Ha Giang Loop is one of the most famous backpacking routes in Vietnam, not only giving visitors a journey to conquer the majestic beauty of the northern mountains and forests but also an opportunity to learn about unique culture. of ethnic minorities here. Winding roads through mountain ranges, fields of blooming buckwheat flowers, and peaceful villages all create a beautiful scene that anyone wants to experience. In this article, ZingHome will provide the necessary information you need to keep in mind about the Ha Giang Loop for beginners.
1. Introducing Ha Giang Loop
Ha Giang Loop lasts about 350 km and is one of the journeys with the most beautiful natural scenery in Vietnam. This journey is not simply a trip, but also an adventure that helps visitors discover new and interesting things in the highlands. With every kilometer of driving, we witness beautiful images from buckwheat flower fields, and high mountain peaks, to villages hidden in the clouds.
What is special about Ha Giang is not only the infrastructure but also the diversity in culture and landscape. Here, visitors can feel the innocence and simplicity of ethnic minorities in their daily activities through highland markets or traditional festivals that you can hardly find elsewhere. other.
2. Transportation options
Self-driving motorbike
Self-driving motorbikes are the most popular choice for the journey to explore the Ha Giang Loop for beginners. Driving your motorbike through the winding curves will be an unforgettable experience. You can freely explore small roads and dangerous curves without being bound by the time of other group tours. Driving yourself not only brings a feeling of excitement but also helps you immerse yourself in the surrounding nature. You can rent a motorbike in Ha Giang city for about 150,000 – 250,000 VND/day. However, to be able to drive yourself on the Ha Giang Loop, you can note the following:
- Driving license: You need an international driving permit.
- Driving experience: Roads in Ha Giang are mainly steep passes, so a little driving experience is needed to ensure safety.
- Safety: Always remember to wear a helmet and other protective gear to protect yourself during the trip.
Motorcycle with Easy Rider
If you are not confident enough in your driving ability or want a more in-depth experience, renting an Easy Rider is an optimal choice. This is a service that hires a professional driver to transport you on a motorbike. This helps you save time and focus on admiring the beautiful surroundings. Here are some outstanding benefits of riding with Easy Rider:
- Professional tour guides: The tour guides are local people, who master the terrain and culture here. They will take you to beautiful sights that you probably won’t find on the map.
- Flexible timing: With Easy Rider, you have the ability to stop at your favorite places to take photos and experience culture.
- Safer for newbies: You will sit behind the driver’s car, helping you enjoy the trip without having to worry about controlling the vehicle.
With this option, Ha Giang Loop for beginners becomes easier than ever, helping you enjoy the beautiful scenery without worrying about the roads.
Car
The choice of using a car is also very popular, especially for those who do not want to venture on dangerous mountain passes. Driving a car is not only safer but also more comfortable for groups or large families. You can rent a private car or join a tour with a shuttle service, this will help you feel convenient and save time, especially suitable for Ha Giang Loop for beginners.
Jeeps
Jeep is one of the best means of transportation when exploring Ha Giang Loop for beginners. This type of vehicle is specially designed to travel on steep mountain passes, providing a more solid and safe feeling. Jeep vehicles provide a unique experience, suitable for those who want a sense of adventure while still ensuring safety. Jeeps are especially suitable for groups of friends or families who want to fully explore Ha Giang Loop.
3. Interesting experiences
Explore nature
Ha Giang is not only a land of brave people but also blessed with many beautiful natural scenery. Walking around the roads from Ha Giang to Dong Van, you will encounter:
- Ma Pi Leng Pass: Considered the “king of passes” of the North, with sharp turns and majestic panoramic views.
- Nho Que River: Like a soft green silk strip, winding between rolling mountains, it is an ideal place for those who love nature photography.
- Flower fields: October and November are the times when buckwheat flowers bloom, creating an extremely impressive picture of color, an ideal opportunity for you to check in with friends.
With these experiences, Ha Giang leaves many beautiful memories, it is truly an adventurous journey that everyone should experience once in their life.
Visit ethnic villages
Going deep into the rural areas and villages in Ha Giang, you will feel the culture and life of the ethnic minorities here. Each village has its own unique historical stories and customs, waiting for you to explore:
- Lo Lo Chai Village: At Lo Lo Chai you will be immersed in the peaceful natural scenery with images of brown soil walls, stone fences, and corn fields.
- Du Gia Village: This place is famous for its wild and peaceful scenery.
- H’Mong Village: The houses here are built in the architectural style of the Mong ethnic people, with walls and yin and yang tiles. Tourists coming here will not only be able to admire the traditional architecture of the Mong people here but also experience the traditional dishes of the Mong people or traditional festivals.
- Seo Lung village: Where there are Mong women with colorful traditional costumes, helping visitors understand more about their way of life, customs and weaving.
Explore the market
The market in Ha Giang is not simply a place to buy and sell goods but also a place for unique cultural exchanges. These markets are open on weekends.
- Khau Vai Love Market: Taking place in the third lunar month, where loving couples reunite after a long time apart, it is the most special occasion for those who truly love.
- Dong Van Market: A convergence of diverse goods from brocade, and vegetables to typical local products, attracting many visitors.
- Meo Vac Market: Where the bustling atmosphere and rich colors of agricultural products give you the closest look at the daily activities of the people here.
Enjoy local specialties
Ha Giang is also famous for its many unique dishes, which you will not miss when you come here. These dishes are not only delicious but also contain the cultural stories of the people here. Here are some typical dishes that you should try:
- Thang co: A traditional dish made from the internal organs of buffaloes and cows, along with typical spices, bringing a unique flavor.
- Au tau porridge: A quite special dish made from au tau tubers, guaranteed to be safe for health if prepared properly.
- Buckwheat cake: Delicious cake made from buckwheat seeds, can be eaten with milk, bringing the chilly taste of the highlands.
- Men Men: A very popular corn dish, often eaten with other foods, creating a nutritious meal. Each dish is an opportunity for you to learn more about the cuisine and culture of Ha Giang, this will make the Ha Giang Loop for Beginners journey more memorable.
5. Experience exploring Ha Giang Loop
After understanding the basic notes for the Ha Giang Loop for beginners, we will need practical experiences to have a complete and meaningful trip.
The best time
The ideal time to make this journey usually falls between October and April. This is the ideal time to explore Ha Giang Loop for beginners. The weather at this time is usually dry and stable, making it easier and more convenient for you to move. During this time, you may experience:
- Buckwheat flowers bloom: In October, the mountain and forest landscape is covered with white and pink flowers, creating a vivid picture.
- Ripe rice season: September is when the rice fields turn golden, bringing a cozy and satisfying feeling to visitors.
- Pleasant climate: Cool weather, not too hot, will help you easily enjoy days of exploring.
Accommodation
When planning a journey to explore the Ha Giang loop for beginners, finding suitable accommodation is very important. In Ha Giang, you can choose between a homestay and a hotel. Below is some information about accommodations that you should refer to:
- Homestay Tay: This brings you the feeling of being close to people’s lives, enjoying traditional dishes and fresh fruits.
- Du Gia Homestay: An ideal place to rest after a long day of exploring, with comfortable space and enthusiastic service.
- Phoenix Hotel: Good service along with many modern amenities, is the perfect choice for those who like luxury.
Estimated budget
Estimating costs is an important part when planning a Ha Giang Loop for beginners. The cost for a 3 to 5 day Ha Giang Loop trip can vary widely depending on how you choose to eat, travel, and rest. On average, a trip can cost about:
- Transportation: Rent a motorbike for about 150,000 VND/day. Meals: Cost 100,000 VND/day for local meals.
- Accommodation: From 300,000 VND to 1,500,000 VND per night depending on your choice.
- If you want to join a package tour, the price will range from 2,000,000 VND to 10,000,000 VND, depending on the service you choose.
When planning your trip in detail, make sure you have budgeted enough money for interesting activities such as trekking and visiting prominent tourist attractions.
Items to bring
To have a complete trip in Ha Giang Loop, careful preparation of necessary items also plays a very important role. Below is a detailed list of items that you should not forget:
- Lightweight luggage: A small backpack helps you easily move through the twists and turns of the road. You should bring about 3 sets of clothes and personal hygiene items.
- Seasonal clothing: If traveling in winter (November to March), prepare a thick coat and gloves to keep warm. In the summer, a windbreaker will help you avoid catching a cold at night.
- Shoes: Choose sports shoes to ensure safety on steep mountain passes.
- Medical equipment: Bring basic medicine such as headache medicine, digestive medicine, and other necessary medical supplies.
- Personal items: Sunscreen and sunglasses are also essential for outdoor activities.
Ending the journey to explore Ha Giang Loop for beginners will not only give you unforgettable impressions of the natural beauty and culture here but also an opportunity for you to discover yourself. This journey will leave a deep mark in your mind, where you are not just a tourist, but a part of this mystical land. Hopefully, the information that ZingHome shares will help you have an interesting and memorable journey in this land.
