Tourism authorities in Ha Giang Province, northern Vietnam have opened four new routes running through the Dong Van Rock Plateau in the hope of attracting more tourists to the northernmost mountainous region.

The four include Quan Ba – Yen Minh, Yen Minh – Dong Van, Dong Van – Meo Vac, and Meo Vac – Du Gia.

They are considered a true showcase of Ha Giang’s storied beauty.

The Ha Giang Loop has long been a favorite amongst motorbike-riding backpackers, but the establishment of the novel routes throughout the region will help to gradually open up the area to group tours and other visitors who prefer to travel by bus or car.  

From Quan Ba District to Yen Minh District

Quan Ba District of Ha Giang sits in the southwesternmost area of the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark.

To reach the Quan Ba Heaven Gate – a majestic overlook about 1,200 meters above sea level – visitors from Ha Giang City, the provincial capital, must first cross Bac Sum Pass.

The area surrounding Quan Ba is filled with an abundance of geological history owed to the region's vast evolutionary past.

The legend of the Twin Mountains – local lore surrounding two perfectly identical mountains that spring up from rice paddies – is linked to the cultural history of the Mong and Dao peoples.

From Yen Minh District to Dong Van District

The 80-kilometer route from Yen Minh District to Dong Van District is crammed with switchbacks over towering mountains and past some of Vietnam’s most jaw-dropping scenery.

Along the way, visitors will see Mong villages line the road and filled with traditional homes and rock fences.  

Due to a shortage of water and limited arable land, the Mong and other ethnic minorities in Ha Giang have developed a rock-hole soil farming technique that allows them to grow corn.

Rock-hole soil farming utilizes soil in rock holes and rocks to protect the crops. This helps prevent erosion and enables rock holes to be converted into arable land.

Lung Ho Commune is a must-see for travelers along this route.

Visitors will be able to expand their horizons from Lung Ho to ponder the stunning valleys and the alluring village of locals nestled in the spectacular mountains.

From Dong Van District to Meo Vac Distric

The most impressive landmarks along this route are the famous Tu San Canyon, which is Vietnam's deepest alley, the Ma Pi Leng Pass, and Lo Lo Chai Village.

Travelers can also stop at Lung Cu flagpole on top of the Dragon Mountain, Vietnam's northernmost landmark and a popular check-in location for young Vietnamese tourists, as well as the Thanh Nien Xung Phong Monument, which commemorates the touching story of the martyrs who sacrificed themselves for the construction of Happiness Road.

The famous Happiness Road, also known as Ha Giang Loop, was built in 1959 along the Dong Van Rocky Plateau with the total length of 185 kilometers connecting Ha Giang City to the islolated mountainous districts of Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, and Meo Vac.

Vacationers to Lo Lo Chai Village can enjoy a cup of Ca Phe Cuc Bac, which means 'the northernmost café,' at the 200-year-old local café.

Technically, the café is not Vietnam's northernmost point but sipping coffee in an ancient house is a must during a visit to Ha Giang.

From Meo Vac District to Du Gia Commune

Du Gia Commune, located about 70 kilometers from Ha Giang City, captivates tourists with its serene village and unspoilt natural scenery.

According to Nguyen Minh Nam, manager of Tom's homestay, before the COVID-19 pandemic hit Vietnam in 2020, 90 percent of visitors to Du Gia were international tourists.

However, the composition of tourists has shifted.

Now, the majority of visitors are domestic, with 60 percent hailing from Vietnam's southern provinces.

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