Ha Giang

Home to Vietnam's most northern point, Ha Giang, on the border with China, is a stunning area of natural beauty, from lush green rice terraces, to rocky mountains with limestone springs. The eight hours from Hanoi are undoubtedly worth it for travelers in search of something spectacular and out of the ordinary. Most notable is Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, an area of vast geological heritage including ancient fossils and evidence of millennia of activity within the earth's crust.

Much of the region is too mountainous to sustain farming and as such the region is largely untouched by heavy development or tourism, allow it to retain its historic qualities and authenticity with quaint villages dotting the hillsides and rich cultures thriving within. Indeed, Ha Giang province is home to more than twenty ethnic groups, co-existing and creating a colorful palette of language and tradition. Ha Giang's capital city shares its name and is arranged along the banks of the River La, dissecting the clean, urban oasis from north to south. Visitors to Ha Giang will be delighted by the opportunities to explore true Vietnamese history, and explore some of its most breathtaking scenery.

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

Local Markets

A great way to experience local life in Hà Giang Province is to join the hustle and bustle of the various ethnic groups coming together to trade their goods, clothed in their traditional dress; The Nung, the White Hmong, the Po Y, the Dao and the Tay come regularly to Quyet Tien Market while at Meo Vac, tribes from more than 15 miles around bring their pigs and cows to sell.

The Tan Trao Historical Relic

Tan Trao is the site of the Vietnamese Communist party conference in 1945, where plans for the uprising were made. Here, in a perfectly maintained garden compound, visitors can explore Tan Trao Communal House, Hong Thai Communal House and admire the Tan Trao banyan tree.

Traditional houses

Visitors to Hà Giang are beguiled by the range of cultural diversity, never more exemplified than in the traditional houses. In Sung La, it is possible to explore a LoLo house, home to one of the least common ethnic minorities in the country - a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Trekking

A visit to Hà Giang is not complete without a mountain hike. The Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark is home to a vast range of flora and fauna including endangered species of monkeys. Meanwhile, trekking tours through the stunning landscape of Meo Vac reveal tiny and charming mountain villages.

Vuong Family Mansion

Combining a number of building styles from northern areas including Yunnan in China, the Mansion of the Vuong Family is a beautiful example of the unique architecture of Vietnam’s upland regions. It was classified as a historic relic in 1993 and visitors from all over the world come to explore its three stilted houses.

Vietnam Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

Ha Giang Itineraries

All Itineraries
Intrepid
The Way to Heaven's Gate: Hanoi to Ha Giang

The Way to Heaven's Gate: Hanoi to Ha Giang

Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
From $2,500
See Itinerary
Mountains, Tribes & National Parks of Northern Vietnam: Ba Be, Dong Van & Ha Giang

Mountains, Tribes & National Parks of Northern Vietnam: Ba Be, Dong Van & Ha Giang

Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
From $3,500
See Itinerary
Cao Nguyen Hotel

Cao Nguyen Hotel

Ha Giang, Vietnam

Ideally located near the center of the pretty city of Hà Giang, on the banks of the River Lo, Hotel Cao Nguyen, otherwise known as Rocky Plateau Hotel, is one of the newer hotels in the town. Surrounded by the bustle of the town and stalls selling steaming bowls of Pho, the hotel - while not a luxury outfit - is clean, welcoming and well-equipped. Twin and double rooms are spacious with flat-screen televisions and free WiFi, while the private bathrooms with running hot water are better than most, though the smell of smoke is a tad off-putting. After a day exploring the stunning scenery around the area, guests will look forward to a hearty meal. The hotel restaurant serves up traditional Vietnamese fare that should hit the spot before weary travelers bed down for the night, to prepare to continue the adventure the following day.
P'apiu

P'apiu

Ha Giang, Vietnam

P’apiu welcomes guests to its private mountaintop retreat which juxtaposes luxury and comfort against the wild splendors of Ha Giang. Catering exclusively to couples seeking a special and intimate getaway, P’apiu only has three villas spaciously set across its 75 acres of land. Each expansive villa is specially designed with its own personality: the Mellow takes its cue from the traditional homes of the Ha Giang local people, built entirely of hand pounded soil with no binders and looks onto the Dao village below; the Fluffy is a wood-and-glass construct that frames dramatic panoramas in floor to ceiling windows and features open spaces to fully take in the landscape; the Layla Qays is a completely unique cozy subterranean space covered in comfortable natural materials. All villas come with 24-hour private butler service and special features and services such as indoor and outdoor jacuzzis, afternoon tea, reading room or wine cellar. A menu of romance-oriented experiences such as stargazing, tree planting, and traditional Red Dao wedding renewal further enrich a stay at P’apiu. The signature restaurant serves local classics and western favorites with fresh produce sourced from its onsite farm. P’apiu is located at the final point of a long mountain range that begins at Vi Xuyen district and ends at the foot of Mount P’apiu, Yen Dinh village in Ha Giang.
Phoenix Ha Giang

Phoenix Ha Giang

Ha Giang, Vietnam

This four-star boutique hotel has a striking European façade and a sumptuously-appointed marble-floored lobby. Guest rooms are furnished with twin or king beds, carpeted floors, and modern amenities. Select rooms have views of the lake. A la carte and buffet breakfast is offered at the restaurant. Other facilities include a fitness center, bar, outdoor swimming pool, 24-hour front desk, and currency exchange services as well as complimentary bicycles for guest use.
Auberge De Meo Vac

Auberge De Meo Vac

Ha Giang, Vietnam


This rustic little gem of a guest house is a shining example of northern Vietnamese charm and hospitality. Nestled in the foothills with the valley of Meo Vac beneath and within a short,  pleasant walk to the local town, guests will be delighted from the outside in. The rooms, while simple and humble, are spotless with very comfortable beds and windows with sweeping views. Under a covered walkway, the bathrooms are clean, with running hot water. The homey restaurant serves up traditional authentic Vietnamese food and, for a tempting colonial twist, good French wine or pastis is also available to complement the dishes. On chilly evenings, a roaring log fire is lit and guests will find themselves sitting around sharing stories with fellow travelers and the friendly, welcoming owners. 


Lam Tung hotel

Lam Tung hotel

Ha Giang, Vietnam


In the perfect spot between the old market and the new market in the small and charming town of Dong Van, the Lam Tung is the ideal place to make a pit stop. While perhaps not opulent or luxurious, the hotel is new and clean with good quality fittings and appliances, and guests are made to feel very welcome. The rooms are spacious, and feature individual water heaters for the private bathrooms as well as flat screen televisions. What’s more, those with windows boast stunning views of the surrounding area in all its glory. 


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Vietnam War History Expedition

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