Ha Giang is a mountainous northern Vietnam province known for its scenic landscapes, ethnic diversity, and vibrant cultural heritage. Let’s find out amazing attractions in Ha Giang with Handspan Travel Indochina!

Through this article, you will learn detailed information about these attractions below.

Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate

• Address: Quan Ba District, Ha Giang Province

Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate is one of the attractions in Ha Giang that you should not miss. The Quan Ba Heaven's Gate is a mountain pass about 1,500 meters above sea level. From the gate, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The gate is named "Heaven's Gate" because it is believed to be the entrance to heaven by the local people.

View from the Quan Ba Heaven's Gate

To reach the Quan Ba Heaven's Gate, you will have to take a winding road with cliffs on one side and an abyss on the other side. The road is quite steep and narrow, but the views along the way are absolutely stunning. If you drive your own motorbike, you should drive carefully and be mindful of your surroundings. 

The winding road to Quan Ba Heaven's Gate

Let’s come here and immerse yourself in the majestic nature!

Quan Ba Twin Mountains

• Address: 4C Highway, Quan Ba District, Ha Giang Province

Quan Ba Twin Mountain, or Co Tien Twin Mountain, is about 40 kilometers from Ha Giang city’s center. It is also among the attractions in Ha Giang you should visit. The two peaks of the Quan Ba Twin Mountains are about 1,200 meters high. The scenery around the mountains is breathtaking, with terraced fields, winding roads, and small villages dotting the landscape.

Quan Ba Twin Mountains

Depending on the time you come here, you can see it blended with different colors.  They are the pink of buckwheat flowers, the yellow of ripe rice fields, and the blue sky. Coming to Quan Ba Twin Mountains, you can enjoy the stunning surrounding scenery. Besides, don't miss trekking or hiking, and participate in outdoor activities such as cycling or motorcycling.

Quan Ba Twin Mountains

The area around Quan Ba Twin Mountains is home to several ethnic minority communities, including the Hmong, Dao, and Tay people. You will have a chance to learn about their rich cultural heritage, traditions, and way of life by visiting local markets, festivals, and homestays.

Dong Van Old Quarter

• Address: Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province

With its stunning landscape and ancient beauty, Dong Van Old Quarter is indeed one of the worth-visiting attractions in Ha Giang. It is a well-preserved area that showcases the unique architectural and cultural heritage of the local ethnic minorities, such as the Hmong, Tay, and Hoa. 

Dong Van Old Town

Coming to the Dong Van Old Quarter, you can immerse in the nostalgic space and atmosphere here. Walking around, you will catch up with traditional houses surrounded by magnificent mountains and forests. The houses in the town are made of clay bricks with wooden frames and tile roofs and have a distinct Chinese and French architectural influence. Many of them feature ornate carvings and decorations that reflect the cultural and artistic traditions of the local people. Ca Phe Pho Co is one of the well-preserved houses with intact architecture in the area. You may want to stay here to enjoy a cup of coffee and admire a panoramic view of the town. 

Ca Phe Pho Co Dong Van

Besides ancient houses, you can also visit traditional markets where ethnic minority people from nearby villages come to sell their goods in Dong Van. The Dong Van Sunday Market is one of the most famous in the region, attracting visitors from all over Vietnam and abroad. Visiting the markets, you will catch up with various stalls, boys and girls in their traditional clothes, and find souvenirs to bring home. 

Dong Van Market

Now, it’s time to visit Dong Van Old Quarter and have your own experience here!

Dong Van Karst Plateau

The Dong Van Karst Plateau is a UNESCO Global Geopark located on the territory of all four districts of Ha Giang province, namely Dong Van, Yen Minh, Quan Ba, and Meo Vac, with a total area of 2500 square kilometers. This unique and breathtaking landscape is characterized by towering limestone cliffs, deep valleys, and unique rock formations. Passing about 150 kilometres of winding roads with a deep abyss on one side and rocky mountains on the other, you will see the majestic scenery of Dong Van rocky plateau hidden in the landscape.

Dong Van Karst Plateau

Coming to Dong Van Karst Plateau, you will have exciting experiences, from crossing adventurous passes to admiring poetic and romantic flower valleys. Let’s see things you may not want to miss in Dong Van Karst Plateau!

Adoring the majestic scenery

The Dong Van Karst Plateau is recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark for its exceptional geological and cultural heritage. The region contains numerous geological features that have been shaped by millions of years of erosion, including caves, sinkholes, and towering rock formations. 

Dong Van Karst Plateau

Each season, Dong Van Karst Plateau has a distinct beauty with different types of flowers. Coming here in spring, you will catch up with blooming plum blossoms and peach blossoms. In autumn, you can see the pink and purple colour of buckwheat flowers covering the hillsides. 

Buckwheat flower in Dong Van Karst Plateau

Learning about ethnic minority people's life

The plateau is also home to diverse ethnic communities, including the Hmong, Tay, Dao, etc. The local people have developed unique cultural traditions and customs that have been preserved over the centuries. Visiting the Dong Van Karst Plateau, you can learn about the locals' culture, people, life, and customs. You will catch up with the walled houses, the traditional brocade clothes, local people working in the fields, babies carried on mother’s back, etc. 

Local life in the Dong Van Karst Plateau

Indeed, Dong Van Karst Plateau is among the fantastic attractions in Ha Giang you should visit, thanks to the stunning scenery. Let’s come here and enjoy various outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the local markets and traditional villages!

Lung Cu Flag Tower

• Address: Lung Cu Village, Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province
• Sightseeing fee; VND 25,000

Located at the northernmost point in Vietnam, the highest point of the Dong Van Karst Plateau, Lung Cu Flag Tower is also among the attractions in Ha Giang you should visit. The tower has the shape of a sword, which symbolizes the strength and determination of the Vietnamese people. The flag tower’s huge flag measures 54 square meters representing 54 ethnic groups across Vietnam.

Lung Cu Flag Tower

To reach the flagpole, you must climb more than 1000 steps; however, it’s worth it. The higher you climb, the more stunning the scenery is. Reaching the peak, you can admire a panoramic view of the surrounding green hills and villages interspersed with colorful terraced fields. 

Visiting Lung Cu Flag Tower, you may also want to drop in the Lung Cu Village, which is home to the Lo Lo ethnic minority. Coming here, you will have a chance to experience the unique culture and traditions of the local people and learn about their traditional stilt houses. Also, you can explore the surrounding countryside, characterized by steep hills and winding valleys. 

Lung Cu Village

Ma Pi Leng Pass

• Address: 4C Highway, Pa Vi & Pai Lung Communes, Meo Vac District, Ha Giang Province

Ma Pi Leng Pass is one of the most beautiful mountain passes in Vietnam and is among the famous attractions in Ha Giang for tourists and adventure-seekers. The Ma Pi Leng Pass is not only a popular tourist attraction but also an important transportation route for local people, connecting the towns of Dong Van and Meo Vac. 

Ma Pi Leng Pass

The pass stretches around 20 kilometres and winds through the Dong Van Karst Plateau towering mountains. The road is narrow and winding, with steep cliffs dropping down to the Nho Que River, which flows far below. The pass is also known for its hairpin bends and switchbacks, which provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Driving along the Ma Pi Leng Pass, you will have a chance to admire the rolling mountains, terraced fields, small houses along the road, the local people carrying a baby on their backs, etc. From the Ma Pi Leng Pass peak, about 1200 above sea level, you can adore a breathtaking view of the Nho Que River and surrounding mountains and forests. Most of the year, the river has an emerald-green colour glistening between the rocky foothills. 

Let’s come here and enjoy the sense of adventure!

Tu San Alley

• Address: Meo Vac District, Ha Giang Province

Tu San Alley is one of the ideal attractions in Ha Giang for those seeking to explore Vietnam's natural beauty and cultural diversity. With a cliff height of nearly 800m, a depth of almost 1km, and a length of 1.7km, Tu San Alley makes an unforgettable impression on every tourist. 

Tu San Alley

The alley stretches approximately 10 kilometres along the Nho Que River, which winds through towering limestone mountains and deep valleys. Boating along the river, you will catch up with the cascading waterfalls, terraced rice fields, and rugged mountain peaks. 

Besides admiring the stunning scenery, you can also learn about local people’s lives when visiting the Tu San Alley. This area is home to several ethnic minority communities, including the Hmong, Tay, and Dao, who have preserved their traditional ways of life and cultural practices for generations. 

The Palace of the Hmong King - Dinh Vua Meo

• Address: Xa Phin Commune, Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province

The Palace of the Hmong King, also known as Dinh Vua Meo, is among the historical and cultural attractions in Ha Giang you should not miss. The palace was built in the early 20th century by the Hmong ethnic minority community, who lived in the surrounding area and were led by a local king. 

The Palace of the Hmong King

Coming here, you will be impressed by its traditional Hmong architecture, with a distinctive sloping roof, wooden pillars, and intricate carvings. You will find an array of decorative details, including ornate carvings of dragons and other mythical creatures, as well as colourful murals depicting scenes from Hmong folklore and daily life. Besides unique architecture, the palace offers you a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Hmong people. You will have a chance to see traditional clothing, handicrafts, and artifacts, as well as photographs and documents that trace the history of the Hmong community and their relationship with the surrounding region, and enjoy traditional music and dance shows. 

Now, it’s time to come here and get a deeper understanding of the Hmong way of life and culture! 

Yen Minh Pine forest

• Address: Na Khe Commune, Yen Minh District, Ha Giang Province

Yen Minh Pine Forest is also among the impressive attractions in Ha Giang you should not miss. The forest is part of the larger Phin Ho Highland and is characterized by its dense pine trees, which cover the rolling hills and create a stunning landscape. 

Yen Minh Pine Forest

Coming to Yen Minh Pine forest, you can immerse yourself in a peaceful and refreshing atmosphere and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The forest offers a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and picnicking. Especially if you are a photography lover, Yen Minh Pine forest is an ideal spot. The scenery here looks more glistening at sunset or sunrise when the sunlight creates a golden glow over the pine trees.

Besides natural beauty, the Yen Minh Pine forest is also home to the Tay ethnic minority group. Visiting the pine forest, you can learn about the Tay's unique culture, traditions, and way of life by visiting nearby villages and engaging with the locals. 

Pho Bang Village

• Address: Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province

Pho Bang Village

With unique culture, beautiful pristine scenery, and traditional architecture, Pho Bang Village is indeed one of the must-visit attractions in Ha Giang. The route leading to Pho Bang Village is pretty hard to drive; however, you will find it’s worth it when you see the small village hidden in the rocky plateau valley. Let’s see how amazing the village is!

Pho Bang Village’s stunning scenery

Visiting Pho Bang Village, you can immerse yourself in the majesty of the Northeast mountain and blooming flowers. The village is stunning with the yellow colour of canola flowers, the red colour of roses, and the pink color of peach blossoms in different seasons. Especially in the autumn, you can catch up with the buckwheat flower hills under the cool weather climate.

Buckwheat flower in Pho Bang Village

Pho Bang Village’s traditional architecture

Wandering in Pho Bang Village, you will find ancient small houses with cracked and yellowed walls covered with green moss and old doors. The houses in Pho Bang Village are built using a combination of traditional Chinese and local architectural styles. The houses are made of mud and stone and are often decorated with intricate carvings and colorful paintings. 

Clay house in Pho Bang Village

Local people’s idyllic life

Pho Bang Village is home to the Mong and Hoa ethnic minorities whose lives are associated with the fields. Although their living conditions are plain, they still live cheerfully. Walking around the village, you will catch up with local people working in the fields, the elderly chewing betel nuts, and children playing happily in their dirty clothes. 

Children in Pho Bang Village

Let’s come to Pho Bang Village and enjoy the nostalgic beauty here!

Hoang Su Phi

Hoang Su Phi, a district in the West of Ha Giang Province, is also on the list of worth-visiting attractions in Ha Giang. It appeals to tourists by stretching terraced rice fields and stunning natural beauty of waterfalls, mountains, and villages. Below are some things to do in Hoang Su Phi you can refer to.

Admiring terraced rice fields in Hoang Su Phi

If you visit Hoang Su Phi during the water-pouring season from April to June and the ripe rice season in September and October, you can admire the glistening scenery. Phung Village, Ho Thau Village, Thong Nguyen, Luoc Village - San Sa Ho, and Nam Ty are some best places to see the terraced rice fields in Hoang Su Phi. 

Terrace rice fields in Hoang Su Phi

Seeing the buckwheat flowers

After the ripe rice season, Ha Giang comes to the buckwheat flowers' blooming season. Besides the Dong Van Karst Plateau area, Hoang Su Phi is also an ideal spot to see this type of flower. 

Climbing the Chieu Lau Thi peak

Chieu Lau Thi is located in the Ho Thau Commune, 42 kilometres from the centre of Hoang Su Phi. Staying at the Chieu Lau Thi peak, you can admire a panoramic view of the surrounding areas. 

Chieu Lau Thi Peak

Visiting Hoang Su Phi Fair

If you visit Hoang Su Phi on Sunday, you should not miss visiting the Hoang Su Phi Fair. This fair is where local people buy and sell daily life items such as vegetables, fabrics, embroidery thread, farming tools, etc., and talk with each other. 

Sung La Valley 

The Sung La Valley, a picturesque valley in the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, is also among the attractions in Ha Giang you may not want to miss. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, with rolling hills, terraced rice paddies, and traditional ethnic minority villages. Coming to the Sung La Valley, you should join the activities below. 

Trekking, hiking, and cycling through the scenic countryside

The Sung La Valley impresses tourists with its peaceful atmosphere and pristine natural scenery. Especially in October and November, the valley is extremely gorgeous with buckwheat flowers. Trekking, hiking, and cycling around the valley is the best way to immerse yourself in the majesty here.

Sung La Valley

Exploring ethnic minority people’s life

Visiting Sung La Valley, you will have a chance to learn about local people’s daily life. Local people here grow buckwheat, canola flowers on high hillsides, and rice and corn in the valleys. Walking around, you will catch up with images of children playing in the flower fields and young girls and boys in traditional costumes with slings on their shoulders working in the fields, etc. 

Visiting the Lui Fair

Lui Fair is held once a week on Wednesday or Thursday. Coming here, you can find various stalls selling different goods, from agricultural products to fabrics, cattle and poultry, etc. Besides, the market is also a place where local people meet, chat, and make friends with each other. 

Let’s come to the Sung La Valley and have your own experience!

Lung Khuy Cave

• Address: Quan Ba Commune, Quan Ba District, Ha Giang Province

Lung Khuy Cave is also on the list of amazing attractions in Ha Giang. It is a natural cave with a length of about 1 kilometre, and it is surrounded by mountains and forests. From outside, you can see a system of stalactites with dark yellow rough stone columns. Setting foot in the cave, you will be overwhelmed by the dense and concentrated stalactites and stalagmites in different forms and shapes. Thanks to the sturdy walkway and lighting systems, you can easily walk in the cave. 

Lung Khuy Cave

With pristine beauty, Lung Khuy Cave will undoubtedly bring you an unforgettable experience. Just remember to wear sports shoes and comfortable clothes, and bring water and snacks when visiting the cave. 

In conclusion, you have just learned about the top 13 fascinating attractions in Ha Giang with impressive characteristics. For more information about the ideal time to visit Ha Giang, specialties and accommodations in Ha Giang, please read our blog post: Ha Giang Travel Guide: Things you should know before you travel to Ha Giang. If you need more assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our Handspan team. Let’s refer to our Ha Giang tour package below for a complete experience in Ha Giang.

 

Terraced Beauty: Exploring Hoang Su Phi and Sapa

Epic Expedition Ha Giang to Ba Be