Ha Giang is a province located in the Northeast region, with an area of nearly 8,000 square kilometers. This place is blessed with a diverse ecosystem of forests, mountains and rivers. Ha Giang has always won the hearts of travelers from afar with majestic landmarks such as Ma Pi Leng Pass, Quan Ba Twin Mountain, Tu San Gorge and many long-standing cultural and historical sites such as Dong Van Old Town, Dong Van rock pass. Plateau. In addition, the province also has many unique ethnic villages with typical local culture. Therefore, if you are looking for a trip that is both beautiful, informative, and imbued with a spirit of adventure, then Ha Giang is the next must-see destination for you.

Best time to visit Ha Giang

Following to best Ha Giang travel guide, the best time to travel to this beautiful place is from September to March next year, not only because this is the season of ripe rice and blooming flowers, but also the time of spring festivals of ethnic communities in the mountainous region. Take note of the most brilliant milestones of Ha Giang to fully feel the beauty of this highland land.

Best Ha Giang travel guide

• August to October: This is the time when the terraced fields in Ha Giang are immersed in the golden color of ripe rice, the most beautiful is the Hoang Su Phi area.
• October to November: If you are fascinated by the beauty of buckwheat flowers, don't hesitate to plan a trip to Ha Giang between October and November. Don't forget to visit Lung Cu Flagpole, Lung Cam Cultural Village, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Thach Son Thanh - Quan Ba to see the most beautiful buckwheat flowers.
• January to Lunar New Year: Spring from January to March is the time when Ha Giang is filled with the colors of flowers such as yellow canola flower, white plum blossom, pink peach blossom. This is also the time when many unique festivals of the mountain town take place such as Gau Tao Festival of the Mong people, Long Tong Festival of the Tay people, Lap Province Festival of the Dao people.

What to do in Ha Giang?

Experience Ha Giang loop by motorbike

Ha Giang loop by motorbike-Ha Giang travel guide

Ha Giang loop by motorbike offers a unique and unforgettable way to experience the stunning landscapes and cultural heritage of the area, and the adventure of traveling the rugged mountain terrain by motorbike can be a thrilling experience.

Explore stunning roads and mountain passes

Stunning roads and mountain passes-Ha Giang travel guide

Exploring the dramatic mountains is one of best things to do in Ha Giang. There are plenty of mountains and pass roads to choose from, so we've handpicked some of the best for you. Quan Ba Heaven Gate is the first pass you will encounter on the way from Ha Giang, offering a beautiful view of the Twin Mountains. Next is Tham Ma pass with the iconic S-shaped road that runs through Sung La valley. From there, you can head straight to Dong Van or take a detour through Lung Cu, which has some of the most breathtaking mountain views. Ma Pi Leng Pass is the king of mountain roads in Vietnam, boasting steep cliffs and impressive views on the road from Dong Van to Meo Vac. Finally, expect more beautiful views of the mountains after Meo Vac as you head towards Du Gia through Mau Due.

Visit Hoang Su Phi

Ha Giang travel guide: visit Hoang Su Phi

Hoang Su Phi in Ha Giang is known for its beautiful terraced fields that cover the hills and mountains creating a beautiful landscape. The terraced fields are considered the most beautiful in Vietnam with different colors and shapes through the seasons. In addition, local ethnic minorities, such as the Hmong and Dao, have preserved their traditional lifestyles and cultural practices, making it an interesting place to learn about customs. and their traditions.

Colorful markets - a signature of Ha Giang

Market in Ha Giang

Colorful markets are a feature of Ha Giang and a unique aspect of the local culture. The market is the gathering place of ethnic groups in the area, coming to buy and sell a variety of goods. The markets are usually held once a week, but the specific dates vary depending on the location.

The markets are a great opportunity to experience local culture and see traditional clothing, crafts, and food. Visitors can also try local specialties such as thang co (soup made from beef or horse meat), yeast (a type of cornbread) and corn wine. In addition to food, the market also offers a variety of goods such as clothing, textiles, agricultural tools and handicrafts.

Some of the most famous markets in Ha Giang include Dong Van market, Meo Vac market and Lung Phin market. These markets are particularly vibrant and attract people from all over the region. Overall, visiting a colorful market is a must-do for anyone interested in experiencing Ha Giang's unique culture.

Trekking Ha Giang

If you like climbing and hiking, Ha Giang is definitely a destination worth considering. The mountainous area is home to many climbing routes that offer breathtaking scenery and views. You can hike through rice terraces, visit remote hill tribe villages and soak up the local culture.

There are many hiking options available, ranging from easy hikes to challenging treks that require a high level of fitness. The most popular hiking route in Ha Giang is Dong Van Rock Plateau Geopark, which offers a variety of walking routes through stunning landscapes and secluded villages.

Try specialties of Ha Giang

Ha Giang has a diverse culinary culture with a blend of ethnic minority cuisine and traditional Vietnamese dishes. Here are some must-try dishes when coming to Ha Giang:

Thang Co

Thang Co is perhaps one of the most famous specialties of the highland plateau. The main ingredient of this dish is meat and organs of buffalo, cow, or horse, sautéed and then simmered for several hours with typical mountainous spices and herbs. This dish is often sold in local markets. Don't forget to order a cup of fragrant and sweet corn wine to fully enjoy Thang Co as the way of the ethnic people!

Men Men

Ha Giang travel guide-enjoy Men Men

Men men, also known as corn cake, is a traditional steamed cornmeal dish of the Mong people. After each corn season, mature corn kernels are separated and ground into a fine powder before being steamed with water. To ensure it is delicious, Mèn mén should be steamed over low heat and with enough water to prevent it from drying out.

Au Tau Porridge

Also known as bitter porridge, is made from the poisonous Au Tau root that is abundant in the mountainous areas of the North. The root is soaked in rice water overnight and then boiled for four hours until thickened, which usually takes about four hours. Then it is cooked with pork bone broth and pork leg meat. Au Tau Porridge is delicious when served hot with spring onions, Vietnamese balm, raw egg yolk, and minced meat.

• Five-color sticky rice: a colorful dish made from glutinous rice and natural food coloring from leaves and flowers.

Ha Giang travel guide: enjoy five-color sticky rice

• Bac Me Chicken: Chicken served with a dipping sauce made from salt and lemon.
• Smoked buffalo meat: is a specialty of ethnic minorities in Ha Giang, the meat is often seasoned with spices and smoked for preservation.
• Barbecue: There are many grilled dishes to try in Ha Giang, including grilled pork, grilled goat and grilled sticky rice.
• Thanh Minh duck hot pot: hot pot dish is made from duck meat with herbs and local spices.
• Local fruits: Ha Giang is known for its delicious fresh fruits, including peaches, plums, pears and persimmons.

In conclusion, Ha Giang is a hidden gem in northern Vietnam that offers stunning natural beauty, unique culture, and delicious cuisine. From the famous Ha Giang loop to the colorful ethnic markets, and the traditional dishes like Thang Co and Men Men, there are many reasons to visit and explore this beautiful province.

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