Ha Giang Loop

Ha Giang Loop | Discover the Breathtaking Beauty of Northern Vietnam

Welcome to our blog on Ha Giang! In this article, we will take you on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the Ha Giang region in Vietnam. Ha Giang have gained immense popularity among adventurous travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.

Location & History

Located on the northern of Vietnam. Ha Giang is a majestic mountain range with a high altitude ranging from 800 m to 1,200 m above sea level. This is a high concentration of mountains. According to recent statistics, it’s covering about 8,000 km2 but there are 49 high mountains from 500m – 2,500m.

This land is bestowed by nature with mountains, green rivers, and flowers of all four seasons, picturesque. This is also the residence of 24 ethnic groups, creating a diverse cultural space. It’s becoming an ideal destination for Ha Giang tourists to learn about the culture. Although the life of the people is simple, rustic, the scenery is still wild. But also a tourist attraction that makes many people miss when they back from Ha Giang.

Ha Giang is renowned for its majestic mountain ranges, deep valleys, and terraced rice fields. As you embark on the Ha Giang, you can view to stunning panoramas at every turn. From Dong Van Karst Plateau to the panoramic views of Ma Pi Leng Pass, Ha Giang will surprise you in its natural wonders.

The region is home to a variety of ethnic minority groups, including the Hmong, Tay, Dao, and Nung tribes. Ha Giang Tours offer a unique opportunity to impress yourself in their rich cultural heritage and learn about their traditions, costumes, and style of life. To communicate with these friendly tribes will provide invaluable insights into their customs and traditions.

Throughout the Ha Giang, you’ll have the chance to visit traditional villages, each with its own distinct charm. These villages showcase the local architecture, traditional practices, and warm hospitality of the local communities. Don’t miss the chance to experience a homestay with a local family and savor delicious traditional meals.

Ha Giang Vietnam is famous for its thrilling motorbike rides through mountain roads. This exhilarating experience allows you to fully appreciate the beauty of the landscape as you navigate and conquer challenging terrains. The sense of freedom and adventure you’ll experience while riding through Ha Giang is truly unique of Northern Vietnam.

Why Choose Ha Giang Loop Tours by Sapa Travel?

Ha Giang Loop Tours provides an exceptional experience that sets us apart from other tour operators. Here are some advantages and benefits of choosing our tours:

Our tour operators are seasoned professionals who have extensive knowledge of the Ha Giang. They have carefully highlight the best attractions and offer unique experiences. With their expertise, you can trust that your tour will be well-planned and experienced.

Planning a trip can be time-consuming and overwhelming, especially in unfamiliar road. Sapa Travel wwill take care of everything you need for a unique journey. From transportation, accommodations, to local tour guides, we take care of everything so that you can focus on enjoying your adventure.

At Ha Giang Loop Tours, we understand that every traveler is unique. That’s why we offer customize to your preferences and interests. Whether you want to spend more time exploring local villages, taking epic hikes, or simply enjoying the scenic landscapes, our tours can be arranged to suit your tours.

Safety Fisrt: Traveling in unfamiliar terrain road like Ha Giang, but with Sapa Travel, you can be rested for knowing that your safety is our top priority. Our tour guides are well-trained and equipped with the knowledge to navigate the roads very well and provide assistance when you needed. We also ensure that our vehicles are well-maintained and meet safety standards for your trip.

Sapa Travel offer an immersive experience into the local culture and traditions of the Ha Giang. Our tour guides are passionate about sharing their connecting you with the local. From participating in cultural activities to enjoying traditional meals with local families, you’ll get mostly understanding of the Ha Giang region and culture.

Like a reputable tour operator, Sapa Travel have built strong relationships with the local communities in Ha Giang. This allows us to bring you to places off the beaten path, where you can engage with local culture and experience their style of life. These authentic create meaningful connections and leave a lasting for both travelers and local communities. So join us on our next tour and create memories that will last foreever.

Exploring the Ha Giang Loop

The Ha Giang is a scenic route that takes you on an adventure through the landscapes of the Ha Giang region. Here is a detailed overview of the route, along with the key attractions and viewpoints you can expect to encounter along the way:

Ha Giang: Your journey begins in the charming city of Ha Giang, known for its vibrant markets and traditional culture. Take some time to explore the city and immerse yourself with the local culture before starting on your adventure.

Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate: As you leave Ha Giang City, your first stop is Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate. This iconic landmark offers panoramic views of the lush green valleys and breathtaking limestone karst mountains. Don’t forget to capture some stunning photos of the landscape.

Quan Ba Twin Mountains (Nui Doi Co Tien): The image of the beautiful green twin mountains at Ha Giang tourist attraction must be no stranger to tourists, located in the southwest of Dong Van Plateau Geopark. At the foot of the twin mountains are Quan Ba rice field, four colours of four seasons cannot be mixed. Not only that, covering the space here is the colour of illusion, legend.

Yen Minh Town: Leaving Quan Ba heaven gate, you move in the direction of Yen Minh town and pass through Yen Minh pine forest. Yen Minh road stretches about 50 km from Quan Ba, surrounded by immense pine forests, straight on both sides of the road. Take a break here and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. Visit the local market and taste some delicious traditional snacks.

Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark: Your journey will lead you to the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This geopark is known for its diverse geological features, including limestone karsts, deep canyons, and unique rock formations.

Lung Cu Flagpole: Make a stop at Lung Cu Flagpole, which marks the northernmost point of Vietnam. Climb the 389 steps to the top and witness stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and neighboring China. Lung Cu flagpole is known as the first place of the country, this is the most famous destination of Ha Giang. The flagpole is located on Lung Cu peak, 54m wide flag symbolizing 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam, standing at the foot of the flagpole and watching the flag is extremely proud for each person coming here.

Ma Pi Leng Pass: One of the most breathtaking highlights of the Ha Giang is the Ma Pi Leng Pass. This winding mountain road is renowned for its beauty views of the Nho Que River and the surrounding cliffs. It is the name of the rugged pass road in Ha Giang, about 20 km long.

Located on Hanh Phuc road connecting Ha Giang city, Dong Van district and Meo Vac town. Ma Pi Leng calls in the Mandarin language to mean “the nose of a horse” literally, broadly depicting the danger of a mountain peak, where the slope is so high that the horse passes through the breath, or the top of the mountain stands as live nose horse. The road passes through the cliffs, surpassing Ma Pi Leng peak at a height of 2000 meters, at the foot of the deep valley of Nho Que river like a thin four-season green jade thread.

Meo Vac Town: As you continue your journey, you’ll reach Meo Vac Town, a bustling town known for its vibrant markets and traditional cultures. Take the opportunity to explore the markets and interact with the local ethnic groups who gather here to trade their goods.

Hoang Su Phi Terraced Rice Fields: you’ll encounter the mesmerizing Hoang Su Phi Terraced Rice Fields. These terraced fields, recognized as a National Heritage. Hoang Su Phi is located about 50km from Ha Giang city. This is a highland border district that attracts many adventurous tourists because the road is quite dangerous. The terraced fields in Hoang Su Phi like pulling to the horizon, the season of ripe rice or the pouring water season all have its own beauty.

Back to Ha Giang City.

Itinerary Options for 3 day Ha Giang Loop

DAY 1 : Ha Giang City – Quan Ba – Yen Minh – Dong Van town 135km

– 8:00 am : Get breakfast at Hong Hao hostel
– 8:30 am : Meet up with the guide and start to go on the loop. • Bac Sun pass
• Quan Ba Heaven gate
• Quan Ba Twin mountains
• Can Ty pass – Lunch break in Yen Minh town
• Tham Ma pass
• The Hmong King’s Palace
– Check in Hotel in Dong Van town
– 7h-7h30 pm: Get dinner in Dong Van town, free walking around the Dong Van ancient town

DAY 2 : Dong Van Town – Ma pi Leng pass – Meo Vac – Du Gia village

– 8:00 am: Get breakfast in town ( in the weekend visit the Dong Van Sunday market ) • Sky pass
• Ma Pi Leng Pass (one of the four most beautiful pass of Vietnam)
• Hmong villages along the way – Lunch break in Mau Due village

– After lunch get on the bike again a head to Du Gia village • Sa Li Pass
• Lung Ho Viewpoint
• Du Gia waterfall – Check in homestay of the Tay ethnic in Du Gia village – 07h00 – 07h30 pm: Get dinner in the homestay

DAY 3: Du Gia village – Duong Thuong – Lung Tam – Nam Dam

– 8:00 am: Have breakfast in the homestay with mountains views • Visit Du Gia market ( on Saturday)
• Duong Thuong viewpoint
• Lung tam Village ( the Hemp weaving village )

– Have lunch break in Tam Son town
– 5:00 pm: Check in the homestay in Nam Dam Village – 07h00 – 07h30 pm: Get dinner in the homestay

DAY 4: Nam Dam – Lung Khuy – Ha Giang

– 8:00 am: Have breakfast in the homestay
• Visit Lung Khuy cave (the best cave in Ha Giang)
– Have lunch break in Tam Son town
– 5:00 pm: Finish the motorbike tour at Hong Hao Hostel

Nigh 5: Take the bus to Hanoi from Hong Hao Hostel

– 7:30-8:30pm the bus will pick you up to go back to Hanoi – 4 am: Get to Hanoi and finish the tour.

To book another tours in Ha Giang: click here

Accommodation in Ha Giang Vietnam:

Homestays are a popular choice along the Ha Giang Loop Route, offering an authentic experience of staying with local families.
These accommodations usually provide a private room or a dormitory-style setting with shared facilities. Staying in a homestay allows you to interact with the local community, learn about their culture, and enjoy home-cooked meals. Some recommended homestays include Thon Tha village homestay and Nam Dam village homestay.

Guesthouses: are another common option along the route, offering private rooms with basic amenities. These accommodations provide more privacy compared to homestays and usually have private bathrooms. Some guesthouses may also have on-site restaurants, making it convenient for meals. Recommended guesthouses include Saigon Mini Hotel in Ha Giang city and Little Yen Minh Homestay in Yen Minh.

Hotels and Resorts: Built atop a mountain in Yen Dinh Commune in Bac Me District, the P’apiu Resort is particularly favored by well-to-do couples who wish to enjoy a peaceful, secluded atmosphere and green landscapes. The resort is also unique in that all its staff are local ethnic minority residents. Room prices start from VND9.8 million a night. The Hmong Village resort in Quang Ba District, around 50 kilometers northeast of Ha Giang Town, has 25 bungalows surrounded by green trees and picturesque natural scenery.

Bungalows: designed in the shape of rattan baskets that Hmong women sling on their backs to carry rice and other things are a distinctive feature of the resort. It also has a community guesthouse that can accommodate up to 40 people at VND400,000 a night. A night’s stay in the bungalows costs from VND2.4 million ($105.31). To gaze up on the rice terraced fields during the golden season from their windows, the Hoang Su Phi Lodge and Kinh Homestay in Nam Hong Village are ideal options. Dong Van and Meo Vac districts offer budget-friendly homestays with prices ranging from VND100,000-230,000 per night.

To book accommodations in Ha Giang: click here

Markets in Ha Giang like its own cultures. Find it out:

Markets are an integral part of the local culture in Ha Giang, and visiting the local markets can be a fascinating experience. Not only can you see the colorful array of products on display, but you can also interact with local vendors and learn about the products and their uses. The Dong Van Sunday Market is one of the most famous markets in the region, showcasing a range of local products and souvenirs.

Market sessions in Yen Minh, Ha Giang

It is a northern border district of Vietnam, in Ha Giang province, Yen Minh is 100km northeast of Ha Giang town, with 25.27 km of border. Not only famous for its attractive pine forests, but Yen Minh is also the area with the most fairs in Ha Giang. The famous market sessions in Yen Minh are:

Yen Minh Market

The market usually meets on Sunday mornings of the week. From the early morning, every bustling crowd of people on the roads flock to the town. Many people from remote and mountainous villages had to get up at midnight and go through steep passes to reach Yen Minh. The quiet space of this place suddenly comes to life on a fair day, with all colours of costumes: Brocade skirt of H’Mong people, the red scarf of Dao people, the blue skirt of Tay girls, Nung’s indigo outfit…

Bach Dich Market: It has 3 markets in 1 month, namely Ban Muong Market, Moc 9 Market (also called Moc 358 Market) and communal centre market. These markets are held in sessions that fall on the Monkey day and the Tiger day of the month.

Duong Thuong Market: It is held every Friday morning of the week

Mau Due Market: Mau Due Market meets once a week on Sunday mornings

Sung Trang Market: Sung Trang Market is held on Sunday mornings. And some other markets such as Sung Chai Market, Lung Ho Market, Ngoc Long Market, Mau Long Market.

Market sessions in Dong Van, Ha Giang

Fair in Dong Van, Ha Giang is a beauty in the daily life of ethnic minorities. Besides the majestic landscapes, going to the fair in Ha Giang is an experience that you should not miss. In Dong Van, there are many markets held during the week:

Central Market, also known as Dong Van Market: It is held in the town center every Sunday morning of the week

Dong Van fair is located in Dong Van ancient town, this is the largest centre of economic, goods and cultural exchange in the of Dong Van – Meo Vac Plateau. Located on a large area, overall U-shaped architecture, all made of stone materials. Also become a convergence of cultural identities of ethnic colours in this northern highland plateau. It is an indispensable destination in adventure tours in Vietnam.

The unique feature of Dong Van fair is the goods that people bring to the market, mainly agricultural products and products made in their area. Different from the plain market, people come to the market to buy and sell, and people come to Dong Van fair, in addition to trading, exchanging goods, a market is also a place for people to exchange and meet.

Usually, the whole family goes to the market. Mothers and wives go to the market to shop; the husbands go to the market to drink, eat Thang Co, and play the trumpet; children follow their parents to go to the market; young men and women come to the market to meet and find love partners.

Especially on the 14th, 15th and 16th of the lunar month every month, in this market and old town, lively cultural activities with specific characteristics of the land and upland people such as: Organizing a bird-fighting contest, performing traditional brocade weaving of ethnic groups in the region. In the evening, in the old town, there are some activities that attract tourists to Ha Giang. Those are the unique cultural features of this northernmost highland fair.

Market sessions in Meo Vac, Ha Giang

The market in Meo Vac Ha Giang is Ha Giang’s largest market. It attracts hundreds of visitors to visit because of the unique cultural features contained in each fair. There are famous markets in Meo Vac that are:

Son Vi Market is held on the morning of the weekly Sunday

Central Market, also known as Meo Vac, is also held once a week on Sunday mornings

The session market is right in the centre of town – it’s close to the stadium so it’s very convenient for both tourists and indigenous people. This is considered to be the largest fair in the highland area and is held from Saturday evening until Sunday afternoon. Visitors can go to the night market, eat snacks and walk the night market, enjoy the bustling atmosphere here.

When buying brocade, food such as wine, cakes or souvenirs, you should pay the price, bargain to avoid being expensive to buy offline. Do not miss Meo Vac fair because when you come here.

Khau Vai Market:

It is held in the morning on the 2nd, 7th, 12th, 17th, 22nd and 27th of the month (according to the lunar calendar). Especially the Khau Vai love market, the famous Ha Giang fair is held only once a year on the 27th of the third lunar month.

Sung Tra Market:

Meeting once on Saturday. And some other special markets such as Tat Ngan Market, Nam Ban Market, Xin Cai Market, Son Vi Market meet on Sunday morning every week, Thuong Phung Market.

At Meo Vac Market, there are many specialities with rich flavours. Such as Thang Co; Men Men; corn cake; Au Tau Rice Soup, … So do not forget to enjoy these specialities to make the trip more complete.

Back Markets in Ha Giang

Call “back market” to indicate that the next market will have a “back” meeting a day from the previous one.

It means that the schedule of “Ha Giang market back” is fixed every 6 days. But because there are 7 days a week, the next market will be one day back (according to the solar calendar). For example, this week the market will take place on Sunday. And the next week will take place on Saturday, and so on. As for the H’Mong, the Chinese, their calculation according to the 12 Chinese zodiacs, will meet on days when they consider conflict. Such as pairs of Rat – Horse, Tiger – Monkey, Snake- Pig, etc.

When travelling to Ha Giang, you can see many markets sessions, markets in many places and often meet permanently on Saturdays and Sundays, but there are only 8 back markets which are:

Pho Bang Market

• Location: About 5 km from Sung La three- ways crossroad
• Meeting schedule: On the 6th, 12th, 18th, 24th, 30th of every month (solar calendar) and Rat year, Horse day (according to the 12 animal calendar).

Cao Pho Market

• Location: Located right on the asphalt road, at the transition between Yen Minh and Dong Van towns.
• Meeting schedule: 4, 10, 16, 28 monthly and dragon, dog days.

Sa Phin Market

• Location: The Gate of the Vuong family’s residence, Dong Van district.
• Meeting schedule: Monthly 5, 11, 17, 23, 29 monthly and Snake, Pig day.

Lung Phin Market

• Location: Dong Van district but you have to follow Yen Minh – Meo Vac street.
• Meeting schedule: Day 2, 8, 14, 20, 26 monthly and Tiger day, Monkey day

Markets of Lung Cu, Sung Trai and Trang Kim (meeting on the Goat and Ox days) and Ma Le market (on the Rat and Horse days). These markets all meet in Dong Van district, while Trang Kim market meets in Quan Ba district.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

SAFE AND PREPARATION

When embarking on a tour of the Ha Giang, it’s essential to prioritize safety and make adequate preparations for an enjoyable experience. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you stay safe and prepared:

Road Conditions: The roads along the Ha Giang can be challenging, with winding mountainous routes, steep inclines, and narrow paths. Make sure you have experience riding a motorbike and are comfortable with these types of road conditions.
Keep an eye out for landslides, potholes, and unpredictable weather conditions that can affect road conditions.

Weather: The weather in Ha Giang can be unpredictable, with potentially chilly temperatures, especially in higher elevations.
Pack appropriate clothing layers to adjust to changing weather conditions. Rainfall can also be frequent, so bring waterproof gear and check the weather forecast before heading out. Click here to view the weather in Ha Giang!

Well Preparation: Rent or bring a reliable motorbike that is suitable for the terrain. Use a helmet at all times and consider additional protective gear like knee pads, elbow pads, and riding gloves. Carry a basic toolkit, tire repair kit, and spare parts for minor bike repairs. Have a map or GPS device with an offline map to navigate the route.

BOOKING AND CONTACT INFORMATIONS

For any inquiries or assistance regarding Ha Giang Loop tours, you can contact the tour operators directly. Here are some contact details you can use:

Hong Hao Hostel and Motorbikes: Mobile: +84.918.655.828 | Address: 10 Phạm Hồng Thái, P. Minh Khai, Hà Giang
Sapa Travel: Mobile/Whatsapp: +84.787.590.333 | Email: info@sapatravel.com – Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Feel free to reach out to these companies for more information about their tour packages, availability, and any other questions you may have.

Remember to review the cancellation policies and terms and conditions of the tour operators before making your booking. This will ensure that you understand the refund policy and any requirements for changes or cancellations.

HA GIANG LOOP PERMIT

You have to buy a permit for the remote areas in Ha Giang province. This permit costs $10 and can be obtained at the Immigration Office in Ha Giang town (296 Trần Phú, see map, previous address was 415a Trần Phú) or at the police station in Meo Vac. Near the town of Ha Giang, 7 km to the south you can visit the Phuon Thien cave.

It is a place of many monuments and many plum, pear, orange and apple trees grows here. If you go from Hanoi, the best way is to take the train to Lao Cai and then a bus from this city. The bus trip from Lao Cai to Ha Giang town may take up to 6 hours, so I would say the best wayfor sure is with a motorcycle.

To see how it done: click here

WHAT TO AVOID AND NOT TO DO IN HA GIANG

Traveling during the rainy season (June to October) Renting a motorbike without experience Disrespectful behavior towards local ethnic communities/li> Leaving trash or litter behind Trespassing on private property or restricted areas without permission Solely relying on electronic devices for navigation Swimming or bathing in unfamiliar rivers or water bodies without assessing safety.

Overpacking or carrying excessive luggage Rushing through the region and trying to cover too many places in a short period Ignoring safety precautions during adventurous activities.

HA GIANG LOOP BY CAR, MOTOBIKE – TRAVEL MAP

To book a motobiker in Ha Giang: click here

WHAT TO EAT

Given the diversity of ethnic minority communities who live in Ha Giang, a culinary exploration of the province is a rewarding exercise.

The xoi ngu sac (five-colored sticky rice) – red, yellow, blue, purple and white – is made by using fruits, roots and leaves of plants. Glutinous rice is soaked in water for 6-8 hours and divided into five parts. Apart from the original white color, the other parts are dyed with a natural food coloring agent and steamed until tender.

The dish can be found at the weekly flea market in Dong Van Town.

From mid-October onwards, the Ha Giang rock plateau blooms with buckwheat flowers, a season which has already made the place a major tourist attraction. Residents use these flowers to make a signature dish – triangle buckwheat cake – that is difficult to find elsewhere.

The buckwheat seeds are harvested, dried and crushed into fine powder. The power is mixed with water to make flat round cakes that are then steamed for about 10 minutes. The cakes bought at the markets can be taken home as a special gift.

HOW TO GET THERE

Ha Giang Town is 300 kilometers from Hanoi and the most popular method of transportation is by overnight sleeper bus, for which tickets can be booked/bought at the My Dinh Bus Station. The journey of around six hours to reach Ha Giang Town costs VND350,00-450,000 ($15-25) per person.

On arrival, hiring a motorbike for VND180,000 a day is probably the best way to explore the undulating paths that embrace the province’s mountainous terrain.

With one’s own motorbike, take National Route 2 to Vinh Yen Town, turn into National Route 2C past Tuyen Quang and Viet Quang towns to reach Ha Giang. This is the easier route, though slightly longer.

To book a transportation to Ha Giang: click here

CONCLUSION

Ha Giang is the perfect place to explore: with its stunning scenery, friendly locals, and unique culture, Ha Giang is sure to be an unforgettable experience. By exploring the Ha Giang, you have the opportunity communicate with local people and communities, traditions and festivals, and impress at the breathtaking beauty of the mountains and valleys.

SapaTravel  are available almost 24/7 with our online supporting team, we are ready to support our customers from 5:00am to 23:30pm every day. So please do not hesitate to contact our assistance number: +84.787.590.333 – Free contact by Whatsapp/ Viber/ sms / or Email us: info@sapatravel.com for any further information or urgent assistance.

THANK YOU AND ENJOY YOUR ADVENTURE WITH SAPA TRAVEL

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