THE MOUNTAINOUS LAND OF HA GIANG
Located in the far north of Vietnam, the province and the mountains of Ha Giang are nestled in rocky karst landscapes, in the heart of steep and winding roads.
Unlike Sapa – a tourist site –, the mountainous region of Ha Giang – less frequented – allows you to discover the authentic beauty of Vietnam, and the indigenous culture of ethnic minorities by immersing yourself in a very local and friendly atmosphere. The locals offer you unique experiences. For example, older men usually offer you cigarettes, tobacco bongs, and even rice wine. The children are smiling and trying to pronounce the few English words they know. Brightly dressed older Hmong women smile as they carry heavy goods on their backs along steep paths. The population of this region will touch you with its generosity.
You can visit Ha Giang Mountains almost all year round, but the best time is between October and December. Indeed, the mountains are gray, and the terraced fields are covered with the pinkish color of buckwheat flowers.
Dong Van
Arriving in Dong Van, you can start by exploring its old quarter. It is made up of narrow valleys alternating with rocky mountain ranges. Built over 100 years ago, it is now surrounded by traditional houses of ethnic minorities. If you go there on the 14th, 15th, and 16th of every lunar month, you can see the local people hanging red lanterns in front of their houses, organizing folk activities, and selling ethnic brocades, and traditional dishes.
Located very close to the Chinese border, the Lung Cu flag tower is also one of the must-see sites in Ha Giang. It is an ideal place to enjoy breathtaking views of green hills, gaze at beautiful mountains hidden by clouds, and take panoramic photos of Dong Van.
In addition to these destinations, you can participate in an ethnic market which takes place every Sunday. It is a place where ethnic tribes including the Hmong, Tay, Nung and Hoa ethnic minorities sell their traditional brocade products, and foods and hold cultural activities.
The hill tribes stay true to their identity and traditions by dressing in their finest costumes to attend the weekly market. So why not get up earlier to reach one of the most important northern markets in Vietnam? We – Horizon Travel – are certain that you will not be disappointed.
Hoang Su Phi
It is not only in Sapa or Mu Cang Chai that you can contemplate rice fields, we let you know that Hoang Su Phi in Ha Giang has the most picturesque verdant rice terraces in Vietnam.
Thanks to its geographical characteristics, during the harvest season (between September and October), this mountainous region offers you a breathtaking view of the golden terraces covered with white clouds.
Hoang Su Phi is the ideal place for hiking and camping. Above all, mass tourism does not yet disturb this destination, you can be impregnated with the calmest atmosphere, and contemplate the most intact landscapes of this region of Vietnam.
Quan Ba – Heaven’s Gate and Twin Mountains
Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate is located about 50 km north of Ha Giang city and mountains and is the gateway to the geological park. Once upon a time, behind the gate, there was a kingdom of Hmong people with 4 districts: Quan Ba, Dong Van, Meo Vac and Yen Minh. In 1939, the French built a huge wooden gate to separate this area from the rest. Now the gate is gone, and there is only one sign in English and Vietnamese: Quan Ba Heaven Gate.
Mother Nature has created an artistic masterpiece on this mountain region – Quan Ba Twin Mountains (also known as Fairy Mountains). A legend was born there. A long time ago, a handsome young H’mong man played the flute perfectly. The sound of his flute attracted a fairy who descended to Earth. They then fell in love, got married and had a son. However, the King of Heaven did not accept this love and asked the fairy to return. With her love for her son, the fairy decided to leave her breasts on earth to feed her baby. Until now, locals believe that the fairy’s milk from her breast also “nourishes” plants and is a sign of good harvests. The two round-shaped green hills located side by side in the middle of the paddy field will attract your attention.
It is a wonderful experience to contemplate such landscapes during your trip. You can stop at Quan Ba before going up the winding road that leads to the Dong Van plateau.
Ma Pi Leng pass
With a length of about 20km and a height of 2,000m above sea level, the king of all passes – Ma Pi Leng Pass connects Dong Van to Meo Vac. It runs along karst mountains, crosses small villages, and offers an exceptional view of the Nho Que River, the green countryside of Vietnam. This place is unique, its majestic beauty and breathtaking view will provide indescribable feelings.
Ha Giang Mountains can steal the heart of any traveler. This fascinating region remains little explored, so you will be spared the flood of trade, industry, and tourism, this place thus retains an authenticity without equal in Vietnam.