Best things to do in Ha Giang – 11 destinations shouldn’t miss

Does life become so busy that you forget to take a few minutes off for yourself? Explore 11 well-known destinations in Ha Giang to “heal” you against the struggle of life. The pristine beauty of Ha Giang attracts long-time travelers who enjoy exploring beautiful nature. In addition to being well-known as the extreme north land of the country, Ha Giang is also renowned for its historical relics and ethnic minority cultural retains. Continue to discover the best go-to places in Ha Giang with HoaBinh Tourist now and know things to do in Ha Giang city!

1. Ma Pi Leng Pass

Sightseeing ticket prices:  120.000 VNĐ/ Guest

Ma Pi Leng is one of the best Ha Giang attractions located on National Highway 4C in Pai Vi and Pai Lung communes, and it connects Ha Giang City with Dong Van and Meo Vac towns. This pass is the most famous tourist destination in Ha Giang and is recognized as one of the “four great mountain passes” of Vietnam.

Ma Pi Leng is 20 km long and over 1,200 meters high, famous for its stunning scenery and majestic nature. The great time to visit Ma Pi Leng is when the rice fields are ripe and buckwheat flowers are in bloom. By conquering dangerous cliffs and deep ravines, visitors can challenge themselves.

When you get to Ma Pi Leng Pass – Ha Giang, you have to visit The Death Cliff to snap lovely photos. On the summit, you will get to see the grand panoramic view of Dong Van Karst Plateau and fall in love with Tu San Canyon and Nho Que River. Night camping here will make your experience even more memorable in these poetic surroundings.

 

Image 1: Panorama of Ma Pi Leng Pass – Ha Giang

2. Dong Van Stone Plateau

Sightseeing ticket prices: 30,000 VND/adult/night and 15,000 VND/child/night

 

The Dong Van Stone Plateau in the northeast province of Ha Giang, Vietnam. The distance is roughly 150 km to the Northwest of Ha Giang city. This plateau area consists of 4 towns: Quan Ba, Meo Vac, Dong Van, and Yen Minh with an admiring limestone mountain system. Season to visit: September – November for blooming buckwheat flowers and limestone mountains that would take your breath away.

 

UNESCO recognized this place as a global geopark. In addition, this place also preserves the vestiges of ethnic minorities living here. The beauty of the rocky mountains combined with the valleys and villages creates a majestic and poetic scene. From a sparsely populated rocky area, Dong Van Stone Plateau has turned this place into an attractive destination for domestic and international tourists, with more than 3 million visitors to date (2024).

 

When visiting Dong Van stone plateau, you can explore what to do in Ha Giang, such as walking on the winding roads of Ma Pi Leng pass, participating in colorful highland markets, or trying mountain climbing.

 

Image 2: Majestic beauty of Dong Van Stone Plateau

3. Tha Village

Sightseeing ticket prices: 50,000 VND/adult/night and 20,000 VND/child/night 

 

Located at Tha Village, Phuong Do Commune, Ha Giang (5 km south of the city center), this is an ancient village nestled between majestic mountains and vast green grasslands, where you can find peace with the beauty of nature.

 

If you want to have “lifetime” photos there, visit Tha Village in September, October and November. When the terraced fields are golden, the scenery is so poetic to be admired.

 

Visitors will also be able to learn more about the history behind the ancient stilt houses. For Ha Giang attractions, this village is a place that has been in direct contact with the culture of the Tay ethnic community for many generations.

 

When visiting, you can engage in unique activities such as weaving and strolling around the village to observe the daily life of the locals. For food enthusiasts, the local dishes are sure to impress. Some must-try Tay specialties include five-color sticky rice, banana cake, and Quang noodles.

 

Image 3: A peaceful corner in Tha Village

4. Lung Cu Flag Tower

Sightseeing ticket prices: 25,000 VND/adult and free for children (under 1.3 m high).

 

The Lung Cu Flagpole stands atop Dragon Mountain in the Lung Cu Commune of Dong Van Town in Ha Giang Province. 160 km from Ha Giang city center. Representing Vietnam’s northernmost point where the nation’s flag waves high with pride and embodies the spirit of patriotism, among the Vietnamese people. 

 

The best time to explore Lung Cu Flagpole is from September to November when the temperature is pleasant and the sky displays a shade of blue while the entire area is adorned with buckwheat flowers, in hues of purple and pink. 

 

The Lung Cu Flagpole holds significance as a symbol of sovereignty. Situated at an elevation of 1m above sea level offering views of quaint villages dotting the valleys and the stunning Dong Van Stone Plateau, it allows visitors to truly immerse themselves in the beauty of rivers, mountains, and nature. 

 

When you explore the Lung Cu Flagpole area, you’ll find plenty of Ha Giang City things to do! You can climb a total of 839 steps to reach the top of the flagpole, where you can snap some photos while enjoying the panoramic view around you. Additionally, festivals take place year-round, giving visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the rich culture and history of the Ha Giang people.

 

Image 4: Stunning landscape around Lung Cu Flagpole

5. Pao’s House

Sightseeing ticket prices: 10,000 VND/adult and free for children (under 1.2 m high).

 

Pao’s House is located in Lung Cam Village, Sung La Commune, Dong Van Town, Ha Giang Province. About 130 km from Ha Giang city center, this house has become well-known since its appearance in the movie “Pao’s Story”.

The most ideal time to visit Pao’s House is from September to November when visitors can admire the beauty of buckwheat flowers. The brilliant flower fields surrounding the house create such a poetic scene that visitors should not miss.

This old house showcases H’Mong architecture featuring mud walls. Tiled roofs, within a rustic setting, uphold the traditional customs and cultural heritage of the H’Mong community. 

Thanks to its simplicity and tranquility, Pao’s House is a very “lovely” place, which has created a feeling of closeness to nature. During the Ha Giang tour, visitors can visit Pao’s House to learn about local culture, take souvenir photos at this iconic house, and visit the surrounding buckwheat flower fields. This is also a great opportunity to enjoy H’Mong specialties in a traditional space.

Image 5: The lovely appearance of Pao’s House

6. Quan Ba ​​Heaven Gate

Sightseeing ticket prices: Free

 

Quan Ba Heaven Gate sits 50 kilometers north of Ha Giang city, in Quan Ba Commune within Ha Giang Province, at an elevation of around 1,500 meters above sea level. A must-visit spot upon arrival, at Dong Van Stone Plateau. 

 

From September through November, Quan Ba Heaven Gate offers the weather for sightseeing, with its clear conditions perfect for visitors to enjoy the fresh air while marveling at the stunning scenery and uncovering fascinating sights. 

 

Quan Ba Heaven Gate is a must-see when considering what to do in Ha Giang City. From this special vantage point, you can view Tam Son Town and the iconic Quan Ba Twin Mountains. The Heaven Gate holds great spiritual significance as it marks the starting point for exploring the stunning stone plateau. Standing at the Heaven Gate and admiring the majestic natural beauty is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

 

Image 6: Panorama of Quan Ba Heaven Gate

7. Dong Van Ancient Town

Sightseeing ticket prices: 50,000 VND/adult and free for children (under 1.2 m high).

 

Located in Dong Van Town, Ha Giang province, Dong Van Ancient Town is about 150 km to the north of Ha Giang city center. This is famous as a hundred-year-old town surrounded by stone plateaus.

 

If you are enthusiastic about ethnic cultural festivals, come here around autumn and winter. The weather at this time is extremely cool, but the festivals are very vibrant and the vibe would truly warm your heart.

 

Dong Van Ancient Town is a place where many ethnic groups converge. The houses of traditional architecture with yin-yang tiled roofs and earthen walls create an ancient, peaceful space that you can only find there. In particular, on weekend nights, tourists can visit Dong Van market to participate and experience the local cultural life. This is also the ideal place to have the most enjoyable culinary experiences of typical local dishes such as buckwheat cake, thang co, corn white, etc.

 

When exploring things to do in Ha Giang City, visitors can also visit ancient houses in this ancient town. This would give visitors a feeling of being lost in a land of both vivid memories and the unique cultural beauty of the locals.

 

Image 7: The rustic beauty of Dong Van Ancient Town

8. Meo Vac Market

Sightseeing ticket prices: Free

 

Meo Vac Market is in Meo Vac Town, Ha Giang Province, about 170 km north of Ha Giang city center. The market is in the center of the town. Easy for tourists to visit.

 

The best time to go is early every Sunday morning when locals and people from around come to shop and trade handmade items, food, and other goods. As a result, tourists can also buy some items like brocade scarves or corn wine for souvenirs in this place for themselves and their relatives.

 

Not only exchanging goods, but this place is also a cultural exchange center for some ethnic groups: Tay, Dao, H’Mong, etc., and so on. Travelers will have the chance to see colorful traditional dresses in this market and have moments to enjoy the atmosphere there. The culture, the costumes, and the friendliness of people all make the unique beauty at Meo Vac Market. 

 

Image 8: The colorful Meo Vac Market

9. H’mong King’s Palace

Sightseeing ticket prices: 30,000 VND/adult and 10,000 VND/child

 

The King Meo Palace, also known as the Vuong Family Palace, is located in Sa Phin Valley, Lung Phin Commune, Dong Van Town, Ha Giang Province. It is about 125 km from the Ha Giang city center and only 15 km from the famous Dong Van Stone Plateau. Surrounded by majestic mountains, this palace is a unique architectural work that has harmoniously combined Chinese, H’Mong, and French styles.

 

The palace used to be the residence house of a famous H’mong leader in the early 20th century. The ancient beauty of the mansion is also enhanced by its surrounding space of forests and rocky mountains, creating a sense of majesty and mystery. Visitors can learn about the history of the Vuong family and the lavish lifestyle of the Hmong people when visiting this site.

 

Close to the palace are vast buckwheat flower fields. To fully admire this beauty, visitors should visit H’mong King’s Palace around October every year. These fields are considered the dream background of every check-in enthusiast when traveling to Ha Giang.

 

Image 9: The stunning beauty of H’mong King’s Palace

10. Hoang Su Phi Terraced Fields

Sightseeing ticket prices: Free

 

About 300 kilometers west of Hanoi, in the province of Ha Giang, is Hoang Su Phi, a breathtaking natural wonder that enthralls visitors. This location is a work of art about people and the environment in addition to being an economic element.

 

When the rice is golden, from September to October, during harvest season, is the best time to visit the Hoang Su Phi terraced fields. Most visitors would do both since this would be the ideal time to chase clouds above Hoang Su Phi. 

 

Fun activities for visitors include strolling around the terraced fields, snapping pictures, and learning about the customs of the local ethnic communities. Take part in harvest celebrations, savor regional cuisine, and get a firsthand look at residents’ daily lives!

 

Image 10: Panorama of Hoang Su Phi terraced fields

 

Discover the majestic beauty of the ripe rice season in Hoang Su Phi with HoaBinh Tourist – Book a tour now to experience a memorable journey!

11. Yen Minh Pine Forest

Sightseeing ticket prices: Free

 

Yen Minh Pine Forest stands out with its wild natural beauty and fresh air. This is an ideal destination to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban life and immerse yourself in nature. It is about 100 km to the northeast of Ha Giang city, where you can follow National Highway 4C Can Ty through the 3 communes of Bach Dich, Na Khe, and Lao Va Chai to reach there.

 

The best time to visit the Yen Minh pine forest is from September to November when the weather is cool and fresh. At that time, the pine forest scenery would be more brilliant than ever, with the golden sunlight of the fall shining through the tree canopy. 

 

Interesting activities at Yen Minh Pine Forest include walking in the forest, taking photos, and participating in camping activities. This is an ideal place to organize picnics, as the environment is clean and the air is so fresh. Visitors can also learn about the pine forest ecosystem and local legends related to this land, as well as visit the surrounding mountains.

 

Image 11: Airy space in Yen Minh Pine Forest

12. Lung Khuy Cave

Sightseeing ticket prices: 50,000 VND/adult and 20,000 VND/child

 

About 25 km east of Ha Giang city, in Vi Xuyen district, Dong Minh commune, is Lung Khuy Cave, Ha Giang province. One of the famous caves on the Dong Van Stone Plateau formed over millions of years, stands out with its diverse and strange stalactites.

 

September to November are the ideal months to explore Lung Khuy Cave because the weather is dry and pleasant during this time. This is an opportunity for you to take advantage of the best lighting conditions inside the cave and admire the limestone slabs sparkling under the sunlight. In addition to adding to the spectacular natural beauty, the rock blocks here also create a mysterious and attractive area.

Interesting activities at Lung Khuy Cave include exploring the cave’s corners and taking photos of the unique rock structures. Visitors can experience a sense of adventure by taking part in special tours of the mysterious space of Lung Khuy. As this cave is not only valuable in terms of geology but also a place to preserve the customs of local people, you can discover many interesting things about its history.

Image 12: The mysterious beauty of Lung Khuy Cave

13. Bac Me Port Relic

Sightseeing ticket prices: 10,000 VND/adult and free for children (under 1.2 m high).

Bac Me Port Relic is located in Yen Cuong Commune, Bac Me Town, Ha Giang Province, which is about 120 km to the north of Ha Giang City. This is a place of important historical and cultural value, which was once a bustling river port for regional trading in the north of Vietnam. This important historical relic is located on the banks of the Gam River, standing out with its natural beauty and special cultural values.

The best time to visit Bac Me Port Relic is from September to November when the weather is dry. The landscape around the port is the most charming then, with the winding Gam River at its most poetic beauty.

Interesting activities at Bac Me Port Relic include walking around the relic area, learning about the history of this place, as well as visiting surrounding areas such as the Gam River bank and nearby ethnic minority villages. Visitors should not miss delicious dishes there also.

Image 13: A corner in Bac Me Port Relic

14. Thac Tien – Deo Gio Tourist Area

Sightseeing ticket prices: Free

 

The Thac Tien – Deo Gio tourism region is a great place for adventure enthusiasts and those who enjoy the outdoors. It is situated in Bac Me Town, Minh Son Commune, Ha Giang Province, some 120 kilometers north of the city core of Ha Giang. This popular tourist destination is notable for its untamed beauty and breathtaking natural scenery.

 

When the temperature is cool, from September to November, is the ideal time to visit Thac Tien-Deo Gio. With crystal-clear blue water cascading down from above, Thac Tien is a magnificent natural waterfall that produces an exquisite natural image. Visitors are given a sense of adventure by Deo Gio, which lies near the waterfall and stands out for its meandering twists across the mountain ranges.

 

Interesting activities at the Thac Tien – Deo Gio tourist area include cooling off in the clear blue water of Thac Tien Waterfall, taking wonderful photos, and conquering the winding curves of Deo Gio walking around the area to explore more beautiful spots and learn about the local ecosystem. Moreover, don’t forget to experience the specialties of the Northern mountainous region.

 

Image 14: Peaceful landscape in Thac Tien – Deo Gio

15. Sung Khanh Pagoda

Sightseeing ticket prices: Free

Sung Khanh Pagoda is located in Sung Khanh Commune, Vi Xuyen Town, Ha Giang Province, which is about 30 km to the north of Ha Giang City. The pagoda is located on a small hill, standing out with its ancient traditional architecture and blissfully peaceful space. The pagoda is a place to worship Buddha and gods, which has been the center of religious activities of the community for centuries.

February through April are the ideal months to visit Sung Khanh Pagoda because of the good weather and clean air throughout this period. You may take part in religious events and traditional spring festivities during this time, as well as take in the picturesque surroundings of the pagoda, which include verdant woodlands and blossoming flowers.

Travelers can take pleasure in attending distinctive religious celebrations, appreciating the architectural design, and learning the meanings of the murals within the pagoda when visiting Sung Khanh Pagoda. You may also just take a stroll around the pagoda grounds to take in the fresh mountain air and breathtaking views.

Image 15: Peaceful vibe in Sung Khanh Pagoda

HoaBinh Tourist along with a team of professional staff offers tour programs with attractive itineraries to help visitors explore unique destinations, bringing customers the best experiences. Not only that, but HoaBinh Tourist also provides Ha Giang tour packages specifically for businesses and groups who want to combine travel with conferences and award ceremonies. With an experienced team and top-quality service, HoaBinh Tourist is committed to bringing businesses memorable and engaging trips.

Contact HoaBinh Tourist now to discover the most classy experiences!

Above is the information that HoaBinh Tourist suggests for you to explore Ha Giang – a wonderland with various amazing destinations. From the beautiful terraced fields of Hoang Su Phi to the majestic Ma Pi Leng Pass, each location has its unique mystery and charm. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore these 11 wonderful destinations on your journey!