Ha Giang is one of the most adventurous destinations in the country. It is full of beautiful limestone mountains, steep passes, winding roads, and misty villages. The province is home to many local ethnic minorities, who still maintain their traditional culture and way of life.
Ha Giang travel guideline 2023
Remote locations offer experiences like no other, where cultural diversity and stunningly unique landscapes remain intact and authentic. The best thing to do in Ha Giang is to sit in the back seat of a car or motorbike and explore this stunning landscape and unique culture.
Why should you visit Ha Giang Vietnam?
- Explore Dong Van Geopark through the most beautiful passes in Vietnam.
- Pass through the most authentic ethnic minority villages.
- Admire the view of Long Co Pagoda at the northernmost point of Ha Giang.
- Visit a local market.
- See Hoang Su Phi terraced fields.
Ha Giang weather
September to November is a good time to visit this remote province with cooler temperatures. In November, Ha Giang is very popular during the Buckwheat Flower Festival. April through June the weather is pleasant and warm, while July and August can be very hot with frequent monsoons.
Transport to Ha Giang from Hanoi
Ha Giang has no airport (yet) or train station. The only way to get here is by road
Ha Giang is the gateway to the province, about 300 km from Hanoi. Buses leave the capital day and night, from sleeper vans to minivans for VIP guests. The journey there takes about six hours, depending on the vehicle and driver. Public transport around Ha Giang is limited. Experienced drivers can rent a motorbike in town. Another option is to book a tour by motorbike or private car.
Buses and limousines run between Hanoi and Ha Giang. You can choose from night buses with different levels of comfort, luxury VIP cars are the most comfortable option. A luxury car is a very comfortable option for everyday driving. The journey takes about 6 hours.
There are also buses between Sapa and Ha Giang. For other destinations, you have to go to Hanoi first.
You can also take a private car from Hanoi to Ha Giang or expand the Ha Giang ring road from Hanoi.
- Tip: In our Ha Giang tour, you can choose to start your journey in Ha Giang or Hanoi; from Hanoi to Ha Giang (and vice versa) by car, coach, or VIP bus. If you don’t want to arrange transportation at the bus station, it’s easy.
Motorbike – In Ha Giang, going from city to city by motorbike is easy and enjoyable. The roads are winding and steep, but usually well-paved so you can drive comfortably. If you are an inexperienced driver, don’t take it lightly. For your safety, you may consider bringing a driver. Horseback riding is a great way to explore Ha Giang.
Car – Another great way to see Ha Giang is by car with a driver. Book in advance to make sure someone is waiting for you when you arrive in Ha Giang.
- Tip: Check out our Ha Giang tour. You can choose a self-guided tour, or you can choose a self-drive tour, the whole journey takes 3-5 days.
How many days to enough in Ha Giang?
If you want to travel all of Ha Giang, you need at least 3 days and 2 nights. Although we suggest 4 or 5 days.
You can find ATMs in Ha Giang, Dong Van, and Meo Vac. Little Village owns nothing but credit cards.
Ha Giang’s landscape is beautiful all year round. The warm rainy season lasts from April to October. If possible, try to avoid July and August, as this is the time of the year with the most rain and landslides. The dry season starts in November and ends in March. December and January can be very cold in the mountains.
Top 10 things to do in Ha Giang
Ha Giang is one of Vietnam’s most impressive and authentic regions, so there are plenty of great things to do. We have compiled some highlights in our list of the 10 best things to do in Ha Giang.
1. Ha Giang motorbike tour
Everything on this list of the best things to do in Ha Giang can be combined into this highlight: Ha Giang Loop is a 3 to 5-day route that starts and ends in Ha Giang City. Every day you go to a new place, the scenes on the road between your destinations get better and better.
You will traverse the mountains, enjoy the most majestic mountain scenery in Southeast Asia and discover the unique culture of the local ethnic minorities. The best way to complete the loop is by motorbike with an experienced guide. You can also explore Ha Giang by car if you prefer comfort and protection from the weather.
- Tip: Want to do this loop in the back of your motorcycle or car? Check out our unique Ha Giang Loop Tour.
2. Amazing roads and mountain passes
As mentioned before, the best thing to do in Ha Giang is to explore the impressive mountains. There are dozens of trails and passes worth mentioning, and we could easily use them to fill out a comprehensive list of the 10 best things to do in Ha Giang. Instead, we’ve highlighted some of the best.
Quan Ba Heaven Gate is the first impressive gate you pass through after leaving Ha Giang. From here you can enjoy the beautiful view of Twin Mountain. The next section is Tham Ma Pass with the iconic S-shaped road. From here, you can drive through Sung La Valley and then have the option to head straight to Dong Van or take a detour through Lung Cu for some of the best mountain views you could ever dream of.
Ma Phi Leng Pass is the king of a pass in Vietnam. The road between Dong Van and Meo Vac has some of the steepest cliffs and impressive views. After going from Meo Vac to Du Gia via Mau Due, you can see more mountain views.
3. Hoang Su Phi
Hoang Su Phi is one of the least-known destinations in Vietnam. It is next to the famous ring road and there is hardly any traffic to reach the area. Therefore, most tourists have never heard of this place. This is odd because you can find some of the most beautiful rice fields in Vietnam here, around harvest time. There are high-terraced fields in the mountainous area of Hejiang. This is a great place for hiking and exploring local ethnic villages that have been cultivated for generations.
- Tip: Would you like to visit this beautiful rice field landscape? Visit it with our Ha Giang tour. You can also combine Hoang Su Phi rice field with Ha Giang Loop!
4. Ha Giang Market
One of the most worthwhile things to do in Ha Giang is to learn about the culture of the local ethnic minorities. In this province, you can even find the largest number of ethnic minorities in Vietnam! It is not difficult to recognize them when driving through many different locations, as they often wear the brightest and most unique outfits. It’s impressive to see them.
The easiest way to see these colorful ethnic groups is to visit the market in Ha Giang. These hill markets are usually held weekly and hill tribes from all over the region come to trade and exchange. It is a unique and colorful gathering where people exchange local goods, food, clothes, and even farm animals. The biggest market is the Meo Vac market, which is held every Sunday.
5. Local Ethnic Minority Village
Another great way to discover this unique culture is to visit small ethnic villages. Here you can see their daily life like working on the land and different crafts. If you’re traveling with a guide, he or she can help you communicate with them.
These villages are scattered throughout the province. Several different ethnic groups live here, such as the Hmong, Tao, Lolo, Jai, and Thai. They all have their unique costumes, culture, and language. You will also see different houses in these villages. Some ethnic minorities live in stilt houses, while others live in stone or earthen houses.
6. Trekking
Sapa is the most famous trekking destination in Vietnam. But not many people know that you can also carry a backpack to Ha Giang. In the area around Hoang Su Phi, you can walk through rice terraces and stay overnight at a local homestay. If you want to take a detour to Ha Giang, then Dong Van is the best place. You won’t find many rice terraces, but hiking trails meander through some of Vietnam’s most impressive mountains.
Going for a walk is a big change from sitting on the back of a motorbike or sitting in a car all day.
7. Historical buildings
Ha Giang does not have a large ancient city like Hoi An, Hue, or Hanoi. Although there are some nice historical sites to visit along the way. The Hmong Palace is where the former Hmong kings lived when they ruled most of northern Vietnam. In Sung La, you will find Pao’s House (used in a famous Vietnamese movie). This house and the house next door are also Hmong people and are about 100 years old.
You’ll also find buildings in the province that date back to the French colonial era. Donovan Old Street is the best example. from where you can now enjoy great views of the town. Between Meo Vac and Mau Due, you’ll also find the ruins of a French outpost in stunning scenery.
8. Lung Cu flag tower
Lung Cu flagpole is the tallest flagpole in Vietnam, marking the northernmost point of the country. The temple is well worth a visit, but the road to Long Ku makes it one of the best things to do in Ha Giang. You will pass through Ha Giang and some of the most beautiful mountainous landscapes in the country. Be sure to stop at some of the local villages along the way to explore rural life.
9. Local Homestay
Another great way to experience the local culture is to spend an evening with the locals. These homestays are often owned by minority families. Some homestay amenities can be a bit extravagant, but your overnight stay is mostly about experience. Highly recommend it for a very tasty local meal with all other guests and your local family.
10. Visit Du Gia Village
Having a place in the rice fields is nice to relax after a few days of riding a motorbike or car. Du Gia Village is a great place to make your last stop on the Ring Road. Mostly those who come in 4-5 day cycles. Sit back and enjoy the view, stroll along the rice fields, or swim in the local waterfall.
The best hotels and homestays in Ha Giang
While Ha Giang has gradually become more developed, the available rooms are generally modest. Larger cities like Dong Van and Ha Giang both have hotels, but motels and hostels are more common.
Hotels in Ha Giang
- QT Guest House
- Kiki’s house
- Ha Giang Amazing hostel
Hotel in Dong Van
- Green Karst Lodge & Bar
- Binh Minh Hotel
- Lam Tung Hotel
Hotel in Meo Vac
- Ong Vang Meo Vac Hotel
- Little Yen’s Homestay
- Lam Tung Hotel
Hotels in An Minh
- Bang Bang Homestay
They may offer less basic services, but they give you a chance to chat with local hosts and give them insight into their daily lives.
The northernmost region of Vietnam is a great place to find delicious Vietnamese food. The restaurant scene consists of a “full” diner where you have to sit on small stools and the food is cooked in front of your eyes. Locals may ask you to taste some rice wine, which is something you should be aware of.
Usually, you will have breakfast and dinner with the host family. Reservations are recommended for family meals, dinners with the host and the families of other guests.
More tips for traveling in Ha Giang
Ha Giang blends seamlessly with neighboring Cao Binh province, where you’ll find Ban Gioc Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Vietnam. It is also possible to combine Ha Giang and Sapa, although the distance is a bit longer. Check out our Ha Giang tour to see if there are two combined tours.
If you want to go to Ha Long Bay, Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, or any destination in the south, you always need to go to Hanoi first.
You can take your kids to Ha Giang. However, three, four, or even five days in the car might be a bit too much for them. What the kids love the most is riding in the back of a motorbike with an experienced guide. Driving a lead car is pretty safe, but kids should be tall enough and comfortable with the idea.
Tourism in this province is underdeveloped (fortunately). This gives a very authentic look at life here, but keep in mind that communication can be difficult.
When riding a motorbike, it is best not to bring too many things. Choose a backpack on a stroller. It can be hot in the summer, but pack clothes to protect you from the rain. The weather is mostly dry in winter, but it is advisable to bring a windbreaker and warm clothes. Do not bring too much, but wear thinner clothes.
Ha Giang is a place that you have to visit when you are in Vietnam.
Please contact Annie’s team for more information and make a plan for your trip.
- Email: info@annie.vn
- Whatsapp: +84969043106
