Ha Giang Roadside adventures
At every turn in Ha Giang, you will be greeted by breathtaking panoramas that will take your breath away, such as lush rainforests, rocky peaks, pastoral scenes, and surreal landscapes. The “Ha Giang Loop” connects the region’s most iconic sights, but if you get off the beaten path, you’ll find that there are many other enriching activities to partake in. When planning your trip to Ha Giang, be sure to keep these top activities in mind.
Local Humble Homestays in Thôn Tha
Stop for a while to rest in the village of Thôn Tha after your six-hour transfer from Hanoi. Thôn Tha, which is located just a few minutes outside of Hà Giang City, provides an authentic glimpse into life in Hà Giang. Travelers can enjoy cozy accommodations in authentic stilt houses thanks to the hospitality of local hosts. You can look forward to delectable spreads of crispy spring rolls, fresh greens, tender pork ribs, and rice served in a family-style fashion when it comes time for meals.
Check-in Quan Ba pass with a cup of coffee and an amazing view
One of the experiences that you simply must have while in Hà Giang is to sit down with a steaming cup of coffee and take in the scenery. You can satisfy your craving for robusta at the Quan Ba Pass, which serves as the gateway to the Dong Van Geopark. Cafe Cong Troi is located in this area and serves coffee on a veranda that looks out over the winding pass. The cafe also features a specialty shop in which customers can purchase essential oils from the Red Dao tradition as well as herbal bath products sourced from Northern Vietnam.
Incredible hikes on the sky path
The Nho Que River Viewpoint is one of the most well-known attractions in Hà Giang; however, in order to get the most out of the experience, you will need to climb. The sky path is a winding, narrow road that winds its way steeply uphill through the villages of the Flower H’mong before bending around the side of the mountain and climbing to the peak next door. For the hike on the sky path, which will take a total of two hours and cover a distance of 500 meters, you should get some sturdy shoes ready to wear. Overlooking mountain ranges, the Nho Que River, and the historic Happiness Road, the views along the way are unlike any others. The Happiness Road was built by 1,300 volunteers over the course of seven years.
TIP: Don’t forget to take great panoramic vistas, Let’s hike from Đồng Văn to Đồn Cao Fortress to do it.
Enjoy a local breakfast in Dong Van
One of the most popular dishes in the region is called Banh Cuon, and the best place to try it is in the largest town along the Hà Giang loop. A bowl of piping hot broth containing chives and pork sausage is served alongside these steamed rice rolls filled with pork, wood-ear mushrooms, and egg. The rolls are served alongside a bowl of broth. You can’t ask for a better way to kick off your day than with this classic breakfast. Try it at Banh cuon on Phố Cổ St.
Fascinating history at the H’mong Palace
The Hmong King Palace is one of the most important cultural landmarks in the province of Hà Giang, and it can be found in the valley town of Sa Phin. The entrance to this fortress is marked by intricately carved wooden doors that lead to three separate courtyards that are all connected to one another. These doors are encircled by towering pine trees. The H’mong king Vương Chính Đức rose to power at the turn of the 20th century. He used all of his money to build the house of his dreams, which featured an enormous stone tub large enough for bathing in goat’s milk.
Learn about ethnic cultures at Pho Cao Market
At Pho Cao Market, members of underrepresented communities from all over the province get together once a week to trade or purchase a diverse array of wares, including electronics, clothing, and unusual seasonings and condiments. Keep an eye out for people who are dressed in traditional Hmong attire, which can range from bright Flower Hmong skirts to Black Hmong tunics with tight lacing. This market provides a fascinating glimpse into the myriad of cultures that can be found in the far north.
Tip: If you want to know when the local markets are open and what time of day is best to go, it’s a good idea to ask your tour guide or homestay hosts.
Buy sustainable souvenirs in Lung Tam
Located at the base of the hills in the Quan Ba District, Lùng Tám Linen Co-op is a cooperative business run by members of the Flower H’mong ethnic group. Come observe how hemp cultivated in the community is transformed into linen by being spun, stretched, dried, and colored with botanicals at the workshop. There is a gift shop right next to the workshop, where you may meet the business’s founder, Ms. Mai, and have a conversation with her about eco-friendly clothing.
