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What to Do in Ha Giang Loop – Explore the Beauty of the Plateau
Ha Giang, the northernmost province of Vietnam, is a land of breathtaking beauty and challenging winding roads that offer a thrilling adventure for travelers. Despite the intense driving experience, Ha Giang’s stunning highland landscapes will captivate your senses and provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Best Time to Visit Ha Giang Loop
You can visit Ha Giang loop at any time of the year. However, many travelers prefer to come during the autumn season when the rice terraces turn golden. The best time to visit is from October to December when the buckwheat flowers bloom, and the mustard fields display their vibrant colors. In spring, plum and apricot blossoms create a dreamy atmosphere reminiscent of floating in the clouds.
Getting to Ha Giang from northern provinces is convenient, with several direct bus options available. For travelers from the distant south or central regions, starting your journey from Hanoi is recommended. There are frequent buses departing from various Hanoi bus stations, such as My Dinh, Luong Yen, Yen Nghia, and Gia Lam.
You can choose between sleeper buses or high-quality limousine vans, depending on your budget. Opting for an overnight bus allows you to save time and conserve energy for your long exploration journey. Bus fares from Hanoi to Ha Giang and vice versa range from 200,000 to 300,000 Vietnamese Dong per one-way ticket.
Once in Ha Giang city, you have the option to rent a motorbike for independent exploration, with daily rental prices ranging from 150,000 to 300,000 Vietnamese Dong per bike. Alternatively, if time and physical capabilities are limited, or if you’re traveling with elderly or young companions, hiring a 7 to 16-seat minivan service is advisable.
Beautiful Accommodations when visit Ha Giang Loop
- For those seeking a luxurious and secluded retreat, P’apiu in Yen Dinh commune, Bac Me district, is a perfect choice. Here, you can immerse yourself in the highland’s beauty with the longest hand-woven brocade road in Vietnam and stay in H’Mong-inspired villas. The price for one night’s stay is around 10,000,000 Vietnamese Dong.
- For travelers seeking unique experiences, H’Mong Village with its cozy yurt-like accommodations in Trang Kim, Quan Ba district, is a delightful option. Nestled on the hills facing the Meo Vac River and the majestic mountains in the distance, you can choose between communal rooms at 400,000 Vietnamese Dong per night or yurt-shaped bungalows at 2,400,000 Vietnamese Dong per night.
- For a more community-oriented and cost-effective stay, consider homestays in Hoang Su Phi, such as Hoang Su Phi Lodge and Kinh Homestay, located near the stunning terraced fields in Nam Hong village. Or try Ho Thau Eco Village in Ho Thau commune, with its charming thatched roof lodgings.
- Other recommended options include Chúng Pủa – Auberge de MeoVac in Meo Vac, which offers traditional earthen houses, and Bụi Homestay, a stilt house in Dong Van. Don’t miss the Lo Lo Ancient House homestay near the Lũng Cú flagpole in Ban Lo Lo Chai.
Top Activities to visit Ha Giang loop
Due to the vast distances between attractions in Ha Giang, a minimum of 3 days and 2 nights is recommended for your journey, though many travelers prefer 3 days and 4 nights or even 5 days to fully immerse themselves in the region.
Day 1: Hanoi – Ha Giang – Dong Van
To experience the bustling Dong Van Sunday Market, depart from Hanoi on Friday night. At 8 am the next day, you can head to Dong Van, capturing the picturesque scenery along the way. Plan several stops along the 40 km stretch from Ha Giang city to Quan Ba, where you can visit Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate, offering panoramic views of the rice fields below.
Next, proceed to Yen Minh town, about 30 km from Quan Ba, and enjoy lunch there. Afterward, continue to Dong Van Ancient Quarter, a famous heritage site with stunning landscapes like the Twin Mountain Pass and the breathtaking Ma Pi Leng Pass.
Day 2: Dong Van – Meo Vac
Start your morning by exploring the local ethnic market, a unique feature of the region that you won’t find elsewhere. The lively market offers a variety of goods, from everyday items like electronics, vegetables, and clothing to ethnic specialties like traditional fabrics, handicrafts, triangular buckwheat cakes, and thang co (a local specialty soup).
Visit Dinh Vua Meo (King of H’Mong’s Palace), a historical site built in the early 20th century with Chinese-style architecture. The entrance fee is 20,000 Vietnamese Dong.
If time permits, head to Lùng Cú Flagpole and the Cuc Bac Café to enjoy the spectacular scenery and rest before descending to Meo Vac. The road to Meo Vac from Dong Van offers a challenging but rewarding experience, with more than 50 sharp turns and steep slopes.
Day 3: Meo Vac – Hanoi
Wake up to the serene surroundings of Pả Vi, a peaceful village nestled amidst lush green mountains. As Meo Vac is about 150 km from Ha Giang city, it’s advisable to start your journey early to catch the bus back to Hanoi. Buses depart at 2 pm (arriving in Hanoi at 9 pm) and 9 pm (arriving in Hanoi at 4 am the next day).
If you choose the 2 pm bus, depart from Meo Vac around 8 am and drive directly via Mau Due – Yen Minh – Quan Ba – Ha Giang city without stopping for sightseeing. The road from Meo Vac to Mau Due may be challenging, with potholes and bumpy sections.
If you select the 9 pm bus, you have time to explore additional attractions. Drive via Mau Due – Duong Thuong, then visit Lùng Tám Weaving Village, Quan Ba, and the scenic Lùng Khúy Cave. Afterward, return to Ha Giang city.
Ha Giang boasts a variety of unique and delicious delicacies that make excellent souvenirs for your loved ones. Don’t miss the locally-grown Ha Giang oranges, which are known for their juicy sweetness and distinctive flavor.
Lap xuong gac bep, a type of sausage made from marinated half-fat half-lean pork mixed with aromatic spices and smoked over the kitchen fire, is another sought-after specialty.
Top must-visit attraction in Ha Giang
