Ha Giang Mountain & Hill tribe discovery
Is this trip for you?
Trip length: 6 days | Trip code: VHAP-05
Trip Style: Explore | Physical Rating: 3/5 | Trip Price: Upon request
Places visited: Ha Giang - Quan Ba - Yen Minh - Dong Van - Ma Pi Leng Meo Vac
BRIEF ITINERARY
Day 01: Hanoi - Ha Giang (Homestay/lodge in Ha Giang)
Day 02: Ha Giang - Quan Ba - Yen Minh (Hotel/lodged in Yen Minh)
Day 03: Yen Minh - Dong Van - Meo Vac (Homestay/lodge in Meo Vac)
Day 04: Meo Vac - Mau Due - Du Gia - Ha Giang (Hotel in Ha Giang)
Day 05: Ha Giang - Ha noi - Trip ends
Highlights
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Discover one of Vietnam's most spectacular mountain landscapes, boasting untouched nature and a rich, unique culture.
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Experience a thrilling sense of adventure as you venture off the beaten path, fully immersed in the natural wonders.
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Engage with vibrant ethnic minorities, meet local tribespeople, and delve into authentic cultural experiences.
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Capture stunning moments with abundant photography opportunities.
TRIP MAP
Day 01: Hanoi - Ha Giang
Leave Hanoi around 8:00 AM for a scenic drive to Ha Giang, the northernmost province of Vietnam. Ha Giang is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, including towering limestone peaks, deep valleys, and winding rivers. The region is also home to various ethnic minority communities, each with its own distinct culture and traditions.
The journey will take you through the lush scenery of Vietnam, transitioning from lowlands to highlands. Along the way, you'll stop to visit villages and tea farms, immersing yourself in the local culture.
Arrive in the mid-afternoon and check into a homestay in a Tay minority village. Spend the rest of the day exploring the area, sightseeing, and interacting with the locals to gain a deeper understanding of their way of life.
Notes:
- Today's drive covers over 300km and usually takes about 6 hours, though it may take longer due to multiple stops along the way.
- Accommodation options include a homestay in a local house, or you can choose to stay in a hotel or ecolodge.
Inclusions: Private vehicle, Tour guide, Entrance fees, Accommodation
Day 02: Ha Giang - Quan Ba - Yen Minh
After breakfast, embark on your adventure with a drive along the winding mountain road through one of Vietnam's most spectacular landscapes, making numerous photo stops along the way.
The Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark spans approximately 2,400 square kilometers, covering most of the Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, and Mèo Vạc districts, with about 80 percent of the area being limestone. This geopark is home to 17 ethnic groups, including Kinh, Hoa, Lo Lo, Tai, Nung, Chinese Han, and Dzao. These hill tribes have lived on this rocky terrain for generations, preserving their rich traditions and identities. The area remains largely untouched and retains its traditional rhythm of life.
Stop at Quan Ba Heaven Gate for a stunning view of the picturesque town of Tam Son and the Twin Mountains. Then, venture off-road to visit Lung Khuy Cave, considered the most beautiful cave in the Ha Giang highlands. A 2km walk along a narrow path leads you to the cave, where you'll be amazed by the formations of stalactites and stalagmites.
Continue your journey to Yen Minh town, with additional photo stops along the way.
Check into your hotel, and enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Inclusions: Private vehicle, Tour guide, Breakfast, Entrance fees, Accommodation
Day 03: Yen Minh - Dong Van - Meo Vac
After breakfast, embark on your journey deeper into the heart of the Geopark. Your first stop is Tham Ma Pass, one of Vietnam's most stunning slopes, situated 1500 meters above sea level.
Next, visit Pho Bang, a small town home to the Chinese minority. Once known as "the capital of opium," Pho Bang now rests quietly among the mountains like a sleeping child.
Continue to Sa Phin Valley, where you'll visit Nha Vuong, the fortress-like palace of the Hmong chieftain who once ruled the mountains around Dong Van.
Drive further to Lung Cu, the northernmost point of Vietnam. Enjoy the magnificent mountain views from the top of the Lung Cu Flag Tower, then visit a Lo Lo hill tribe village to learn about their unique culture and customs.
Explore the mountain town of Dong Van before continuing to Ma Pi Leng Pass. Known as "Heaven’s Gate Pass," this pass is one of the most spectacular in northern Vietnam, offering the sensation of touching the sky. Afterward, embark on a boat cruise on the Nho Que River to explore Tu San Canyon.
Arrive in Meo Vac in the late afternoon. Check into your homestay or lodge and spend the remainder of the day exploring or relaxing at your leisure.
Inclusions: Private vehicle, Tour guide, Breakfast, Tour activities, Entrance fees, Accommodation
Day 04: Meo Vac - Du Gia - Ha Giang
After breakfast, check out and visit the Meo Vac market, a bustling hub where locals from nearby villages gather to buy and sell goods. In addition to numerous shops offering beautiful local handicrafts, there's a vibrant livestock market where horses, cattle, pigs, dogs, and more are traded. The market is especially lively on Sundays and is known as one of the most colorful hill tribe markets in this remote region of Vietnam.
Next, drive downhill along Road 176, passing through stunning landscapes, mountain villages, and scenic passes on your way to Mau Due and Du Gia. Along the journey, make several stops for photos and to interact with locals, enriching your experience before returning to Ha Giang.
Check into your accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Inclusions: Private vehicle, Tour guide, Breakfast, Entrance fees, Accommodation
Day 05: Ha Giang - Ha Noi
Enjoy the morning at your leisure until check out time (around 10) then drive downhill back Hanoi. (6 hour drive including stops).
Arrive back in Hanoi around 16.00PM. Trip ends!
Inclusions: Private vehicle, Tour guide, Breakfast, Entrance fees, Accommodation
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Hanoi Travel FAQs
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Hanoi which part of vietnam?
Hanoi is located in the northern part of Vietnam.
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The distance from Hanoi airport to the Old Quarter is approximately 21 kilometers (about 13 miles), and the cost can vary depending on the mode of transportation, but a taxi ride or a private 4-seat car transfer usually costs around 300,000 to 400,000 VND (Vietnamese Dong).
How many days in Hanoi and Halong Bay should I spend?
A typical itinerary would include 2-3 days in Hanoi to explore the city and its surroundings, and 2-3 days in Halong Bay for a cruise experience.
Which is better, Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?
It depends on your preferences. Hanoi is known for its rich history, culture, and charm, while Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is more modern and bustling with activity.
Which is better, Hanoi or Danang?
Again, it depends on what you're looking for. Hanoi offers a cultural and historical experience, while Da Nang is known for its beautiful beaches and modern amenities.
What is Hanoi famous for?
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