Ha Giang is arguably one of the most breathtaking places in northern Vietnam, famous for its majestic landscapes and winding mountain roads.
Overview of Ha Giang
Population of Ha Giang Province (2019): 900,000, Ha Giang City: 80,000
Ethnic groups: Mong, Tay, Viet (Kinh), Dao, San Diu, Lo Lo
Highlights: Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Lung Cu Flagpole, terraced rice fields at Hoang Su Phi, Ma Pi Leng mountain pass, Tham Ma pass
Climate
December/January is the coldest month in the mountainous districts of Ha Giang, and August is the hottest month.
The average annual temperature is 24.2oC (75.5oF). The average winter temperature is 16.6oC (62oF), but mountain winds can make it feel colder. The average summer temperature is 29.7oC (85oF).
Transportation for Your First Time at Phu Quoc Island
Ha Giang is 320 km from Hanoi, 160 km from Dong Van, and 20 km from Thanh Thuy Border Gate (China). Travelers can book a tour to Ha Giang, take a public bus, transfer by taxi, or drive a motorbike (adventurous).
Most people will travel from Hanoi to Ha Giang.
Look for cheap tickets below:
Travel to Ha Giang by Bus
Buses to Ha Giang depart daily from Hanoi’s bus stations at Gia Lam Bus Station (view map), My Dinh Bus Station (view map), Giap Bat Bus Station (view map), and Nuoc Ngam Bus Station (view map).
Ha Giang Bus Station at Ha Giang City: (view map)
Travel to Ha Giang by Car
Most travel agents or hotels can arrange car-with-driver rental services.
Alternatively, there are many tour options from Hanoi to Ha Giang, ranging from a few days to a whole week.
Find private car rentals in Hanoi
Travel to Ha Giang by Taxi
Due to the 320 km distance from Hanoi, most visitors will take the bus, group tours, or motorbikes instead of a taxi. In Ha Giang City, these taxi brands are available: Truong Xuan & Son Dan.
Travel to Ha Giang by Motorbike
Most people will go on a motorbike trip from Hanoi to Ha Giang. Rentals are available at hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and along the backpacker streets: Ta Hien, Hang Bac, Ngo Huyen, Hang Be, Cau Go, Luong Ngoc Quyen, etc. Motorbike taxis are also available via the Grab app when in Ha Giang City.
Accommodations in Ha Giang
See our recommended places on where to stay in Ha Giang or look for your favorite accommodations below:
Attractions in Ha Giang Province
Ma Pi Leng Mountain Pass
This breathtaking 20 km Ma Pi Leng mountain pass stretches on Highway 4C, connecting Dong Van and Meo Vac towns. It is located at an altitude of 1,500 m and was said to have been constructed by ethnic minorities in the 1960s.
Have you tried the boat on the Nho Que River in Ha Giang Province?
Video by NexShop
Tham Ma Mountain Pass
Also known as Tham Ma Slope, it is located in Dong Van District and stretches 5 km from Van Chai to Lung Thau.
Quan Ba Heaven Gate
At this viewpoint, travelers can admire the natural masterpiece Twin Mountain, which lies in the middle of the green fields. There is also a cafe nearby where motorbikes stop for a break.
Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark
The Dong Van Plateau is prettiest in the spring, with views of rugged rocks and mountain peaks colored in bright colors. Due to weather changes and geodiversity, the karst evolution created rock-like gardens and forests covering four mountainous districts: Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Meo Vac, and Dong Van. This striking scenery is at an altitude of 1,000 m—1,600 m above sea level and covers 2,356 km2.
Lung Cu Flagpole
Lung Cu Commune is where the northernmost point of Vietnam located. It is 170 km from Ha Giang City and 20 km from Dong Van Town.
The flag tower is built on top of a 300-meter mountain called Rong (Dragon) Mountain, which is 1,600 meters above sea level. At the foot of the mountain are 2 semi-circular lakes said to be the dragon’s eyes. The flag on the tower has an area of 54m2, signifying the unity of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam. From the parking lot, visitors must pay an entrance fee and then take the steps to the top of the mountain to reach the tower.
The Vuong Family’s Residence
This residence is not large, but its original architecture is unique in the highlands. It includes 10 houses built of po-mu (a valuable wood), 6 facing the same direction and the other 4 facing the other directions. The main house faces the entrance with outer carved-stone walls 60 cm thick and 2 m high. Between the walls is 50 m of wide land.
Terraced Rice Fields at Hoang Su Phi
Late September and October are the best times to witness the glittering layers of golden rice on the Tay Con Linh Moutain at Hoang Su Phi District. The beauty of the rice paddy fields runs along Provincial Road 177 from Vinh Quang Town to Viet Quang Town.
Tien Cave
Tien means fairy, and the cave got its name from the local legend that says fairies used to come here to bathe during the Tet holidays. Tien Cave is 2 km from Ha Giang City and has a beautiful stream inside.
Lung Cam Culture – Tourism Village
Lung Cam Village is home to 3 ethnic groups: Mong, Lo Lo, and Han. 85% are Mongs. Apart from ancient houses preserved intact, traditional festivals, folk songs, dances, and instruments are culturally conserved. The materials to build houses were produced right at Lung Cam, from soil to walls and rock fences. The moss-covered layer on the roofs of the houses is around 100 years old. This unique cultural identity, it was the scenery background of the film “Story of Pao” (view map) that won the “Golden Kite” of the Vietnam Cinema Association.
Restaurants for Your First Time in Ha Giang
Ha Giang is famous for au tau porridge.
Shopping in Ha Giang
When in Ha Giang City from December to February, visitors should not miss the Bac Quang oranges from Bac Quang District.
Ha Giang Market, Tran Phu Street, Ha Giang City.
At Dong Van Karst Plateau, visitors can take part in the highland kermises every Sunday at Dong Van Market and Meo Vac Market.
Festivals in Ha Giang Province
Spring Festival is usually held for 3 to 5 days following Tet (New Year) by the Mong and Dao ethnic groups. Activities and festivities such as arrow shooting, singing, and drinking local wine take place to celebrate the past year and pray for good weather (for harvest and yield) in the coming year.
Lo Lo People’s New House Celebration is held for 2 days and 2 nights when a new house is built by the Lo Lo people. All villagers sing and dance with flutes and pan-pipes playing to celebrate.
Nhay Lua Festival is unique to the Pa Then ethnic group that happens at the end of the 12th lunar month, after harvest.
Love Market of Khau Vai happens once a year on the 27th day of the 3rd lunar month in Meo Vac District. According to the ethnic story, a young couple from different tribes fell in love, but the girl was too beautiful, and her tribe felt she was too good for the man from another tribe. Violent conflicts and aggressive fights arose between the two tribes, so the lovers decided to say goodbye. However, they promised to meet once a year on that day at Khau Vai. Since then, Khau Vai has become a meeting place for all those in love, hence the name love market.