Meo Vac

Where is Meo Vac & How to Get There

Meo Vac locates in the Dong Van karst plateau park of Ha Giang province. It is the highland district in the North pole of Vietnam with a majestic view and peaceful atmosphere. Meo Vac is not only a charming land, but also an ideal destination for tourists who love exploring and experiencing.

Meo Vac village (Meo Vac) lays in a small valley at the bottom of the rocky mountains. The main terrain of Meo Vac is karst landscape, mostly created by limestone with Nho Que (Nho Quế) river flowing through. Most of land use here is for agriculture, which accounts for about 12,100 ha. Local people exploit and cultivate many medical plants, herbs, ginsengs, etc. In recent years, tourism in Meo Vac have been also focused to develop strongly by the government.

How to Get There:

• From Hanoi - Ha Giang City: A bus or private car takes about 6-7 hours through scenic mountain roads.
• From Ha Giang City - Meo Vac: Travel by motorbike or private car along the Dong Van route, which passes through villages, valleys, and terraced fields.

BestPrice Travel Tip

Stop along the way for photos at Ma Pi Leng Pass viewpoints, and allow extra time to soak in the scenery - the winding roads are slow but unforgettable.

Best Time to Visit Meo Vac

Ha Giang experiences four distinct seasons, each offering a unique perspective on the mountains and local life.

• September-November - Buckwheat Flower & Harvest Season: Hillsides are blanketed with white and purple buckwheat flowers, and the rice terraces turn golden during harvest, creating iconic landscapes.
• March-May - Warm and Green: The valleys and terraces are lush and vibrant, ideal for photography and trekking through scenic villages.
• December-February - Winter: Cold and misty, this season gives the mountains a quiet, atmospheric charm with fewer tourists.

If you visit on a Sunday, don’t miss the Meo Vac Market - a lively weekly ethnic fair where locals from surrounding villages come together to trade, laugh, and share stories, offering a true glimpse of mountain life.

Top Things to Do in Meo Vac

Going on a journey to Meo Vac, visitors not only immerse themselves in the incredibly charming space, but also get to know about unique culture of the ethnic people when visiting the Vu Mong (Vũ Mông) carnival, Khau Vai (Khâu Vải) or Phong Luu (Phong Lưu) love market. More importantly, it would be so regrettable if coming to Meo Vac without conquering Ma Pi Leng (Mã Pí Lèng) pass.

Ma Pi Leng is a mountain range with a height of 2000 m above sea level, located in the territory of Ba Vi commune, Meo Vac district. It is said the journey will not be accomplished because this pass is considered as the top moutain pass, also the most amazing wonder of Ha Giang. Ma Pi Leng is very attractive to visitors, especially international tourists, who come here to admire the majestic natural scenery in one of the top four moutain peaks in northern Vietnam.

Ride Across Ma Pi Leng Pass

The Ma Pi Leng Pass is one of Vietnam’s most spectacular mountain roads, offering breathtaking viewpoints over the Nho Que River and steep limestone cliffs. The winding roads demand careful driving, but every turn rewards you with panoramic vistas.

Dramatic Mountain Pass Overlooking Deep Valleys And Winding Roads

Explore Meo Vac Sunday Market

Held every Sunday, this market is a vibrant hub of ethnic culture and daily life. Visitors can admire colorful H’Mong, Dao, and Tay outfits, sample local dishes, see farm animals, and shop for handmade crafts. It’s an authentic snapshot of mountain life, perfect for photography and cultural immersion.

Take a Boat Trip on the Nho Que River

Cruising through Tu San Canyon, the river reveals emerald waters flanked by towering limestone cliffs. Tickets are affordable and easy to book locally, and the ride offers unique photography opportunities. BestPrice tip: Go early morning for the best light and fewer crowds, when the water reflects the mountains perfectly.

Emerald Nho Que River Winding Through Lush Mountain Valleys

Stay in Pa Vi Village

Pa Vi Village is home to H’Mong families offering traditional stilt-house homestays, where you can experience local customs, cooking, and daily life. Walking through terraced fields and interacting with villagers is a highlight of any Meo Vac trip.

Discover Dong Van & Lung Cu Flag Tower

Nearby Dong Van is a charming old town with colonial architecture and bustling local life. Lung Cu Flag Tower, near the Chinese border, offers sweeping mountain views and symbolic significance for Vietnam. Both are perfect additions if you’re planning a Ha Giang Loop itinerary.

Where to Stay in Meo Vac

• Homestays: Pa Vi Homestay and Auberge de Meo Vac offer cozy, authentic experiences where you can immerse yourself in local mountain life.
• Hotels: Hoa Cuong Hotel provides comfortable, central accommodations with easy access to markets and attractions.
• Eco-lodges / Boutique stays: Some smaller lodges combine scenic views with locally inspired architecture, perfect for a peaceful retreat.

What to Eat in Meo Vac

• Thang Co – traditional horse stew, rich and flavorful for the adventurous.
• Men men – corn powder porridge, a staple of northern highlands.
• Buckwheat cake – sweet or savory, often handmade in local villages.
• Sour pho – a unique regional twist on Vietnam’s classic noodle soup.
• Local drink: Don’t miss corn wine, a strong and aromatic specialty of Ha Giang.

Travel Tips from Our Local Experts

Similar to Dong Van, discovery of Meo Vac is about conquering dangerous roads and high mountain. Therefore, when coming to Meo Vac, do not forget to prepare all necessities like good shoes, medicine, camera, food, etc.

• Pack wisely: Even in summer, nights in Meo Vac can be chilly, so bring warm layers.
• Carry cash: ATMs are limited in remote areas, and many homestays or markets accept cash only.
• Respect local customs: Always ask before taking photos and dress modestly when visiting ethnic villages.
• Drive carefully: Mountain roads are narrow, winding, and steep, so take your time if riding a motorbike or driving.Stay connected:
• Mobile signal is often weak, so have offline maps ready.

FAQs about Meo Vac

1. How far is Meo Vac from Ha Giang City?

It’s approximately 110 km, usually a 3-4 hour drive along scenic, winding mountain roads.

2. Is Meo Vac safe for solo travelers?

Yes, Meo Vac is generally safe, but solo travelers should stick to main roads, travel during daylight, and consider a local guide for remote areas.

3. Do I need a permit to visit Meo Vac?

No special permit is required for most areas, though some border zones may have restrictions. Always check locally if you plan to explore near the China border.

4. What’s the best month to visit?

September-November for golden terraces and buckwheat flowers, or March–May for lush green scenery.

5. Can I do Meo Vac in 2 days?

Yes, a 2-day trip allows you to see the highlights like Ma Pi Leng Pass, Meo Vac Market, and nearby villages, though 3 days is ideal for a more relaxed pace.

From breathtaking mountain passes to vibrant ethnic markets, Meo Vac captures the wild beauty of Northern Vietnam like nowhere else. At BestPrice Travel, we’ve explored it, experienced it, and lived it - and we’re ready to help you do the same.

Start your Ha Giang adventure today with BestPrice Travel - your trusted local expert for authentic Vietnam journeys.