HA GIANG – DONG VAN KARST PLATEAU

WHEN GO TO HA GIANG:

Visitors can visit Ha Giang at any time of the year because the majestic Dong Van Rock Plateau is always nice.

If visitors would like to see buckwheat flowers (Hoa Tam Giac Mach), you should go in October or November.

Going to Ha Giang in January, February or March to see peach flowers, plum flowers and enjoy Tet holiday atmosphere of different ethnic minorities.

In June, people call “water falling-season” (Mua nuoc do) where visitors can see rice terraces with a lot of water. They look like the mirrors.

In September and October, Rice terraces in Ha Giang, especially in Hoang Su Phi, is the scene that you will never forget.

HOW TO GO: Ha Giang is about 300km far from Ha Noi. It takes about 6 hours to go from Hanoi to Ha Giang. There are some means of transport to go to Ha Giang: by coach, by bus, by motorbike.
By coach: Visitors can take coach or bus from Giap Bat Bus Station or Me Dinh Bus Station and should call to book ticket in advance, if not maybe you don’t have bed. There are some bus companies to go to Ha Giang such as: Hai Van, Hung Thanh, Cau Me, Bang Phan, Ngoc Cuong, … And the last coach in Me Dinh is at 21.30. The ticket costs from 200.000VND/pax.

Hai Van:

+ Tel: 1900 6763.

+ Departure in Me Dinh at 20.30 and in Ha Giang: 20.30

Hung Thanh:

+ Hotlines in Ha Noi: 0988.287.741 – 0989.416.416, in Ha Giang 0989.416.416

+ Departure in Me Dinh at 8.30, 10.05, 14.30, 19.30 and 21.00

+ Departure in Gia Lam: 9.00 and 19.00

Quang Nghi has 2 kinds of buses: 16-seat buses (300.000VND/ticket) and 46-bed coaches (200.000VND)

+ Hotlines: 0915744733; 0946744733

+ Departure: 7.15, 8.00, 16.15, 20.00

Ha Giang Express:

+ VIP 22 – bed coach: 350.000VND

Megabus:

+ Hotlines: 0888 497 811/091 899 82 12

+ Departure in Me Dinh Bus station – Hà Nội: 7.30 – 13.30

+ Departure in Ha Giang: 16.30 – 22.30

+ Ticket: from 300.000 to 350.000 VND

Cau Me: VIP 9-seat limousine and 40-bed coach.

+ Hotlines in Ha Noi: 0219 3862 206, 919899237, 0919899233

+ Tel for ticket to Yen Minh: 0919225688

+ Departure in Me Dinh at 7h30, 9h30, 19h, 20h45

+ Departure in Ha Giang: 8h30, 10h30, 14h30, 20h45, 21h

+ Ticket (40-bed coach): 200.000 VND

+ Hotline in Hà Giang : 0946 445099 – 0912 848216 – 0948 773033

Ngoc Cuong: 39-bed coach

+ Hotlines in Ha Noi: 0904 366 279 – 0982 285 279

+ Departure in Me Dinh: 12h30, 20h15

+ Departure in Ha Giang: 4h15, 20h30

+ Ticket: 220.000 VND

Bang Phan: 42-bed coach

+ Hotlines in Ha Noi: 02193 887 867 – 0915 223 171

+ Departure in Me Dinh: 20h, 21h

+ Departure in Ha Giang: 20h, 20h30

+ Ticket: from 170.000 VND to 220.000 VND

– Khai Huyen: 40-bed coach

+ Hotlines in Ha Noi: 0913 271 384 – 0979 384 384

+ Departure in Me Dinh: 21h, 21h30

+ Departure in Ha Giang: 21h, 21h30

+ Ticket: 200.000 VND

By motorbike: Most of visitors like going to Ha Gang by motorbikes because it is easy to stop and take photos on the way.

You can hire a motorbike in Hanoi or you can catch bus/coach to Ha Giang and hire a motorbike there. The cost for renting motorbike in Ha Giang is about 150.000-200.000VND/motorbike/day.

Hang Thuong (15B Pham Hong Thai, Ha Giang city): 01236399888 – 0942508448.
HONG HAO: 0165.398.2928 / 0915.842.019
Motorbikes & Tours: 1 Nguyen Trai, Ha Giang City: 0944.686.366 02196.50.3333 0963.76.15.15
Quang Tan: 15A1 Nguyen Trai, Ha Giang City: 0975.278.711
Mr. Phon: 0987.067.024
Mr. Bay: 0986.030.405 – 0125.515.5568 – 0915.273.882
Mr. Nam: 0917.797.269 – 0978.159.123
Tuan Anh: 0906.175.336
Giang Sơn: 170 Tran Hung Dao, Ha Giang City 0988. 470.863 or 0962.761.081.

ACCOMMODATION

In Ha Giang City:

Kiki’s House: 134B Ly Tu Trong, Ha Giang: 098 890 39 90 (Mr. Tuan)
Tay HomeStay: Tien Thang Village, Phuong Thien Commune, Ha Giang: 0914 843 659 ( Mr. Te)
Homestay Hạ Thành Thôn Hạ Thành – Phương Do – Hà Giang Điện thoại: 091 589 61 66
Thon Tha Tay Stilt House: Thôn Tha, Phương Độ, Thị Xã Hà Giang, Hà Giang
10Am’s House Homestay: 85 Minh Khai, Thị Xã Hà Giang, Hà Giang Điện thoại: 0916040991
Homestay Chung Thuy: Tuy Village – Ngoc Cuong commune, Ha Giang: 096 962 43 23
Huy Hoan hotel: 0219.386.1288
Hoang Anh hotel : 0219.386.3559/097 986 13 87
Hoa Long hotel: 0219 3868 989
Hoang Anh hotel: 0219 3863 558
Phuong Dong hotel: 0219 3867 979
Thuy Dung hotel: 0219 3862 259
Cong Doan hotel: 0219 3867 057
Ngoc Anh hotel: 0219 3866 231/0219 3866 483
Sao Mai hotel: 0219 3862 555 Fax: 3863 147

In Dong Van

Dao Lodge: Nam Dam, Quan Ba Commune, Ha Giang: 097 571 9605
Du Gia Homestay: 195B, Coc Pang Village, Du Gia commune, Yen Minh, Ha Giang: 0165 772 0252
Cao Nguyen Da hotel: 0219 3866 966/0219 3866 009/0982 885 577
Khai Hoan hotel: 0219 856147/0888 452 668
BUI Homestay Dong Van: Dong Van, Ha Giang: 0968 890 690 – 0122 567 5122
Homestay Nha Co: Mr. Than: 01688.120.866 / 01696.294.866
Hoang Ngoc hotel: Mr Nam: 0219.3856.020 – 0915.035.141.
Homestay Hoi Liem: 0163.5673.631/ 0902 093 223
Lô Lô Homestay: Lô Lô Chải Village, Lung Cu: 090 797 84 80
Homestay Ban Tha: Ban Tha – Lung Cu – Ha Giang: 0167 227 7655

In Meo Vac:

Auberge de MeoVac: Mèo Vạc town, Ha Giang: 0167 351 4399
Homestay Khau Vai: 0917.706.503/0917 706 536
Hoa Cuong hotel: 0219.3856 868, 0944.571.888 (Ms. Quyen)
Homestay Nho Que: 02193.871.322/ 01272 563 125

In Xi Man

Thổ Homestay: Khuôn Lùng, Xín Mần District, Ha Giang: 0167 453 5268

In Bac Quang:

- Binh Minh Hotel: Viet Quang town, Bac Quang, Ha Giang: 0219 3821606
- Hung Van Hotel: Viet Quang town, Bac Quang, Ha Giang: 0219 3821678
- Cuong Thao Hotel: Highway 2, Viet Quang town, Ha Giang: 0989 344669
- Toan Vinh Hotel: No. 18, Viet Quang town, Ha Giang: 0219 3821666
- Homestay Truly: Pac Ha, Viet Quang town, Bac Quang, Ha Giang: 0912 010886
- Vinh Ha Hotel: Viet Quang town, Bac Quang, Ha Giang: 0219 3823507
- Huy Phương Hotel: Tan Son Villge, Viet Quang town, Bac Quang, Ha Giang: 0966 188 881
- Tan Binh 1 Hotel: Viet Quang town, Bac Quang, Ha Giang 0219 3822 289
- Thuy Chi Hostel: Tan Son Villge, Viet Quang town, Bac Quang, Ha Giang: 0168 879 3623
- Toan Phat Hotel: Viet Quang town, Bac Quang, Ha Giang: 0979 878953

Ha Giang Hotel: Viet Quang town, Bac Quang, Ha Giang: 0219 3823486
FOOD

Café Phố Cổ in Dong Van: Drink and enjoy traditional music show

Pho Co Dong Van stuffed pancake (Bánh cuốn)

Au Tau rice gruel (Cháo ấu tẩu): Cháo ấu tẩu Mộc Miên is the best restaurant in Dong Van.

Rolled Rice Cake with Egg (Banh Cuon Trung)

Steamed egg rolls stall of Ms.Lan: 116A Ly Tu Trong, Ha Giang
Dong Van egg rolls stall: Opposite the old Dong Van market

Corn Wine (Rượu ngô men lá) made from corn of highland, using traditional methods. The flavour is typical delicious, non – toxic compared with other local wine. The quantity of wine product has been gradually become a favorite ones of people.

Carried-under-arm Pork (Lon cap nach): called “Cap nach” because those pigs might be just about 8-10kg, easy to carry under arm. Local people do not feed them in cages, they free them on forest. The pigs must search food themselves, and self-protected. Carried-under-arm pork can be cooked in many ways: grilled, steamed, Steam Carried-under-arm Pork Bones with Bamboo Shoots, Grilled Carried-under-arm Pork Stuffed In Bamboo or stir-fried favorably, …

Five-color Glutinous Rice (Xoi ngu sac) with five vibrant colors represent for: white is for Metal, green is for Wood, yellow is for Earth, red is for Fire and black is for Water. The colors all originate from leaves of different forest trees that are ground or boiled to exact the colors. It is a delicious and healthy dish.

Com Lam Bac Me: Sticky rice cooked in bamboo pipes

Thang Den (Thắng Dền): It is a great experience to enjoy a bowl of Thang Den in Ha Giang. Thang Den looks like the dish of floating cake in Hanoi or Cong cake in Lang Son. It is made of sticky rice flour with the filling peas

Chinese sausage (Lạp Xưởng)

Buckwheat Cake (Banh Tam Giac Mach)

Thang Co (Thắng cố)

WHERE TO GO: the most renowned attraction of Ha Giang is the many grandiose mountains which stand out for extensive area of limestone with unique formation of peaky rocks.

Dong Van Rock Plateau, recognized by UNESCO as one of 77 geological parks in the world, is another indispensible destination as you visit Ha Giang. Dong Van is an ideal place for trekking and mountain climbing, where grandiose mountains may challenge your spirit for real. In return, breathtaking landscapes, meetings with local ethnic minorities and learn from their life’s stories are nowhere can be found in the world
Quan Ba Heaven Gate, about 1,500m above sea level, is the entrance of Dong Van Plateau. From the top of the Heaven Gate, you could look down across a large valley of unending terraced fields, displaying a charming beauty like a paradise dimly visible through the clouds. The highlight of the scenery is Quan Ba Twin Mountain. If you go so early, you can see the sun rise in Quan Ba and in the early morning in Bac Dum, you can see cloud under your feet.
Yen Minh with pine forest is the place visitors usually stop to take photos. Yen Minh – Dong Van pass. Ideally would be to spend a night in Yen Minh to break the journey. There are motels and a few hotels there, a morning market with minorities, a blue nice motel near the market too with reasonable prices. Set off to Dong Van early in the morning (around 7-8am) and prepare your camera because the journey is fascinating: misty silent hills, windy roads with gorgeous high mountains and a few villages in the valleys. You can also get closer to the border checkpoint and see the old style houses which even have some Chinese writings on it.
Pho Bang Village: peaceful and calm town, is the home of Hoa and Mong ethnicities. The houses here embrace the traditional architecture. They have wooden columns and mud walls.
Hmong King Palace: located in Xa Phin Village of Dong Van District, with an area of 1120 m2, this edifice was built in the early twentieth century in the form of the letter 王 (meaning “king” in English). This is not only a historical relic but also a fabulous architectural landmark of local ethnic groups. This edifice is also a destination always interested many visitors.
Dong Van Old Town: located in the middle of valley surrounded by rocks. The oldest house is the house of Luong family built since 1860. The common architecture here is the two-story house and yin and yang roofs. The lifestyle and daily life of ethnic people such as: Kinh, Tay, Mong, Hoa… is very impressive.
Lung Cu Flag Tower: Built on the top of Dragon Mountain, marks the very northern tip of Vietnam.
Ma Pi Leng Pass: One of 4 famous passes in Vietnam. The road is quite difficult but a stop in this pass will have a panoramic overview. Scenery in Ma Pi Leng pass is unique with majestic and wild beauty.
Rice terrace of Hoang Su Phi: recognized as National Heritage in 2012, It is well-known nationwide for magnificent terraced rice fields. Hoang Su Phi terraced rice fields is an ideal destination for sightseeing as well as photographers. Every June, the terraced fields in Hoang Su Phi are full of water from the mountain sides and streams which look like giant natural mirrors. In September and October, the rice terraces in Hoang Su Phi look like yellow steps to the sky, it is the time for visitors and photographers to go there and take pictures of yellow rice fields.
Meo Vac Town: in a smallish valley surrounded by rocky mountain, has different ethnic minorities groups living in Meo Vac including the H’mong, the Kinh, Tay, Dao, etc. The journey from Dong Van to Meo Vac, along the spectacular Mai Pi Leng Pass, is the main attraction.
Markets: The markets of Ha Giang, such as Quan Ba, Yen Minh market and particularly the Khau Vai love attracts many visitors. The Dong Van market is held every Sunday. On sale are local products made by Mong, Han, Dao, Giay and Tay ethnic people. To reach the market on time they have to leave their homes very early in the morning or even one day earlier. The Khau Vai Love Market is held only on the 26th and 27th of day of the third Lunar month. In there, both single and married people in different ethnic groups can come to find ones’ ideal life-partner and sharing their feeling and understanding to each other.

ITINERARIES

Normally, there are some main ways/tours to visit Ha Giang. And from Ha giang visitors can go to Cao Bang or Lao Cai. It will be take about 4 days 3 nights or 3 days 3 nights to follow each tour as below:

Hanoi – Ha Giang City – Quan Ba – Yen Minh – Sa phìn – Lung Cu – Dong Van – Ma Pi Leng pass – Meo Vac – Bac Me – Ha Giang City – Ha Noi.
Hanoi – Ha Giang City – Quan Ba – Yen Minh – Sa phìn – Lung Cu – Dong Van – Ma Pi Leng pass – Meo Vac – Mau Due – Du Gia – Ha Giang City – Ha Noi.
Hanoi – Ha Giang City – Quan Ba – Yen Minh – Sa phìn – Lung Cu – Dong Van – Ma Pi Leng pass – Meo Vac – Nien Son – Bao Lac – Cao Bang – Ha Noi.
Ha Noi – Bac Quang – Hoang Su Phi – Xi Man – Ha Giang city – Ha Noi. Or from Xi Man, visitors can go to Lao Cai.

Hanoi – Ha Giang – Quan Ba – Yen Minh – Sa phìn – Lung Cu – Dong Van – Ma Pi Leng pass – Meo Vac – Ha Giang – Ha Noi.

Day 1: Ha Noi – Ha Giang city: It is about 300km from Ha Noi to Ha Giang City and takes about 6 hours to go. Visitor can leave Ha noi at 6p.m and arrive in Ha Giang at night, check in a hotel in Ha Giang city.

Day 2: Get up early to go to Quan Ba (60km from Ha Giang city) to see the sun rise. Take photos in Nui Doi, Cong troi Quan Ba, …

Quan Ba – Yem Minh (60km): Have lunch in Yen Minh.
Yen Minh – Pho Cao, Sung La (50km, 1.5 hours): Pho Cao with its peace and the houses with unique architecture is attractive to everyone.
Sung la – Sa Phin (10km): visit Hmong King Palace.
Sa Phin – Lung Cu (30km, 1hour to go): The view on the way is so majestic and beautiful. Visit Lung Cu Flag Tower
Lung Cu – Dong Van (40km, 2 hours to go).

Day 3: For breakfast, should try Banh Cuon Dong Van or Xoi Ngu Sac. If it is Sunday, should join Dong Van Market (Cho phien Dong Van).

- Dong Van – Ma Pi Leng Pass (about 30km, 1hour to go): It is one of the most passes in VN. Can stop on the way to see Nho Que river. It is so majestic.
- Mã Pi Leng – Meo vac (20km, 45 mins): You can spend 1 night in Meo Vac or you can go to Ha Giang city in the afternoon.

Meo Vac – Ha Giang city (about 150km, 5 hours to go). There are 2 ways to go to Ha Giang city:

- Meo Vac – Lung Phin (Dong Van) – Yen Minh – Quan Bạ – Ha Giang.
- Meo Vac – Lung Phin (Dong Van) – Mau Due – Lung Ho (Yen Minh) – Duong Thuong (Yen Minh) – Lung Tam (Quan Ba) – Ha Giang.

Meo Vac – Nien Son – Bao Lac – Cao Bang: If visitors would like to go to Ban Gioc Waterfall, you can go along this way to Cao Bang, then go to Ban Gioc Waterfall.

Day 4: Ha Giang city – Ha Noi.

Ha Noi – Bac Quang – Hoang Su Phi – Xi Man – Ha Giang city – Ha Noi.

Day 1: Ha Noi – Bac Quang (200km, 4hours to go): If you have time, you can consider visiting some sightseeing in Bac Quang:

Thi waterfall (1.5km) with 4 layers is one of the most beautiful falls in Ha Giang.

Nam Pau Cave

Nam An Lake

Quang Minh Lake

Day 2: Bac Quang – Hoang Su Phi (85km, 3hour to go). Have lunch in Hoang Su Phi.

Hoang Su Phi – Xi Man (50km, 2 hours to go): Check in a hotel/homestay in Xi Man.
In June, the rice terraces on these ways become beautiful with a lot of water. An in September and October, they are very well-known for yellow color. In October and November, you can see a lot of fields of Tam Giac Mach flowers.

Day 3: You want to go Bac Ha (Lao Cai) from Xi Man (60km, 2 hours to go) them go to Sapa.

Or you can go back Bac Quang (110km, 4hours to go).

Day 4: Bac Quang – Ha Noi.

HA GIANG – DONG VAN KARST PLATEAU.

WHEN GO TO HA GIANG:

Visitors can visit Ha Giang at any time of the year because the majestic Dong Van Rock Plateau is always nice.

If visitors would like to see buckwheat flowers (Hoa Tam Giac Mach), you should go in October or November.

Going to Ha Giang in January, February or March to see peach flowers, plum flowers and enjoy Tet holiday atmosphere of different ethnic minorities.

In June, people call “water falling-season” (Mua nuoc do) where visitors can see rice terraces with a lot of water. They look like the mirrors.

In September and October, Rice terraces in Ha Giang, especially in Hoang Su Phi, is the scene that you will never forget.

HOW TO GO: Ha Giang is about 300km far from Ha Noi. It takes about 6 hours to go from Hanoi to Ha Giang. There are some means of transport to go to Ha Giang: by coach, by bus, by motorbike.

1. 1. By coach: Visitors can take coach or bus from Giap Bat Bus Station or Me Dinh Bus Station and should call to book ticket in advance, if not maybe you don’t have bed. There are some bus companies to go to Ha Giang such as: Hai Van, Hung Thanh, Cau Me, Bang Phan, Ngoc Cuong, … And the last coach in Me Dinh is at 21.30. The ticket costs from 200.000VND/pax.

By motorbike: Most of visitors like going to Ha Gang by motorbikes because it is easy to stop and take photos on the way.

You can hire a motorbike in Hanoi or you can catch bus/coach to Ha Giang and hire a motorbike there. The cost for renting motorbike in Ha Giang is about 150.000-200.000VND/motorbike/day.

ACCOMMODATION: There are a lot of hotels, hostels and homestays in Ha Giang City, Dong Van, Meo Vac and Bac Quang. The rates are from 80.000VND/people. Some homestay are so attractive with visitors such as: Tay Homestay, PhoCo Homestay in Dong Van, Dao Lodge in Quan Ba, Du Gia Homestay in Du Gia, Auberge de MeoVac …

FOOD

Café Phố Cổ in Dong Van: Drink and enjoy traditional music show

Pho Co Dong Van stuffed pancake (Bánh cuốn)

Au Tau rice gruel (Cháo ấu tẩu): Cháo ấu tẩu Mộc Miên is the best restaurant in Dong Van.

Rolled Rice Cake with Egg (Banh Cuon Trung)

Steamed egg rolls stall of Ms.Lan: 116A Ly Tu Trong, Ha Giang

Dong Van egg rolls stall: Opposite the old Dong Van market

Corn Wine (Rượu ngô men lá) made from corn of highland, using traditional methods. The flavour is typical delicious, non – toxic compared with other local wine. The quantity of wine product has been gradually become a favorite ones of people.

Carried-under-arm Pork (Lon cap nach): called “Cap nach” because those pigs might be just about 8-10kg, easy to carry under arm. Local people do not feed them in cages, they free them on forest. The pigs must search food themselves, and self-protected. Carried-under-arm pork can be cooked in many ways: grilled, steamed, Steam Carried-under-arm Pork Bones with Bamboo Shoots, Grilled Carried-under-arm Pork Stuffed In Bamboo or stir-fried favorably, …

Five-color Glutinous Rice (Xoi ngu sac) with five vibrant colors represent for: white is for Metal, green is for Wood, yellow is for Earth, red is for Fire and black is for Water. The colors all originate from leaves of different forest trees that are ground or boiled to exact the colors. It is a delicious and healthy dish.

Com Lam Bac Me: Sticky rice cooked in bamboo pipes

Thang Den (Thắng Dền): It is a great experience to enjoy a bowl of Thang Den in Ha Giang. Thang Den looks like the dish of floating cake in Hanoi or Cong cake in Lang Son. It is made of sticky rice flour with the filling peas

Chinese sausage (Lạp Xưởng)

Buckwheat Cake (Banh Tam Giac Mach) made from buckwheat. The cake which is delicious is good for our health. Buckwheat can help people treat constipation, diarrhea, acne, infection and other formal diseases.

Thang Co (Thắng cố): The main materials are bone and meat and internal organs of horses. The pan to cook Thang Co is often so big and old. Thang Co is food for the fun party when gathering almost of relatives and friends, which makes this food special and meaningful.

Dried Buffalo: this dish is famous in mountainous areas of north Vietnam. Muscles of a buffalo or a cow will be cut into pieces and smoked by charcoal. The smell of charcoal remains with the flavors of peppers, ginger and “mac khen” – a kind of forest pepper in northwest Vietnam.

WHERE TO GO: the most renowned attraction of Ha Giang is the many grandiose mountains which stand out for extensive area of limestone with unique formation of peaky rocks.

Dong Van Rock Plateau, recognized by UNESCO as one of 77 geological parks in the world, is another indispensible destination as you visit Ha Giang. Dong Van is an ideal place for trekking and mountain climbing, where grandiose mountains may challenge your spirit for real. In return, breathtaking landscapes, meetings with local ethnic minorities and learn from their life’s stories are nowhere can be found in the world

Quan Ba Heaven Gate, about 1,500m above sea level, is the entrance of Dong Van Plateau. From the top of the Heaven Gate, you could look down across a large valley of unending terraced fields, displaying a charming beauty like a paradise dimly visible through the clouds. The highlight of the scenery is Quan Ba Twin Mountain. If you go so early, you can see the sun rise in Quan Ba and in the early morning in Bac Dum, you can see cloud under your feet.

Yen Minh with pine forest is the place visitors usually stop to take photos. Yen Minh – Dong Van pass. Ideally would be to spend a night in Yen Minh to break the journey. There are motels and a few hotels there, a morning market with minorities, a blue nice motel near the market too with reasonable prices. Set off to Dong Van early in the morning (around 7-8am) and prepare your camera because the journey is fascinating: misty silent hills, windy roads with gorgeous high mountains and a few villages in the valleys. You can also get closer to the border checkpoint and see the old style houses which even have some Chinese writings on it.

Pho Bang Village: peaceful and calm town, is the home of Hoa and Mong ethnicities. The houses here embrace the traditional architecture. They have wooden columns and mud walls.

Hmong King Palace: located in Xa Phin Village of Dong Van District, with an area of 1120 m2, this edifice was built in the early twentieth century in the form of the letter 王 (meaning “king” in English). This is not only a historical relic but also a fabulous architectural landmark of local ethnic groups. This edifice is also a destination always interested many visitors.

Dong Van Old Town: located in the middle of valley surrounded by rocks. The oldest house is the house of Luong family built since 1860. The common architecture here is the two-story house and yin and yang roofs. The lifestyle and daily life of ethnic people such as: Kinh, Tay, Mong, Hoa… is very impressive.

Lung Cu Flag Tower: Built on the top of Dragon Mountain, marks the very northern tip of Vietnam.

Ma Pi Leng Pass: One of 4 famous passes in Vietnam. The road is quite difficult but a stop in this pass will have a panoramic overview. Scenery in Ma Pi Leng pass is unique with majestic and wild beauty.

Rice terrace of Hoang Su Phi: recognized as National Heritage in 2012, It is well-known nationwide for magnificent terraced rice fields. Hoang Su Phi terraced rice fields is an ideal destination for sightseeing as well as photographers. Every June, the terraced fields in Hoang Su Phi are full of water from the mountain sides and streams which look like giant natural mirrors. In September and October, the rice terraces in Hoang Su Phi look like yellow steps to the sky, it is the time for visitors and photographers to go there and take pictures of yellow rice fields.

Meo Vac Town: in a smallish valley surrounded by rocky mountain, has different ethnic minorities groups living in Meo Vac including the H’mong, the Kinh, Tay, Dao, etc. The journey from Dong Van to Meo Vac, along the spectacular Mai Pi Leng Pass, is the main attraction.

Markets: The markets of Ha Giang, such as Quan Ba, Yen Minh market and particularly the Khau Vai love attracts many visitors. The Dong Van market is held every Sunday. On sale are local products made by Mong, Han, Dao, Giay and Tay ethnic people. To reach the market on time they have to leave their homes very early in the morning or even one day earlier. The Khau Vai Love Market is held only on the 26th and 27th of day of the third Lunar month. In there, both single and married people in different ethnic groups can come to find ones’ ideal life-partner and sharing their feeling and understanding to each other.

TOURS

Hanoi – Ha Giang City – Quan Ba – Yen Minh – Sa phìn – Lung Cu – Dong Van – Ma Pi Leng pass – Meo Vac – Bac Me – Ha Giang City – Ha Noi.
Hanoi – Ha Giang City – Quan Ba – Yen Minh – Sa phìn – Lung Cu – Dong Van – Ma Pi Leng pass – Meo Vac – Mau Due – Du Gia – Ha Giang City – Ha Noi.
Hanoi – Ha Giang City – Quan Ba – Yen Minh – Sa phìn – Lung Cu – Dong Van – Ma Pi Leng pass – Meo Vac – Nien Son – Bao Lac – Cao Bang – Ha Noi.
Ha Noi – Bac Quang – Hoang Su Phi – Xi Man – Ha Giang city – Ha Noi. Or from Xi Man, visitors can go to Lao Cai.

Hanoi – Ha Giang – Quan Ba – Yen Minh – Sa phìn – Lung Cu – Dong Van – Ma Pi Leng pass – Meo Vac – Ha Giang – Ha Noi.

Day 1: Ha Noi – Ha Giang city: It is about 300km from Ha Noi to Ha Giang City and takes about 6 hours to go. Visitor can leave Ha noi at 6p.m and arrive in Ha Giang at night, check in a hotel in Ha Giang city.

Day 2: Get up early to go to Quan Ba (60km from Ha Giang city) to see the sun rise. Take photos in Nui Doi, Cong troi Quan Ba, …

Quan Ba – Yem Minh (60km): Have lunch in Yen Minh.
Yen Minh – Pho Cao, Sung La (50km, 1.5 hours): Pho Cao with its peace and the houses with unique architecture is attractive to everyone.
Sung la – Sa Phin (10km): visit Hmong King Palace.
Sa Phin – Lung Cu (30km, 1hour to go): The view on the way is so majestic and beautiful. Visit Lung Cu Flag Tower
Lung Cu – Dong Van (40km, 2 hours to go).

Day 3: For breakfast, should try Banh Cuon Dong Van or Xoi Ngu Sac. If it is Sunday, should join Dong Van Market (Cho phien Dong Van).

- Dong Van – Ma Pi Leng Pass (about 30km, 1hour to go): It is one of the most passes in VN. Can stop on the way to see Nho Que river. It is so majestic.
- Mã Pi Leng – Meo vac (20km, 45 mins): You can spend 1 night in Meo Vac or you can go to Ha Giang city in the afternoon.

Meo Vac – Ha Giang city (about 150km, 5 hours to go). There are 2 ways to go to Ha Giang city:

- Meo Vac – Lung Phin (Dong Van) – Yen Minh – Quan Bạ – Ha Giang.
- Meo Vac – Lung Phin (Dong Van) – Mau Due – Lung Ho (Yen Minh) – Duong Thuong (Yen Minh) – Lung Tam (Quan Ba) – Ha Giang.

Meo Vac – Nien Son – Bao Lac – Cao Bang: If visitors would like to go to Ban Gioc Waterfall, you can go along this way to Cao Bang, then go to Ban Gioc Waterfall.

Day 4: Ha Giang city – Ha Noi.

Ha Noi – Bac Quang – Hoang Su Phi – Xi Man – Ha Giang city – Ha Noi.

Day 1: Ha Noi – Bac Quang (200km, 4hours to go): If you have time, you can consider visiting some sightseeing in Bac Quang:

Thi waterfall (1.5km) with 4 layers is one of the most beautiful falls in Ha Giang.

Nam Pau Cave

Nam An Lake

Quang Minh Lake

Day 2: Bac Quang – Hoang Su Phi (85km, 3hour to go). Have lunch in Hoang Su Phi.

Hoang Su Phi – Xi Man (50km, 2 hours to go): Check in a hotel/homestay in Xi Man.
In June, the rice terraces on these ways become beautiful with a lot of water. An in September and October, they are very well-known for yellow color. In October and November, you can see a lot of fields of Tam Giac Mach flowers.

Day 3: You want to go Bac Ha (Lao Cai) from Xi Man (60km, 2 hours to go) them go to Sapa.

Or you can go back Bac Quang (110km, 4hours to go).

Day 4: Bac Quang – Ha Noi.

NECESSARY INFORMATION OF HA GIANG

Ha Giang is about 300km far from Ha Noi. It takes about 6 hours to go from Hanoi to Ha Giang. There are some means of transport to go to Ha Giang: by coach, by bus, by motorbike.

By coach: Visitors can take coach or bus from Giap Bat Bus Station or Me Dinh Bus Station and should call to book ticket in advance, if not maybe you don’t have bed. There are some bus companies to go to Ha Giang such as: Hai Van, Hung Thanh, Cau Me, Bang Phan, Ngoc Cuong, … And the last coach in Me Dinh is at 21.30. The ticket costs from 200.000VND/pax.

Hai Van:

+ Tel: 1900 6763.

+ Departure in Me Dinh at 20.30 and in Ha Giang: 20.30

Hung Thanh:

+ Hotlines in Ha Noi: 0988.287.741 – 0989.416.416, in Ha Giang 0989.416.416

+ Departure in Me Dinh at 8.30, 10.05, 14.30, 19.30 and 21.00

+ Departure in Gia Lam: 9.00 and 19.00

Quang Nghi has 2 kinds of buses: 16-seat buses (300.000VND/ticket) and 46-bed coaches (200.000VND)

+ Hotlines: 0915744733; 0946744733

+ Departure: 7.15, 8.00, 16.15, 20.00

Ha Giang Express:

+ VIP 22 – bed coach: 350.000VND

Megabus:

+ Hotlines: 0888 497 811/091 899 82 12

+ Departure in Me Dinh Bus station – Hà Nội: 7.30 – 13.30

+ Departure in Ha Giang: 16.30 – 22.30

+ Ticket: from 300.000 to 350.000 VND

Cau Me: VIP 9-seat limousine and 40-bed coach.

+ Hotlines in Ha Noi: 0219 3862 206, 919899237, 0919899233

+ Tel for ticket to Yen Minh: 0919225688

+ Departure in Me Dinh at 7h30, 9h30, 19h, 20h45

+ Departure in Ha Giang: 8h30, 10h30, 14h30, 20h45, 21h

+ Ticket (40-bed coach): 200.000 VND

+ Hotline in Hà Giang : 0946 445099 – 0912 848216 – 0948 773033

Ngoc Cuong: 39-bed coach

+ Hotlines in Ha Noi: 0904 366 279 – 0982 285 279

+ Departure in Me Dinh: 12h30, 20h15

+ Departure in Ha Giang: 4h15, 20h30

+ Ticket: 220.000 VND

Bang Phan: 42-bed coach

+ Hotlines in Ha Noi: 02193 887 867 – 0915 223 171

+ Departure in Me Dinh: 20h, 21h

+ Departure in Ha Giang: 20h, 20h30

+ Ticket: from 170.000 VND to 220.000 VND

– Khai Huyen: 40-bed coach

+ Hotlines in Ha Noi: 0913 271 384 – 0979 384 384

+ Departure in Me Dinh: 21h, 21h30

+ Departure in Ha Giang: 21h, 21h30

+ Ticket: 200.000 VND

By motorbike: Most of visitors like going to Ha Gang by motorbikes because it is easy to stop and take photos on the way.

You can hire a motorbike in Hanoi or you can catch bus/coach to Ha Giang and hire a motorbike there. The cost for renting motorbike in Ha Giang is about 150.000-200.000VND/motorbike/day.

Hang Thuong (15B Pham Hong Thai, Ha Giang city): 01236399888 – 0942508448.
HONG HAO: 0165.398.2928 / 0915.842.019
Motorbikes & Tours: 1 Nguyen Trai, Ha Giang City: 0944.686.366 02196.50.3333 0963.76.15.15
Quang Tan: 15A1 Nguyen Trai, Ha Giang City: 0975.278.711
Mr. Phon: 0987.067.024
Mr. Bay: 0986.030.405 – 0125.515.5568 – 0915.273.882
Mr. Nam: 0917.797.269 – 0978.159.123
Tuan Anh: 0906.175.336
Giang Sơn: 170 Tran Hung Dao, Ha Giang City 0988. 470.863 or 0962.761.081.

ACCOMMODATION

In Ha Giang City:

Kiki’s House: 134B Ly Tu Trong, Ha Giang: 098 890 39 90
Tay HomeStay: Tien Thang Village, Phuong Thien Commune, Ha Giang: 0914 843 659 ( Mr. Te)
Homestay Chung Thuy: Tuy Village – Ngoc Cuong commune, Ha Giang: 096 962 43 23
Huy Hoan hotel: 0219.386.1288
Hoang Anh hotel : 0219.386.3559/097 986 13 87
Hoa Long hotel: 0219 3868 989
Hoang Anh hotel: 0219 3863 558
Phuong Dong hotel: 0219 3867 979
Thuy Dung hotel: 0219 3862 259
Cong Doan hotel: 0219 3867 057
Ngoc Anh hotel: 0219 3866 231/0219 3866 483
Sao Mai hotel: 0219 3862 555 Fax: 3863 147

In Dong Van

Dao Lodge: Nam Dam, Quan Ba Commune, Ha Giang: 097 571 9605
Du Gia Homestay: 195B, Coc Pang Village, Du Gia commune, Yen Minh, Ha Giang: 0165 772 0252
Cao Nguyen Da hotel: 0219 3866 966/0219 3866 009/0982 885 577
Khai Hoan hotel: 0219 856147/0888 452 668
BUI Homestay Dong Van: Dong Van, Ha Giang: 0968 890 690 – 0122 567 5122
Homestay Nha Co: Mr. Than: 01688.120.866 / 01696.294.866
Hoang Ngoc hotel: Mr Nam: 0219.3856.020 – 0915.035.141.
Homestay Hoi Liem: 0163.5673.631/ 0902 093 223
Lô Lô Homestay: Lô Lô Chải Village, Lung Cu: 090 797 84 80
Homestay Ban Tha: Ban Tha – Lung Cu – Ha Giang: 0167 227 7655

In Meo Vac:

Auberge de MeoVac: Mèo Vạc town, Ha Giang: 0167 351 4399
Homestay Khau Vai: 0917.706.503/0917 706 536
Hoa Cuong hotel: 0219.3856 868, 0944.571.888 (Ms. Quyen)
Homestay Nho Que: 02193.871.322/ 01272 563 125

In Bac Quang:

- Binh Minh Hotel: Viet Quang town, Bac Quang, Ha Giang: 0219 3821606
- Hung Van Hotel: Viet Quang town, Bac Quang, Ha Giang: 0219 3821678
- Cuong Thao Hotel: Highway 2, Viet Quang town, Ha Giang: 0989 344669
- Toan Vinh Hotel: No. 18, Viet Quang town, Ha Giang: 0219 3821666
- Homestay Truly: Pac Ha, Viet Quang town, Bac Quang, Ha Giang: 0912 010886
- Vinh Ha Hotel: Viet Quang town, Bac Quang, Ha Giang: 0219 3823507
- Huy Phương Hotel: Tan Son Villge, Viet Quang town, Bac Quang, Ha Giang: 0966 188 881
- Tan Binh 1 Hotel: Viet Quang town, Bac Quang, Ha Giang 0219 3822 289
- Thuy Chi Hostel: Tan Son Villge, Viet Quang town, Bac Quang, Ha Giang: 0168 879 3623
- Toan Phat Hotel: Viet Quang town, Bac Quang, Ha Giang: 0979 878953

Ha Giang Hotel: Viet Quang town, Bac Quang, Ha Giang: 0219 3823486

ITINERARIES

I went to Ha Giang 2 times, and usually left HN at 6p.m on Thu. and came back Ha Noi from Ha Giang on Sunday evening.

The first time I went to Ha Giang was in January, we went along the following ways: Ha Noi – Ha Giang City – Hoang Su Phi – Xi Man – Ha Giang city – Ha Noi.

Day 1: Ha Noi – Ha Giang (300km from Ha Noi, 6hours to go) (Now visitors always go to Bac Quang, 200km from Ha Noi, 4hours to go: If you have time, you can consider visiting some sightseeing in Bac Quang:

Thi waterfall (1.5km) with 4 layers is one of the most beautiful falls in Ha Giang.

Nam Pau Cave

Nam An Lake

Quang Minh Lake)

Day 2: Ha Giang City Bac Quang – Hoang Su Phi (120km, 4.5 hours to go). Have lunch in Bac Quang and spent a night in Hoang Su Phi.

Day 3: Hoang Su Phi – Xi Man (50km, 2 hours to go):

Check in a hotel/homestay in Xi Man.
In June, the rice terraces on these ways become beautiful with a lot of water. An in September and October, they are very well-known for yellow color. In October and November, you can see a lot of fields of Tam Giac Mach flowers.

Day 4: Xi Man – Ha Noi (370km, 7 hours to go):

- You want to go Bac Ha (Lao Cai) from Xi Man (60km, 2 hours to go) them go to Sapa.

Or you can go back Bac Quang (110km, 4hours to go).

The second time was “Tam Giac Mach (Buckwheat) Flowers Season” in November: Hanoi – Ha Giang – Quan Ba – Yen Minh – Sa phìn – Lung Cu – Dong Van – Ma Pi Leng pass – Meo Vac – Ha Giang – Ha Noi.

Day 1: Ha Noi – Ha Giang city: It is about 300km from Ha Noi to Ha Giang City and takes about 6 hours to go. Visitor can leave Ha noi at 6p.m and arrive in Ha Giang at night, check in a hotel in Ha Giang city.

Day 2: Get up early to go to Quan Ba (60km from Ha Giang city) to see the sun rise. Take photos in Nui Doi, Cong troi Quan Ba, …

Quan Ba – Yem Minh (60km): Have lunch in Yen Minh.
Yen Minh – Pho Cao, Sung La (50km, 1.5 hours): Pho Cao with its peace and the houses with unique architecture is attractive to everyone.
Sung la – Sa Phin (10km): visit Hmong King Palace.
Sa Phin – Lung Cu (30km, 1hour to go): The view on the way is so majestic and beautiful. Visit Lung Cu Flag Tower
Lung Cu – Dong Van (40km, 2 hours to go).

Day 3: For breakfast, should try Banh Cuon Dong Van or Xoi Ngu Sac. If it is Sunday, should join Dong Van Market (Cho phien Dong Van).

- Dong Van – Ma Pi Leng Pass (about 30km, 1hour to go): It is one of the most passes in VN. Can stop on the way to see Nho Que river. It is so majestic.
- Mã Pi Leng – Meo vac (20km, 45 mins): You can spend 1 night in Meo Vac or you can go to Ha Giang city in the afternoon.

Meo Vac – Ha Giang city (about 150km, 5 hours to go). There are 2 ways to go to Ha Giang city:

- Meo Vac – Lung Phin (Dong Van) – Yen Minh – Quan Bạ – Ha Giang.
- Meo Vac – Lung Phin (Dong Van) – Mau Due – Lung Ho (Yen Minh) – Duong Thuong (Yen Minh) – Lung Tam (Quan Ba) – Ha Giang.

Meo Vac – Nien Son – Bao Lac – Cao Bang: If visitors would like to go to Ban Gioc Waterfall, you can go along this way to Cao Bang, then go to Ban Gioc Waterfall.