What’s Special About Ha Giang? Explore Famous Tourist Spots

“What’s special about Ha Giang?” is a question many travelers ask. This place is not only known for its breathtaking and majestic landscapes but is also famed for its rich and diverse cuisine. To explore more of the interesting aspects of this location, let’s dive into the following article by Ha Giang Open Tour.

1. What’s Special About Ha Giang? Must-Visit Spots in This Region

Ha Giang is a province known for its rugged, majestic beauty that attracts travel enthusiasts. So, what’s special about Ha Giang? Below are some ideal places you shouldn’t miss.

1.1. Lung Cu Flag Tower

Lung Cu Flag Tower is located at the top of Dragon Mountain, 1,470 meters above sea level. This marks the northernmost point of Vietnam. The flag tower was renovated in 2010, flying a red flag with a yellow star covering 54 square meters, symbolizing the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam.

The Lung Cu Flag Tower has an octagonal-shaped body, with eight relief panels made from green stone at its base, depicting the Dong Son bronze drum motifs and heroic historical scenes. To reach this site, visitors need to climb 839 steps. Once at the top, you can take in the picturesque scenery and feel the cool mountain air of the northeastern region.

1.2. Ma Pi Leng Pass

Ma Pi Leng Pass is located along National Highway 4C, in Pải Lủng and Pải Vi communes. The pass connects Ha Giang city with the two towns of Dong Van and Meo Vac. It is renowned as one of the four great mountain passes of Vietnam and has become a famous tourist attraction in Ha Giang.

The pass stretches for 20 kilometers, winding through treacherous terrain at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level. Here, you can embark on an adventurous journey, navigating sharp curves between steep cliffs and deep valleys.

1.3. What’s Special About Ha Giang? Discover Pho Bang Town

Pho Bang Town is located to the west of Dong Van district. It is a small, peaceful village nestled among the mountains of Ha Giang.

The town is home to about 3,000 people, mostly of Mong and Chinese descent. The houses here are built from simple clay bricks, with tiled roofs and old wooden doors. As you stroll through the town, you’ll experience the simple lifestyle of the local people.

Visiting Pho Bang Town, you’ll also feel a quiet, melancholic atmosphere rarely found in other places. Moreover, you can admire the rose valley and blooming buckwheat flowers along the roadside.

2. Must-Try Ha Giang Specialties

Besides its majestic landscapes, Ha Giang is also known for its unique and rich cuisine. The region is blessed with precious natural ingredients, giving its dishes a distinctive character. Below are some interesting and must-try specialties.

2.1. Thang Den

The main ingredient of Thang Den is glutinous rice from Yen Minh district. Inside the sticky rice dumplings, there are various fillings like red beans, green beans, peanuts, and sesame. When chewed, the dumplings offer a chewy texture and a light sweetness, with a fragrant aroma of sticky rice.

To enjoy this dish, you can add some ginger-flavored molasses syrup or coconut milk. The price ranges from 25,000 to 50,000 VND per bowl.

2.2. Thang Co

Traditionally, Thang Co was made from horse innards. However, to cater to modern tastes and ensure the dish suits more people, Ha Giang’s vendors now use beef, buffalo, or pork as substitutes.

The essence of this dish lies in its broth, which is made from simmering bones and innards. For first-timers, the smell of the innards can be off-putting, but the more you eat, the more you’ll crave its unique taste.

2.3. Sour Pho

If you’re wondering what’s special about Ha Giang, Sour Pho is a dish you must try. The main ingredient is fragrant glutinous rice noodles, served with a sweet and sour sauce, roasted pork, char siu, sausages, and stir-fried chilies.

To create the dish’s signature flavor, locals make the sweet and sour sauce from a mixture of vinegar, sugar, tapioca starch, and mountain spices. When eating, you can add fresh garlic, pickled papaya, and aromatic herbs to enhance the dish’s appeal.

2.4. Au Tau Porridge

Au Tau Porridge is made from au tau roots, soaked in rice water and simmered. The root is cooked down with minced pork and sticky rice, creating a light brown porridge with a strong aroma.

To enrich the flavor, locals often simmer the au tau roots with pork leg and sticky rice. Not only does this dish have a distinctive taste, but it’s also considered very healthy. When eating, you can add an egg, chili, and green pepper for extra flavor. This dish is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone visiting Ha Giang.

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With the above information, you’ve likely found the answer to the question, “What’s special about Ha Giang?” Hopefully, this article has given you some ideas for exciting places to visit and delicious foods to try during your trip. Don’t forget to check out Ha Giang Open Tour’s blog for more useful tips to make your journey even more meaningful and enjoyable!