Ha Giang

The top north on the Vietnamese map is Lung Cu Commune of Ha Giang Province. This province is the land of endless mountain ranges and terraced paddy fields. The winding roads along them are famous worldwide and have their own word: “The Ha Giang Loop.” The roads are inherently challenging for drivers. Yet, when you look around, the tension gives way to a sense of relaxation as you admire the beauty of the highlands.

The nature, history, and people of Ha Giang will amaze you even more. Read the article below from Asia King Travel for all the information you need to know before traveling to Ha Giang!

The beauty of the highlands. Photo: Tripzone

History

Although a remote region, Ha Giang has been part of Vietnam since the Hung Kings period. The province was officially established in 1891. Four years earlier, part of the territory was ceded by the French to the Qing Dynasty (China) under the Convention of Tientsin.

House of H'Mong King, who is considered as chief of H'Mong people before. Photo: Kite Travel

After the First Indochina War, the province became under the Viet Bac Autonomous Region. For about 20 years in the late 20th century, it combined with Tuyen Quang Province to create Ha Tuyen Province. The two were re-separated to their current boundaries in 1991. Currently, Ha Giang has one city and ten districts, with a population of nearly one million.

Demography

Ha Giang is a multi-ethnic province. Like other mountainous provinces in Northern Vietnam, the H'Mong, Tay, Nung, and Dao people constitute the majority of the population, with the H'Mong being the most populous group. Kinh people comprise only about 10% of the population. It is also home to 7 different religions.

Children from ethnic minorities. Photo: Long Hung

Location

Locating Ha Giang is a piece of cake, you just need to see the northernmost point of Vietnam, then here it is. The province is about 300 kilometers away from Hanoi, and Lung Cu - the northernmost point - is 450 kilometers away. The distance seems manageable, but it takes at least 6 hours to drive through passes and mountains to arrive from the capital.

Lung Cu Flagpole, the top north of Vietnam. Photo: Dan toc va phat trien

How to get there

There is no better way to get to Ha Giang than to start from Hanoi and travel by road. From Noi Bai International Airport, take the Noi Bai - Lao Cai Expressway directly to Phu Tho town. There, turn right onto National Highway 2 and follow the road, and you will arrive in Ha Giang City. To get to Lung Cu, drive to Nguyen Trai - Nguyen Van Linh Roads to get onto National Highway 4C.

Winding roads through mountains have been captivating countless tourists. Photo: Shipped Away

From other Northern cities, long-route buses are available but you have to check the departure time and book in advance.

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Weather & Best time to visit

As a high mountainous province, Ha Giang's temperature is significantly lower than in the plains. The average annual temperature is only about 21 to 23 degrees Celsius. In the winter months, the temperature measured on the mountain peaks is even below 10 degrees Celsius. However, compared to Sa Pa, the temperature here is still slightly higher.

The timing of your visit is flexible and depends on what you'd like to experience. You can opt for a summer trip to avoid the heat or a winter trip for a chance to see snow. Late autumn is good as golden rice terraces are ready for harvest creating a mesmerizing mosaic of colors.

Everything turn pink in buckwheat flower season. Photo: Vietnam.vn

Travelers believe that the best time to visit is in the early and late months of the year. In October, November, and December, buckwheat flowers and mustard flowers bloom vibrantly. In spring, peach and plum blossoms blanket the forests in white, making you feel like you're floating on clouds. On a Ha Giang Loop at this time is truly an experience of enjoying nature.

Specialties

Au tau porridge

Au tau porridge, also known as "poison porridge" or "deadly porridge," is made from au tau tuber, which contains high levels of toxins that can cause adverse health effects. However, through the skillful preparation of the H'Mong people, it becomes a valuable medicinal remedy. They soak and simmer the tubers thoroughly to remove all toxins, then use the remaining powder to make the porridge.

Au tau tuber is poisonous, yet H'Mong people can handle it. Photo: VnExpress

The porridge is usually sold in the evening because, according to local experience, it works best after a night's sleep. Eating this porridge at night helps you sleep well and recover after a day of exploring the rocky plateau. You should eat at reputable eateries because they have extensive experience in processing and removing all toxins.

Thang den - Ha Giang’s floating cake

Thang den is best enjoyed in the cold weather of the highlands. The small, cute cakes, slightly smaller than floating rice cakes, combined with sugar syrup and ginger, have a very good effect on warming the body. Unlike the light sweetness of the sugar syrup in floating rice cakes, thắng dền has a spicy, tingling taste from the ginger.

The warmth of the hot ginger syrup chases away the chill. Photo: Crystal Bay

Buckwheat cake

When mentioning Ha Giang, people often immediately think of buckwheat flowers. This flower is loved by many, and the H’Mong people also make a delicious buckwheat cake. At the end of the buckwheat flower season, they begin harvesting the seeds. They dry them, grind them into flour, and make the cake.

What was once a rustic H'Mong cake has now become a specialty found only in Ha Giang. Photo: Hoang Tung

The cake has a thin, crispy crust and a soft, spongy inside. Taking a bite, diners will feel the nutty, light sweet taste mixed with the characteristic pungent aroma of buckwheat spreading throughout the mouth. The cake is more delicious when eaten hot, right after being taken out of the oven.

Conclusion

Ha Giang is breathtakingly beautiful, both its landscapes and its people. Don't let the challenging roads deter you from experiencing the beauty of this highland region. Contact Asia King Travel for an unforgettable journey in Vietnam.

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