiking to enjoy the scenery, take photos, visit the buckwheat flower garden and experience the typical ethnic culture of the rocky mountainous region of Ha Giang.

Lung Cu flagpole

A structure located at an altitude of 1,700 meters above sea level. It is the tallest flagpole of Vietnam and is considered a symbol of the country’s sovereignty in the northern region. The height is about 33.15 meters, designed in the form of a stainless-steel flag, on the top of the column there is a 5-pointed star and a red flag with a yellow star of Vietnam.

Ma Pi Leng pass

One of the most beautiful and difficult roads in Vietnam. Built in the 1960s, Ma Pi Leng nail has a length of about 20 km, an altitude of over 1,500m above sea level.

The spectacular, majestic police scene and rugged terrain have become an attractive destination for backpackers and tourists who love to explore nature. It is also famous for its difficult roads, especially steep climbs and turns, creating difficult challenges for drivers.

Lung Tam brocade weaving village

Lung Tam village is a small village located in the Dong Van district, Ha Giang province. Famous for its traditional brocade weaving techniques that have been passed down for generations.

Hoang Su Phi

Hoang Su Phi is a mountainous district located in the northern province of Ha Giang, Vietnam. It is situated about 300 kilometers from Hanoi and covers an area of approximately 629.9 square kilometers. Home to several ethnic groups, including the Nung, Dao, Tay and Hmong.

Known for its stunning terraced rice fields, which have been recognized as a National Heritage site by the Vietnamese government.

The Vuong residence palace

An ancient architectural work, located in Sa Phin town. One of the unique architectural heritages of Vietnam. Built in 1919 and completed in 1928, is the residence of the Vuong family, who ruled the land of Dong Van during the 20th century.

A harmonious architectural work, with the main blue and white tones, built with bricks and wood, creates a unique cultural space of the H’Mong people.

Nho Que River

Known for its crystal-clear water and stunning scenery, including the towering Ma Pi Leng Pass. The total length of the river is about 192 km and the river basin area amounts to 2,400 km².

It is also one of the major rivers in Ha Giang, an important natural resource of the region. The river is the source of irrigation water for the rice growing, flower growing and aquaculture production areas of the riverside districts.

What to do in Ha Giang

For travelers seeking adventure and authenticity, this province offers a wide range of activities that go beyond sightseeing. Here are the best things to do in Ha Giang for an unforgettable journey.

Trekking in Ha Giang

Ha Giang offers many trekking spots such as Sapa Pa, Ho Dau Dau, Chu Ma hill, and the Phuong Tien ancient trail. Hiring a local guide is recommended for a safe and enjoyable trekking experience while exploring the stunning landscapes.

Motorbike riding

Ha Giang is ideal for motorbike adventures. Popular routes include Ma Pi Leng Pass, Meo Vac, and Cap Van tea hills. You can rent a motorbike and explore at your own pace, enjoying breathtaking mountain roads and scenic views.

Scenic check-in spots

Ha Giang is full of photogenic locations perfect for check-ins. Must-visit spots include Tam Giac Mach flower fields, Coc Da Mountain, Cap Van tea hills, and Tham Ma Pass, offering unique and beautiful backdrops for memorable photos.

Visiting buckwheat flower field in Quan Ba

Quan Ba is renowned for its stunning buckwheat flower fields, one of the most beautiful in Vietnam. Visiting these fields is a must during flowering season, and there are many tours available to explore this scenic area.

Enjoying local markets and fairs

Ha Giang hosts vibrant markets on weekdays, such as Sung Lao Market, Meo Vac Market, and Lung Tao Market. These markets are great for tasting local dishes, shopping for indigenous handicrafts, and experiencing the culture of ethnic communities.

Experiencing local cuisine

 

Ha Giang’s local dishes are a highlight of the trip. Must-try specialties include:

• Kitchen buffalo meat

• Rice lam (sticky rice cooked in bamboo)

• Thang Co (traditional horse meat soup)

• Cha Pa (fermented pork sausage)

• Banh Cuon (steamed rice rolls)

These can be enjoyed at local restaurants or street stalls, giving you a true taste of the northern region.

When to go to Ha Giang

Ha Giang, nestled in the highlands, boasts a distinctly cooler climate compared to the lowland and midland regions around it.

With an average annual temperature of 21-23°C, Ha Giang offers a unique experience throughout the year. The most enchanting times to visit are during the autumn months of October, November, and December, when golden rice fields and vibrant buckwheat flowers paint the landscape in breathtaking colors. In spring, the forests are adorned with the delicate white blooms of plum and peach flowers, creating a dreamy, cloud-like atmosphere.

In May, the terraced rice paddies sparkle with water, while June and July, despite their sudden summer rains, transform the region into a lush, green paradise. Although the rains might deter some, they enrich the scenery, making it even more mesmerizing.

How many days to visit Ha Giang

📍Suggested 5-day Ha Giang itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake	Hanoi Old Quarter	Ngoc Son Temple

• Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport; transfer to your hotel.

• Afternoon cyclo ride to explore:

  • Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

  • Hanoi Old Quarter and Silk Street (Hang Gai)

  • Colonial architecture and leafy avenues

• Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi → Ha Giang

• Depart Hanoi around 8:30 AM for Ha Giang.

• Stop at a Tay village with traditional thatched houses.

• Late afternoon arrival at Thon Tha village; explore wooden stilt houses and rural life.

Day 3: Ha Giang → Dong Van

• Travel via Quan Ba – Yen Minh – Dong Van.

• Stops along the way:

  • Heaven’s Gate for panoramic valley views

  • Hmong weaving village to see traditional looms

  • Royal Palace of Hmong King Vuong Chi Sinh

  • Lung Cu Flag Tower – the “roof of Vietnam”

Day 4: Dong Van → Ha Giang

• Drive through Ma Pi Leng Pass (2,000+ meters above sea level).

• Walk along Ma Pi Leng Pass for stunning views.

• Visit Dao Thanh Phan village and Bo Y village (one of Vietnam’s smallest ethnic groups).

Day 5: Ha Giang → Hanoi

• Drive back to Hanoi (~6 hours), passing scenic countryside and limestone karsts.

• Late afternoon arrival in Hanoi; trip ends.

For more details, you can read: Explore Ha Giang - The Great Northern Vietnam

Where to stay in Ha Giang

Bong Bang Homestay

This is one of the prettiest homestays in Ha Giang with a very cozy layout and common yard. There are private rooms with double beds and shared rooms that are clean, lovely and fully equipped.

Auberge de MeoVac

It is a homestay with bold H’Mong characters. This is a 100-year-old H’Mong house that has been restored to serve tourists. Although the space is still traditional, the interior of the homestay is still extremely comfortable.

Lo Lo Homestay

This is a homestay in the style of a stilt house of the ethnic people, because it is located on a high slope, so from the Lo Lo balcony, you can freely watch the clouds, the mountains and the vast fields below. There is a small note that Lo Lo only has dorm rooms.

Ha Giang is an ideal destination for those who love pristine natural beauty and rich culture. With majestic landscapes and vibrant traditions, it promises unforgettable experiences for travelers.

Ha Giang is a destination that captures the essence of Northern Vietnam with its majestic landscapes, winding mountain passes, and vibrant ethnic culture. Whether you come for the breathtaking scenery, the challenging motorbike routes, or the chance to immerse yourself in authentic highland life, Ha Giang promises an experience unlike any other. To make your journey seamless and unforgettable, let Hanoi Voyages craft a personalized itinerary tailored to your travel style.

Discover the best of Ha Giang with Hanoi Voyages - Plan your adventure today!