Ha Giang is not only an attractive destination with spectacular natural scenery but also a place to preserve the traditional culture of many ethnic minorities. If you are planning a trip but don’t know Ha Giang what to do? Do not worry, in this article, ZingHome Ha Giang will introduce you to the activities not to be missed in Ha Giang.
1. Outstanding destinations not to be missed
Here are some destinations not to be missed when you learn about Ha Giang what to do.
Ma Pi Leng Pass
Ma Pi Leng Pass is famous for its dramatic bends and turns
When looking for Ha Giang What to Do, Ma Pi Leng is always the first name mentioned. Ma Pi Leng Pass is located on National Highway 4C in Po Vi and Po Lung communes, connecting Meo Vac and Dong Van towns. Dubbed as one of Vietnam’s “Four Great Passes“, this pass is the most famous Ha Giang tourist destination.
This pass has a length of more than 20km, and this pass not only stands out because of the height but also for the beautiful natural scenery with each bend along the mountainside. A thrilling and exciting feeling will come to you in every bend, along with the measurement is the experience of watching the majestic nature of the Nho Que river flowing below.
Nho Que River
Nho Que River is one of the beautiful scenes not to be missed in the journey of Ha Giang What to Do. This place is known as one of the most beautiful rivers in Vietnam, with jade-green water and a beautiful natural landscape. The jade-green river water, along with the cliffs standing on both sides of the river, blending with the majestic natural scenery, will surprise you.
This is an ideal place for experiencing activities such as kayaking or bathing in the majestic natural space. Admiring the cliffs standing by the river will bring you a sense of adventure and exploration.
Dong Van Old Quarter
Standing in the heart of the Dong Van karst plateau, Dong Van ancient town not only preserves ancient architecture but also the cultural influence of ethnic groups. The house of yin and yang tile roofs, beautiful small shops with simple goods, is the ideal place for you to feel the rhythm of the lifestyle of the indigenous people. In particular, local cultural activities often take place here, bringing a sense of liveliness and closeness.
In the old quarter, there are only about 40 houses over 100 years old, surrounded by rocky mountains. Here, visitors will have the opportunity to see the peaceful and ancient beauty of the gray walls dyed in the golden sunlight in the morning. Night will be a bustling scene between the lipstick and the charming dance of boys and girls in the village.,
Lung Cu Flag Tower
Lung Cu Flag Tower is located on the top of the Dragon Mountain at an altitude of 1470 meters above the water level and is the northernmost point of Vietnam. The Flag Town was restored in 2010, with a 54 -square -meter flag symbolizing 54 ethnic minorities in Vietnam.
This place is not only a historical symbol, but it also gives dreamy natural surroundings. To get to the flag tower, visitors need to conquer 839 steps, where visitors will have a view of the valleys, small villages, and the Chinese border.
Quan Ba Heaven Gate & Twin Mountains
Quan Ba Heaven Gate is one of the highlights in the journey to explore the Ha Giang Loop. Located at an altitude of 1,500 m with majestic natural scenery, the Heaven Gate is the gateway to the Dong Van karst plateau. Standing from the highest point of the Heaven Gate, you can zoom in to admire the magnificent natural scenery, and the whole scene of the Dong Van karst plateau right in front of you.
Twin Mountains of you is also known as Fairy Bosum, possessing a strange shape with two mountains in parallel. Not only does it possess a unique shape, but the surrounding scenery is also a masterpiece of nature. Surrounding two plump mountains are the golden terraced fields, winding surrounding passes.
H’Mong King’s Mansion
H’Mong King’s mansion is located in Sa Phin valley. This is a famous Ha Giang tourist destination containing interesting traces and historical stories. The mansion is more than 3,000 square meters and took more than 9 years to complete. The design architecture of the mansion, influenced by Chinese culture, has created an attractive work not only for aesthetics but also with bold historical and cultural values. Visitors here will admire the living spaces, learn about the life and culture of the H’Mong people.
2. Experience indigenous culture
Local markets are usually held on Sunday morning
When discovering the outstanding destinations of Ha Giang, the indigenous culture experience is an indispensable element when learning about Ha Giang What to do. By understanding the culture of the people here, you will have the opportunity to access more interesting things and feel the cultural cradle of ethnic minorities.
Stay at a local homestay
Staying at Homestay Ha Giang is a great choice for those who want to immerse themselves in the vivid atmosphere and customs of ethnic minorities such as H’mong, Dao, Tay, and Nung. At the homestay, visitors are not only in traditional houses but also have the opportunity to participate in the daily activities of the people, from rice cultivation, harvesting agricultural products, to weaving. This not only saves you costs but also brings the opportunity to learn more about the culture, customs, and life of the local people.
Join the traditional festival
The traditional festival of ethnic minorities in Ha Giang is an opportunity for tourists to explore indigenous culture through exciting activities such as dancing, singing, or folk games. Some special festivals in Ha Giang, such as Long Tong Festival, Khau Vai Love Market, Buckwheat Flower Festival, etc. Attending the festival, you will be immersed in the cultural flow, enjoy specialties such as Thang Co, corn wine, bearing the taste of the mountains, and discover the unique characteristics of the people here.
Enjoy local specialties
Ha Giang not only attracts visitors with the natural landscape but also with specialty dishes with separate flavors. Ha Giang what to do? Don’t miss out on enjoying the local cuisine. When you come here, do not forget to enjoy the best food in Ha Giang:
- Thang Co: A traditional dish of H’Mong people, often made from meat and horse organs.
- Steamed rice rolls: The dish is delicious, has a rich and very attractive taste, often eaten in the morning.
- Corn wine: The specialty of the ethnic people here, the wine has a different and rich flavor.
- Smoked buffalo meat: Smoked buffalo meat is made from fresh buffalo meat, marinated with spicy spices, then smoked in the kitchen.
- Buckwheat cake: This cake not only has beautiful colors, but also brings a delicious and greasy taste when eaten.
Learn about Ha Giang cuisine not only helps you feel more deeply about the culture but also leaves beautiful memories about the journey to explore this land.
Visit the local market
Ha Giang local market is one of the cultural experiences that you cannot ignore. These markets often take place on weekends, where people of ethnic minorities gather to exchange goods and introduce their culture.
When you come here, you will see countless products, such as:
- Brocade: Colorful craft items, bold culture of ethnic groups.
- Local specialties: Products such as dried buffalo meat, organic vegetables, or corn wine.
The local market is not only a place of trade but also a lively cultural space, helping you to immerse yourself in the pace of indigenous people.
3. Attractive outdoor activities
One of the activities that you should try when coming to Ha Giang is kayaking on Nho Que River
After experiencing indigenous culture, Ha Giang has no shortage of interesting outdoor activities for those who love to explore nature and take risks. From trekking on terraced fields to camping on white cliffs, all promise to bring you memorable memories.
Trekking through terraced fields
The terraced fields in Ha Giang are famous for their beautiful scenery and romantic image when the rice crop is ripe. Trekking here not only helps you explore the natural beauty but also allows you to learn about the lifestyle and traditions of the people here. You can interact with people through activities such as trying specialty dishes, participating in the field work, or simply enjoying the fresh air of the mountains. This is one of the activities that you don’t miss when exploring Ha Giang what to do.
Camp on white cliffs
Camp on the white cliff, also known as the god cliff, in the Ma Pi Leng Pass area gives you a unique experience. Around the white cliffs are undulating mountains, and the valley of the Nho Que River creates a majestic and peaceful landscape. With an altitude of about 1,700 m, this is an ideal place for you to organize a camping session to feel the magnificent nature of this place.
Kayaking on Nho Que River
Kayaking on the Nho Que river is an experience not to be missed when learning about Ha Giang What to do. This river stands out with emerald green water and poetic scenery, which can surprise any tourist.
- Service price: Kayak rental price is about 100,000 – 150,000 VND/person for 30 minutes of boat rowing. This is a great opportunity for those who love adventure and exploring nature.
- Beautiful scenes: In the process of rowing, you will have the opportunity to admire the surrounding cliffs and beautiful natural scenery, bringing an interesting and memorable experience.
Explore Lung Khuy cave
Lung Khuy cave is one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Ha Giang. The natural beauty of the unique stalactites and the legend of the cave create a strong attraction for visitors.
- Large caves: Lung Khuy cave has a length of about 1,000 meters, with a wide cave, even with a width of nearly 200m, and the cave arches are quite high.
- Unique structure: In the cave, there are stalactites that are arranged in a population, the block stands alone with the type of enemies in the form of thousands of people, stimulating the imagination of visitors. It could be a tower, flower tree, flowing waterfall, lion head, etc. Most of the stalactites will bring a glittering yellow color, the rest is unique white.
If you are a person who likes to explore and loves nature, and are wondering Ha Giang what to do, then discovering this cave is an ideal choice.
Bath at waterfalls
Ha Giang has many beautiful waterfalls, such as Du Gia, Lung Pu, and Khau Lan – where you can immerse yourself in the clear, cool water and enjoy the pristine natural beauty.
- Du Gia Waterfall: Located in the middle of the pristine village in Yen Minh district, the waterfall is an ideal place to bathe in the summer. With the clear blue water, Du Gia waterfall brings a refreshing and refreshing feeling.
- Khau Lan Waterfall: Little people are known, Khau Lan waterfall brings a wild, natural beauty with clear blue water at the foot of the waterfall, an ideal place for you to relax and picnic.
This is an interesting activity when you are wondering Ha Giang what to do.
4. Useful tips for first-time visitors to Ha Giang
Some useful tips to help your trip smoothly and complete
When you have a good understanding of Ha Giang what to do, the preparation for your trip also needs attention. Especially when you do not have much travel experience in this northern mountainous region.
The best time to visit
The ideal time to travel to Ha Giang is from September to March next year. At that time, you will encounter golden ripe rice fields and buckwheat flowers season bloom. The weather is often cool and pleasant at this time, creating favorable conditions for the exploration of the mountains.
A list of items should be carried
Before departure, you should prepare a packing list to avoid missing anything during the trip. Here are some essential items:
- Clothes: Bring warm clothes, wind jackets, and sports shoes for convenience.
- Personal belongings: You also need sunscreen, anti-insects, and personal items such as brushes, towels.
- Food & drink: Bring some snacks and drinks to ensure enough energy for the long journey.
- Cash: You bring enough cash for the whole trip, because some places in Ha Giang do not accept card payment and have few ATMs.
Safety tips on the road
When exploring Ha Giang and learning about Ha Giang what to do, safety must always be put on top. Some safety tips you need to note:
- Check the weather: Before departure, check the weather situation on the routes you plan to take, especially in the rainy season or fog.
- Travel during the day: You should always move during the day to avoid unnecessary risks, especially with mountain roads.
- Protection: Always wear helmets, knee, and elbow protection pieces to protect yourself.
- Check the vehicle: Before departure, make sure your motorbike works well.
- Driving slowly and carefully: The roads on Ha Giang Loop have many sections of pass, winding and very narrow, sometimes with dense fog.
Experience cost savings
For a memorable trip without spending too much, plan your trip carefully.
- Choose to follow a group tour to save costs
- Stay in a Homestay or hostel instead of staying at the hotel.
- Eating at the local restaurant: This both helps you save costs and can enjoy local dishes in Ha Giang.
- Renting a motorbike in Ha Giang city, not renting at tourist destinations.
5. Solo Travel or Tour – Which is Right for You?
Participating in the group tour is a safe and money-saving choice
A big question when coming to Ha Giang is whether you should solo travel or join a tour. This depends on your discovery style, each option has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Solo travel
If you love the freedom and flexibility in your journey, exploring the Ha Giang Loop by yourself can be a perfect choice. You can stop at the places you like, experience new perspectives, and explore the little-known places.
Travel by tour
Conversely, if you are not used to driving on rugged passes, participating in a Ha Giang Loop tour will bring safety and time-saving. A tour usually includes enthusiastic guides, helping you better understand the culture and history of the place you visit.
- Clear schedules: Tours often have a clear schedule system, helping you not to miss anything in your journey.
- Better support: You will be more supported in understanding local cultural activities when participating in the tour.
From the winding roads of Ha Giang Loop, peaceful villages, to delicious food and culture rich in identity, Ha Giang What To Do is the question that leads you to countless memorable experiences. For more information and travel tips in Ha Giang, please visit the ZingHome Ha Giang website.
