Ha Giang, the northernmost land of Vietnam, is a region that showcases the raw, majestic beauty of nature and the unique cultures of its ethnic minorities. Among Ha Giang's standout destinations, Pho Cao is a small village nestled within the Dong Van rocky plateau. With its serene and tranquil charm, it captivates visitors, leaving them mesmerized by its peaceful beauty.
Pho Cao is a small village nestled within the Dong Van rocky plateau. Source: Crystal Bay
Pho Cao is known as a valley located in the highlands of Northwestern Vietnam, situated in Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province. About 120 km from Ha Giang city center.
This is home to several ethnic minorities such as the H'mong, Dao, Tay, and Nung, each with their own unique cultures and long-standing traditions.
In Pho Cao, you’ll encounter houses made of golden-brown clay bricks with curved roofs covered in moss, blending harmoniously with the surrounding mountainous landscape. The small stone-paved paths and stacked stone walls create a charm that is both rustic and captivating, offering a glimpse into a timeless, traditional way of life.
Pho Cao is known as a valley located in the highlands of Northwestern Vietnam. Source: Sai Gon Tiep Thi
Pho Cao is beautiful all year round, with each season showcasing its unique charm:
- Spring (January – March): This is the season of peach and plum blossoms, painting the rocky plateau in soft pink hues. The delicate petals, shyly basking in the spring sunlight, create a dreamy scene, as if stepping into a fairytale.
- Summer (April – June): Summer in Pho Cao features lush green cornfields. Under the golden sunlight, corn flowers swaying gently in the breeze bring a sense of peace and simplicity.
- Autumn (September – November): This is the season of buckwheat flowers, the iconic symbol of Ha Giang. Pho Cao becomes a sea of pink and purple as endless fields of buckwheat flowers captivate thousands of visitors who come to admire and photograph the enchanting sight.
- Winter (December): Pho Cao is enveloped in a mystical fog, exuding a serene and mysterious beauty. This is also the season of vibrant yellow mustard flowers, adding a striking contrast to the earthen houses and stone walls.
Pho Cao is beautiful all year round. Source: Mia.vn
Travel
From Hanoi, you can travel to Ha Giang by bus or motorbike. Then, from the center of Ha Giang city, you follow National Highway 4C (Hanh Phuc Road) to Pho Cao. The road is quite winding, but the scenery on both sides of the road is very beautiful, making the journey more interesting.
If you plan a picnic. It's best to prepare food prepared at home. If you want to use fire, it's best to bring a portable gas stove to avoid causing trouble.
You should use a tourist car to travel instead of a motorbike. Because if you don't have "strong" hands, it will be easy to lose your footing on the mountain passes.
Travel to Ha Giang by motorbike. Source: Mia.vn
Accommodation
In Pho Cao, you can choose to stay at a homestay to experience life with the locals. Some famous homestays are:
In addition, you can also stay at motels and hotels in Dong Van or Meo Vac, not far from Pho Cao.
You can choose to stay at a homestay to experience life with the locals. Source: Du lich Today
Nestled in the valley of lush green corn fields, filled with the fragrance of buckwheat flower fields, are rows of ancient, quiet houses with yellow walls and yin-yang tiled roofs. Earthen houses are a typical feature of the Mong people in Pho Cao. The houses are built of earth, which can keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. When you step into these houses, you will feel the closeness and warmth of the people here.
Earthen houses are a typical feature of the Mong people in Pho Cao. Source: Gotour Travel
Pho Cao Ha Giang market, also known as Dong Van market, is a vivid picture of the cultural life of the highland people. Pho Cao Market usually takes place on fixed days of the week, is a place for trading and exchanging goods of ethnic people. Coming here, you will experience the vibrant, colorful atmosphere with stalls selling brocade, household goods, agricultural products... This is also an opportunity to enjoy specialties such as thang co, men men, and buckwheat cakes.
Coming here, you will be integrated into a multicultural, multi-ethnic community. The common features that will remain in the hearts of visitors are the simple hearts, honesty and warm humanity of the highland people.
Pho Cao Market is a place for trading and exchanging goods of ethnic people. Source: Ha Giang Tre Travel
Pho Cao is a paradise for those who love taking photos. Fields of buckwheat flowers, yellow mustard flowers, peach and plum blossoms are all stunning backdrops to capture memorable moments. Visiting Pho Cao, don't miss the chance to explore the buckwheat flower fields hidden amidst the mountains, radiating a delightful fragrance.
Pho Cao is a paradise for those who love taking photos. Source: Peacetour
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Pho Cao is a land where the wildness of the landscape, the richness of the culture and the warm and harmonious humanity are more prominent than ever. They still live and work diligently: raising pigs, cows, chickens, growing crops, hunting... Although life is hard and difficult, the cheerful laughter, enthusiasm, hospitality, and honesty in the warm hearts of the people of the rocky region always leave unforgettable impressions on visitors.
The peaceful life of the local people. Source: A Loi Food
Pho Cao, Ha Giang is an ideal destination for those who love the wild, rustic beauty of nature and want to learn about the unique culture of ethnic minorities. If you are wondering about a tourist destination in Ha Giang to get away from the dust of the city and find a peaceful and poetic place, Pho Cao will be an ideal choice for you. Quickly arrange a date with this land at the northernmost region of Vietnam !
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