You’ll tick off not-to-miss iconic sights, local culture and unmissable natural wonders – all handpicked, planned and vetted by our Travel Experts who carefully craft your tour behind the scenes. Unlock the best of every place you visit and learn secrets from our local friends along the way. Here are just a few of many of must-sees that are waiting for you at Ha Giang Loop.
You’ll enjoy that extra special treatment when you join NorthStar in Ha Giang loop at must-see sights and uncover secrets with our Local guide. Here are just a few of the hundreds you can experience.
Quan Ba Heaven Gate is a unique Ha Giang attraction located at a height of 1500m above the sea. It is the main gate leading you to the heaven of Ha Giang- the land of a majestic rock plateau. Standing on Quan Ba Heaven Gate, visitors can zoom out on many fantastic sights. Also, this is a golden chance to take in the panoramic view of pristine forests and magnificent mountains in the West-northern area of Vietnam.
Tham Ma Pass is one of the most breathtaking mountain passes along the Ha Giang Loop. Stretching about 5 km in length and situated at an altitude of 1500 meters, its iconic s-shaped zigzagging road makes it a highlight for travelers. There is nothing more exhilarating than coming across a hidden natural wonder and capturing a photograph of the enchanted moment in which you find yourself there.
Ma Pi Leng Pass is part of the Ha Giang Loop, a popular route for motorbike enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Spanning approximately 20 kilometers, the pass connects the towns of Dong Van and Meo Vac. The road winds its way through the Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO Global Geopark, offering panoramic views of rugged mountains, deep valleys, and the meandering Nho Que River far below.
The Nho Que River in Ha Giang is an absolute must-visit for avid travelers seeking an unforgettable experience in the misty wonders of Northeast Vietnam. The Nho Que River is more than just a scenic spot; it’s a gateway to the natural and cultural wonders of northern Vietnam. From the awe-inspiring views of Ma Pi Leng Pass to serene boat trips, every moment promises lasting memories.
The Sky Path is a soaring walkway clinging to the cliffs many hundreds of metres above the Nho Quế River as it pushes through the limestone pillars of Tu Sản Canyon in Hà Giang Province. At the Great White Cliff Viewpoint , the walker-only trail splits from the path to the left, which is easy to spot thanks to the metal handrail. From here the trail is easy to follow, as the forkless path zig-zags towards the White Cliff with patches of wild jungle and cultivated corn above and below.
The Death Cliff in Ha Giang is a popular check-in destination, attracting visitors with its pristine and majestic beauty. From here, you can admire the breathtaking natural scenery with the rolling mountain ranges, deep valleys, and the turquoise Nho Que River. This is an ideal spot for those who love adventure, offering a feeling of awe and mystery when standing in the vast, open space. Come to experience the wild beauty and challenge yourself at the Death Cliff!
Lonely Tree is an ancient tree located along Highway 4C, Can Ty commune, Quan Ba district. This location is about 64 km northeast of Ha Giang city, taking about 2 hours to travel. The tree is tilted, leaning slightly towards the cliff. The base of the tree also has a small hole that is formed naturally. The special feature of the lonely tree in Ha Giang is that it has a very large size, the trunk of the tree is standing tall with one side being a deep abyss, the other side is a pass with high cliffs. It is this factor that has made this place a very HOT check-in coordinate loved by many backpackers.
Hmong King Palace, also known as Vuong Chinh Sinh Palace, is a historical landmark located in the picturesque Sa Phin Valley. With a history of over 100 years, it served as the seat of power for two Hmong rulers. As a popular stop along the Ha Giang Loop, you can explore the rich heritage and architecture of this fascinating palace. This residence of great originality, unique in the region, has stood the test of time to establish itself as an unmissable stopover of Ha Giang.
Pao’s house, which was once the shooting scene of a famous Vietnamese movie, is now a must-see destination in Ha Giang province. The house is home to typical upland architectures, ethnic minority people’s simple way of life, and humble locals. Pao’s House in Ha Giang Province, Vietnam, gained national fame as the backdrop for the award-winning movie ‘The Story of Pao’ (Chuyện Của Páo). A pilgrimage site for film enthusiasts and a testament to H’Mong culture, the house is a must-visit landmark in the region.
Lung Tam is known as a long-standing traditional craft village of brocade weaving by the Hmong on Dong Van plateau, Ha Giang province. Besides brocade products that are favored by both domestic and foreign visitors, the unique feature in the weaving process of Lung Tam village is an attraction for visitors in Quan Ba district. Visiting Lung Tam village, visitors will have a chance to experience the daily life of the locals. Hmong women diligently work with looms to create beautiful brocade and linen pieces from flax fibers. Weaving a fine brocade piece is the pride of Hmong women.
Lung Khuy Cave stands out as the most captivating cave to explore in Ha Giang, offering a unique underground experience. Situated near the majestic Quan Ba Heaven Gate mountain pass, you can include a visit to this cave in your Ha Giang Loop itinerary. Stepping inside the cave, you’ll find approximately 400 meters of well-constructed metal walkways that function as viewing platforms. These walkways facilitate easy exploration of the cave’s interior, providing excellent vantage points to admire the astonishing rock formations that have formed over the course of time.
Du Gia is an unknown quiet village in Ha Giang. This place is visited almost exclusively by travelers who do the Ha Giang loop in 5 days or more. The best thing about this place is the peaceful and unspoiled beauty with its majestic natural landscape of mountains and rice paddies around it. In addition, the local people here are exceptionally hospitable and friendly. Whether it’s a half-day tour in Hanoi, a multi-week adventure through Vietnam, or arranging a private driver, we’ve got you covered. As local experts, we take pride in crafting unforgettable journeys that cater to your interests and schedule.
“We fell in love with Ha Giang Loop. We did enjoy the local specialist tours because they share so much about the area that we would not learn by just touring it myself. The amazing scenery, wonderful homstay and NorthStar tours made this a very memorable trip that was fun and wonderful. I will ask my friends if they want to go next long holiday to Ha Giang”
– Callie Kell., England
You’ll enjoy that extra special treatment when you skip the lines at must-see sights and uncover secrets with your local guide. Here is a few of the hundreds you can experience.
Hmong costumes are a wonderful combination of aesthetics and practicality. Every detail from material, pattern to color has its own beauty, clearly showing the sophistication and ingenuity of the craftsman. They are mainly made of linen, hand-woven from flax grown by the people themselves. The embroidered motifs on Hmong costumes often have deep spiritual meanings, expressing religious beliefs, a connection with nature and a desire for a peaceful and happy life.
The wedding ceremony of the H’Mong people in Ha Giang province always has an attraction not only for the H’Mong people. To get married, the H’Mong people must solemnly perform rituals such as “proposal”, “wedding ceremony” and “bride welcoming ceremony”, in which the “bride welcoming ceremony” is a special ritual. The ceremony is held in spring, because according to the H’Mong people’s concept. This wedding custom has been passed down in the H’Mong people’s lives through many generations and has great significance in preserving traditional cultural values, uniting the community.
The Mong people live in large numbers in Ha Giang because three centuries ago, this ethnic group was chased by the Southern army, so they drifted here. The Mong people have chosen to live on the mountain tops as a matter of course. Because when they migrated to Ha Giang, the places that were favorable for farming and living were already inhabited by other ethnic groups. Therefore, the Mong people had to adapt to life on the high mountain tops, trying to stick around and find a way to survive here.
Rock-holed soil farming is a form of farming that the Mong people created to adapt to the high mountain terrain. From the effort to adapt to the living conditions on the high mountain tops, the Mong people in Meo Vac – Ha Giang have created suitable forms of farming, gradually forming their own cultural features. In the middle of the terrain full of sharp cat ear rocks, dry soil due to erosion, they have created the technique of cultivating in rock holes, that is, using soil from other places to fill the rock holes and grow suitable plants such as corn, potatoes, beans…
The Meo Vac market in the rocky plateau is bustling and joyful like Tet. The interesting thing about the Mong people in Meo Vac – Ha Giang is that they do not need to use money but use physical objects to exchange. Every day the market takes place, the Mong people not only come to exchange and buy and sell goods but also to exchange, meet and chat with each other. Unlike the fixed market days in the lowlands, the Mong people’s market is not periodic but is an advance market and a retreat market. The market times are also held alternately, for example, in Dong Van, the market is held on the Tiger day, while in the neighboring commune it is held on the Cat day.
According to the beliefs of the Pu Péo people, the areas where the Pu Péo people live all have their own forbidden forest, which is the residence of the forest god, of the ancestors of the Pu Péo people from many generations ago, where the gods meet each other when passing by. The forest god worship ceremony is a traditional ritual that permeates the spiritual life of the Pu Péo people, has the meaning of connecting the community, villages, raising awareness of preserving the forbidden forest, contributing to protecting the forest resources from being exhausted and the source of water for the people.
The Pa Then minority ethnic group, residing in the northern mountainous regions of Ha Giang Province and Tuyen Quang Province, is renowned for its vibrant fire-jumping ritual. The Pa Then people view the fire-jumping ceremony as a way to express gratitude to God for a bountiful harvest, good fortune, and health throughout the year. The ritual involves igniting a fire to ward off evil spirits, demons, and the harsh winter. Additionally, it reinforces community solidarity among the Pa Then people, passing down this tradition through generations.
Visitors to the northern mountainous region of Ha Giang will immediately notice the little yellow mud houses built by local Mong ethnicity people along the road. The Mong people build their houses by hand on a stone foundation using only the earth found in the area. To begin, builders choose a special type of earth, which they clean to get rid of tree branches and small rocks. In spring time, the sight of the Mong houses with their thatched roofs and rocky fences mixed with cherry blossom has long been a beautiful spectacle for visitors to the region.
Every young H’mong woman has her own farmland to plant flaxseeds when she reaches adulthood. The plants are harvested after two months and dried to make threads. Making linen fabric from flax requires a lot of work with all of the stages being done manually. In the H’mong community, weaving is set as a criterion to measure a woman’s dexterity, industriousness, and dignity. Linen fabric has also strong attachment to the spiritual life of the H’mong people. Accordingly, linen threads are believed to lead the way for the dead to be reincarnated.
Then singing and Tinh lute – a cultural beauty and the soul of the spiritual life of the Tay people in the mountainous areas of the North, including Ha Giang province. The art of Then singing and Tinh lute has unique features and strangely inspiring power, so it is widely circulated and preserved among the people. It has now become an exceptional product serving the development of the tourism industry. Coming to Ha Giang these days, visitors will feel the fresh air, the bustling sound of Tinh zither, and the soft folk melodies echoing from traditional stilt houses.
The Moon Praying Festival is the happiest festival of the Tay people, usually held on the full moon day of the eighth lunar month, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival. For the Tay people, they believe that on the moon there is the Moon Mother and 12 fairies. The Moon Mother and 12 fairies always take care of and protect the crops and lives of the people. That is why the Tay people still maintain the Moon Praying Festival with the meaning of welcoming the Moon Mother and the fairies down to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Khau Vai love market is one of the most famous love markets in Ha Giang. The market is held in Khau Vai village, Khau Vai commune, Meo Vac district, Ha Giang province. The love market takes place on the 27th day of the third lunar month every year. Previously, the market only took place for one day. But now, with the purpose of promoting the culture and beauty of the locality, the love market has been held for 3 days. The market is a meeting place for couples who have missed their chance. They come to the market to talk about their lives in the past year, reliving the emotions of a bygone era.
Embark on Ha Giang’s culinary journey with NorthStar, a region famous for its breathtaking landscapes and unique flavors.
Description, Ingredients, and Preparation
Thang Co is a traditional dish made primarily horse meat, seasoned with a blend of spices including cardamom, ginger, star anise, lemongrass, and a special herb called “dinh lang.” The meat is simmered for hours, resulting in a hearty and flavorful stew. Other ingredients often include organs, blood pudding, and a variety of local vegetables.
Cultural Significance and Where to Try It
Thang Co is typically prepared during festivals and communal gatherings. It is best enjoyed at local markets or during a traditional feast with the H’mong people.
History and Culture
Originating horse meat dishes, Thang Co is a staple at festivals, symbolizing communal sharing and celebration.
Ingredients and Cooking Process
Chao Au Tau is made glutinous rice, pork ribs, and the roots of the Aconitum plant (known locally as Au Tau), which gives it medicinal properties. The roots are boiled to remove toxins, then combined with the other ingredients to create a nourishing porridge. Additional ingredients include mung beans and a mixture of herbs and spices like perilla leaves and scallions.
Health Benefits and Traditional Uses
Known for its warming properties, this porridge is traditionally consumed during the cold months to boost health and provide warmth.
History and Culture
Chao Au Tau is deeply rooted in the local culture, especially consumed during the colder seasons for its health benefits derived local herbs.
Cultural Meaning and Preparation Method
Xoi Ngu Sac is a colorful dish made by dyeing sticky rice with natural plant extracts. Each color represents an element of nature, symbolizing harmony and balance. The colors are achieved using leaves and roots: green pandan leaves, red gac fruit, yellow turmeric, purple magenta plant leaves, and white plain sticky rice. The rice is soaked, dyed, and then steamed to perfection.
Importance in Festivals and Special Occasions
This dish is a highlight during Tet and other significant celebrations, showcasing the culinary artistry of ethnic minorities.
History and Culture
The five colors of the sticky rice represent the harmony of nature, and the dish is traditionally made during Tet and other festivals using natural dyes local plants.
Description and How It Is Made
Made of buckwheat flour, these cakes are typically steamed or fried and often enjoyed with honey or sesame seeds. The dough is prepared by mixing buckwheat flour with water, forming round cakes, and steaming or frying them.
Cultural Relevance and Where to Find It
Buckwheat cakes are a staple during the buckwheat flower blooming season, available at local markets and festivals.
History and Culture
Buckwheat cakes are a traditional food for ethnic minorities, especially during the buckwheat flower season, reflecting the region’s agricultural heritage.
Description and Ingredients
Banh Cuon consists of thin, steamed rice rolls filled with minced pork and mushrooms, served with a side of dipping sauce and herbs. The batter is made rice flour and water, spread thinly over a cloth stretched over boiling water. Once cooked, it is filled with a mixture of ground pork, wood ear mushrooms, shallots, and sometimes shrimp.
How It Is Typically Served
Often enjoyed for breakfast, Roll cake (Banh Cuon) is served with fried shallots and a savory fish sauce.
History and Culture
Banh Cuon is a popular breakfast item in Ha Giang, reflecting the influence of Vietnamese culinary practices in the region.
Description and Ingredients
Ha Giang humpbacked Chung cake, a delicious Chung cake of the Red Dao ethnic group, wrapped in dong leaves, boiled by hand on a wood stove. The cake is small, easy to eat, and not boring.
How It Is Typically Served
People often offer Chung cakes to celebrate a bountiful harvest and to remember the merits of their ancestors and grandparents.
History and Culture
The humpbacked Chung cake is made to honor the image of highland women who hunch their backs all year round, carrying baskets to work in the fields, climbing mountains, and wading streams to take care of their lives and families.
Description and How It Is Made
The taste of dried buffalo meat is exactly as its name suggests – spicy mac khen spice, fresh buffalo meat with rich sweetness and the characteristic smoky smell of the mountains. The meat is dark brown on the outside but has an eye-catching red color and rich flavor on the inside.
Cultural Relevance and Where to Find It
This is not only a daily dish of the people living in the northern highlands but also often appears in festivals or offerings and as a gift for distinguished guests.
History and Culture
Smoked buffalo meat is the traditional dish that makes up the brand of Ha Giang specialties. Smoked buffalo meat has a strong culinary style of the Thai people.
Overview of Typical Dishes and Ingredients
The Tay and Nung people use a variety of local herbs, vegetables, and meats in their cooking, creating simple yet flavorful dishes. Typical ingredients include bamboo shoots, taro, local greens, and pork. Common dishes are grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves and bamboo shoot soup.
Cultural Context and Culinary Practices
Their culinary traditions emphasize the use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, often prepared using traditional methods such as grilling and steaming.
History and Culture
The Tay and Nung cuisines reflect their agricultural lifestyle, with dishes that are both nutritious and deeply connected to their cultural practices.
Description of Traditional Meals and Cooking Techniques
The Dao and Lo Lo people often prepare communal meals featuring a variety of dishes, steamed vegetables to rich meat stews. Ingredients commonly used include wild herbs, local mushrooms, and meats such as chicken and pork. Traditional cooking techniques involve wood-fired stoves and clay pots.
Significance in Daily Life and Special Events
Food is central to their social and cultural gatherings, often prepared with great care and shared among the community.
History and Culture
The culinary traditions of the Dao and Lo Lo are closely tied to their agricultural cycles and festivals.
“We fell in love with NorthStar Tour. We always enjoy the local tour guides because they share so much about the area that we would not learn by just touring it ourselves. The amazing scenery, wonderful accommodations and tours made this a very memorable trip that was fun and stress-free.”
– Anne G., America
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