Ha Giang Itinerary: Essential Information for First-Time Travelers

Ha Giang Overview

Ha Giang is a border province located in the extreme north of the nation. Traveling to this region is like taking a trip back in time, where you will see some of Vietnam's most untamed and breathtaking scenery.

The ideal way to enjoy Ha Giang is on a motorbike tour, where you can take in the magnificence of the scenery and the local flavor of the outlying towns and minority settlements.

For an unforgettable journey, you must understand Ha Giang, like the weather, road conditions, accommodation, and more.

What Is The Weather Like In Ha Giang?

Dawn in Ha Giang

A tropical monsoon and subtropical highland climate characterize Ha Giang province's climate. This province has a long, cold winter, the coldest from December to January of the following year.

On a clear day, the temperature in the lower valleys can reach 68°F. It can easily drop to 50°F on gloomy days. However, summer is hot, rainy, and hottest in July and August. Temperatures can reach the upper 86°F in the valleys.

The spring season is in March, while the fall season runs from mid-September to November. The temperature is nice in both seasons.

Annual rainfall fluctuates very strongly compared to other meteorological factors. The average rainfall in the area ranges from 1,200-4,600mm.

Ha Giang is less directly affected by tropical cyclones. However, in the rainy season, flash floods and hail can easily occur, greatly affecting the lives and activities of local people.

Except for the rainy season, other seasons of the year are ideal conditions for tourism. The best month to visit Ha Giang is September to November when you can take in the picturesque buckwheat flower fields and golden terraced fields.

What are the roads like in Ha Giang?

Many beautiful and good-quality routes are in the center of Ha Giang city. However, transportation infrastructure is still not perfectly developed when going to the suburbs.

There are innumerable blind bends along the winding, narrow mountain roads that stretch from Ha Giang to Ma Pi Leng Pass. In addition, all those routes face steep mountain slopes without protective barriers.

Although some sections of the roadways have significant damage, most of the roads are in decent shape. Searching for the route before the journey is needed because conditions constantly change.

Where to Stay in Ha Giang?

Choosing an ideal accommodation is essential to guarantee a relaxing and pleasurable journey. There is lodging to fit every taste and budget, whether in a hotel, guesthouse, or homestay. Remember to make early reservations to guarantee your first choice, particularly during popular travel times.

These are only a handful of the top-notch lodging choices that can be found around the Ha Giang Loop.

• Du Gia Homestay

This rustic guesthouse is in the serene Du Gia hamlet, providing cozy rooms with communal bathrooms. In addition to serving delectable meals, the hosts can arrange trekking and hiking excursions.

• Tam Giac Mach Hotel

Located in Dong Van town, this chic hotel provides cozy accommodations with stunning views of the mountains. It has a rooftop patio, bar, and restaurant.

How can I reach Ha Giang?

Terraced fields in Ha Giang

Several direct bus operators make traveling from the Northern regions to Ha Giang quite convenient. On the other hand, travelers from farther afield in the South or Central regions should begin their trip from Hanoi.

Buses from My Dinh, Luong Yen, Yen Nghia, and Gia Lam bus terminals leave Hanoi every hour. Depending on your budget, you can select luxurious limousines or sleeper buses.

Taking the night bus would help save time and maintain your vitality for the lengthy exploration trip.

When you arrive in Ha Giang, you may rent a motorbike in the city to travel on your own. If you don't have enough time or are traveling with kids and seniors, you should book a small tour bus with 7-16 seats for the excursion.

What is the best month to do the Ha Giang Loop?

The best times to visit Ha Giang and have an amazing trip around the Ha Giang Loops are September to November. November is the best time to observe the buckwheat flowers blooming around the foothills and slopes.

There are also many tourists visiting Ha Giang in spring. February is the most beautiful time when peach and plum gardens emerge.

What should you pack for traveling to Ha Giang?

1. Supple, elastic clothing, cargo pants, sweatpants, or leggings would be OK. Take T-shirts, cozy trousers, a sweater or sweatshirt, adequate underwear, and socks.

2. An impermeable jacket is necessary. It may rain as you go, even if you visit during the dry season.

3. A scarf or bandana protects you from the wind and cold.

4. Wear appropriate, sturdy, closed-toe footwear to protect your feet from muck and rock.

5. Flip-flops are a nice addition, particularly in the summer, when you want to swim in nearby rivers or waterfalls.

6. The essential shower set and a towel.

7. Bug repellent and sunscreen.

8. First aid/medication kit.

9. Cash.

10. Lighter or headlamp.

11. You must use your light for a stroll in certain areas. In addition, a torch will come in handy while exploring the numerous caverns scattered throughout the route!

12. Chargers for cameras and phones.

13. Numbers for emergency contacts.

Ha Giang Itinerary

Explore Ha Giang 3 Days 2 Nights

Here is an example schedule for a 3 day 2 nights trip:

Day 1: Ha Noi - Ha Giang - Dong Van

Dong Van

You should depart from Hanoi on Friday night to be able to attend the Dong Van market on Sunday morning.

• Ha Giang - Quan Ba Heaven Gate

We started our journey from Ha Giang milestones No.0 before moving to Quan Ba, about 40 km. The sky gate here is a famous check-in point.

If you come there in winter, you will likely encounter many clouds. You can take photos and admire the fields if the sky is clear.

Nam Dam Lake is located in Nam Dam village, a famous Dao homestay village in Quan Ba. In addition to the Heaven Gate, you can visit Co Tien Twin Mountain, which is not far away.

• Quan Ba Heaven Gate - Yen Minh Town

When going to the Can Ty bridge, there are 2 turns. No matter which route you ride along, you will still reach Yen Minh town.

The uphill path will save you 20 km, but it is more difficult and requires strong driving skills. Consider your time so that you can arrive at Yen Minh before lunch and have lunch and rest there.

• Yen Minh town - Dong Van ancient town

This route features a lot of breathtaking landscapes along with well-known tourist destinations. Those are the symbolic check-in places for Ha Giang, also known as Deo 9 Khoanh or Doc Tham Ma.

It's easy to run across foreign tourists here, nature photographers, and Mong kids with baskets full of grass and flowers.

You'll visit Pho Cao - an ancient village that has not been commercialized. It still retains many traditional features of the old Mong people.

Pao's house, a movie studio, is also a place you should visit. Currently, Pao's house is both a residential house and a tourist destination.

The above tourist spots are 10 km apart. Try to visit them while paying attention to the time to arrive in Dong Van in time for dinner.

Day 2: Dong Van market - Nho Que River - Meo Vac

Nho Que River

• Dong Van market - King Meo palace

Take some time in the morning to go to the market. You may see hundreds of ethnic people wearing colorful outfits here.

The market is bustling with many items, from common things like electronics, vegetables, and clothes to ethnic specialties like linen, brocade, and buckwheat cakes. If you buy gifts, remember to choose things that are easy to carry, like spices or linen.

In addition to the market, you can also visit King Meo Palace in Dong Van. The relic site is nearly 3 hectares wide and in the valley of Sa Phin commune. King Meo's Palace was built in the early 20th century, modeled after Chinese architecture with curves and exquisite carvings.

• Lung Cu flagpole

If you don't go to the market or King Meo Palace, you can depart at 6:30 from Dong Van to Lung Cu to visit the flagpole in the morning. This distance is 25 km long.

You must go through many bad sectors with gravel, steep curves, potholes, etc. Travel time is about 1 and a half hours.

Upon arrival, you climb to the flagpole and look at the mountains and forests at the country's starting point. The North Pole Coffee Shop is a good stop to relax.

• Nho Que river

At around 9:30, you're back to the old road to Dong Van, then go toward Meo Vac to visit the Nho Que River.

The motorbike road to the pier is very steep. Some places are under construction, so you need a driver with strong skills.

You will arrive at the boat dock when weaving through the winding road, hugging the cliff. The road is difficult, yet the emerald river's beauty will partly dispel tourists' fatigue.

• Ma Pi Leng Pass - Meo Vac

The most striking section of the Ha Giang loop is undoubtedly the Ma Pi Leng Pass. It is situated between Meo Vac and Dong Van.

This legendary route is incised right into the mountainside with sheer rock faces rising hundreds of meters above the road. You may park your motorcycle and stroll along the ridgeline to take breathtaking pictures.

Surrounding the pass are sky, clouds, and mountains, so visitors can leisurely admire the scenery and take photos. Passing the foot of the pass, you will reach Meo Vac town.

Around 5:00 pm, you can stop at the 12 km marker area to Meo Vac. It's one of the most beautiful spots to watch the sunset on Ma Pi Leng Pass, with a view of the Nho Que River.

After watching the sunset, you head about 10 km to the Mong Ethnic Cultural Village in Pa Vi to stay overnight.

Day 3: Pavi - Ha Giang - Ha Noi

It's about 160 km from Ha Giang city center to Pa Vi Ha. This place has been invested to develop into a community tourism cultural village.

This village converges the pristine beauty of heaven and earth, the cultural imprint of the Mong people, and the traditional occupations of the residents here. Visitors to Pa Vi village almost enter a world of peace and relaxation.

When you wake up, you'll be surrounded by lush green mountains and dreamy buckwheat fields. You can explore this tourist village in the morning. After lunch, depart to Ha Giang City and catch the bus to Hanoi.

Discover the Best Ha Giang 4 Days 3 Nights

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Discover the Best Ha Giang 4 Days

Ha Giang - Dong Van - Hanoi

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• Depart Time:Daily
• Starts/Ends:Hanoi/Hanoi
• Tour type:Private Tours
• Travel Style:Nature & Adventure, Culture & History
• Activities:Local culture tours, Countryside and village visits tours
• Suitable for:Family, Group, Couple
• Age range:1 To 90 Years
• Operated in:English, French, Spanish, German, Italian

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Days

4

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Because it was our first time coming to Ha Giang, our 4-day and 3-night journey was steered by a local man with many years of experience leading the group. This issue is quite important for those who come to Ha Giang for the first time.

Suppose you do not know what, taking a tour or having a local guide is best. Join me on this 4-day and 3-night journey to explore Ha Giang.

Day 1: Ha Giang Milestone No.0 - Quan Ba Heaven Gate - King Meo Palace

King Meo Palace

• Ha Giang Milestone No.0

At 8:00, we started taking the bike out and going for breakfast. The gas tank was filled, and we began the journey.

The first place everyone coming to Ha Giang must check is milestone No.0. We stopped here to take photos for about 20 minutes and then followed the local man on his way to Quan Ba Heaven Gate.

• Bac Sum slope

We passed the Bac Sum slope before getting to Quan Ba Heaven Gate. It took about 40 km from milestone No.0 to the Bac Sum Slope.

The weather that day was very supportive for us. It's sunny, yet not as hot as in the summer. I heard the local guy say that if we left earlier, we could catch the sunrise at Doc Bac Sum.

• Quan Ba Heaven's Gate

Continuing along the winding road for about 20 km, we reached the next destination, Quan Ba Heaven Gate. From here, you can see 2 mountains resembling 2 upside-down bowls called Co Tien Twin Mountain.

After enjoying the scenery, we visited a cafe to drink coffee and listen to the local man share about the origin of the appearance of the Co Tien Twin Mountains. Then, we moved to Yen Minh Town for lunch.

• Chin Khoanh Slope

After lunch, our first stop was at the legendary slope that everyone visiting Ha Giang must visit once. That is Chin Khoanh slope. We had to admire the majestic scene here. The winding slopes create a somewhat dangerous but unique route.

• Pao's house

We continued to move about 10km more to arrive in Sung La, where you can visit Pao's house in the movie "Pao's Story." The stone wall outside the gate impresses me most about this house.

The gate is surrounded by uneven but expertly crafted stone walls on two sides. There is a yin and yang tiled roof over the entryway.

As you enter the house, you may see the daily goods and objects used by the H'Mong ethnic group, such as fabric weaving, wells, and rice mills. Because there are still people living here, visitors should not arbitrarily touch the items.

Day 2: Lung Cu Flagpole - Nho Que River

Lung Cu Flagpole

• Breakfast

We moved to the old town in the morning for breakfast with Mrs. Ha's famous rice rolls in Dong Van. The Banh Cuon here tastes very weird, unlike the Banh Cuon I've eaten in Hanoi. If you can't eat the Banh Cuon here, you can have a five-color sticky rice dish with shrimp paste and dried onions.

• Lung Cu Flagpole

After breakfast, we started on the road to the Lung Cu flagpole. Because we started a bit late, it was quite sunny.

We bought tickets and climbed about 300 steps upstairs to reach the foot of the flagpole. The higher we went, the thinner the air, but touching Vietnam's flag made me happy.

• Nho Que River

We returned from the previous road and headed to Nho Que River. The road down to the pier is adventurous, with many curvy turns, tight corners, and deep abysses on two sides.

Then, we went on a boat to admire the scenery and take photos at Tu San Alley, the deepest canyon in Southeast Asia. You should go early and avoid going late in the afternoon through Tu San Alley, which is very cold.

After taking pictures and admiring the scenery, we changed clothes and climbed into a kayak on the Nho Que river. I recommend you try this experience.

• Accommodation

We ended our second day at the Nho Que River. We stayed at a beautiful homestay. The next morning, I woke up and saw a green corn hill in front of my eyes, which made me feel very comfortable.

Day 3: Ma Pi Leng – Ha Giang Death Cliff – Cat Ear Rock Beach

Ma Pi Leng Pass

• Ma Pi Leng Pass

We had breakfast at the homestay, then decided to conquer Ma Pi Leng Pass. Ma Pi Leng Pass is considered one of the "four great passes" of the northern mountains of Vietnam.

You can visit Ma Pi Leng Pass in any season of the year. In Ha Giang, peach, plum, buckwheat, and mustard bloom all year round. You will enjoy an extremely vibrant scenery when standing on top of Ma Pi Leng.

• Ha Giang death cliff

We had to drive through a small road to the well-known "Death Cliff." My heart felt like it wanted to stop while sitting behind the wheel.

One side was a cliff, and the other was an abyss. If you have weak driving skills, you should not try this road, especially on rainy and cloudy days. However, when you overcome this feeling of fear and stand on the cliff, the feeling is great.

Standing on this cliff, you can see the panoramic view of the green Nho Que River or the majestic and vast Ma Pi Leng Pass.

Day 4: Ha Giang City - Hanoi

After 3 days of struggling on the road, we decided to head to Ha Giang City to relax. When we woke up, we went to eat Bat Da pho and drank San Tuyet tea.

After that, we went to Cam Mountain Cafe to see the panoramic view of Ha Giang from above. The road is difficult to find, but you can ask the people here, and they will show you the way.

The road up is quite steep, so please pay attention. Sitting up here, we sipped coffee while looking at the whole city.

At 4:00 p.m., we got on the bus to return to Hanoi. I will return during the buckwheat flower season to have another experience with the Dong Van Stone Plateau.

The Highlight Of Ha Giang 5 Days 4 Nights

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Highlight of Ha giang 5 Days

Ha Giang - Meo Vac

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• Depart Time:Daily
• Starts/Ends:Hanoi/Hanoi
• Tour type:Private Tours
• Travel Style:Nature & Adventure, Culture & History
• Activities:Walking tours, Local culture tours, Countryside and village visits tours
• Suitable for:Family, Group, Couple
• Age range:1 To 90 Years
• Operated in:English, French, Spanish, German, Italian

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Days

5

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This five-day Ha Giang Tour will provide a decent overview of the area. You will get the chance to take in the breathtaking scenery while learning about the lifestyle and culture of the hill tribe.

Day 1: Hanoi – Ha Giang City

We left Hanoi at 8:00 a.m. and spent most of the day traveling to Ha Giang. While traveling, we'll stop to take breathtaking pictures and savor a delicious meal.

As the day ends, we will arrive at a friendly hotel in Ha Giang City. You will check in here and spend the rest of the day relaxing. You will have a delicious meal and spend the night at Ha Giang City.

Alternatively, you can spend the night in a local house in a neighboring Tay ethnic hamlet for a genuine homestay experience. Please notify our travel consultant in advance of your trip.

Day 2: Ha Giang City - Dong Van Karst Geopark

Dong Van Karst Geopark

Check out of your hotel room at 7:00 a.m., and your tour guide will take you to a delicious breakfast. After that, we're going to the well-known Dong Van Karst Geopark.

You'll see magnificent mountain panoramas, expansive limestone landscapes, and the vibrant, distinctive cultures of ethnic minorities. During the day, we'll stop at other spots to capture breathtaking views from mountain passes and discover intriguing sites.

When you get to Dong Van Town, you'll settle into a cozy hotel and rest briefly before supper.

Day 3: Dong Van Karst Geopark Discovery - Nho Que River - Pa Vi village

The climate and the changing forces of nature have formed up to 80% of the karst formations, which are limestone structures. The breathtaking environment and vibrant hill tribal cultures will make an unforgettable impression on your travels.

The distance from Dong Van to Meo Vac is only 25 kilometers. However, it's an amazing trip. The scenic Nho Que River meanders through the Tu San Abyss, providing stunning views. We'll stop at Ma Pi Leng Pass and hike the sky-walk trail the whole morning before heading to Pa Vi.

In Pa Vi village, there's a quaint restaurant for lunch. After noon, we continued walking two kilometers to the river and boarded a boat to explore the Tu San Abyss Alley.

After the boat trip, we take a short stroll back to the main road, where you can take amazing pictures against the backdrop of Tu San Alley.

After the boat trip, we'll travel to Meo Vac Town and spend the night there.

Day 4: Meo Vac - Ha Giang City

Every Sunday morning, there's a big market in Meo Vac. The crowds are astounding as people from nearby villages congregate to shop and have fun.

It's a great chance to take eye-catching pictures of people dressed traditionally. After visiting the market, we'll have a beautiful drive around the geopark.

After lunch at a neighborhood eatery, the route is direct to Yen Minh. You’ll spend your fourth night in Ha Giang City here.

Day 5: Ha Giang City - Hanoi

Ma Pi Leng Pass

Enjoy a last meal at your lodge and take in the peace. You'll eventually return to Hanoi's busy streets. You'll be safely transported to your Hanoi hotel as the day slowly passes to night. Best wishes as you continue your next journey.

Tips For Traveling In Ha Giang

• Bring enough cash because there aren't many ATMs.

• Drive during the day, halt after dark, and take extra care when navigating bends.

• On the road, exercise caution at all times, especially after rain.

• You should bring clothes, coats, glasses, hats, shoes, sunscreen, raincoat, medicine, and personal items.

• Choose a motorbike with 2 rear-view mirrors for easy viewing.

• Have a raincoat ready in the trunk of your motorbike for when it rains.

• You should always keep order and dress when visiting sacred places in Ha Giang.

• Do not cut down forest trees or throw trash indiscriminately.

• Ask for the price before buying so you don't get scammed.

Explore Ha Giang with the Asia Tour Advisor

Asia Tour Advisor's goal is to give you unforgettable travel experiences. We understand that each trip is an investment in making lifelong memories.

With years of expertise in the field and a deep understanding of Southeast Asia, we can tailor the tour to your tastes and passions. Thus, if you're prepared to begin organizing your next journey, contact us now.

Final Thoughts

The attractions we listed are only the most well-known ones already. If you venture a little off the beaten path, you will also find much more to enjoy.

Every time you travel here, you will have a distinct experience, which makes Ha Giang unique. Not only will the weather vary, but also the road conditions and lifestyle will change.

I hope your Ha Giang itinerary will be a wonderful trip to a beautiful country like Vietnam. Book a tour for more advice from our operators! And stay tuned to the Asia Tour Advisor blog to get the latest news about the Vietnam tours!