7 must see destinations in Ha Giang that you shouldn’t miss!

Located at Vietnam’s northernmost edge, Ha Giang is famed for its dramatic limestone terrain. Here are 7 essential stops for your itinerary to experience its true soul.

1. Quan Ba Valley & Heaven Gate

Just a short ride from Ha Giang City, Quan Ba Valley welcomes you with one of the region’s most iconic viewpoints. Sitting at 1,500 meters, Heaven Gate offers a breathtaking panoramic view where a Red Dao village appears tiny beneath rolling mountains.

- Highlight: The Quan Ba Twin Mountains (Fairy Breast Hills).

- Pro Tip: This is usually the first major stop on our 4-Day "Untamed" Ha Giang Loop Itinerary. Take a moment to breathe the crisp air before heading deeper into the mountains.

Panoramic view of the Quan Ba Twin Mountains, also known as Fairy Breast Mountains, surrounded by lush green rice fields and a small village in Ha Giang, Vietnam.

Quan Ba Valley

2. Dong Van Ancient Town

Nestled in the heart of the karst plateau, this town is a quiet step back in time. With over 40 houses exceeding 100 years in age, Dong Van reflects a blend of Hmong, Tay, and Chinese architecture.

- Nightlife: On weekends, red lanterns glow and locals gather for corn wine and thắng cố.

- Learn More: Discover the Ethnic Groups you’ll meet on the Loop who bring this ancient town to life every Sunday morning.

High-angle view of the ancient clay houses and tiled roofs of Dong Van Old Quarter nestled against a limestone mountain in Ha Giang, Vietnam.

Dong Van Ancient Town

3. Meo Vac Sunday Market

Meo Vac is the soul of local life. It isn’t just a place for trade; it’s a cultural festival held every Sunday. You will see Hmong families in their finest traditional dress trading everything from colorful textiles to livestock.

If you love culture, don't miss our guide on Why our 8-10 person small group tours give you the best access to these crowded markets without feeling lost.

Crowded morning market in Ha Giang where various ethnic groups in colorful traditional headscarves trade fresh vegetables and goods.

Meo Vac Market

4. Lung Cu Flag Tower - Where Vietnam Begins

Standing at the northernmost point of Vietnam, this 33-meter tall tower is a powerful symbol of national pride. Climbing the 389 stone steps rewards you with a view into China and across the endless stone mountains of Ha Giang.

Lung Cu Flag Tower

5. Ma Pi Leng Pass - The King of Passes

Rising to 1,500 meters, this is the most spectacular mountain road in Vietnam. Carved by hand in the 1960s, it hangs precariously over the Nho Que River.

Unmissable Experience: We always include a boat trip through Tu San Canyon (the deepest in Southeast Asia).

The winding road of Ma Pi Leng Pass at sunset, one of the most dangerous and beautiful mountain passes on the Ha Giang Loop, Vietnam.

Ma Pi Leng Pass

6. Du Gia Village

Du Gia is the gentle pause in an intense journey. Surrounded by terraced rice fields and quiet streams, it is home to the Tay people.

- The Vibe: It’s all about swimming in the waterfall and sharing a family dinner.

- Best Timing: March and April are beautiful here. Check The Best Time to Do the Ha Giang Loop for more seasonal tips.

Traditional wooden stilt houses in Du Gia village surrounded by lush green rice paddies and misty mountains on the Ha Giang Loop.

Du Gia Village

7. The Palace of the Hmong King (Vua Meo)

Located in Sa Phin, this "opium palace" reflects the wealth and power of the Vuong family who once ruled the plateau. The architecture is a stunning blend of Hmong, Chinese, and French styles, built to function as a fortress.

The ornate stone entrance of the Hmong King's Palace (Dinh Vua Meo) featuring Chinese-influenced architecture and traditional carvings in Sa Phin, Ha Giang.