Meo Vac

About 320km north of Hanoi, Meo Vac District is located in the geological park of Dong Van Karst Plateau, Ha Giang Province. Home of generations of Mong–an ethnic group in Vietnam, Meo Vac has majestic scenery and is a wonderful place for you to escape from the busy daily life. To Meo Vac is not only to the context of space, but also to the unique cultural color of locals. If you are hungry for Meo Vac, let’s find out how to travel to Meo Vac for your best experience from this article.

1. Conquer the majestic Ma Pi Leng Pass

Ma Pi Leng means literally “Horse’s nose bridge”, describing the look of its shape. This 20mk-length pass has such high steep that makes horses stop breathing when climbing, but is a dream to drive down for brave adventurous travelers. It winds its way past shapely karst mountains, through tiny villages and allows for some outstanding views of the green Vietnamese countryside.
Riding on this pass, you’ll be amazed by the immense scenery of majestic and wild beauty. Along the way, there are almost vertical farms on the mountainside, thousands of gray mountains concatenate to the horizon and abyss underneath. Having long been ranked by locals, Ma Pi Leng is among the top 4 passes in Vietnam which are both beautiful and dangerous.

2. Experience the legendary Happiness Road

Opened in the year 1965, Happiness Road has a total length of 185 kilometers, which has a long and heroic history of itself starting from the days even before its birth. Many volunteers, workers from several ethnic groups had joined hands to open the toughest mountain road in Vietnam, the very first road in Ha Giang. Some of them even sacrificed their lives in the span of 7 years of making this road. The name of the road is also the wish for happiness that the local people here sent to the future. Without Happiness Road, Ha Giang would be so remote to travel that no one ever thought of coming here for tourism purposes.

This is also the road that those who love adventure, exploring the desire to visit, admire the beauty of nature in the land of the country. Going down the steep slopes, you will enter the more picturesque area of Ha Giang with a sight of mountains dotted with few villages. Though the road is meandering and the bends of the sleeves are hard, but in front of the eyes is always a peaceful scene, beautiful to the heart of the rock mountain that makes everyone broach.

3. Trekking the mysterious Dong Van Stone Plateau

Located on the height of 1400 – 1600 meters above sea level, Dong Van features a vast area of limestone which covers most of the four provinces of Ha Giang. The geographical characteristics of Dong Van Plateau are just as dramatic as it can get with sheer mountain cliffs running to the horizon. There’re huge mountains and deep canyons to be found here of which the highest peak is Mount Mieu Vac (1,971m) and the deepest canyon is Tu San (800m).

The town is also a good base for day treks around nearby minority villages and nearby sights such as the Lung Cu flag tower and the Lung Cam Cultural Tourist Village.
This is not only a tourism destination but also a mysterious place for scientists to discover. One of the mysterious things in Dong Van Rock Plateau is the scripts found on many rocks – ancient letters but until now, the meanings to these letters are left unknown. In December of 2010, at last, this was recognized by UNESCO and became a wonderful heritage of the world.

4. Climbing the mighty Quan Ba Twin Mountain

Located about 46 km north of Ha Giang town, which is considered as Da Lat of the north, Quan Ba is the scenic district with spectacular mountains, poetic valleys, winding roads as well as the unique local culture. Amid the rolling mountains and terraced fields, it is outstanding by two mountains of which a strange round shape looks like the sleeping fairy’s full breasts called Quan Ba Twin Mountain, which surprise visitors at the magnificent beauty of the Creator.

Quan Ba Twin Mountains are a lovely sight to behold from the road. The two round-shaped green hills lying side by side in the middle of the rice field will surely catch your eyes because of its charming appearance. Right near the Twin Mountains lies the Heaven Gate which is on a height of 1,500m above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the valley below. It’s such a wonderful experience to take in such scenery during your trip. To reach the Heaven Gate, you have to climb up a few dozen more steps to the highest peak which is the most ideal place to get a panoramic view of the Dong Van plateau, looking backward downhill and the zigzag road weaving between clouds and mountains.

Quan Ba Twin Mountain is a beautiful symbol of Dong Van Highland, which is the crystalline beauty of nature and tectonic. With this value, the mountain is recognized as the national scenic spot by the Ministry of Culture Sport and Tourism Vietnam.

5. Exploring the Sam Pun Port

Sam Pun Port is a highly recommended destination for adventure and exploration lovers. The reason why Sam Pun Port is suggested as the must-visit is that the winding and rugged paths to get there in and along the mountains offers adventure – loving travelers a “dreamland” to meet their demand. When coming to a full stop in Sam Pun Port, you can be overwhelmed with the marvelous and glorious natural view of mountains and forests so that it might win your eyes at the first sight. Unlike other busy ports, this port on the Vietnam-China border remains still an idyllic atmosphere in a strange way.

6. Visiting the lively Lo Lo Ethnic Village

Situated serenely in Sang A Pa in Meo Vac, Lo Lo is a sleepy tiny village, but it hides a wealth of secrets of the authentic traditions and customs of an ethnic group. The undisputed highlights of the little village include not only the spectacular beauty of the natural landscape but also quaint customs and tradition as well as simple but exciting day-to-day life of local inhabitants. It is lucky for you yourself to witness the music performances with the charming and attractive dancing organized regularly by the Lo Lo ethnic group in some special festivals such as tree dipping, corn picking or Tet holiday. Indeed, a visit to Lo Lo Ethnic Village is what you should not miss when passing by Meo Vac.

7. Shopping at Khau Vai Love Market

Making a stop for buying some adorable items or clothes to recognize how skillful local people are; taking a short rest to try some delicious food on the way of exploration or simply immersing yourself into hustling atmosphere with the image of colorful buyers or sellers in traditional clothes are what you can try in these above markets. Khau Vai – a so-called market is not really a market, which is a popular spot for both domestic and foreign tourists. It is the ideal place where young girls and boys meet their half and form a romantic and long-standing love relationship.

For most first-timers, we suggest a 2D1N below for you to have some fantastic trekking opportunities as well as to witness the colorful daily scene of locals in Meo Vac.

Day 1: Ma Pi Leng Pass – Dong Van Stone Plateau – Lung Cam Village

Visit the Ma Pi Leng Pass in the early morning to enjoy fresh air and wild beauty, as well as experience the challenges driving through this pass. Then move on to Dong Van Stone Plateau to witness the huge mountains and deep canyons on sight. Take a homestay in Lung Cam Village and learn some local practice and culture.

Day 2: Lo Lo Ethnic Village – Quan Ba Twin Mountain

Trek to Lo Lo Ethnic Village to enjoy the spectacular beauty of the natural landscape. Socialize with locals to study their customs and traditions. Then continue the trip to Quan Ba Twin Mountain to experience the picturesque landscape and mighty view at the height of 1,500m above sea level.

If you are a veteran backpacker, please feel free to manage the trip on your own and alter it when needed, else, we recommend you join a tour organized by a professional company, that can free you from hassles and keep you safe throughout the journey.

Au Tau Porridge

The bitter porridge is a specialty of Meo Vac, Ha Giang. A bowl of Au Tau has literally everything in it from all flavors of Au Tau and spice leaves to the balance of rice, herbs and meat…. This dish is also a medicine to cure sickness and cold.

Buckwheat flowers food-made

Buckwheat is known not only for its beauty but also for its tastiness. You can find many food-stalls selling coal grilled Tam Giac Mach cake near Lung Cam cultural village, Vuong King palace, Dong Van market and Old Quarter. Tam Giac Mach flower is also used to make wine, cookies and soft cake….

Thang Den

Is a popular sweet soup dessert in Dong Van and Meo Vac, when served hot can warm your body up in the cold night in the highland’s town. The small white balls made of glutinous rice are soaked in sweet syrup, topped with peanuts, sesame and coconut slices. This soup sure smells good.

Thang Co

Thang Co is widely known as the most traditional dish of H’mong ethnic group. This food is made from beef, buffalo, pork and horse meat. However, local residents often use horse organs such as heart, liver, bone, and meat to cook this dish. All these organs are put in a big pan of water and stew for a long time. Some particular seasoning and

Xoi ngu sac (Five-color sticky rice)

This is the traditional dish of Tay ethnic people. The name comes from the fact that it has five colors. These five colors represent the five elements of life in their belief: yellow is earth, green is plant, red is fire, white is metal, and purple is water. No chemical is required to make this colorful sticky rice, only natural leaves are used. The leaves are boiled before being put into a large bowl with rice to create different colors.

Meo Vac, Ha Giang experiences two main seasons: the rainy season from April to October – and the dry season from November to March. Along with these seasons switching, Meo Vac offers a different perspective at different times of the year, when visitors find this place at its own varied authentic charms.

January – March: It’s the time of peach and plum flowers to boom, also the time of Lunar New Year with a festive atmosphere, when you will see the hills and mountains come back to life after their winter sleep. Peach and plum blossoms add dots of white and pink to the green hills, making for a wonderful view and beautiful scent.

April: On 27th on the third month of the year which falls in April, Meo Vac is bustling with Khau Vai annual love market, which is a special event that happens only once a year. On this day, vendors from all around the province come to sell their products in a flurry of color. Check when exactly it is this year as the exact date depends on the lunar calendar and changes every year.

May – July: During these months, the terraced rice fields in Meo Vac are flooded in water to prepare for the rice season, making a poetic scenery. Farmers irrigate their rice fields which turn a rich vibrant green as a result. Get ready for some postcard-worthy shots during this time of year!

September – October: The rice fields turn yellow weaving through the mountains like golden ribbons and are almost ready for harvest. Another Meo Vac’s must-see for tourists who love to seek for wonder.

November – December: It’s the time for buckwheat flowers to bloom on the terraced fields, also the time for buckwheat flower’s festival. This is when the small, pink flowers in the fields create a beautiful contrast to the grey mountains and green forests around.

Meo Vac was never an easy destination to travel. However, there are still available transportations that help you to reach the destination.

By public bus: A cheap and comfortable way to get to Meo Vac from Hanoi is by night bus, which may take you around 7 – 9 hours of driving. There are several leaving Hanoi’s northern terminal every evening and the cheapest ones cost you less than $10. The coaches have fully-reclining berths which make it easy to sleep. That way you can start exploring Meo Vac well-rested and make the most of your first day there.

By private car: The most convenient way to reach Meo Vac is by private car. In Hanoi, you will easily find travel agents who can help you book a private driver to take you to Meo Vac, Ha Giang. Especially if you’re traveling with a group of friends, this can be a fun and cost-effective solution. Going with a driver also adds flexibility as you can stop anytime you want, whether it’s for a photo or to try some food along the way. The cost starts from $100 and variable.

By motorbike: If you adventure, head to Meo Vac on your own motorbike. The 300-kilometer ride will take you the better part of a day, especially if you want to make a few stops along the way.

Although renting a motorbike is not a big deal, however, we do not encourage you to do this, especially when you first come to Vietnam. Ensure your safety first.

Throughout this article, we wish you to have an idea of how to travel to Meo Vac for your best experience. In case you are looking for your own travel agent, who can offer a wonderful and hassle-free trip to Meo Vac, please feel free to let us know. We always commit our best to make it your once-in-a-lifetime journey.