Do you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city? Do you want to relax and be immersed in nature? Do you want to challenge yourself with trekking and other adventurous activities? Undoubtedly, Ha Giang, located in the far northeast of Vietnam, is ideal for your trip. Let’s find things to know before you travel to Ha Giang with Handspan Travel Indochina!

Through this article, you will learn these pieces of information below.

General information about Ha Giang

Ha Giang, about 280 kilometers from Hanoi, is one of the most attractive destinations in the North of Vietnam. It borders Cao Bang Province in the East, Yen Bai and Lao Cai Provinces in the West, Tuyen Quang Province in the South, and China in the North. 

Traveling to Ha Giang

With a total area of nearly 8000 square kilometres, Ha Giang is famous for its stunning landscapes of mountains, rivers, forests, and terraced rice fields. Thanks to these natural conditions, this destination is exceptionally ideal for trekking, rock climbing, and scenic driving. 

Besides natural beauty and adventurous activities, Ha Giang is also well-known for its rich cultural and ethnic identities. It is home to diverse ethnic groups, including the Dao, Hmong, and Tay, with their own unique customs and traditions. When you travel to Ha Giang, you will have a chance to learn about the ethnic minority people’s culture and daily life by visiting local markets, talking with locals,  joining their festivals, etc. The Love Market and New Rice festivals are outstanding festivals in Ha Giang. 

Hmong girl in Ha Giang

In general, Ha Giang will surely exceed your expectations, whether you come here to relax, soak in nature, or learn more about ethnic minorities here. Let’s continue reading for more information!

The ideal time to travel to Ha Giang

Ha Giang has its unique beauty in every season. Therefore, you can travel to Ha Giang at any time of the year, depending on your time and itinerary. Let’s see Ha Giang each season to decide your ideal time to come here. 

Ha Giang in January, February, and March

If you want to admire blooming flowers, the first three months of the year are the ideal time to travel to Ha Giang. During this period, Ha Giang is filled with peach, plum blossoms, and yellow mustard flowers, which creates impressive scenery. Besides, visiting Ha Giang this time, you will have a chance to join featured festivals of the local people, such as the Hmong people’s Gau Tao festival, Tay people’s Long Tong festival, Dao people’s Lap Tinh festival, etc.

Ha Giang in spring

Plum and peach blossoms in Ha Giang

Gau Tao Festival in Ha Giang

Ha Giang from April to June

If you cannot arrange your time to join spring festivals, don’t worry, you can travel to Ha Giang in April when you can enjoy the crowded atmosphere of the Khau Vai Love Market festival. At the festival, you will catch up with local people wearing traditional clothes, dancing, singing, buying goods, etc. 

Khau Vai Love Market Festival

Ha Giang comes to the pouring water season in May and June when the terraced rice fields look like a giant mirror. Walking around the villages, you will catch up with local farmers busy preparing for the new crop. 

Ha Giang in water pouring season

Visiting Ha Giang from July to October

July to October is the best time to travel to Ha Giang. Trekking around the villages or driving your motorbike on winding roads, you can catch up with the glistening scenery of the golden terraced rice fields along the way. 

Yellow terraced rice fields in Ha Giang

Ha Giang in harvesting season

Ha Giang from October to December 

You can admire blooming buckwheat and yellow mustard flowers at this time. Lung Cu Flagpole, Lung Cam - Sung La cultural village, Ma Pi Leng Pass, and Quan Ba are some ideal places to have the best view of bucket flowers. 

Buckwheat flower season in Ha Giang

Principally, Ha Giang is beautiful in any season of the year. However, you may want to check the weather before traveling to Ha Giang for the best experience here. For more detailed information, please refer to our blog post: What is the ideal time to visit Ha Giang?

How to get to Ha Giang from Hanoi?

From Hanoi, you can drive a motorbike or travel by bus or limousine. Let’s see each way in detail. 

Driving a motorbike to Ha Giang

If you are an adventurous lover, driving a motorbike to get to Ha Giang from Hanoi is an ideal choice. By driving a motorbike, you can admire the stunning scenery and stop at any spot on the way. It takes about 7 hours to reach Ha Giang by following one of the two routes below.

• The first route: Hanoi - Vinh Phuc - Viet Tri - Phu Tho - Tuyen Quang - Ha Giang
• The second route: Hanoi - Son Tay- Trung Ha Bridge - Co Tiet - Phong Chau Bridge - Phu Tho - Doan Hung - Tuyen Quang - Ha Giang

Although driving a motorbike is ideal for admiring the landscape, you should be careful if you are unfamiliar with the Vietnamese transportation system. If you are not confident with your driving skill, traveling to Ha Giang by bus or a limousine will be better. 

Getting from Hanoi to Ha Giang by bus

Using a coach is the most common way to reach Ha Giang. There are several bus companies operating the route from Hanoi to Ha Giang, offering both regular and sleeper bus options. The buses run from My Dinh, Luong Yen, Yen Nghia, and Gia Lam bus stations, with the price from VND 200,000/ person/ turn. Quang Tuyen, Quang Dao, and Quang Nghi are some bus companies you can choose from. 

Quang Tuyen bus

Quang Nghi Bus

Getting to Ha Giang from Hanoi by limousine

Compared to the bus, using a limousine with fewer seats is more comfortable for getting to Ha Giang. It takes you from VND 250,000 per seat per turn, depending on the position of the seat you choose. There are many limousine companies that you can choose from, such as Ngoc Cuong Limousine, Luxury Van Limousine, Ha Giang Epic Limousine, etc. 

Ha Giang Epic Limousine

Besides these above means of transportation, you can hire a private car if you want to travel to Ha Giang in your own group. Please do not hesitate to contact us if needed. Otherwise, you can refer to our blog post: How to get from Hanoi to Ha Giang?

Attractions to visit in Ha Giang

Ha Giang has stunning landscapes, diverse ethnic minority cultures, and unique geological formations. Here are some main tourist attractions you should not miss when you travel to Ha Giang.

Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate

Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate, 43 kilometers from Ha Giang City’s center, is 1500 above sea level, between two mountain peaks. It is a scenic mountain pass that provides views of Ha Giang's stunning valleys and peaks. 

View from the Quan Ba Heaven's Gate

Quan Ba Twin Mountain

Quan Ba Twin Mountain, or Co Tien Twin Mountain, is about 40 kilometers from Ha Giang city’s center, located on National Highway 4C, Tam Son Town, Quan Ba, Ha Giang. Depending on the time you come here, you can see it blended with different colors, like the pink of buckwheat flowers, the yellow color of ripe rice fields, and the blue sky. 

Quan Ba Twin Mountain

Dong Van Old Quarter

Dong Van Old Quater, 150 kilometers from Ha Giang city’s center, is one of the attractions you should not miss when you travel to Ha Giang. It is home to the Tay, Hoa, Mong, Nung, and Dao ethnic minorities people. Until now, this spot still retains its ancient beauty and nostalgic atmosphere with typical house architecture.

Dong Van Old Town

Dong Van Karst Plateau

The Dong Van Karst Plateau is a UNESCO Global Geopark located in Ha Giang. This unique and breathtaking landscape is characterized by towering limestone cliffs, deep valleys, and unique rock formations.

Dong Van Karst Plateau

Lung Cu Flag Tower

Located at the northernmost point of Vietnam, this tower offers views of the stunning landscapes of Ha Giang and is a symbol of Vietnamese sovereignty over the northern border region. To reach the flagpole, you will have to climb more than 1000 steps; however, it’s worth it.

Lung Cu Flag Tower

Ma Pi Leng Pass

Ma Pi Leng Pass is one of the most majestic passes in Vietnam, connecting Dong Van and Meo Vac. You can admire a panoramic view of the Nho Que River under and surrounding mountains and forests from the pass. 

Ma Pi Leng Pass

Tu San Alley

Tu San Alley is among the best spots you may want to come to when you travel to Ha Giang. 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 who comes here for its majesty. 

Tu San Alley

The Palace of the Hmong King - Dinh Vua Meo

The Palace of the Hmong King was built in the early 20th century, located in the Xa Phin Commune, Dong Van District, Ha Giang. Besides the unique ancient architecture, you will know more about the history and patriotic stories.

 

The Palace of the Hmong King - Dinh Vua Meo

Besides these above attractions, don’t forget to visit Hoang Su Phi in the ripe rice season to adore a magnificent landscape. 

Refer to our blog post here for more information about the amazing attractions in Ha Giang.

Specialties in Ha Giang

Another major draw for visitors to Ha Giang is its unique and varied cuisine. The region is home to many specialty dishes, such as bamboo shoot soup and corn wine, which are rarely found in other parts of Vietnam. These local foods are often made using traditional cooking methods and ingredients, offering Ha Giang's unique and authentic taste. Below are some specialties you should try when you travel to Ha Giang. 

Thang Co

This dish includes horse, beef, pork, and buffalo meat. Besides the meat's tasty flavor, the broth is a particular characteristic of this food. It is mixed from 12 different spices, such as pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, etc. You may find this dish strange; however, if you want to know more about the locals, it is really worth trying. 

Thang Co Ha Giang

Buckwheat flower cake

Buckwheat flower cake is a typical cake of the Mong people in Ha Giang. The cake has a fragrant, slightly sweet taste.

Au tau porridge

Au tau porridge is made from upland glutinous rice, grilled pork, and Au tau tubers. This dish is extremely good for health and helps against joint pain. The bitter taste of Au tau tuber, combined with the aroma of pork and spices, creates an unforgettable flavor.  

Au tau porridge

Let’s travel to Ha Giang and try unique specialties here! Besides those above dishes, there are many other tasty foods you should not miss. Refer to our blog post: The top 09 must-try foods in Ha Giang.

Accommodations in Ha Giang

Ha Giang has various accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the most common options.

Homestays

Homestays are a popular and affordable option in Ha Giang, allowing you to experience local life and culture. Staying in the homestays, you will have a chance to learn the unique customs and traditions of the area. Below are some homestays you should refer to when you travel to Ha Giang. 

• Homie homestay Ha Giang
  • Address: Lo Lo, Dong Van, Ha Giang

Homie homestay Ha Giang impresses tourists with the Lo Lo people’s beautiful and harmonious wall house architecture. Staying here, you will have a chance to learn to cook local dishes, embroidery, sew basic patterns, and dye. 

Homie Homestay Ha Giang

Homie Homestay Ha Giang

• Auberge de Meo Vac
  • Address: Chung Pa A, Meo Vac, Ha Giang

Auberge de Meo Vac is imbued with the style of the Hmong people with plain decoration. You will have a chance to enjoy the majestic atmosphere and nature and experience: massage, restaurant, bar serving drinks, etc. 

Auberge de Meo Vac

• Dao Lodge
  • Address: Nam Dam, Quan Ba, Ha Giang

Dao Lodge Homestay Ha Giang is an ideal place to learn about the Dao people’s daily life. The homestay has a unique space designed from bamboo and soil, creating a warm and close feeling. 

Dao Lodge

More homestays in Ha Giang here: The top 07 amazing homestays in Ha Giang you should not miss.

Hotels

Ha Giang has a range of hotels, from budget options to more luxurious accommodations. These can range from basic guesthouses to larger, more modern hotels and are a good option for those who prefer a more traditional type of accommodation. Below are some hotels you can refer to.

• Hoa Cuong Hotel Ha Giang
  • Address: 70 Le Quy Don Street, Nguyen Trai Ward, Ha Giang City, Ha Giang Province

Hoa Cuong Hotel Ha Giang is located in the center of Ha Giang City, with a quiet and airy landscape. The hotel has five floors and 34 rooms divided into three room types: rooms with one bed, two beds, and three beds. All rooms are equipped with modern equipment, such as a TV with an Internet connection, wifi, etc.

Hoa Cuong Hotel Ha Giang

• Hoa Cuong Dong Van Hotel
  • Address: Dong Van Town, Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province

Hoa Cuong Dong Van Hotel, located in the center of Dong Van Town, is another hotel in the Hoa Cuong Hotel Group. Staying in the hotel, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Dong Van Town and easily reach the Dong Van Karst Plateau. The hotel has nine floors and 81 bedrooms, including 58 Twin rooms, seven 3-bed rooms, 14 1-bed rooms, and 2 VIP rooms. 

• Hoa Cuong Meo Vac Hotel
  • Address: Meo Vac Town, Meo Vac District, Ha Giang Province

Hoa Cuong Meo Vac Hotel is smaller than Hoa Cuong Ha Giang Hotel and Hoa Cuong Dong Van Hotel, with only 28 rooms. However, it is also equipped with modern facilities which bring you the comfortability. 

• Phoenix Hotel Ha Giang
  • Address: 92T Nguyen Trai Street, Ha Giang City, Ha Giang Province

Phoenix Hotel is an ideal choice of accommodation when you travel to Ha Giang. Besides the ideal location and space, the hotel also provides tourists with luxurious and comfortable rooms, advanced facilities, and services from cuisine to health and beauty care. 

Phoenix Hotel Ha Giang

Most rooms in the hotel have a panoramic view of the city and beautiful natural scenery. There are 140 rooms divided into three room types: Superior, Deluxe, and Suite Room.

Resorts

For those looking for a more luxurious experience, there are several resorts in Ha Giang that offer high-end facilities and services. These resorts are typically located in more remote areas, surrounded by stunning natural scenery. Here are some resorts you may not want to miss when you travel to Ha Giang.

• P’apiu Resort
  • Address: Yen Dinh Commune, Bac Me District, Ha Giang Province

P’apiu Resort is one of the most luxurious resorts in Ha Giang, nestled in the dense forest. This resort is exceptionally suitable for couples, with only three rooms: The Mellow, Layla Qays, and The Fluffy. Each room has a different design and decoration style and is fully equipped with modern facilities. Besides the unique space, you will also have a chance to enjoy many services in P’apiu resort, such as outdoor jacuzzi, foot massage, zipline, outdoor movie, etc. 

P'apiu Resort in Ha Giang

Zipline in P'apiu Resort

Outdoor jacuzzi in P'apiu Resort

• Ecolodge Pan Hou Village
  • Address: Giang Village, Thong Nguyen, Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang

Ecolodge Pan Hou Village is an environmentally-friendly resort in Ha Giang with a Solar hot water system and fan. Staying here, you can admire and immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of Hoang Su Phi and learn about the culture of nearby ethnic minority people. 

Ecolodge Pan Hou Village

The resort has 30 rooms divided into four room types: Superior Window, Deluxe Balcony, Suite, and Dormitory room (16 single beds). All rooms are provided with full amenities with warm decorations. 

Superior room at Ecolodge Pan Hou Village

Deluxe Balcony room at Ecolodge Pan Hou Village

• H’mong Village Resort
  • Address: Trang Kim, Dong Ha Commune, Quan Ba District, Ha Giang Province

Hmong Village Resort

H’mong Village Resort attracts tourists through its unique architecture and designs imbued with the typical cultural identity of the locals. The resort has a total area of 20 ha, including two areas: 25 bungalows and a community stilt house with a capacity of 50 people. Staying in the resort, you will have an opportunity to experience a trekking tour to explore the Lung Khuy Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in Ha Giang. Besides, you can also take a local tour to traditional craft villages such as the traditional flax weaving village of the Mong people in Lung Tam, the traditional corn wine-making village of the Mong people in Thanh Van, etc. 

Lung Khuy Cave

For more detailed information or to book any accommodation above, please do not hesitate to contact our Handspan team.

Some tips before you travel to Ha Giang

Before traveling to Ha Giang, it will be better to check everything beforehand. Here are some tips you may want to refer to before you travel to Ha Giang. 

Plan your itinerary

Ha Giang is a large province; therefore, it's essential to plan your itinerary to make the most of your time there. Let’s decide the sites you want to visit and learn how to reach these sites. 

Pack appropriately

Ha Giang may be pretty cold in the evenings or early mornings, even in the summer. Accordingly, you should pack warm items of clothing. Besides, bringing essential items such as toiletries, medicine, and a first aid kit is a good idea.

Get travel insurance

Traveling to Ha Giang is quite adventurous; therefore, travel insurance may be needed. It can provide peace of mind in case of unexpected events such as illness, injury, or lost or stolen belongings.

Respect local customs

Ha Giang is home to many minority ethnic groups,  each with their own unique culture and customs. It's essential to be respectful and learn about these cultures before visiting. 

Be aware of the road conditions.

The roads in Ha Giang are exceptionally winding and steep, and conditions can be challenging, especially during the rainy season. So, ensure that you have a reliable mode of transportation and a skilled driver. If you are unfamiliar with Vietnam’s transportation system, please do not drive a motorbike yourself, as this is quite dangerous. 

Ha Giang sample tour packages

Ha Giang is relatively large. Therefore, it will be better if you take a tour package to Ha Giang instead of traveling on your own. Here are two Ha Giang tour packages that Handspan Travel Indochina offers. 

Terraced Beauty: Exploring Hoang Su Phi and Sapa

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Northern Vietnam's cultural and natural treasures. Explore the captivating landscapes of Hoang Su Phi and Bac Ha's legendary Rice Terraces, witnessing the living heritage of the region. Here is the general itinerary. 

• Day 1: Hanoi - Lao Cai
• Day 2:  Lao Cai - Hoang Su Phi
• Day 3: Hoang Su Phi - Bac Ha
• Day 4: Bac Ha - Sapa
• Day 5: Sapa - Hanoi

For detailed information, please refer here: Terraced Beauty: Exploring Hoang Su Phi and Sapa.

Ha Giang

Epic Expedition Ha Giang to Ba Be

This epic expedition Ha Giang to Ba Be has been handcrafted to bring you an array of colorful ethnic minority communities, stay in local villages, and visit lively tribal markets while traveling through dramatic mountain and forest landscapes. Let's have a look at the itinerary!

• Day 1: Hanoi - Xuan Giang
• Day 2: Xuan Giang - Quan Ba
• Day 3: Quan Ba - Dong Van - Meo Vac
• Day 4: Meo Vac Hiking
• Day 5: Meo Vac - Ba Be National Park
• Day 6: Ba Be National Park
• Day 7: Ba Be - Hanoi

For more information, here is the tour package you can refer to: Epic Expedition Ha Giang to Ba Be. 

In conclusion, you have just learned some detailed information before you travel to Ha Giang. Should you need any assistance with hotel/ tours, please feel free to contact us anytime.