HA GIANG – THE JOURNEY FOR ADVENTURERS
Main Characters in Action
Me – Ty (Tour Guide)
As a local from Ha Giang, I cherish every road, mountain peak, and the people living here. To me, each trip is not just about exploration but also about encounters, stories, and unforgettable moments.
Special Clients
- Chut – A girl from Thailand with big round eyes and long black hair. She loves nature and is always curious about local culture.
- Alex & Luca – Two Italian friends. Alex is energetic, humorous, and loves challenges. Luca is quieter, enjoys observing and feeling the surroundings.
- Jose – A Spanish photographer passionate about capturing unique shots and learning about history.
Our Three “Easy Rider” Drivers
- Phien – A veteran rider who loves telling jokes but drives extremely safely.
- Hung – Calm and quiet but very attentive to the guests.
- Po – A cheerful H’Mong guy with a charming accent in Vietnamese.
Day 1: Ha Giang – Ha Thanh – Bac Sum Pass – Quan Ba Heaven Gate – Nam Dam Cultural Village
Departure from Ha Giang
The early morning in Ha Giang is refreshing, with a light mist lingering over the distant mountain peaks. The rumbling sound of motorcycle engines breaks the silence, marking the start of an exhilarating journey. Standing in the middle of the group, I look at each traveler and raise my hand: 👉 “Are you ready?”
🔥 “READY!” the group shouts in unison.
👉 “Okay, let’s go!”
Laughter fills the air. Alex and Luca cheer, Chut beams with excitement, and Jose lifts his camera to capture the first moments of the adventure.
Ha Thanh Village – The Tranquil Home of the Tay People
🏡 After about 30 minutes of riding, we arrive at Ha Thanh Village, home to the Tay ethnic group. The village nestles under lush trees, its wooden stilt houses reflecting on the crystal-clear streams.
🌿 “This place is so beautiful! It feels like time slows down here.” Chut whispers, gently touching the clear water.
💬 “The Tay people are excellent farmers. They live in harmony with nature, and water is their most valuable resource,” I explain.
As we walk through the village, we see women washing clothes by the stream, chatting and laughing. Phien, one of our riders, grins and asks: 😆 “Would you like to try washing clothes the traditional way?”
Alex bursts into laughter: 🤣 “I’m willing to try! But if I ruin the clothes, don’t make me pay!”
Everyone laughs along.
Bac Sum Pass – The First Challenge
After leaving Ha Thanh, we continue towards Bac Sum Pass, the first winding challenge on our Ha Giang adventure. 🚴 “Ty, is today’s route challenging?” Alex asks, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
😆 “Of course! Just wait until we reach Bac Sum Pass—it’ll be thrilling!” I laugh.
As we ascend the pass, the sharp hairpin turns test our riding skills. The higher we go, the more breathtaking the view becomes. 💨 “Wow! This feels like riding a roller coaster!” Alex exclaims.
Jose, seated behind a driver, struggles to keep his camera steady: 📸 “Damn it! I’m trying my best not to drop my camera!”
Luca teases: 😂 “Be careful! You don’t want your camera to fly off the cliff!”
At a scenic stop, we take a deep breath of the fresh air. Chut, hands on her knees, catches her breath: 😅 “I thought going to the gym was enough, but riding a motorbike up the mountain is exhausting!”
I chuckle: 😊 “This is just the beginning, Chut!”
Quan Ba Heaven Gate – Where the Earth Meets the Sky
Our journey continues to Quan Ba Heaven Gate, a place where we can admire the panoramic view of the valley below. The Fairy Twin Mountains appear, their round, symmetrical shape resembling a woman’s breasts.
Jose quickly raises his camera, mesmerized: 📸 “A perfect painting! The mountains here look like a masterpiece!”
Luca, standing beside me, asks curiously: 🌄 “Is there a legend about these twin mountains?”
I nod and begin telling the tale: 📖 “Legend says that a fairy fell in love with a mortal man. When she was forced to return to heaven, she left her child behind, and her milk transformed into these two mountains. That’s why this land is so fertile and lush.”
Chut listens intently and smiles: 🥰 “That’s a beautiful story! Vietnamese culture has such fascinating legends!”
Nam Dam Cultural Village – Rituals & Herbal Baths
By nightfall, we reach Nam Dam Cultural Village, home to the Dao ethnic group. Tonight, we are lucky to witness the Cap Sac Ceremony, a significant rite of passage for Dao men. 🔥 The fire flickers, and the rhythmic drum beats fill the night. Dao men, dressed in vibrant traditional costumes, dance around the sacred fire. Luca watches in awe and asks: 😊 “Ty, what does this ceremony mean?”
I explain: 📖 “It marks the transition of a boy into manhood, symbolizing that he is now responsible for his family and community.”
Jose, fascinated, captures the colorful moments: 📸 “Incredible! I’ve never seen anything like this before!”
After the ceremony, we experience the Dao herbal bath, a perfect way to unwind after a long day. Chut sinks into a wooden tub, the soothing aroma of herbs filling the air: 🌿 “Oh my God, this warm water feels like heaven!”
Alex, relaxing in the bath, sighs: 😌 “I must buy these herbs to take home!”
Po laughs: 😆 “Not so easy! These herbs are handpicked from the mountains, and each blend contains more than 10 different leaves!”
Luca turns to me, intrigued: 🤔 “What are the benefits of this bath, Ty?”
I explain: 🌿 “It helps with relaxation, detoxification, and pain relief. The Dao people have used this method for centuries.”
After the bath, everyone feels completely refreshed. 💫 “I could sleep right here!” Chut stretches and sighs. I laugh: 😂 “Hold on! We have more adventures waiting for us tomorrow!”
As we settle into our stilt house, surrounded by the gentle sounds of nature, we are ready for the next chapter of our Ha Giang journey.
🌙 To be continued…
Day 2: Lùng Tám Weaving Village – Phó Bảng – Pao’s House – The Hmong King’s Palace – Đồng Văn Town
🌅 Morning: Lùng Tám Weaving Village – The Art of the Hmong Hands
Early in the morning, while mist still covered the rooftops, we left Nậm Đăm and arrived at Lùng Tám weaving village. This place is famous for its handmade linen fabrics crafted by the skilled hands of Hmong women.
🧵 Trying to weave on a loom, I struggled to pull the hemp threads in the right direction. 👵 “Child, weaving hemp is not easy! You need patience and skill!” An elderly Hmong woman, her hands deftly moving the thread through the loom, advised me. 😅 “Grandma, I just tried it, and it’s already too difficult! Everything is tangled!”
🌿 Alex held a beautifully patterned linen fabric, curious: ⏳ “How long does it take to make a piece like this?” The elderly woman looked at Alex with pride: “At least a few months! First, we grow hemp, harvest, process, spin, weave, then embroider and dye it using forest leaves.”
🤔 Luca nodded, impressed: “This is truly an art! In Italy, we have silk, but it’s not as handcrafted as this.”
📸 Jose captured every moment with his camera. “I must write an article about this village!”
🎁 Before leaving, Chut bought a blue linen scarf, and Alex chose a fabric piece as a gift. 💙 “Each fabric tells a story!” Chut sighed, admiring it.
🏘 Mid-morning: Phó Bảng – The Sleeping Town
We arrived at Phó Bảng, a quiet town with old Chinese-style houses, yellow walls, and wooden doors aged by time. 🏚️ “This place feels like a forgotten town!” Jose commented.
🏮 I nodded, explaining: “Phó Bảng was once a bustling trading center between Vietnam and China, but as the economy shifted, it gradually faded into obscurity.”
🌹 Luca strolled down the tranquil street, inhaling the fragrance of blooming roses: “The atmosphere here is so different. So peaceful, yet so poetic.”
🍜 Before leaving Phó Bảng, we stopped by a small roadside eatery to enjoy a hot bowl of chicken pho, a familiar dish but extra delicious in the cool mountain weather.
🏯 Afternoon: Pao’s House – Cinematic Memories & The Hmong King’s Palace
🎬 At Pao’s House, Alex excitedly re-enacted a scene from the famous movie The Story of Pao: “I am Pao! Who wants to star in a film with me?” 😂 Chut laughed: “Hollywood actor spotted!”
🏡 I shared stories about the movie and the traditional architecture of Hmong houses, preserved through generations.
🏯 Our next stop was The Hmong King’s Palace, once the seat of power for the Hmong people in the highlands.
🌟 “Wow! This looks like a small fortress!” Jose exclaimed as we entered.
💬 “This was home to Vương Chính Đức, the richest Hmong king of the 20th century, who built his wealth through the opium trade.” I explained.
After exploring the palace, we got back on the road, heading toward Đồng Văn Town.
🎊 Night: Đồng Văn – Street Festival & Ethnic Dancing
As night fell, Đồng Văn Town lit up with festival lights. The street festival began, with locals dressed in traditional costumes performing folk dances.
🕺💃 Alex pulled Chut’s hand: “Let’s dance! Visiting Vietnam without trying traditional dances is a waste!”
The whole group joined the energetic dance, the sound of Hmong flutes filling the streets. 🎶 “Chut, step with your right foot to the beat!” I guided her as she tried to jump between the bamboo sticks. 😆 “Oh wow, this is harder than I thought!” she laughed.
📸 Jose filmed Luca attempting to play the Hmong flute, but he couldn’t make a sound. 😂 “I think I’m not meant for musical instruments!” Luca shook his head.
🎤 As the night deepened, everyone held hands in a circle in the town square, singing Nối Vòng Tay Lớn together.
🌏 “That’s the beauty of travel – not just discovering places but connecting with people!”
💖 Chut beamed: “This moment is incredible! We come from different places, yet we can bond like this.”
Still immersed in the warmth of the evening’s memories, we returned to our homestay, ready for the next adventure.
🏔 End of Day 2
Tomorrow, we continue our journey to breathtaking destinations: Lũng Cú Flagpole, Mã Pí Lèng Pass, and Pả Vi Village!
Day 3: Conquering Lung Cu Flagpole – Ma Pi Leng Pass – White Cliff – Pa Vi Village
Morning: Lung Cu Flagpole – The Northernmost Point of Vietnam 🇻🇳
We started the day from Dong Van under the soft morning sunlight, making our way through winding paths to reach the Lung Cu Flagpole, marking Vietnam’s northernmost point.
Each step on the staircase tested our endurance, but as we reached the summit and touched the red flag with the yellow star waving against the blue sky, all fatigue disappeared.
🇻🇳 “The feeling here is truly special!” Chut exclaimed, her voice filled with awe.
Alex rested his hands on the railing, gazing at the two lakes in the distance:
🌊 “Those two lakes look like dragon’s eyes!”
I nodded in agreement:
🐉 “The locals call them ‘Dragon’s Eyes,’ a sacred water source for this entire region.”
Jose captured a close-up of the flag with pride gleaming in his eyes:
📸 “This will be the highlight photo of my trip!”
Luca, sitting nearby, pulled a water bottle from his backpack and sighed:
😅 “Climbing up here wasn’t easy, but totally worth it!”
We gathered under the flag, raised our hands, and shouted together:
📢 “1, 2, 3… LUNG CU!!!”
The atmosphere was electric as we took group photos before heading to the next destination.
Afternoon: Ma Pi Leng Pass – The King of Mountain Roads 🏞️
After a simple lunch of egg rolls in Dong Van, we embarked on the thrilling journey to Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of Vietnam’s most dangerous yet breathtaking roads.
As our vehicle curved along the sharp twists and turns, Jose yelled out excitedly:
🎢 “Oh my gosh! This feels like a roller coaster ride!”
I laughed and turned to Alex:
😂 “Scared? Or do you want to ride a motorbike for extra thrill?”
Alex laughed nervously, clutching the car tightly:
🏍️ “No thanks! This is thrilling enough! But I do love the wind on my face—it makes me feel so alive!”
When we stopped at the Death Cliff, overlooking the emerald Nho Que River, Luca stood speechless, taking in the scenery:
🌿 “This place… is beyond imagination! I’ve never seen anything like it before!”
Chut spread her arms and took a deep breath:
🍃 “The air is so fresh! It feels like I’m flying above the mountains!”
White Cliff: The Majestic Wall of Nature 🏔️
Continuing our journey, we arrived at the White Cliff, a rare natural wonder. The towering limestone walls stretched high into the clouds, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
Jose raised his camera, determined:
📷 “I’m capturing a panoramic shot to remember this forever!”
As he touched the cool surface of the rock, he marveled:
🪨 “Is this limestone? It looks like a natural wall carved by time.”
I explained with enthusiasm:
🌍 “Exactly! Millions of years ago, this area was part of an ancient seabed, uplifted over time to form these limestone ranges.”
Alex laughed in disbelief:
😆 “So we’re standing on what used to be the ocean floor? Incredible!”
After snapping a few memorable photos, we moved on to Pa Vi Village.
Evening: A Feast and Buckwheat Beer at Pa Vi Village 🍻
At a cozy homestay in Pa Vi, we were welcomed with a warm feast featuring traditional dishes: smoked pork, “thang co” hotpot, and the signature buckwheat beer, a local specialty of Ha Giang.
🍻 “Everyone, let’s toast to an amazing day! Cheers!” I cheered.
The group raised their glasses and chanted:
🥃 “1, 2, 3… Zô! 2, 3… Drink! 2, 3… Empty!!!”
The buckwheat beer had a light sweetness and a gentle aroma, leaving Chut pleasantly surprised:
🍺 “This is better than I thought! It’s not as bitter as regular beer.”
Alex joked with Jose:
😆 “If you finish this whole glass, you’ll officially become ‘Jose of Ha Giang’!”
While everyone was enjoying the meal, a small stage nearby came alive with traditional music, and H’Mong boys and girls began performing khèn dances.
🔥 “This is insane!” Alex exclaimed as he watched the performers dance barefoot on glowing coals.
Luca’s eyes widened in astonishment:
😲 “How can they do that? Aren’t they burned?”
I explained the cultural belief:
🌡️ “It’s part of the H’Mong tradition. They believe their faith protects them from harm.”
Chut clapped enthusiastically:
👏 “This is incredible! I want to try a dance myself!”
She pulled me onto the stage, and soon the entire group joined the lively folk dance. Jose tried to play the khèn but could only produce funny squeaks, making everyone burst into laughter.
🎶 “Jose, maybe music isn’t your thing!” Alex teased.
Jose shrugged with a grin:
😂 “At least I gave it a shot!”
As the night deepened, we gathered around a fire, sipping corn wine and reminiscing about the day’s adventures.
🔥 “What a perfect day! I can’t believe we’ve experienced so much in just three days!” Luca remarked.
I smiled, looking at the group:
🌟 “And there’s still more to come! Ha Giang has plenty of surprises waiting for us.”
End of Day 3
Tomorrow, we’ll explore the Meo Vac Sand Dunes, paddle along Ban An Mountain, and spend the night at Du Gia Village, famous for its stunning waterfalls. Stay tuned!
Day 4: Conquering Meo Vac Sinkhole – Bamboo Rafting on Ban An Stream – Overnight in Du Gia Village
Morning: Meo Vac Sinkhole – A Journey into the Earth
Today, our group woke up earlier than usual, preparing for one of the most unique experiences of the trip – exploring the Meo Vac Sinkhole.
On the way there, as our vehicle navigated through winding mountain roads, Alex curiously asked:
🤔 “Ty, why is it called a Sinkhole?”
I smiled, keeping my eyes on the road:
🧐 “Because it’s a massive collapse in the limestone terrain, forming a deep pit between the karst mountains. People call it a ‘gateway to the underworld.’”
Upon arrival, the sight before us was truly mesmerizing. A giant chasm opened up amidst the rugged mountain landscape, its depth seemingly endless, leading into an unknown world.
🌄 “Oh my god… this looks like something out of a sci-fi movie!” Jose gasped.
Before descending, we were given safety briefings and equipped with climbing gear.
🧗♂️ “Don’t look down, don’t look down!” Alex muttered as he focused on securing his ropes.
Chut chuckled:
😂 “Hey, didn’t you say you weren’t afraid of heights?”
Alex hesitated:
😅 “That was different! This is rappelling into a deep hole! Who wouldn’t be scared?”
Reaching the bottom, sunlight streamed down from above, casting an ethereal glow. The ground beneath us was made of ancient limestone formations, covered in thick moss, and the air was damp and cool.
🌿 “Feels like stepping into another world!” Luca murmured in awe.
After taking photos and exploring, we ascended back up, leaving behind the mystery of the abyss.
Afternoon: Bamboo Rafting on Ban An Stream – Laughter and Water Antics
Leaving the sinkhole behind, we headed to Ban An to experience bamboo rafting – a fun yet challenging activity.
As we stepped onto the simple bamboo rafts, Alex boasted confidently:
😏 “Easy! I kayaked in Thailand before!”
I smirked:
🤭 “Kayaking is totally different from bamboo rafting. You’ll see!”
We started paddling, but maneuvering a bamboo raft was not as easy as it seemed. Within minutes, Alex lost balance, wobbled…
💦 SPLASH!
“Aaaaaah!” Alex shrieked as he fell into the water.
The entire group burst into laughter. Jose slapped the raft, laughing until tears rolled down his face:
🤣 “I’ve never seen anyone paddle like that!”
Each time we tried to pull Alex back onto the raft, it tipped further, eventually sending Chut into the water too.
🌊 “Forget it! Swim to shore yourself!” we laughed.
Once everyone was settled, we let ourselves drift along the clear, tranquil stream, enjoying the serene beauty of nature.
🌞 “This water is so refreshing… I could stay here all afternoon!” Luca sighed in contentment.
Evening: Du Gia Village – BBQ Feast, Corn Wine, and Ethnic Dancing
As the sun set, we arrived in Du Gia, a small, peaceful village nestled in a lush valley.
Tonight, we had a barbecue feast with the locals.
🔥 Menu Highlights:
- Grilled honey-glazed pork
- Charcoal-roasted mountain fish
- Free-range chicken grilled over hot coals
- Colorful five-colored sticky rice
As the night deepened, we sat around the fire, enjoying the strong yet warming taste of local corn wine.
🍶 “Come on, if you don’t drink tonight, you’re not a real friend!” I teased.
Jose hesitated, holding his cup:
😅 “Is it strong?”
The locals laughed:
🤣 “Drink and see! One cup warms your soul, two cups brighten the night, three cups… you’ll dance like the H’Mong!”
Alex raised an eyebrow:
😂 “Alright then… three cups it is!”
We all cheered:
📢 “1, 2, 3… Cheers! 2, 3… Drink! 2, 3… Bottoms up!”
As the corn wine took effect, the sound of the khen flute filled the air, and young H’Mong men and women began a mesmerizing traditional dance.
🎶 “I love this dance!” Chut exclaimed, pulling us into the circle.
🔥 Alex, now tipsy, threw his hands in the air and shouted:
📢 “Ha Giang, I LOVE YOU!!!”
We laughed heartily as Jose tried playing the khen, only to produce awkward, funny noises that had everyone rolling on the floor with laughter.
💃🕺 As the ethnic dance intensified, we joined hands with the villagers, singing the Vietnamese classic Nối Vòng Tay Lớn together.
🌍 “Rừng núi giang tay nối lại biển xa Ta đi vòng tay lớn mãi để nối sơn hà…”
A night filled with warmth, challenges, and joy!
Day 5: Du Gia Waterfall – The Journey Back
🌅 Morning: A Wake-Up Call from Nature
As the first rays of sunlight peeked over the misty mountains, I stepped outside our homestay, taking a deep breath of the fresh, earthy air.
Jose, still half-asleep, stumbled out, rubbing his eyes:
😴 “Why is everything so beautiful here? Does it ever have bad weather, Ty?”
I chuckled:
😆 “Of course! But even in the rain, Ha Giang has its own charm.”
Alex emerged with a steaming cup of coffee:
☕ “Who drank the most last night? Anyone nursing a hangover?”
Luca groaned, holding his head:
😂 “Me! But it was worth it! That corn wine made life feel… extra wonderful!”
We all laughed, ready for our final adventure.
Du Gia Waterfall – Washing Away Fatigue
After breakfast, we hiked to Du Gia Waterfall, trekking through lush greenery. Upon arrival, we were stunned by its beauty.
🌊 A majestic white cascade crashed down from above, forming a crystal-clear emerald pool below.
🌿 “This place is heaven!” Chut whispered.
Without hesitation, Alex ripped off his shirt and yelled:
💦 “I CAN’T WAIT!”
SPLASH!
📢 “COLD!!!” he screamed.
Jose smirked from the rocks:
😏 “How’s the water, buddy?”
One by one, we jumped in, letting the cool, refreshing water wash away our exhaustion.
🔥 “Ha Giang, I’m coming for you!” I shouted as I leaped off a high rock into the pool.
Alex, floating on his back, sighed happily:
😊 “I never want to leave this place…”
Final Stretch: The Road Back
🚴 The last leg of our adventure…
As we drove back, golden rice fields waved in the breeze, and the cool mountain air filled our lungs.
🌄 “Five days, so many memories… It feels like we just started yesterday!” Jose mused.
Alex nodded:
🛵 “Yeah… I feel like I’ve changed after this trip.”
Luca smirked:
🧐 “What did you learn?”
Alex grinned:
🔥 “That Ha Giang’s slopes aren’t for the weak!”
Laughter filled the car.
Back at Time Travel Homestay – Farewell, For Now
📸 “Ty, one last photo before we leave!” Jose called.
📢 “Ready, everyone? 1, 2, 3… CHEERS!!!”
💙 “Ha Giang… we’ll be back!”
time trvel Tour 
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