The untouched trails of Ha Giang (pronounced as “Hazan”) is Vietnam’s best-kept secret. This is not just a place but a symphony of nature, sprawling green landscapes, and distant mountains, their peaks dusted with the haze of mystery.
Winding paths lead us into its soul, a thready echo of an ancient drum beckoning us closer. Here, in the palpable silence of the morning, Ha Giang unveils itself not as a mere destination but as a canvas upon which we inscribe our journey, where the thrill of discovery intertwines with the gentleness of introspection.
So come, walk with us through the verdant valleys, explore the timeless traditions and lose yourself in the mesmerising narrative of Ha Giang – where the wild mountains breathe life into Vietnam’s Northeast Frontier.
On our way to Lao Xa ancient village.
Journey through Ha Giang's verdant landscapes as we uncover the mesmerising beauty of Vietnam’s northern frontier—the Ha Giang Loop.
A 4-day 3-night Ha Giang Loop, approximately 960km.
TRAVEL COST
This 4-day and 3-night adventure includes accommodation, meals, activities, and the comfort of exploring Ha Giang's captivating beauty in a car. Airfares, visa fees, personal expenses, tips and services not explicitly mentioned are not included.
Ha Giang Tour with YESD Vietnam - US$ 1,389.00 for 4 adults and 1 child.
DAY 1: HANOI TO THON THA VILLAGE
On our first day, we escape the buzz of Hanoi and dive headfirst into the stark contrast of Ha Giang. After a refreshing break at the Tay traditional bungalow in Thon Tha village, a small village of about 500 people just outside the main centre. YESD has been working with the community here for several years to help elevate the quality of the homestays, provide hospitality training, and implement responsible tourism practices. We didn’t encounter any other tourists during our stay; we felt like we had ventured off the beaten track. It was the perfect start to our time in Ha Giang.
Waterfall at Thon Tha Village.
Tay traditional bungalow in Thon Tha village.
Our homestay at a stilted house surrounded by lush rice fields
DAY 2: THON THA - TWIN MOUNTAIN - SKYPATH - DONG VAN
As we depart from Thon Tha and head towards Quan Ba Heaven Gate, a hidden village unveils itself next, draped in the living culture of the Flower H'mong people. At the Lung Tam linen cooperative, threads weave a beautiful dance, creating intricate embroideries that are nothing short of poetry in motion.
Ascending Ma Pi Leng pass and scaling the pulse of Vietnam. The northward vista opens like an amphitheatre of rugged wilderness. A precipice greets us alongside the road, introducing the cool, calming allure of Nho Que River flowing beneath, lacing a ribbon of life across the land.
After a short hike to Skypath, we found ourselves cocooned within the gentle purr of our vehicle, meandering through the veins of the Ha Giang province, bound for the east and the town of Dong Van. As we left the familiar behind, the landscapes undertook a transformation from rice paddies and undulating tea fields into a tapestry of surreal limestone peaks the colour of fading charcoal sketches and rugged canyons.
This was our welcome to the Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO-sanctified geopark with a prestige larger than life itself.
Twin Mountain Valley.
The Twin Mountain.
A 90 years old Flower H’mong.
The Skypath.
Skypath with a view of Nho Que River and China Yunnan Province.
The Dong Van town.
DAY 3: DONG VAN - KING PALACE - PHO CAO - CAVE - NAM DAM
As day three greets us with its gentle embrace, our morning begins at a unique piece of history, the palace of the H'mong King. Once the dwelling of Vuong Chinh Duc, an influential and powerful leader, this palace holds an intriguing blend of architectural styles.
We then move on to Lao Xa, an ancient village with traditional homes belonging to the H'mong and Hoa people that stand the test of time. We marvel at these dwellings' simple yet rich atmosphere. The fact that Ha Giang remains one of Vietnam's poorest provinces adds a layer of understanding and a desire to connect more deeply with its inhabitants.
With the pensive reflections of Lao Xa still alive in our minds, our wheels roll towards another local marvel. Here, nature’s hidden gem awaits our discovery - the cavernous wonder of Lung Khuy Cave.
Located about 2 kilometres from Old Quan Ba’s mystical pass, this cave is the perfect symphony of earth and elements. Unlike other caves shrouded and made inscrutable by hills, Lung Khuy invites one and all, eagerly revealing its cloak to the traveller's eye.
The cave mirrors life, its labyrinthine expanse a testament to nature's intricacy and the quiet beauty tucked away from the beaten path.
We reflect on another day's beautiful memories as we approach Nam Dam Village. Checking into the bungalow for the night.
DAY 4: NAM DAM MORNING MARKET - HANOI
Perfect end to our Ha Giang loop with a vibrant canvas of a Quan Ba Sunday morning market, the pulse of the community. Locals from near and far convened upon the heart of the morning market, draped in their traditional finery, transforming a simple weekly gathering into a wondrous carnival of colour and culture. Each corner of this bustling bazaar seemed alive with the hues of unique ethnic garments, the heartbeat of a people intricately woven into the very fabric.
Wandering through the twisting lanes of this technicolor dream, we became a silent witness to the intrinsic beauty of the Hmong, Dao, Giay, and Nung cultures. Time ceased to exist as we fully immersed ourselves in the sights, sounds, and scents of the market. The rustic stalls overflowed with an abundance of fresh produce, as if reaching out to visitors, beckoning curiosity and appreciation. Beyond these vibrant fruits and vegetables, handmade textiles and agricultural supplies completed the melange of piquant offerings.
The morning market is a cherished remnant of Northern Vietnam's heartbeat, now onto our 380km journey back to Hanoi town!
CẢM ƠN!
As we bid farewell to our five resplendent days and four amber-hued nights in Ha Giang, we carry with us a tune of endless wonders. The whispers of the H'mong King’s Palace, the raw vibrancy of the Quan Ba morning market, the tales of Lao Xa and the embrace of Lung Khuy Cave, all resonated a symphony of adventures. This land, with its rugged beauty and resilient pulse, has silently woven itself into the fabric of our hearts. Thank you, Ha Giang, for the precious melodies and memories that will forever hum in the backdrop of our lives. Cảm ơn!
HO#7