Hà Giang Self-Planned Travel || 5 Things To Remember

For young travelers who love to explore, self-planned trips are always a top choice. Traveling on your own gives you the freedom to control your time, choose your destinations, and experience whatever you wish. If you're planning a self-planned trip to Ha Giang, don’t miss out on the detailed information below!

1. Ha Giang - The Land At The Northernmost Tip Of The Country

Ha Giang is a province located in northeastern Vietnam. It borders Cao Bang to the east, Yen Bai and Lao Cai to the west, Tuyen Quang to the south, and China to the north. Ha Giang is known as the "land at the northernmost tip of the country," surrounded by majestic mountains and winding passes that challenge many adventure seekers.

Ha Giang - The Land At The Northernmost Tip Of The Country

Not only beautiful with its natural landscapes, but the people here are also very friendly and humble, creating a unique charm for Ha Giang. The province is home to a blend of different ethnic cultures, including the Tay, Nung, H’mong, and Dao people.

Situated about 2,000 meters above sea level, Ha Giang enjoys a cool climate and is blessed with many stunning natural sights. Many refer to Ha Giang as the "Da Lat of the North."

2. Ha Giang Self-Planned Travel - 5 Things To Remember

2.1. The Best Time To Visit Ha Giang

For those who love road trips and discovery, timing is often not a concern; they travel whenever they feel like it. However, you should know that each season in Ha Giang has its own unique beauty. According to self-travel experiences, the best time to visit Ha Giang is from September to March of the following year.

The Ideal Time To Visit Ha Giang Is From September To March

Ha Giang is beautiful all year round, so you can visit at any time. Every month has its own activities and festivals, such as:

• January & February: This is considered the most festive time of the year, with traditional festivals like buffalo fighting, horse racing, and the longevity celebration of the Tay people.
• March: The forests are in full bloom with peach and plum blossoms, creating a stunning landscape often described as a "watercolor painting."
• April: Tourists can experience the Khau Vai love market, where you can not only immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere but also discover the deep cultural values of this unique tradition.
• May & June: This is the time for the water pouring season on terraced fields as locals prepare for a new farming season.
• August & September: Considered the best time to visit Ha Giang, with golden terraced rice fields stretching to the horizon.
• October & November: This is the season for tam giac mach flowers, with fields covered in shades of pink, purple, and white.
• December: Fields of bright yellow mustard flowers bloom throughout the region.

2.2. Transportation To Ha Giang

Ha Giang is about 300 km from Hanoi, and the route is relatively easy to navigate. Popular transportation methods for self-planned trips to Ha Giang include motorcycles and buses.

• Motorcycles: If you're an adventurer, a motorcycle is the perfect vehicle for a self-planned trip to Ha Giang. The route from Hanoi to Ha Giang goes through: Hanoi → Vinh Yen → Viet Tri → Doan Hung → Phu Tho → Tuyen Quang → Ha Giang.

Traveling Ha Giang By Motorcycle

• Bus: You can catch a bus from My Dinh bus station in Hanoi to Ha Giang for 200,000 - 300,000 VND per person per trip. Once in Ha Giang, you can rent a motorcycle for 120,000 - 150,000 VND per day.

If you're traveling from Ho Chi Minh City, fly to Hanoi, then take a bus along the Noi Bai - Lao Cai expressway to Ha Giang. If you prefer the experience of riding a motorcycle, you can rent one in Hanoi and ride to Ha Giang.

2.3. Accommodation Options In Ha Giang

Tourism services in Ha Giang are well-developed, making it easy to find accommodations. You can book a room through Facebook, phone numbers, or other online platforms.

• Guesthouses: No need to book in advance. You can rent guesthouses in Dong Van or Meo Vac, or in other tourist areas at the end of the day. Staying in guesthouses is a budget-friendly option while still ensuring privacy.
• Homestays: This option is very popular in Ha Giang and is widely chosen by self-travelers. Depending on your needs and budget, you can choose single, double, or group rooms. Most tourist areas have homestays.

Ha Giang Homestays Are Fully Equipped

• Hotels: There aren't many hotels in Ha Giang, as most visitors prefer "backpacking" travel. The few hotels are mainly located in city centers or popular tourist spots, and prices are usually higher.

2.4. Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations In Ha Giang

Here are some destinations you shouldn't miss on your self-planned trip to Ha Giang:

• Hoang Su Phi: Located about 50 km from the city center, this area has rugged roads but is popular among thrill-seekers. Once you reach the top, you’ll be greeted by endless terraced fields, stunning in both the water pouring season and the harvest season.

Hoang Su Phi

• Thanh Thuy International Border Gate: About 22 km from the city center, this spot is often visited by young travelers. Don’t forget to take a photo at milestone 261, marking the Vietnam-China border.

Thanh Thuy International Border Gate

• Lung Cu Flagpole: This iconic flagpole is located on Dragon Mountain, also known as Lung Cu Peak. You’ll need to ride halfway up the mountain and climb 286 stone steps to reach an elevation of 1,700 meters.

Lung Cu Flagpole

• Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate: From here, you can admire the beauty of the Co Tien Twin Mountains, a natural wonder of Ha Giang. From above, you can see the town of Tam Son nestled among the mountains, enjoying cool weather year-round.

Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate

• Dong Van Ancient Town: Here, you can explore a market built from stone in 1920. Aside from its old architecture, you can enjoy the bustling weekend markets, discover local highland culture, and taste ruou ngo (corn wine).

Dong Van Ancient Town

• Ha Giang’s Fair Markets: The fair market schedules depend on the time of year. These markets are always crowded with buyers and sellers. You can find various items and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Ha Giang's Fair Market

• Conquering Ma Pi Leng Pass: One of the "four great passes" of Vietnam, this pass is for those with skilled driving abilities. The roads are challenging and dangerous, but the views are worth it, offering a breathtaking panorama of the Nho Que River and towering mountains.

Conquering Ma Pi Leng

• Vuong’s Mansion: Located in Xa Phin Commune, Dong Van District, this mansion was built about 100 years ago and once served as the home and workplace of the Vuong family, also known as the Meo King.

Vuong's Mansion

• Yen Minh Pine Forest: Located across three communes: Bach Dich, Lao Va Chai, and Na Khe, this forest is known for its fresh air, lush green grass, and the sight of children herding buffaloes across the meadows.

Yen Minh Pine Forest

• Viewing Tam Giac Mach Flowers: Known as the "national flower" of Ha Giang, these flowers bloom in October and November, painting the hillsides with shades of pink and purple. The best places to see these flowers are in Sung La.

Tam Giac Mach Flowers Bloom In October And November

2.5. Famous Dishes In Ha Giang

Visitors come to Ha Giang not only for the majestic natural beauty and rich cultural heritage but also for the local delicacies. Here are some must-try dishes when traveling to Ha Giang:

• Dong Van Banh Cuon: This dish is made from thinly steamed rice sheets, served with a broth made from bone stock, scallions, cilantro, and other special spices.

• Banh Tam Giac Mach: This cake is made from the seeds of the tam giac mach flower, soft, crumbly, and with a unique earthy flavor.

Banh Tam Giac Mach

• Xoi Ngu Sac: Sticky rice made from fragrant upland rice, vibrant with natural colors derived from forest plants, creating a dish that's both flavorful and visually appealing.

• Thang Co: A traditional dish made from horse or beef innards, usually served with corn wine. This dish is famous in the highlands, but not everyone can handle its strong taste.

Thang Co

• Lap Xuong: Ha Giang’s lap xuong (sausages) are made from pork, often from black pigs or wild boars, and are smoked or air-dried in the kitchen. It’s a popular souvenir from Ha Giang.

Other specialties include grilled moss, sour pho, thang den, and au tau porridge.