Top things to do in Ha Giang

With the diversity of indigenous minority cultures and natural beauty, Ha Giang will not disappoint travelers with unforgettable experiences. Below is the list of things to do in Ha Giang which should not miss in Vietnam tours.

Traveling at the time of bloom flower season in Ha Giang 

Along with transferring the weather through seasons in a year, types of flowers change-over to bloom in the forest mountains of Ha Giang. Each flower type blooming in every season makes its own attractive beauty.

The Peach blossom and Apricot blossom

Spring is a beautiful time to travel to Ha Giang when everywhere is the pink color of wild peach blossom and the pristine white color of apricot flowers. Flowers blooming brightly on the majestic mountains is a beautiful picture.

The buckwheat flower

At the end of October and early November, Ha Giang weather starts to get a little cold when winter coming. It is the time of the most brilliant buckwheat flower with wild beauty and fascination.

The canola flower

When stepping into December, the deep yellow of the canola flower forest peek out in the misty fog near and far, mingled with the chilly winter. The color is more mesmerizing when cuddled by majestic rocky mountains. Somewhere in the fog, there is the warm smoke radiating from the traditional highland houses, creating a dreamlike landscape.

Conquer Lung Cu Flagpole – The Northernmost Point of Vietnam

Lung Cu Flagpole located at Lung Cu peak that also known as the top of the Dragon mountain. It is about 1,470 m above sea level, belonging to Lung Cu commune, Dong Van district, Ha Giang province, the northernmost point of Vietnam.

To come to the flagpole, you have to go on the road that conquers 389 stone steps.

From the top of Lung Cu flagpole, you will see the whole Dong Van rock plateau and rustic villages hidden. You will also see two lakes below, symmetrically situated, called “dragon eye” by people here. 

• Note: Foreigners who want to visit Lung Cu Flagpole, will have to get a permit in advance.
• Ticket fee: 20,000VND per person

Driving on the legendary Ma Pi Leng pass

Ma Pi Leng is one of the four most rugged and high passes in the Northern mountains of Vietnam. The pass is located at an altitude of 1,200 m, belonging to the Dong Van rock plateau, which was certified as a global geological park by UNESCO in 2010. From a distance, the pass is like a thread run between the hills and mountains creating a majestic scenery of the rocky plateau.

Driving on the pass, visitors will be attracted by the turquoise blue water of the Nho Que River below the ravine. The dreaming beauty like the wonderland place.

Historical records let know that the pass had created by tens of thousands of youth volunteers from 16 ethnic groups in 8 Vietnam northern provinces for six years (1959-1965). In which, to do the pass section over Ma Pi Leng, the young men in the suicide squad had to hang themselves on the cliff encroach every centimeter for 11 months.

Meet ethnic groups in Ha Giang

Ha Giang has an amazing diversity of ethnic minority groups. Nowhere in Vietnam can you meet about 22 ethnic groups like Ha Giang. The Kinh account for 10% of the total population here, the rest are 22 ethnic groups such as the Nung, H’Mong, Dao, Tay, etc.

Experience Ha Giang market

As the diversity of ethnic groups, Ha Giang markets are also lively and amazing not inferior.

For a long time, the markets have become an indispensable cultural activity in the life of highland people in Ha Giang. Traveling to Ha Giang, you are recommended to visit one of the markets here. It is a place to preserve the ancient indigenous customs and culture.

Meo Vac Market

Meo Vac Market is opened every Sunday. It is located in a valley that all four sides are mountains, belonging to Meo Vac district. 

The wine here is always very impressive to travelers. You can taste then buy. The goods at this market are various such as corn, rice, fruits to household appliances or cattle. Cattle are sold that also diverse as goats, horses, cows, buffaloes, pigs, chickens, etc. Each item will be on a separate area for people to find easily.

The special thing is that the products sold in this market are made by local people. Therefore, wild vegetables, corn, fish or meat here are very safe and no toxic chemicals.

Khau Vai Love Market

Khau Vai Love Market is held once a year on March 27 according to the lunar calendar.

The market derived from the ancient story of a couple love passionately but not approved by their family to get married. The girl’s family despised the boy because of his poverty and different ethnicities. They had to break up in misery and promise to be husband and wife in the next life. On the day of their farewell every year, they returned to Khau Vai mountain to meet. That day is the 27th of March on lunar month.

Previously, there were not many people coming to the market, mainly those who loved each other but could not get married because of the feudal rituals. They went here to meet their ex-lovers although everyone had a family of their own. A wife-husband couple might come to the market together; but the wife would go to see her ex-lover, the husband went to find his ex-lover and they were no jealousy. In recent years, many young men and women from different ethnic groups come to the market to spring walk, find mates to get married.

Suggested Ha Giang tours

• Insightful Northwest Adventure 7 Days
• Northeast Vietnam Explorer 7 Days
• Explore the Trails of Ha Giang 5 days

In general, you will have chances to explore wild beauties of highland and the featured culture of ethnic minority communities during Ha Giang tours. Therefore, the list of things to do in Ha Giang will surely give you some necessary information for your Vietnam travel.

Hong Can – Travel Lover