Things to do in Ha Giang stretch beyond the motorbike loop that everyone talks about. If you want to see Vietnam at its wildest and most authentic, these experiences will take you there.
Ride The Ha Giang Loop By Motorbike Or Jeep
The Ha Giang Loop extends over a distance of about 350 kilometers of mountain terrain, typically done in three to five days. The majority of travelers begin their trip in Ha Giang City and then visit some districts, such as Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, and Meo Vac, and then they find themselves back at their starting point. The travelers will presumably spend 4 to 6 hours on the road every day, with some meal breaks and other attractions.
Hiring of motorbike in Ha Giang City is very common, and the charge usually ranges between 200,000 and 350,000 VND per day. You’ll need an international motorbike license to drive legally. The group or family jeep touring would be best suited, and it would cost approximately 1,300,000 VND to 1,800,000 VND a day. The loop is best done from September to November, when the weather is cool and dry, making this one of the must-visit places in Ha Giang during fall.
Conquer Iconic Mountain Passes In Ha Giang
Ha Giang boasts one of the most notable mountain passes in all entire Vietnam, and many tourists find it one of the highlights in their travel. Best known is the Ma Pi Leng Pass, a 20 km road between Dong Van and Meo Vac. This road passes the cliffs, which abruptly lead towards the Nho Que River, and several viewing points overlook Tu San Canyon. The principal observation point can be found at Ma Pi Leng Skywalk, a small, paved area with safety rails.
Other passes are equally pretty and can also be considered as part of your route if you’re still exploring what to do in Ha Giang. Tham Ma Pass lies on the route between Yen Minh and Dong Van. It’s famous for its narrow, S-shaped curves that make it a popular photo stop for riders. If you love dramatic roads with a view, these passes are among the top things to do in Ha Giang and perfect for road trip lovers.
Take A Boat Or Kayak Trip On The Nho Que River
The Nho Que River flows beneath the Ma Pi Leng Pass and is best explored by boat from Ta Lang village, about seven kilometers from Meo Vac. The rental prices lie between 100,000 VND and 150,000 VND. For travelers looking for peaceful yet scenic things to do in Ha Giang, this is a great option. During October to April, the water is calm and, as a result, this is a favorable period to go kayaking or conduct photography.
For those who prefer to set out on their own and explore, kayaks can be rented from the same dock. The prices bear similarities to those of boat tickets. The water is normally calm between October and April, so it is the best time to kayak and photograph. The canyon itself is only about 1.5 kilometers long, but the landscape feels much larger. Whether by boat or kayak, it’s one of the rare Ha Giang attractions where nature feels both grand and within reach.
Discover Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark
Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark is very vast in its territory of Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, and Meo Vac districts. It was a UNESCO-recognized 2010 site with limestone cliffs shaped over hundreds of millions of years. Travelers will travel through the geopark as part of the Ha Giang Loop. Pho Cao, Sung La, and Lung Cam are among the geopark’s highlights, famous for old houses and stunning scenery.
There is no official entrance gate or fee to access the geopark. Most viewpoints are right along the main road, with a few side paths leading into villages or short walking trails. Cultural experiences enrich the trip, with ethnic markets, handmade textiles, and local food found across the park. It’s one of the most unique places to visit in Ha Giang, especially for nature lovers and geology enthusiasts.
Visit The Lung Cu Flag Tower
For anyone searching for what to see in Ha Giang, Lung Cu Flag Tower stands as a proud symbol of Vietnam’s northernmost region. To get there, travelers typically ride from Dong Van, a 25-kilometer journey by motorbike or car in roughly one hour. Once at the site, you’ll climb about 400 steps to reach the tower’s base, and another 140 steps inside the tower if you want to reach the top.
The flagpole is 33 meters tall with a giant Vietnamese flag that is visible from the surrounding hills. The ticket to enter the area is 40,000 VND per person; this allows entry to the tower and its small museum. Basic facilities exist in the area, including restrooms, small food shops, and a few local souvenir stores. The best way to visit this place, if it is combined with the Ha Giang Loop, is a half-day tour from Dong Van to Meo Vac.
Explore Dong Van Old Quarter And Sunday Market
Dong Van Old Quarter is the small yet well-maintained heart of Dong Van town. It is reputed for its traditional Hmong-style houses with clay walls and wooden beams. A lot of buildings have been converted into either cafes, homestays, or souvenir shops; however, the charm of the original architecture still charmingness. Exploring the Old Quarter is also a lovely addition to your list of things to do in Ha Giang.
If you’re in town on Sunday, don’t miss the weekly market that draws ethnic minorities from the surrounding mountains. The market goes from early morning until around noon and sells everything from fresh vegetables to local food specialties. Visitors can also try local dishes like thang co (Vietnamese horse meat stew) and xoi me den (black sesame sticky rice). Most vendors only accept cash, so it’s helpful to bring small notes.
Explore The Hmong King’s Palace
The Hmong King’s Palace, also known as Dinh Vua Meo, is located in Sa Phin village, about 24 kilometers from Dong Van. Being constructed in the early 20th century, the palace belonged to Vuong Chinh Duc, one of the Hmong rulers, who ruled this region through the period of French colonization. The residence represents a curious complex of Hmong, Chinese, and French architecture. It features carvings of wood, stone courtyards, and tile roofs, which over the years were weathered by age.
The entry fee is 30,000 VND per person, which allows the opening of the main building and a small exhibition room with historical artifacts. Several adjoining rooms and courtyards can be explored, which will take about 30 to 45 minutes for a full walkthrough. It’s a convenient cultural stop when traveling between Dong Van and Lung Cu, and nearby vendors often sell souvenirs and snacks at the front gate.
Trek Through Buckwheat Flower Fields
The flowers of buckwheat bloom between late October and early December, covering the hills around Dong Van in soft tones of pink and white. For many, admiring these blooms is among the most unique things to do in Ha Giang in autumn. The most photogenic fields can be seen in villages like Pa Lung, Minh Cao, and Sung La. Families often plant such fields and then provide access to tourists for a modest fee in the ballpark of 20,000 to 50,000 VND per person.
Visitors typically spend 30 to 60 minutes walking through the paths that cut across terraced fields. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, especially when the mist lifts and the petals reflect the sun. Buckwheat flowers are a seasonal highlight in Ha Giang, and many homestays in Dong Van and Yen Minh can help recommend nearby spots that are blooming at the right time.
Visit The Traditional Linen Weaving Village In Lung Tam
The small village of Lung Tam is located in the district of Quan Ba, 40 kilometers North of Ha Giang City. It hosts the community of Hmong craftsmen who have kept the old art of linen weaving and batik dyeing over the centuries. It is among the very few in Vietnam to view the complete process of soaking and pounding hemp to weaving, waxing, and even dying of fabrics with indigo plants.
The cooperative is open to tourists, and they provide them with a brief tour of the workplace and a small shop where items are bought. The prices found here are a little higher than mass-market souvenirs, but it is all home-produced and ethically made. It is a good cultural detour between Ha Giang City and Yen Minh or Dong Van, and a stop would generally last 45 minutes to an hour.
Join A Local Ethnic Market
Dong Van Sunday Market is the most famous one, lasting from early morning to mid-morning. There are some more which one must visit, and they are Meo Vac on Sunday, Yen Minh on Wednesday, and Lung Phin every 6 days (As per Hmong calendar). In the meantime, most of your morning market ride from the lodge will pass through countryside like Lung Phin.
The food section is one of the most vibrant areas in any marketplace as travelers have a chance to taste something of the Ha Giang food, i.e. thang co (Vietnamese horse meat stew) or grilled pork on a stick dipped in pickled mustard greens. After eating, they can also browse for simple mementos like Hmong-style scarves and bags. Getting there before 9.00 AM presents an opportunity with the highest possibility of viewing the market at its best.
Final Thoughts
Most things to do in Ha Giang involve getting outside, touring around, and observing how life flows at a different pace. Their highlights are distributed, so a person must plan and stay flexible to make the most of them. Do you need help with the route discovery, transportation, or a travelling guide on whose opinion you can rely? Contact Seniword to get your own itinerary of Ha Giang shaped, according to what is important to you.
