1. CONQUER MA PI LENG PASS & THE SKY WALK
Ma Pi Leng is known as one of the Big Four Passes in Vietnam. It is situated at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level between Dong Van and Meo Vac, connected by the Happy Road. The scenery along the mountainside is somehow picturesque and impressive but extremely harsh and risky. A bird’s eyes view above shows serpentine twists and turns while buckwheat blossoms bloom on various rock cliffs of free stones. This somehow attracts adventure seekers for a ride with blind curves and hairpin switchbacks over the mountains.
The Sky Walk, a rock cliff believed as the road to heaven due to its astonishing and charming scenery from the top view, where you may challenge yourself.
*The Happy Road was built since the 60s of the 20th century when a thousand of volunteers together with a community of 16 ethnic minorities, risked their lives and hung from the mountain to expand the road every sole centimetre for 6 years. It is a symbol of how Vietnamese people unite to overcome any obstacles.
2. THE HEAVEN GATE & TWIN MOUNTAIN
The Heaven Gate is away 45 km from Ha Giang City, where you free your leg and cherish the majestic view at the top of Quan Ba area. It might be chilling since you just left warmer areas. The scenery is truly unreal with a lot of clouds and below are two hills round-shaped like a gorgeous part of women that God has ever sent down to the earth!
*A coffee shop there caters hot drinks with 1 – 2 $ in case you feel cold.
3. VISIT THE KING H’MONG MANSION
The King H’Mong Mansion, surrounded by a high canopy of samou trees, is a combination of Chinese, French and H’Mong style. It is designed by a Vietnamese man and constructed by a skilful Chinese guy, along with best H’Mong workers. The cost of this mansions may be equal to 150 billion Vietnamese Dong nowadays. What a surprising number!
You have a chance to know more about the H’Mong lifestyle through their traditional customs.
*The fare for the entrance fee ticket is roughly 20.000 VND.
4. DONG VAN ANCIENT TOWN
Isolated from less busy areas, Dong Van Ancient Town is the busiest spot at night time. The Old Town is also the home of thousands of inhabitants such as Hmong, Tay, Kinh, Zao, Hoa ethnic people and lies many stories for more than 100 years. Every month on the lunar 14th, 15th and 16th, it takes place for red lanterns festivals and a showcase of their tradition and daily products. Especially at the weekend, young people tend to hang out at night time since tradition activities are held for local dancing and music.
5. LUNG CU FLAGPOLE
The Lung Cu Flagpole, a monument to mark the northernmost point and a symbol of 54 ethnic minorities in Vietnam, sits on the top of Dragon Mountain. You will be able to see the China border when you climb up, a line separates our country to the outsider. The entrance fees just cost almost a dollar to get in (20.000vnd). A village nearby named Lo Lo Chai appears like a fairytale land through extreme weather. That is also a great spot to have a look and chill!
6. KAYAKING ON NHO QUE RIVER – TU SAN CANYON
Overlooked from Ma Pi Leng Pass, Nho Que River is so wild but charismatic and poetic. Trekking up from Tu San Canyon with a length of 1.7km and a cliff slope of 70-90o, the deepest point of the river might challenge us a bit as we are supposed to have good breath control. However, we will have something in return. The best experience is to try on kayaking or motorboat on the river and admire its spectacular beauty hidden in cloud and sunshine.
7. LUNG TAM VILLAGE
Located among the foothills of Ha Giang province, Lung Tam village is home of the H’Mong ethnic minority tribe, long known for cultivating hemp textiles into the gorgeous traditional attire that adorns the H’Mong women. The H’Mong garments have intricate, unique patterns and colorful embroidery. Here you can purchase one-of-a-kind hemp handbags, clothing, scarves and more to take home with you. This is a great way to not only purchase a souvenir but also to directly support the H’Mong people of Lung Tam Province and help keep their intricate embroidery process alive for generations to come.
