Discover Ha Giang: A 4-Day Rural Vietnam Travel Discovery

Highlights of the Trip

Embark on one of the best Vietnam tours with this awe-inspiring 4-day adventure through the rugged beauty of Ha Giang. This is a hidden gem nestled in the northern highlands. This tour is ideal for those looking to escape the typical tourist routes and discover the untouched wonders of Northern Vietnam.

Your Vietnam travel journey begins with a comfortable pickup from Hanoi, setting the stage for an epic 6-hour drive to Ha Giang. Upon arrival, settle into the comfort of a superior room at a local hotel. The next day, your exploration takes you to Tam Son, crossing the dramatic Bac Sum Pass and Heaven Gate, with a delightful lunch stop at Yen Minh. Dive into history at the Hmong King’s Palace in Dong Van, where ancient legends come to life. Spend the night at a charming Dong Van homestay. Day three offers an adrenaline rush as you conquer the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass, taking the Sky Path and enjoying river rides, swimming kayaking, and unmatched photography opportunities. Immerse yourself in local life, visiting traditional villages and Du Gia Village, where you’ll spend the night with a warm Tay family. The final day’s journey back to Ha Giang City unveils the enchanting beauty of traditional villages, dense jungles, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque rice paddy fields. Your adventure concludes with a transfer back to Hanoi, leaving you with memories of a lifetime.

This unforgettable 4-Day Ha Giang tour is perfect for adventurous travellers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, breath-taking natural beauty, cultural immersion with local ethnic communities, and thrilling activities like hiking and kayaking.

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit 

• Motorbike Ride to Ha Giang – Tam Son – Yen Minh – Dong Van –  Ma Pi Leng Pass – Meo Vac Town – Du Gia Village – Ha Giang city – Hanoi.
• Admire Bac Sum Pas, Heavens Gate, Chin Khoanh Pass, Dong Van Karst Plateau, Hmong King’s Palace, Happiness Road, Sky Path,  Lung Ho, Mau Due, Meo Vac, Ha Giang province

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Homestay with a Tay Minority Family: Homestays have become increasingly popular among tourists seeking an authentic and immersive cultural experience. In Vietnam, one of the most unique and enriching homestay opportunities is living with a Tay minority family. The Tay people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Vietnam, are known for their warm hospitality and rich traditions.

Local Cuisine and Traditional Dishes to try while in Vietnam

During this Vietnam travel tour, numerous opportunities will arise for you to savour the authentic local cuisine, whether from the menus of included meals or from your own culinary exploration during your free time in the itinerary. Indulge in traditional dishes that showcase the rich flavours of the region, including Pho – perhaps the most famous dish in Vietnam, and for good reason. This savoury soup consists of rice noodles, aromatic herbs, and juicy beef or chicken stock.

If you’re a fan of fresh, healthy food, then you will love the Vietnamese spring rolls or gỏi cuốn. These delicate rice paper wraps are filled with a variety of ingredients, such as vermicelli noodles, shrimp, pork, and herbs. They are usually served with a flavourful peanut dipping sauce, making them a tasty and refreshing snack.

Water-based Activities and Cruises

Swim and Kayak along Nho Que river.

Accommodation of this Tour

• Day 1: Phoenix Ha Giang Hotel (located in the city centre – Superior room).
• Day 2: Homestay in Dong Van.
• Day 3: Homestay with Tay Minority Family.
• Day 4: Night in Hanoi

Itinerary

Day 1: Pickup Hanoi and journey to Ha Giang

You’ll experience a unique cultural exchange when you visit Ha Giang, the northernmost province of Vietnam. After being picked up from your hotel and a 6-hour journey with a few stops, you’ll arrive in the afternoon and have the evening to relax. On the journey, you’ll be met with stunning views of terraced rice fields, rocky highlands, large valleys, and dense forests. Ha Giang has the most Ethnic minority groups in Vietnam, and you’ll be welcomed with warm smiles and admiration from the locals as you explore the villages and markets. Enjoy a truly special experience in one of the most untouched areas of Vietnam on this best tour in Vietnam.

✓ Breakfast

Day 2: Travel to Tam Son, Yen Minh, Hmong King’s Palace, and night in Dong Van homestay

Your motorbike rider will pick you up at your hotel after breakfast to begin your journey. You will be able to appreciate the beautiful scenery as you drive a few kilometres outside of Ha Giang City into the mountains and reach the town of Tam Son. As you cross Bac Sum Pass and ascend Heaven Gate, you will get to marvel at the twin mountains and the entire view of Tam Son. Continuing the drive, you will reach Yen Minh for a delicious lunch. Afterwards, you will proceed to Dong Van through Chin Khoanh pass, taking in the remarkable sights of the Dong Van Karst Plateau, a distinguished geo-heritage site in Vietnam, with its never-ending rice fields, thousands of limestone rocks and the scenery. You may also take a short trip to the Chinese border and the northernmost viewpoint in Vietnam. Before arriving in Dong Van, you will pause at Hmong King’s Palace, the home of Vuong’s family in Sa Phin. We will arrive in Dong Van in the late afternoon, giving you plenty of time for dinner and exploring the town before resting for the night in a homestay.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 3: Ma Pi Leng Pass, swimming & kayaking, local village visits, Du Gia Village and homestay with Tay Minority Family

After breakfast, we depart Dong Van Town and our motorbike rider will take you to Ma Pi Leng Pass, the most beautiful part of the whole journey located on the Happiness Road connecting Dong Van and Meo Vac. This legendary pass is well-known for its craggy cliffs and breath-taking views. It is the most rugged pass in the north, often referred to as the “king” of the passes in Vietnam! The whole road winds through the cliffs and soars to an altitude of 2,000 meters. To show you the full beauty of the pass, we will ride down the breath-taking Sky Path to admire the scenery of the whole valley and Nho Que river. From the amazing mountain viewpoint, you will be able to experience a 360° view. With its 29 snaking steps, Ma Pi Leng Pass is one of the most difficult roads in Vietnam. We will ride down to the river and enjoy activities such as swimming and kayaking, as well as take unforgettable pictures. Standing on the peak of the pass, you will be overwhelmed by the majestic space of mountains and rivers. We will continue our journey to more distant villages. From there, you will learn about how people live in remote parts of Vietnam. We will drive through Lung Ho, Mau Due and Meo Vac, where we will make a pit stop for lunch and drinks. From Meo Vac Town we will continue through the mountainous trail areas of Ha Giang province to Du Gia Village, where you will be able to take in the amazing landscape and observe the 7 ethnic minorities living in the same village. We will spend the night at a homestay with a Tay Minority Family, where we will enjoy dinner with the family.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 4: Journey to Ha Giang City with visits to traditional villages, jungles, and waterfalls

After saying goodbye to our homestay host, you will continue your travel through Vietnam with an easy downhill journey to Ha Giang city. Along the way, we can visit a renowned village with breathtaking scenery, including lush jungle areas and distant waterfalls. As we traverse the pass, we will be in awe of the captivating views of the terraced rice paddies. If time allows, we can also stop by some traditional villages. After the adventurous ride, you will be transferred back to Hanoi, arriving at your hotel in the evening.

✓ Breakfast and Lunch

Price

£350

– Price per person based on two-people group size.

– The price is subject to availability, based on twin or double room sharing.

– Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays.

Please note, this package is an example of our many exciting daily offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect package holiday, or to tailor or upgrade elements of any package. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.

Tour Summary

Day 1: Experience the cultural richness of Ha Giang, journeying through stunning landscapes and exploring local villages.

Day 2: Explore Tam Son and Yen Minh, marvel at the Dong Van Karst Plateau, and visit the Hmong King’s Palace before settling in for the night in Dong Van.

Day 3: Conquer the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass, enjoy swimming and kayaking, and immerse yourself in the culture of Du Gia Village with a homestay.

Day 4: Venture back to Ha Giang City, visiting traditional villages, jungles, and waterfalls along the way before returning to Hanoi in the evening.

FAQs

1. What makes Ha Giang a unique destination?
   • Ha Giang offers a unique cultural exchange and stunning natural scenery, including terraced rice fields, rocky highlands, and dense forests. It’s home to the most ethnic minority groups in Vietnam, providing an authentic cultural experience.
2. What are the highlights of Day 2’s itinerary?
   • Day 2 includes a scenic drive through Tam Son and Yen Minh, passing Bac Sum Pass and Heaven Gate, with stops at Dong Van Karst Plateau and Hmong King’s Palace. The day ends with exploring Dong Van town and a homestay experience.
3. What activities are included on Day 3?
   • Day 3 features a thrilling ride through Ma Pi Leng Pass, swimming and kayaking in the Nho Que River, visits to local villages, and a homestay with a Tay Minority Family in Du Gia Village.
4. What can visitors expect on Day 4’s journey back to Ha Giang City?
   • On Day 4, visitors will enjoy an easy downhill journey with visits to traditional villages, jungles, and waterfalls, providing opportunities to immerse in the local culture and enjoy breathtaking scenery.
5. How do I get back to Hanoi from Ha Giang City at the end of the tour?
   • At the end of the tour, travellers will be transferred back to Hanoi, arriving at their hotel in the evening, after experiencing the rich cultural and natural wonders of Ha Giang.

Tour Map