This quiet town is crossed by the Lo River. It's a relaxing stopover. Ha Giang is the province with the highest latitude. It is surrounded by the provinces of Cao Bang, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, and Tuyen Quang, and shares a border with China to the north. Several minorities live there, including Dao, H'mong, Tay, Nung, Lo Lo, La Chi, and others.
Ha Giang: Destination 310 km from Hanoi
Ha Giang, 310 km north of Hanoi, offers a varied climate with rainy and dry seasons. Temperatures vary with altitude, creating a diversity of plants and animals. The landscapes are impressive year-round.
Ha Giang is ideal for outdoor activities. There are hiking trails for all levels and camping sites. Quang Ngan Waterfalls, the Than Thuy Thien Bao Border Crossing, and Noong Lake are natural attractions worth seeing.
The province is known for its natural beauty and cultural diversity. It borders several Vietnamese provinces and China. The region is home to various ethnic groups such as the Dao, H'mong, Tay, Nung, Lo Lo, and La Chi, each with their own traditions.
Yen Minh Market: A Cultural Meeting Place
80 km from Ha Giang, after the Quan Ba Pass, is Yen Minh Market. This Sunday market brings together various ethnic groups such as the Blue Hmong, Dao Lan Ten, and Lo Lo. It's the perfect place to experience local life, crafts, and regional cuisine.
Pho Bang Village: Chinese Architecture in Vietnam
58 km from Yen Minh, Pho Bang showcases the Chinese influence in Vietnam. The village has traditional multi-story houses with mud walls and tiled roofs. These hilltop houses create a unique landscape, a testament to the region's history.
The Hmong King's Palace: Imposing History
10 km from Pho Bang is the palace of the Hmong king, Vuong Chi Sinh. Built in the early 20th century, it blends Chinese, French, and Hmong styles. The palace illustrates the life of the Hmong nobility of the time with its large walls and interior courtyards.
The Dong Van Plateau: Nature and Culture
The 146 km journey from Ha Giang to Dong Van offers spectacular views. The road passes through the "Heavenly Gates" of Quang Ba and Yen Ninh. The Dong Van Plateau, at an altitude of 1,025 meters, is the largest in Vietnam. Fruits such as plums, peaches, and apples are grown here. The Dong Van Sunday market is a must-see for its local products and traditional clothing.
Meo Vac: A Unique Love Tradition
Meo Vac is known for its Khau Vai Lovers' Market, an annual event on the 27th day of the third lunar month. This market comes from a local legend about love in the face of social challenges.
The legend tells the story of two young people from different ethnic groups who fell in love. Their families were against their union, causing conflict between the villages. The lovers decided to separate to stop the problems, but promised to meet again every year at Khau Vai. This promise created a tradition that continues today. Khau Vai is now an annual meeting place for lovers in the region.