Ha Giang: Is it in the Northwest or Northeast? 5 Must-See Destinations

Many people have traveled to Hà Giang multiple times but still do not know whether Hà Giang is in the Northwest or Northeast. So, let’s join Hà Giang Open Tour to strengthen our knowledge of geography as well as the famous tourist spots of this land at the northernmost part of the country in the following article!

1. Is Hà Giang in the Northwest or Northeast?

Hà Giang is a province located in the Northeast region of Vietnam, not the Northwest. The Northeast region of our country consists of 9 provinces: Hà Giang, Phú Thọ, Tuyên Quang, Quảng Ninh, Thái Nguyên, Bắc Giang, Bắc Kạn, Cao Bằng, and Lạng Sơn. The Northwest region includes 6 provinces: Lào Cai, Lai Châu, Sơn La, Điện Biên, Yên Bái, and Hòa Bình.

Hà Giang is a province in the Northeast mountainous region, not the Northwest.

1.1. Geographical Location

As a province in the Northeast region, Hà Giang borders several provinces in the area, including:

• North: Borders China
• South: Borders Tuyên Quang Province
• East: Borders Cao Bằng Province
• West: Borders Lào Cai and Yên Bái

Hà Giang has an area of approximately 7,900 km². In a straight line, the widest point from West to East is 115 km, and from North to South is 137 km. The northernmost point of Hà Giang is also the northernmost point of the country, located about 3.3 km east of Lũng Cú. The westernmost point is about 10 km southwest of Xín Mần, and the easternmost point is approximately 16 km east of Mèo Vạc.

1.2. Historical Formation

Since the time of the Hùng Kings, Hà Giang was one of the 15 tribes of the Lạc Việt. During the time of Thục Phán Dương Vương, Hà Giang belonged to the Tây Vu tribe. Throughout various historical periods, Hà Giang has had many different names and administrative divisions.

On August 12, 1991, Hà Giang Province was established, separating from Hà Tuyên Province (Hà Giang + Tuyên Quang). Currently, Hà Giang has a total of 11 administrative units, including 1 city (Hà Giang City) and 10 districts (Mèo Vạc, Bắc Mê, Yên Minh, Đồng Văn, Vị Xuyên, Quản Bạ, Bắc Quang, Xín Mần, Quang Bình).

1.3. People

Hà Giang is home to 19 ethnic groups, including the Dao, Tày, Mông, Hoa, Phù Lá, Kinh, and Nùng. Among them, the Mông ethnic group has the largest population, accounting for over 30% of the total population of the province. The Kinh people only make up about 12% of the total population, most of whom migrated from the lowlands to settle here.

1.4. Nature, Geography, and Climate of Hà Giang

Hà Giang features a majestic mountainous landscape with a complex terrain and numerous rivers and streams. The two highest peaks in Hà Giang are Tây Côn Lĩnh (2,419 m) and Kiều Liêu Ti (2,402 m).

Moreover, Hà Giang is famous for its dense river system, contributing to a pristine and poetic natural landscape. Notable rivers flowing through Hà Giang include the Nho Quế, Lô, Gâm, and Chảy rivers.

Regarding climate, Hà Giang lies in the humid subtropical climate zone. However, due to its high mountainous terrain, it possesses many characteristics typical of temperate regions. When visiting Hà Giang, you will enjoy a fresh and pleasant atmosphere.

Hà Giang has many famous landscapes and historical sites with towering, majestic mountains that are no less poetic.

2. Famous Destinations You Must Visit When Traveling to Hà Giang

In addition to the question of whether Hà Giang is in the Northwest or Northeast, the tourist attractions here also attract the attention of travel enthusiasts.

Hà Giang is truly beautiful! Each mountain, river, stream, and field carries its own unique charm, creating a vibrant masterpiece that is incredibly captivating. When visiting Hà Giang, you must check out the following places:

2.1. Lũng Cú Flagpole

Address: Long Sơn Peak - Lũng Cú - Đồng Văn

The flagpole was renovated in 2010. At the top of the pole is a red flag with a yellow star measuring 54 m², symbolizing the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam. The flagpole is octagonal in design, with 8 green stone reliefs at its base that mimic the motifs of Đông Sơn bronze drums.

From the foot of Rồng Mountain, you will have to climb 839 steps to admire the picturesque landscape. In the distance, you can see towering mountains and terraced fields of the Mông and Nùng ethnic groups.

Image of Lũng Cú Flagpole

2.2. Mã Pì Lèng Pass

Address: National Road 4C through Pải Vi and Pải Lủng - Mèo Vạc

Dubbed one of the four famous mountain passes in Vietnam, this route is about 20 km long and is located at an altitude of 1,200 m above sea level. You can rent a motorbike to explore this adventurous journey with many winding turns among the cliffs, and don’t forget to check in at the “Death Rock.”

Mã Pì Lèng Pass - The "King" of all passes in Hà Giang

2.3. Đồng Văn Old Town

Address: Đồng Văn Town

The old town was built in the 20th century and reflects the culture and architecture of many ethnic groups in Vietnam. The old town has about 40 houses that are hundreds of years old, exuding an ancient charm.

In mid-March of the lunar calendar each year, Đồng Văn Old Town is filled with red lanterns and hosts festivals with many exciting activities. You can visit at this time to experience the diverse culture and cuisine of the local people.

Part of Đồng Văn Old Town

2.4. Mèo King’s Palace

Address: Sà Phìn - Đồng Văn

The architectural style of the Mèo King’s Palace is influenced by Chinese culture, featuring intricate and unique decorative carvings. The villa consists of 4 horizontal houses and 6 vertical houses, divided into three areas: front palace, middle palace, and back palace.

In 1993, the Mèo King’s Palace was recognized as a National Monument. The number of visitors each day is quite high, mainly consisting of tourists from the lowlands and foreigners.

Image of Mèo King’s Palace

2.5. Sủng Là Valley

Address: Sủng Là - Đồng Văn

This is one of the most beautiful places to admire buckwheat flowers in Hà Giang. In the local language, Sủng Là means “island.” It appears like a shy beauty amidst the vast, majestic mountains.

When visiting Sủng Là Valley, you will admire stunning buckwheat flower fields, explore the lives of local people, and check in at Pao’s House.

Sủng Là Valley during the buckwheat flower season is as beautiful as a painting

In addition, there are many other beautiful and famous tourist destinations in Hà Giang, such as:

• Phó Bảng Town
• Hoàng Su Phì Terraced Fields
• Yên Minh Pine Forest
• Twin Mountains - Quản Bạ Heaven's Gate
• Lùng Khúy Cave, Noong Lake (Phú Linh - Vị Xuyên)
• Hà Giang Market
• Đồng Văn Stone Plateau
• Nho Quế River
• Tu Sản Gorge
• Suôi Thầu Grassland,...

I hope this article helps you answer the question of whether Hà Giang is in the Northwest or Northeast and discover the famous tourist destinations here. Currently, Hà Giang Open Tour has many Hà Giang tours departing from Hanoi and Saigon at very attractive prices. For customers wishing to book tours, please contact hotline/zalo: 0984.650.239 for the fastest support!