Distance & Est. time: Trekking 12-15 km
Morning
Start your day immersed in the vibrant energy of the Dong Van Market, a lively hub where locals from nearby villages gather to exchange goods, fresh produce, and traditional handicrafts. The market offers a rare glimpse into the daily lives of the ethnic communities in the area, showcasing their rich cultures and unique traditions.
After that, begin your journey to the French Fortress of Pu Lo, perched on a high pass. This historical structure, built in 1890 and abandoned in 1945, served as a strategic lookout point during colonial times. From this vantage point, you'll be treated to sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, a panorama that encapsulates the rugged beauty of Ha Giang.
Next, embark on a 7 km trek to Thien Huong Village, a serene hamlet nestled in a valley near the Chinese border. This charming Tay ethnic settlement is known for its tranquil atmosphere and well-preserved cultural heritage.
Afternoon
Return to Dong Van for a hearty lunch before setting off on one of Vietnam's
most iconic routes: Ma Pi Leng Pass, often referred to as the "Heaven’s Gate of Ha Giang." Every twist and turn reveals a new perspective of this otherworldly landscape, making it a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
As the descent begins, you'll enter the picturesque Meo Vac Valley, a region defined by lush greenery and idyllic rural scenes. Continue onward to Bao Lac, a quaint village surrounded by rolling hills and tranquil countryside, then settle into a cozy guesthouse and unwind after the day's adventures.
Your evening concludes with a delicious dinner featuring regional specialties, giving you a taste of the local culinary heritage. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Bao Lac as you prepare for another day of exploration.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Bao Lac Village
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by Tripadvisor
Loved the homestays and local food, really felt like experiencing real life there.
The trip was really good. The mountains in Ha Giang are amazing, and kayaking on Ba Be Lake was relaxing. Some of the roads are pretty rough, but that’s part of the adventure. The homestay food was tasty, though a bit simple. Overall, I’d do it again.
I really enjoyed this tour. The scenery in Ha Giang is incredible – mountains, valleys, rice terraces, it’s all breathtaking. The homestays were very comfortable and the food was mostly delicious. Some parts of the trek were harder than I expected, but the guides were patient and helpful. Kayaking… MoreI really enjoyed this tour. The scenery in Ha Giang is incredible – mountains, valleys, rice terraces, it’s all breathtaking. The homestays were very comfortable and the food was mostly delicious. Some parts of the trek were harder than I expected, but the guides were patient and helpful. Kayaking on Ba Be Lake was beautiful, and I loved visiting Widow Island. Overall, a tiring but extremely rewarding trip. Less
I loved every part of this tour. The guides were friendly and very knowledgeable, explaining local traditions and history as we traveled.
Ma Pi Leng Pass was breathtaking. I’ve never seen views like that before.
Visiting Dong Van Market and small villages was a highlight for me; the people were welcoming… MoreI loved every part of this tour. The guides were friendly and very knowledgeable, explaining local traditions and history as we traveled.
Ma Pi Leng Pass was breathtaking. I’ve never seen views like that before.
Visiting Dong Van Market and small villages was a highlight for me; the people were welcoming and the atmosphere was so authentic.
Ba Be Lake was peaceful, and kayaking there was a great way to relax and enjoy the scenery.
The meals were simple but very tasty, and staying in local homestays made it feel personal and authentic. I can’t recommend this trip enough. Less
We really enjoyed the tour—everything was well organized and thoughtfully paced. Long was an excellent guide: kind, knowledgeable, and respectful of our family time, giving us space to enjoy moments together. I was also very impressed with our driver. The roads can be quite challenging, but I always… MoreWe really enjoyed the tour—everything was well organized and thoughtfully paced. Long was an excellent guide: kind, knowledgeable, and respectful of our family time, giving us space to enjoy moments together. I was also very impressed with our driver. The roads can be quite challenging, but I always felt completely safe. The vehicle was comfortable, which made the journeys more pleasant.
The places we visited were incredibly beautiful, the food was excellent, and our accommodations were comfortable throughout.
If I could change one thing, I would have preferred more trekking and a bit less time in the car—even if it meant covering less ground overall. Still, the experience was fantastic, and the whole family came away happy and full of great memories! Less