Truly Ha Giang – 3 Days Off the Beaten Track

Morning Activities:
Depart your hotel in Hanoi early (around 6:30 am) with your guide and driver for the journey to Ha Giang. The drive takes about five hours, offering plenty of opportunities to admire the changing mountain scenery of northern Vietnam. On arrival in Ha Giang, enjoy lunch at a local food stall before continuing deeper into the highlands.

Afternoon Activities:
After lunch, your adventure begins with a scenic drive towards the Dong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark, a UNESCO-listed area famous for its limestone peaks and rugged beauty. Stop at Quan Ba Heaven Gate, perched at around 1,500 m above sea level, where panoramic views open up over Tam Sơn Valley. From here, you can gaze down on the iconic Quan Ba Twin Mountains (also known as Fairy Bosom Hills), two symmetrical hills rising dramatically from terraced fields—a symbol of Quan Ba’s natural charm.

Continue your journey to Lung Tam weaving village, home to the H’Mong people. Here, you’ll discover the traditional craft of hemp weaving and linen production, a practice revived in 1999 by local artisan Vàng Thị Mai. Watch women skillfully carry out each of the dozens of stages, from growing hemp to spinning, dyeing, and weaving. This cooperative not only preserves ancient craftsmanship but also provides livelihoods for the community.

Travel onward through the Can Ty Valley, following the winding Miện River, with stunning views of ethnic H’Mong and Nung houses nestled among terraced fields. Stop at Nam Dam village, home to the Dao Áo Dài (Long Dress Dao) people, where traditional clay houses, herbal baths, and folk practices offer a fascinating glimpse of mountain life.

As you continue towards Yen Minh, the road passes once more through Quan Ba Heaven Gate, offering another chance to soak in breathtaking vistas before descending into valleys. Arrive in Yen Minh, a tranquil highland town surrounded by karst ridges and known for its beautiful pine forest—a peaceful setting for your overnight stay.

Evening Activities:
Check in at a welcoming stilt-house homestay, where you’ll share dinner with a local family. Savor authentic northern Vietnamese dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Afterward, enjoy a gentle evening stroll around the village, taking in the crisp mountain air and serene atmosphere before settling in for the night.

Overnight at Homestay in Yen Minh.

Morning Activities:
After breakfast with your host family, breathe in the fresh, cool mountain air of Yen Minh, accompanied by the gentle sounds of village life.  Begin your journey deeper into the Dong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its surreal limestone landscapes, traditional ethnic villages, and cultural treasures.

Your first stop is Sung La Valley, often called the “valley of roses.” This picturesque village became famous as the filming location for the award-winning Vietnamese movie The Story of Pao. Here, traditional H’Mong clay houses with earthen walls and colorful flower gardens reflect the timeless charm of highland life.

Continue to the Palace of the H’Mong King (Dinh Vua Mèo) in Sa Phìn village, built in the early 20th century. This unique residence blends H’Mong, Chinese, and French architectural styles, and once served as the stronghold of the powerful Vương family, who controlled opium trade in the region. Exploring its courtyards and stone walls offers a vivid insight into the area’s history.

From here, travel northward to Lung Cu Flag Tower, proudly marking the northernmost point of Vietnam along the border with China. Climb the 389 stone steps to the summit where a towering red flag flutters, symbolizing national pride. From the top, enjoy a sweeping panoramic view over rice fields, terraced mountainsides, and border villages below.

Afternoon Activities:
Arrive in Dong Van town and enjoy lunch at a local food stall. Afterward, explore the charming Dong Van Old Quarter, where narrow lanes and century-old Chinese-style houses create a nostalgic atmosphere. Take time to stroll through the historic streets, and if you wish, relax with a cup of local coffee (own expense) while watching life unfold in this highland trading town.

In the afternoon, set out on one of Vietnam’s most spectacular drives—the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass, also called the “Happiness Road.” This winding road clings to cliffsides high above the Nho Quế River, unveiling breathtaking views of an 800 m-deep canyon and lush green valleys below. Known as the “King of Passes,” Ma Pi Leng offers countless photo stops where rugged mountains tower over turquoise river bends—a true highlight of Ha Giang.

Evening Activities:
Arrive in Meo Vac, a peaceful town surrounded by limestone peaks. Check in at your stilt-house homestay, then enjoy dinner prepared by your host family. This is a wonderful opportunity to interact with local minority groups, learning about their culture, traditions, and daily life in the far north. Afterward, you may stroll around the quiet village under the starlit sky before resting for the night.

Overnight at Homestay in Meo Vac.

Morning Activities:
Enjoy breakfast at your homestay before spending a little more time experiencing the morning rhythm of Meo Vac, where ethnic minority communities such as the H’Mong, Tay, and Lo Lo live among dramatic limestone peaks. If your visit coincides with Sunday, you can explore the Meo Vac Market, one of the most vibrant in Ha Giang. Here, villagers in colorful traditional attire gather to trade livestock, textiles, local produce, and handicrafts—an authentic window into highland culture.

Around mid-morning, depart Meo Vac and retrace your route towards Yen Minh. Along the way, take in once more the majestic karst mountains, winding passes, and terraced fields, stopping for photos at scenic points. Have lunch at a local food stall en route.

Afternoon Activities:
After lunch, begin your return journey to Hanoi. The drive back offers another chance to admire the spectacular mountain scenery of northern Vietnam, with valleys, rivers, and villages passing by your window. Arrive in Hanoi around 5:00 pm, where your guide and driver bid you farewell.

Optional Extension:
If time permits and you wish to explore further, consider extending your adventure to Ba Be Lake, Sapa, or Mu Cang Chai—destinations offering more stunning landscapes, trekking opportunities, and rich cultural encounters.