Top 16 Must-do Activities in Ha Giang

By Kayla LE - September 26, 2023
Top 16 Must-do Activities in Ha Giang

Ha Giang Province, located about 320km from Hanoi, is one of Vietnam's most exhilarating travel destinations. Known for its breathtaking limestone mountains, formidable mountain passes, winding roads, and mist-shrouded villages, the area is a long-time traditional residency for various ethnic minority groups who continue to preserve their traditional customs and lifestyles. The unspoiled natural beauty and authentic cultural diversity make Ha Giang a fantastic destination for an enriching travel experience. The best way to explore the marvels of Ha Giang is to set out by car or to hop on a motorbike, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the extraordinary landscapes and unique local culture. Below are highly suggested best things to do in Ha Giang. Let's start exploring with Izitour!

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What to do in Ha Giang ?

 

1. Witness Heaven Gate & the Quan Ba twin mountains

ha giang what to do

Heaven's Gate and Quan Ba ​​twin mountains are the first destinations among Ha Giang tourist attractions, located at an altitude of more than 1500 meters and about 43 km from Ha Giang city. Heaven's Gate is located between two mountain peaks and is lowered just enough for a road to pass through. This road marks the beginning of the "Happiness Road" which is the gateway to Ha Giang. From the top of the mountain, you can admire the panoramic view of the Northwest mountains.

Heaven Gate has a highly favorable location. From afar, you can see the silhouette of Quan Ba ​​twin mountains, appearing elegantly in the mist and bathed in the rays of the rising sun. Standing at the top, clouds, and dew blend together to create a scene reminiscent of a fairyland. It's fair to say that this is a great place to admire the majestic beauty of nature in its full glory.

However, it's best to visit on non-foggy days, as you have to climb stairs to reach the top to see this site. On beautiful sunny days, pay attention to the map and stop at the right place to climb up to see Heaven's Gate and Quan Ba ​​twin mountains.

>> The picturesque Quan Ba Heaven Gate

2. Explore Linen Weaving in the Lung Tam Brocade Village

what to do ha giang

The Linen Weaving Village of Lung Tam is located in Lung Tam commune, Quan Ba district, Ha Giang province, approximately 50km from the city of Ha Giang. Weaving fabric is a traditional craft in Lùng Tám, as people of all ages, from the young to the old, understand the various stages and are proficient in the art of linen weaving. Therefore,  when you visit Lùng Tám's Linen Weaving Village, you can explore the unique aspects of this ancient craft, from the stages of selecting linen fiber and weaving fabric to dyeing the fabric. Additionally, you can purchase remarkable souvenir items to bring back with you, such as pants, shirts, scarves, wallets, and bags.

3. Witness the Beauty of Pho Bang ancient town

ha giang must see

Pho Bang is situated in the Dong Van district, near the Vietnam-China border. It's just about 5km off the main route from Ha Giang City to the Dong Van stone plateau. Continuing your journey from Quan Ba, you'll travel another 50km to reach Yen Minh. Along the way, you'll pass through stunning pine forests near Yen Minh. After refueling in Yen Minh, your next leg takes you 45km further to Pho Bang. You'll have the option to pause at the Dong Van stone plateau before making your way to Pho Bang. The town might be easy to miss if you're not familiar with the area, as many travelers become captivated by other routes and inadvertently bypass Pho Bang. However, it's this very obscurity that allows Pho Bang to maintain its untouched charm as a tranquil mountain town. Virtually free from tourist crowds, it possesses a unique beauty that you won't find elsewhere.

>> Pho Bang Town - The Ancient Town in the Northeast Mountain of Vietnam

4. Visit Dong Van ancient town and its weekend market

what to do in ha giang city

The journey from Pho Bang to Dong Van offers an array of stunning vistas and well-known tourist spots. Highlights include Tham Ma Slope and Chin Khoanh Pass, which serve as iconic landmarks in Ha Giang. At these locations, you'll often encounter international travelers, landscape photographers, and even local H'Mong children carrying baskets filled with flowers.
Dong Van is located 150 km away from Ha Giang City. Therefore, if you're traveling from Ha Giang City, you'll likely arrive in Dong Van by late afternoon. Most visitors opt to spend the night here before continuing their exploration. While staying in Dong Van, tourists can engage in a variety of enjoyable activities in the old town. Options include participating in traditional games, sitting around campfires, and enjoying local dance and music performances. Especially. Dong Van weekly market happens on Sunday attracs not only local people come to trade but also the tourist from afar.

>> Exploring Dong Van Ancient Town in the Heart of the Karst Plateau

5. Visit Meo Vac market

things to do in ha giang city

Meo Vac market is one of the most famous markets in Ha Giang. Coming to this market, visitors will be immersed in the colorful cultural space of the highland ethnic groups. Meo Vac market is located right in the center of Meo Vac town and is the largest market in Ha Giang province. The market is held only once a week on Sunday mornings. In addition to selling items such as agricultural products and supplies, Meo Vac market is also a focal point for supplying cows to traders. To visit Meo Vac market, visitors should get up early, around 4 - 5 am, because this is the time the market begins to meet. 

6. Visit H'mong King's palace

hmong king palace ha giang things to do

King Meo's mansion is located in Sa Phin Valley, Lung Phin, Dong Van. The project was started in 1898 and completed after 9 years, in 1907. Although it has gone through more than a century and many events, this mansion still retains its ancient beauty, little affected by the weather. terrain and climate. Today, King Meo's mansion has become an attractive destination on Ha Giang tours. You can comfortably visit architectural works and explore the unique cultural features here without or with a local tourist guide.

>> The Mysterious Hmong King Palace in Ha Giang

7. Visit Pao's house

best time to visit ha giang

Pao's house is located in Sung La commune, Dong Van district, Ha Giang. This house has become famous after being the filming location for Movie The Story of Pao. To get to this house, visitors will have to travel about 20 kilometers from Dong Van district. Pao's house belongs to a wealthy H'Mong family in Sung La valley. That's why it has a bit of an ancient feel, imbued with the culture of the nobility of the past. The house is made entirely by hand. The entrance gate is designed quite simply and made from wood but shows wealth. This place also stores many household items and production equipment of ethnic minorities in this land. Not only can you visit Pao's house, but you can walk around Sung La village to see the daily life of the people here.

8. Visit Lung Cu flagpole

ha giang tourist attractions

Lung Cu Flagpole is considered a symbol of Ha Giang, a milestone marking the sovereignty of Northern Vietnam, about 25 km from Dong Van. To conquer Cot Co Lung Cu, visitors can walk or tram some distance from the parking lot. Then climb over 380 stone steps to the flagpole area, where the 54m wide national flag hangs. From above, visitors can see the mountains and forests and the beautiful Dong Van town.

9. Lo Lo Chai ethnic village

lo lo chai what to do in ha giang

After visiting the Lung Cu flagpole, only about 1km away, visitors can go down to visit Lo Lo Chai village. This is the place where most of the Lo Lo and H'mong people have lived and settled for many generations.  Lo Lo Chai village still retains almost intact cultural features from ancient times, from the material and spiritual life of the Lo Lo people in the Stone Plateau; The architecture of the house shows walls and tiled roofs; traditional crafts such as embroidery, carpentry,... to traditional festivals such as: worshiping the forest god, new rice celebration, new house celebration and especially folk dances. In Lo Lo village, in addition to admiring the simple but beautiful scenery, visitors can also interact with the people here, and try on traditional costumes or national musical instruments such as playing drums and blowing trumpet,...

>> Discover the Life of Lo Lo Ethnic Group in Dong Van - Ha Giang

10. Experience Khau Vai market

what to do in ha giang festival

Khau Vai market - Meo Vac (Ha Giang), also known as "love market", is held only once every year on the 27th day of the third lunar month. Coming to Khau Vai Love Market Festival, visitors will be able to participate in experiencing and discovering unique and attractive activities imbued with the traditional cultural identity of ethnic minorities in Ha Giang province and enjoy the specialties of Ha Giang province. Special art performances to experience are: H'Mong flute blowing performance of Sung Tra commune and Meo Vac town; Singing Nung ethnic folk songs; Singing Giay ethnic folk songs; Bronze drum dance, two-string dance of the Lo Lo ethnic group, Meo Vac town,...

>> The Unique Khau Vai Love Market Happens Only Once Every Year

11. Explore Nho Que River

ha giang things to do

Nho Que River is about 30km from Dong Van, the road to the river is quite bumpy so you have to make sure you can drive well. However, this is an experience worth having when coming to Ha Giang because, on the boat experience, you will clearly feel the majestic natural scenery on both sides of the cliffs and the clear blue water.

Especially in the area of ​​Tu San Alley, it is recognized as the deepest valley in Southeast Asia with a depth of 1,000m. When crossing Tu San Alley during a trip to the Nho Que River in Ha Giang, you will be overwhelmed when you see the deep abysses, and majestic beauties that can only appear in the pristine Northeast land and majestic.

>> Travelling to Ha Giang - Admire Nho Que river

12. Conquer the Ma Pi Leng Pass

ha giang attractions

Ma Pi Leng Pass Ha Giang is one of the most beautiful, majestic, and winding passes in Vietnam, a place that fascinates many backpackers from all over the country... The pass is located on Highway 4C, Pa Vi and Pai Lung communes, Meo Vac district, Ha Giang province.

Ma Pi Leng is located on the road named Hanh Phuc to connect Dong Van town and Meo Vac district together. It is listed as one of the "Four Great Passes" of the North and a top place among Ha Giang attractions. This pass is about 20km long with majestic scenery, so it is very suitable for those who want to admire the scenery of Ha Giang.

>> Ma Pi Leng Pass - one of the four great passes of Vietnam

13. Visit Pa Vi Hmong village

pa vi hmong ha giang things to do

Pa Vi H'Mong Village is a peaceful village located at the foot of Ma Pi Leng Pass. Pa Vi H'Mong Village is a unique tourist destination that attracts many visitors. The village has a total area of ​​about 46,000 square meters with 3 main areas including nearly 30 households. At Pa Vi H'Mong Village, many cultural beauties of the ancient people are still preserved, from architecture, houses, and costumes. Some of them provide the homestay services for tourists. Coming to this place, you will get lost in traditional walled houses with impressive yin and yang tiled roofs. In particular, the Pa Vi Ha Village Community Cultural Tourism Village also regularly holds cultural activities. , sports help make your exploration more memorable.

14. Relax in Du Gia

what to do in ha giang town

After conquering Ma Pi Leng Pass, you can explore Meo Vac and Mau Due and the final destination is Du Gia. Note that the road from Meo Vac to Mau Due is quite bad, so depending on the weather, you should consider whether to follow this route or not. Du Gia is about 70km from Ha Giang city. This is a place with high mountains, a village of Tay, and H'mong people living next to the clear, green river all year round. This place is still quite new on the tourist map of Vietnam, but for those who love to explore and experience, the name Du Gia Ha Giang is probably not too strange. You can rest here to explore Ha Giang before ending the journey and returning to the city. A prominent place in Du Gia is Du Gia Waterfall - The stream is poured directly from a waterfall about 6m high, and about 2m wide, flowing day and night. So if you go in the summer you can also experience bathing in the cool waterfall here.

15. Hoang Su Phi

things to do in ha giang hoang su phi

Western Vietnam is more vivid when it has Hoang Su Phi. Hoang Su Phi district is celebrated for its captivating terraced rice fields and ethnic culture. The district's landscape boasts cascading rice paddies that form a stunning mosaic of hues. Beyond its natural beauty, Hoang Su Phi offers a window into Vietnam's ethnic culture. H'mong and Dao culture for a long time has been developed amidst the rough mountains. Visitors can partake in traditional festivals, admire indigenous attire, and explore intricate handicrafts. This serene locale, marked by warm hospitality, surely offers an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience. Hoang Su Phi's harmonious blend of nature and tradition makes it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

>> The Charm of Hoang Su Phi's People and Terraced Field

16. Stay one night in a homestay at Thon Tha Village

things to do in ha giang

Thon Tha village is a cultural village in Ha Giang that is only about 5km from the city. This may be the first destination that tourists can stop at in Ha Giang. This is a mountainous village of peaceful and quiet beauty with rustic stilt houses, rice fields, lush bamboo rows... and typical features of the Tay ethnic people in Ha Giang. Coming here, you also have the opportunity to stay at a Homestay, interact, and learn about the lifestyle and culture of indigenous people through activities such as harvesting rice, weaving, or enjoying specialties,... In addition to exploring the scenery natural beauty, terraced fields, or visiting Tay households in the village, you can also walk along the forest edge or go to Tien stream and Ha Thanh waterfall to experience.

>> The Serenity of Tha Village in Ha Giang

Ha Giang is beautiful all year around, when each season offers its own unique charm and beauty. From October to November will be the blooming season of Tam Giac Mach flowers. From December to Lunar New Year, yellow mustard flowers will appear in many areas. Around February and March, plum and peach blossoms will bloom. Summer in Ha Giang from May - June - July will appear with many sudden rains but also bring many beautiful scenes to admire. Because of the pleasant weather and breathtaking scenery, Ha Giang is always among the top choice for people looking for an off the beaten track get away. If you still wonder about what to do in Ha Giang, do not miss the chance to engage in these top 15 activities to do in Ha Giang above.

To see more interesting detailed tours:

>> Highlight of Ha Giang and the Northeast in 5 days

>> North - East Vietnam Adventure in 8 days

>> Grand Discovery of the North - East Vietnam in 10 days


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04 Comments

  • Isabelle Wood
  • Isabelle Wood
    Australia

We are two persons from Australia and are in Bac Ha until the 11 or 12 of January and afterward, we are thinking about going to the Ha Giang region. Is it a reasonable route or should we travel the other places? TIA

ReplyNov 12, 2023
    • Kayla Le
    • Kayla Le
      Vietnam
    Hi Isabelle, Traveling to Ha Giang after Bac Ha is a good idea as the road is easier than the reverse. The route goes through Hoang Su Phi - a beautiful landscape of rice terraces and tea hills. Set aside time for visiting ethnic markets and H'mong villages. Best regards,
    Nov 18, 2023
  • Marie Delareux
  • Marie Delareux
    Morocco

Bonjour, 

Je souhaite faire le Ha Giang Loop mais je n'ai aucune idée du prix moyen par jour (en tant que pasager).

Merci.

ReplySep 23, 2023
    • Jazmine Tran
    • Jazmine Tran
      Vietnam
    Bonjour, nous avons bien reçu votre demande. Nous vous contacterons dès que possible pour vous aider à planifier un voyage à Ha Giang. Merci de nous faire confiance !
    Sep 25, 2023

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