Discover
Ha Giang
Ha Giang, the northernmost province of Vietnam, is an extraordinary destination famed for its rugged landscapes and rich ethnic diversity. This remote and breathtaking region offers travelers an unfiltered experience of Vietnam’s natural grandeur and cultural richness, from towering limestone mountains and winding roads to the vibrant traditions of its local ethnic communities.
“A Rugged Adventure Through Lush Landscapes, Ethnic Minority Tribes, and Heaven’s Gate Awaits!”
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Ha Giang
Attractions
Ha Giang is famous for its dramatic landscapes and cultural experiences. The Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases unique geological formations. The Ma Pi Leng Pass offers some of Vietnam’s most spectacular mountain views. The region is also a mosaic of diverse ethnic cultures, evident in its colorful traditional markets and local festivals.
View AllTaste
Ha Giang’s cuisine is as diverse as its culture. Our carefully curated list includes everything from local eateries serving traditional dishes unique to Ha Giang’s ethnic groups to select restaurants offering a fusion of local and international flavors.
View AllTravel Inspiration & Local Legends
Ha Giang Handbook: Essential Travel Tips
When is the Best Time to Visit Ha Giang?
The ideal times to visit Ha Giang are during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months feature less rainfall, clearer skies, and moderate temperatures, perfect for exploring Ha Giang’s breathtaking landscapes. Autumn enchants with its golden rice terraces and the Buckwheat Flower Festival’s vivid fields, while spring is known for its mild climate and blooming flowers.
Transportation Tips
A. Getting to Vietnam
Flying is the best and most convenient option when traveling to Vietnam, with three international airports in key locations. Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi International Airport) is the best choice for those starting their adventure in the North. Overland bus travel from neighboring countries like Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand offers an adventurous alternative for Southeast Asian travelers.
B. How to get to Ha Giang
To get to Ha Giang, you have a few options depending on where you’re starting from:
- Private Transfer: For peace of mind you can book a private transfer with Vietnam Is Awesome.
- Bus: If you’re coming from Noi Bai Airport or Hanoi Old Quarter, you can take a luxury bus starting at about $16 per person or a taxi for around $250. The bus takes 5 hours, while the cab offers more privacy and convenience, dropping you off directly at your hotel.
- Rail: The closest railway station is in Lao Cai (about 200kms away/ near Sapa).
C. How to get around in Ha Giang
Once you’re in Ha Giang, your transportation options are limited. Walking is possible, but it’s a huge region with hilly terrain. Biking is a great option, with many hotels and shops offering rentals for both mountain and road bikes. However, the terrain can be treacherous, so renting a motorbike with an experienced driver is recommended for most visitors. Prices for hiring drivers vary, so it’s best to inquire with locals or agencies in Ha Giang or try Easy Riders.
Before You Go: Visa, Currency, Timezone, Voltage, ATMs, Credit Cards, Internet, SIM Cards, Tips
- Visa: Check the visa requirements for your nationality. Many travelers can get a visa on arrival or an e-visa. Get the Ultimate Guide for getting a Vietnam Visa [here].
- Timezone: Vietnam is in the Indochina Time Zone (ICT), UTC+7.
- Voltage: The standard voltage is 220V, and the plugs are usually Type A (two flat pins) or Type C (two round pins).
- Internet: Most hotels, cafes, and even restaurants in Ha Giang offer free Wi-Fi; Wi-Fi plans are so cheap in Vietnam that almost all businesses have one. But it’s easy, inexpensive, and well worth buying a local SIM card with a data package at the Airport upon arrival. Mobile data is not as consistent in Ha Giang as in most parts of Vietnam. In fact, you may not get any signals at all in the remotest areas of the Ha Giang Loop.
- SIM Cards: You can easily purchase SIM cards at the airport or local stores for data and calls. Note that you’ll need to provide your passport to get a SIM. Viettel, Mobifone, and VinaPhone are the best mobile networks for Hanoi and most parts of Vietnam.
- Currency: Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). VND only comes in bills (no coins), and 1 USD equals about 24,000 VND (commonly abbreviated as 24k). Some shops catering to tourists may accept USD, but most only take VND.
- Credit Cards: Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted, but smaller businesses usually only take cash.
- ATMs: There are very few ATMs in Ha Giang. Downtown Ha Giang’s main city has a handful, but we highly recommend you keep plenty of cash on hand and store it in a safe place.
- Tipping: Vietnam is not a tipping culture, so a tip is not expected. A tip is a good way to bring a smile to someone’s face, though. Note that cab drivers and tour guides often rely on some tipping, so it’s a good idea to tip them.
Understanding Culture & Customs In Ha Giang
Ha Giang is home to many minority tribes, making it a melting pot in Vietnam. Remember to respect local traditions, ask for permission before taking photos, dress modestly, be patient with communication, be culturally sensitive, and avoid giving handouts to children due to significant poverty levels, in efforts to keep them in free schooling.
Common Questions about
Ha Giang
A few good options for accommodation in Ha Giang City are Du Gia Stream Lodge and Ha Giang Historic House. If you’re traveling the famous Ha Giang Loop, a few great choices are H’Mong Sister House, Du Gia Homestay, Hoang Minh Hotel, Tam Giac Mach Hotel, and Pao’s Sapa Leisure Hotel. Keep in mind that Ha Giang is more rural than most parts of Vietnam and has fewer good-quality accommodations than some areas.
Some fantastic Vietnamese food options in Ha Giang are Bong Restaurant, Com Nieu An Nhien, Golden BBQ, Mr Hung Bar Restaurant, and Nha Hang Com VN 123 Quoc Tuan. If you’re in the mood for Western food, some good options are Pao Kitchen or Roma Italian Restaurant.
Ha Giang is best known for its rustic natural beauty, perhaps best demonstrated by its misty karst formations and lush green valleys full of rice paddies. It’s also known for the Ha Giang Loop, famous worldwide as a premier mountain biking and motorbiking route. The many ethnic minorities in Northern Vietnam add to the area’s color and beauty.
Even though Ha Giang is a remote location, there are a ton of beautiful natural and historical landmarks to explore. Read more about the famous Ha Giang Loop, Ma Pi Leng Pass, the local minority villages, and more in our listicle of the top 11 things to do in Ha Giang. You can also venture to one of the awe-inspiring natural parks in the area for even more natural beauty.
The most affordable months to visit Ha Giang are late November through February. These months are often very cold, resulting in less foreign and domestic tourism and lower prices for many tourist services. The area can be beautiful during that time, though, because mists creep over the mountains and give them an added air of mystique.
The best ways to get around once you’re in Ha Giang are by bicycle, motorbike, or foot for shorter distances. You can also hire a motorbike or car with a driver to take you around. Unfortunately, public transportation in Ha Giang is not as consistent as in most of Vietnam.
September-November is often considered the ideal time to visit Ha Giang. The weather is cooler and clearer, making it perfect for trekking and exploring the region’s natural beauty. The highlight is the rice harvest season in late September and early October when the rice terraces turn a beautiful golden-yellow.
If you only want to travel the Ha Giang Loop to take in the region’s most iconic sights of natural beauty, 2-3 days is enough. If you also want to explore on your own, 4-5 days is better. If you want to do all that, plus connect with the local culture of Ha Giang, dedicate at least a week to the area.