Experience traveling to Ha Giang for first-time visitors (Part 1)
Ha Giang is the northernmost province of the country, bordered by Cao Bang province to the east, Yen Bai and Lao Cai provinces to the west, Tuyen Quang province to the south, and China to the north. The winding roads of Ha Giang are inherently challenging for drivers. However, by experience traveling to Ha Giang that Bee Sophiee have, you can cast your eyes around, the tension gives way to a sense of relaxation as you admire the beauty of the plateau.
How to get to Ha Giang?
Getting to Ha Giang from other provinces in the Northern region is quite easy because there are many direct bus services available. Conversely, for travelers coming from farther regions in the South or Central Vietnam, it’s best to start the journey from Hanoi. From Hanoi, there are almost always buses departing from various bus stations such as My Dinh, Luong Yen, Yen Nghia, and Gia Lam.
Travelers can choose between sleeper buses or high-quality limousine buses, depending on their budget. However, it’s recommended to take an overnight bus to save time and preserve energy for the long exploration journey. The bus fare from Hanoi to Ha Giang and vice versa ranges from 200,000 to 300,000 VND per trip.
Upon arrival in Ha Giang City, you can rent a motorbike for independent exploration, with prices ranging from 150,000 to 300,000 VND per day. Conversely, if you lack time and energy, or if your group includes elderly people or young children, it’s advisable to rent a 7 to 16-seat car from a service provider.
Experience traveling to Ha Giang: Renting hotels/homestays in Ha Giang
For families or couples seeking luxury, secluded accommodation, they can head to P’apiu in Yen Dinh commune, Bac Me district. Here, travelers can immerse themselves in the colors of the highlands with Vietnam’s longest earthen road, staying in villas designed with H’Mong-style walls. The price for one night’s stay is approximately 10,000,000 VND.
For those who love novelty, H’Mong Village with its doughnut-shaped design is a suggestion. The resort is located on hills in Trang Kim, Quan Ba, facing the Mien River and distant majestic mountains.
For a more community-oriented and cost-effective option, travelers can stay in homestays. In Hoang Su Phi, there are Hoang Su Phi Lodge and Kinh Homestay, located near the terraced fields in Nam Hong village. Additionally, there’s Ho Thau Eco Village in Ho Thau commune, offering traditional thatched-roof homes for lodging.
What to eat in Ha Giang?
By experience traveling to Ha Giang, don’t miss out on the “bánh cuốn trứng”, with its thin layer of rice batter enclosing a red egg yolk, a specialty of this land.
Another dish to try is “cháo ấu tẩu”, made from glutinous rice mixed with “cai hoa vang” sticky rice and ordinary rice, with pork leg stewed in a rich broth along with aromatic herbs. “Cháo ấu tẩu” is not only a simple dish but also a nutritious remedy for colds.
“Bánh chưng gù” is a specialty of Ha Giang, hand-wrapped with green or black rice. The green color comes from mixing rice with “lá giềng” leaves, while the black version uses glutinous rice. The filling includes lean meat and fat. Some families in Ha Giang city make these cakes daily, but orders must be placed in advance due to limited quantities. Each cake costs from 17,000 VND.
“Thắng dền” in Dong Van looks similar to “bánh trôi tàu” in Hanoi, made from glutinous rice flour and can be vegetarian or stuffed with mung bean paste.
“Thắng cố” might not be a dish everyone can eat, but it’s a specialty of the Northwest with the aroma of wild herbs, “dổi” seeds, “củ sả” (a type of root), and the rich taste of meat.
“Cháo ấu tẩu” is made from “nương” glutinous rice, pork leg, and “ấu tẩu” roots. “ấu tẩu” roots are cleaned, soaked in rice water overnight, then simmered for about 4 hours until soft and glutinous. The meat is then mixed with rice and cooked in broth made from pork leg. “ấu tẩu” roots are poisonous, so they must be carefully processed to be consumed, serving as a remedy for alcohol and relieving joint pain.
“Bánh tam giác mạch” is a distinctive cake of the Mông people in the high limestone plateau. The cake-making process involves several steps, from harvesting and drying buckwheat grains to grinding them into a fine powder, then mixing the powder with water and molding it into flat circular cakes, steaming them until cooked. When eaten, they have a fragrant, subtly sweet taste with a slightly gritty texture.
“Bắc Mê bamboo rice” is gradually becoming a distinctive specialty of the Tày ethnic people. When enjoyed, the bamboo rice has a complex aroma mixed with banana leaves and grilled bamboo tubes. Eating it with sesame salt or grilled stream fish will be a delightful experience.
Above are the answers to questions for those preparing for their first trip to Ha Giang. Bee Sophiee hopes this information will be helpful for you in your upcoming journey. Stay tuned for Part 2 of the Ha Giang travel experience!
