Beauty of HaGiang

You always have a dream of conquering the majestic mountains and beautiful roads like those in the northern mountainous region. So, why wait any longer without experiencing this Hà Giang travel adventure with BestVietTravel?

Hà Giang, not only favored by nature with numerous awe-inspiring landscapes that leave the world in awe, but it's also a place that preserves ancient historical relics and the unique cultural essence of the 22 ethnic groups in the northern highlands. All of these elements create an irresistible allure, driving travel enthusiasts to continually seek out the first-hand experience of traveling through Hà Giang to fully explore the captivating beauty of this mountainous region.

Situated in the Northeastern region with an area of nearly 8,000 square kilometers, Hà Giang boasts a diverse ecosystem consisting of forests, mountains, and rivers. This land never fails to captivate long-distance travelers with its magnificent destinations such as Mã Pì Lèng Peak, Quản Bạ Twin Mountains, and the remote Tu Sản Gorge. It's also home to numerous long-standing historical and cultural heritage sites like Đồng Văn's ancient town and rocky plateau, along with distinctive ethnic villages reflecting their indigenous cultures. Therefore, if you're searching for a journey that's both visually appealing and educational while embracing the spirit of adventure, Hà Giang should be your next destination.

Check out the complete A-to-Z travel experience in Hà Giang with BestVietTravel:

The Most Beautiful Season to Travel to Hà Giang Guide to Conveniently Traveling to Hà Giang and Snagging Discounted Tickets from BestVietTravel Transportation Options in Hà Giang Choosing the Best Guesthouses, Homestays, and Hotels in Hà Giang Must-Visit Famous Tourist Sites in Hà Giang That You Shouldn't Miss Top Delicacies of Hà Giang You Must Try Travel Tips for Hà Giang What's the Best Time to Visit Hà Giang? The ideal time to travel to Hà Giang is from September to around March. During this period, you'll not only witness the golden rice fields and blooming flowers but also have the chance to experience the Spring festivals of the highland communities. Make a note of the most vibrant Hà Giang milestones to ensure you don't miss the opportunity to fully experience the beauty of this highland region.

August - October: This is the time when the terraced fields in Hà Giang are covered in the golden hue of ripened rice, with the most beautiful being the Hoàng Su Phì area.

October - November: If you're enchanted by the beauty of the triangular oat fields, don't hesitate to plan your trip to Hà Giang between October and November. Don't forget to visit landmarks like Lũng Cú Flag Tower, Lũng Cẩm - Sủng Là Cultural Village, Mã Pí Lèng Pass, and Thạch Sơn Thần - Quản Bạ for the best views of the oat fields.

January to Lunar New Year: From January to March, Hà Giang is filled with the colors of various flowers such as mustard flowers, white plum blossoms, and pink cherry blossoms. This period also hosts various unique Spring festivals of different ethnic groups, like the Gầu Tào Festival of the Mông people, Lồng Tồng Festival of the Tày people, and Lập Tịnh Festival of the Dao people.

Getting to Hà Giang: Currently, there are no direct flights to Hà Giang. For convenience, travel reviews often suggest stopping in Hanoi before making your way to Hà Giang.

To reach Hanoi, you have various transportation options to choose from. Whether it's air tickets, trains, or buses, simply access the MoMo Wallet under the Travel section or visit the platform here to easily check, book, and get the best discounted tickets.

Next, the 280km journey from Hanoi to Hà Giang offers multiple transportation choices.

Traveling by Motorbike: The motorbike journey from Hanoi to Hà Giang takes around 6-7 hours and has two routes:

• Route 1 via Vĩnh Phúc: Starting from Hanoi, take the Nhật Tân Bridge route, then follow Võ Chí Công Street to Vĩnh Ngọc. After traveling 15km along Võ Nguyên Giáp Street, turn right onto National Road 2A. Continue along this road to Vinh Yen City (Vĩnh Phúc Province), then turn left onto National Road 2C. From there, head towards Tuyên Quang Town to reach Việt Quang Town (Hà Giang Province).
• Route 2 via Phú Thọ: This route is slightly longer (by around 7km), but it's somewhat easier. Starting from Hanoi, take the Thăng Long Highway. After 27km, turn onto National Road 21. Then, travel another 20km to turn onto National Road 32. Along this road, head towards Trung Hà Bridge, passing through Phú Thọ Commune to reach National Road 2C. From here, continue as you would on Route 1, heading towards Tuyên Quang and then Việt Quang.

Whichever route you choose, keep in mind that the journey to Hà Giang involves winding and potentially hazardous roads. Therefore, ensure you are skilled in long-distance or mountain road driving to ensure your safety during this Hà Giang travel adventure.

Traveling by Car: Bus: From Mỹ Đình Bus Station, , offering various bus services from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Ticket prices range from 200,000 to 300,000 VND per bed. To maximize your time, consider choosing a late departure so you can rest and arrive at your destination.

Note: If you're coming from the South or Central regions, you can arrange for the bus to pick you up at the Nội Bài intersection (near Nội Bài Airport) to save travel time.

Limousine Vans: Tickets for private 9-seat Limousine Vans are slightly pricier, ranging from 250,000 to 350,000 VND per ticket. If you're traveling with a group of 8 or more people, you might consider renting an entire van for a price of 2,800,000 to 3,500,000 VND. This option offers both cost savings and the convenience of a private space with flexible scheduling.

To book your Hà Giang travel tickets quickly and easily, with a variety of vehicle options to choose from, access the Travel section on BestVietTravel and stay updated on the latest and best deals.

Means of transportation in Ha Giang:

Renting a motorbike Due to the continuous mountainous terrain, narrow and steep roads with sharp turns, motorbikes are the most popular choice for transportation in Ha Giang. The motorbike rental services in Ha Giang are diverse. However, to ensure safety when conquering this rocky area, it's important to choose a new motorbike registered under 2 years, and don't be tempted by lower prices of 20,000 - 30,000 VND as the quality can vary significantly.

Taxi Transportation: Choosing taxis provides flexible and convenient transportation for groups of friends or families, allowing more control over time and destinations.

Accommodation Choices in Ha Giang: Resorts or 5-star hotels: Although there aren't many resorts in Ha Giang, there are still some places that offer memorable experiences for tourists. P'apiu Resort, located 13km from the center of Ha Giang, is known for providing an unforgettable journey amidst majestic mountains, terraced fields, and poetic clouds of the northernmost region of Vietnam.

P'apiu Resort

Hotels in Ha Giang: The most common type of accommodation in Ha Giang is 2-3 star hotels, which offer affordable prices and cater to various types of travelers, from families to groups of friends and couples. Hotels like Phoenix, Huy Hoan, and Ha Giang Historic House have received high praise from the community for their amenities, making them comfortable resting places for your Ha Giang trip.

Homestays: Homestays are an ideal option for young travelers exploring Ha Giang on their own, wanting authentic and close experiences with local culture at a reasonable cost. Many homestays are established by local people and provide shared meals with the host or even home-cooked meals. They are also convenient choices for backpackers, as homestays are available in various areas throughout Ha Giang.

Famous Tourist Attractions in Ha Giang

Quan Ba District Area:

• Quan Ba Heaven's Gate:

When mentioning Ha Giang, one cannot forget Quan Ba, and among the destinations that captivate the hearts of explorers is Quan Ba Heaven's Gate. This gateway stands 1,500 meters above sea level, nestled between two mountain peaks. It is considered the entrance to the journey of exploring the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. From here, you can admire the majestic beauty and the harmonious blend of land and sky in the Northwest's mountains and forests.

Location: 43km from the center of Ha Giang City

• Twin Mountains Quan Ba:

True to its name, Twin Mountains Quan Ba (also known as Twin Mountain Fairy) is a fascinating masterpiece of nature, resembling a mother's breasts. Depending on the time, you can observe Twin Mountains in various "color palettes": pink with buckwheat flowers, golden with ripe rice, or green covered by the morning mist.

Location: About 40km from Ha Giang City, on National Highway 4C, Tam Son Town, Quan Ba, Ha Giang.

Dong Van District Area:

• Dong Van Ancient Town:

Dong Van Ancient Town is a gathering place for various ethnic groups, including Tay, Hmong, Nung, Dao, Kinh, who settled here from the early 20th century. The ancient town retains its ancient beauty and nostalgic atmosphere with its distinctive houses and the mossy yellow color of time. The best time to visit is during the Sunday market where you can immerse yourself in the daily life of the local people.

Best time to visit the ancient town is during the weekly Sunday market. You'll be immersed in the vibrant life of the locals wearing colorful traditional costumes and showcasing characteristic mountain products.

Location: 150km from Ha Giang City

Some nearby attractions around Dong Van: Dong Van Karst Plateau, Pho Cao, Pho Bang, King Meo's Residence, Sung La.

• Lung Cu Flagpole:

Lung Cu Flagpole stands on Rong Mountain at an elevation of 1,470 meters above sea level. It is considered a sacred northernmost landmark of the nation. To reach the flagpole, one must climb 839 steps and then another 140 spiral narrow steps to touch the national flag, officially standing at the highest point of the northernmost region.

Meo Vac District Area:

• Ma Pi Leng Pass:

With its 20-kilometer winding and perilous road, Ma Pi Leng Pass is one of the "four great mountain passes" in the northern mountains, connecting Dong Van and Meo Vac. It's a destination that many independent travelers aspire to conquer. From the pass, you can witness the grand scenery of the emerald-green Nho Que River snaking around the majestic mountain ranges.

• Tu San Alley:

Your journey to Ha Giang would be incomplete without conquering Tu San Alley. With its nearly 800-meter high cliffs, nearly 1-kilometer depth, and 1.7-kilometer length, Tu San Alley rightfully earns the title of the "foremost grand view" of the Dong Van Karst Plateau. One of the most unforgettable experiences during your solo travel in Ha Giang is taking a boat on the Nho Que River to get close and truly appreciate the breathtaking magnificence of Tu San Alley.

Hoang Su Phi District Area:

• Hoang Su Phi Terraced Fields:

Hoang Su Phi Terraced Fields are recognized as a national heritage site with a history of development spanning hundreds of years from the early days of cultivation by the Nung, Dao, La Chi people. To admire the most beautiful terraced fields, visit Ban Phung and Ban Luoc in Hoang Su Phi during September and October when the rice is ripe.

Must-Try Delicacies in Ha Giang

• Ha Giang Egg Rice Rolls:

Resembling Hanoi's traditional rice rolls, Ha Giang Egg Rice Rolls offer a unique culinary experience. Instead of dipping in fish sauce, these rice rolls are stuffed with egg and mộc nhĩ (a local herb) and are enjoyed with bone broth, creating a savory and distinctive taste.

Address: 29 Old Street, Dong Van District, Ha Giang
Price: 30,000 - 40,000 VND

• Mèn Mén:

Mèn mén is a traditional steamed cornmeal dish of the Hmong people. After the corn harvest, the mature kernels are separated, ground into flour, and then steamed. The key to delicious mèn mén is steaming it slowly over low heat with enough water to prevent it from drying out.

Address: You can find mèn mén at weekly highland markets, usually held on Sundays.
Price: 20,000 - 40,000 VND

• Bitter Cháo Ấu Tẩu (Bitter Porridge):

Bitter Cháo Ấu Tẩu, also known as bitter porridge, is made from ấu tẩu roots, which are toxic but abundant in the northern mountainous areas. The roots are soaked, ground into rice flour, then simmered for about 4 hours until thick. The porridge is then cooked with meat broth, and it's best enjoyed hot with herbs, raw egg yolk, minced meat, and distinctive local spices.

Address: Cháo Ấu Tẩu Hương - National Highway 2, Ha Giang City Center
Price: 20,000 - 40,000 VND

• Bac Me Bamboo-Tube Rice:

Bac Me is famous for its fragrant sticky rice. The rice is roasted over charcoal in bamboo tubes covered with banana or dong leaves. The bamboo is heated and rotated until the aroma of the rice fills the air. Served with sesame salt, roasted sesame, or meat, Bac Me bamboo-tube rice is an unforgettable culinary experience in Ha Giang.

Address: Bac Me's highland markets and festivals.
Price: 15,000 - 25,000 VND per tube

• Grilled Moss:

Moss is a precious ingredient in Ha Giang cuisine. Fresh moss from streams is rare, and only young, green moss is chosen. The moss is pounded and washed before preparation. It's used in various dishes, but the most unique is grilled moss marinated with lemongrass, chives, and distinct spices.

Address: Dong Van and Quan Ba markets
Opening hours: 5:00 - 12:00 every Sunday
Price: 20,000 - 30,000 VND

• Buffalo Carpaccio:

With its unique aroma and northern mountainous taste, buffalo carpaccio is a popular souvenir for travelers. Originating from the Thai ethnic group, the meat is preserved naturally by being placed on a wooden frame above the kitchen fire. It's seasoned with chili, ginger, garlic, mắc khén, dổi seeds, and forest vegetables before being air-dried for two months. The resulting black and aromatic meat is then sliced and served.

Address: Lũng Phìn Market, Dong Van District
Price: Around 800,000 VND per kilogram

• Thắng Cố (Traditional Stew):

Thắng Cố is one of the most famous dishes in Ha Giang's highland cuisine. It's made from buffalo, cow, or horse meat and organs, stewed with mountain herbs and spices for hours. It's often found at local markets and is best enjoyed with a cup of fragrant homemade rice wine.

Address: Quán bà Tú Lan Hà Giang - 125 To Street, Dong Van Town
Price: 50,000 - 300,000 VND

• Thắng Dền (Sweetened Rice Rolls):

Thắng dền is a popular dessert, favored by the people of Dong Van in winter. It resembles the southern dessert chè hạt sen táo Tàu, with a round rice cake filled with coconut, peanuts, and sesame. The cake is boiled and then soaked in mai flower syrup with ginger, creating a sweet and spicy flavor.

Address: Mèo Vạc Dong Van Market
Price: 5,000 - 10,000 VND per bowl

• Tam Giác Mạch (Buckwheat Pancake):

Small buckwheat seeds are harvested, dried, and hand-ground into flour. The batter is mixed with water and cooked into round, flat pancakes. They are steamed before grilling to create a crispy, fragrant outer layer and a soft, chewy interior. These pancakes are great for snacking on road trips or as gifts for loved ones.

Address: Highland markets
Price: 10,000 - 15,000 VND per piece