Hà Giang Province, Vietnam

Hà Giang, a small town in the northern valleys of Vietnam

I, mr.hotsia, had the chance to explore Hà Giang Province on May 2-3, 2015. This town is located in a deep valley in northern Vietnam, just 25 kilometers from the Chinese border. Yet, the atmosphere is surprisingly peaceful and warm, hard to believe it's so close to the border. I stayed in Hà Giang town, which is small and easy to explore on foot, or you can rent a motorbike to tour the outskirts for just about 30 baht.

Hà Giang is not a touristy town like other northern Vietnamese cities, which makes its atmosphere full of natural charm and authentic local life. I visited the morning market...Hà Giang Morning MarketLocated not far from my hotel, “Hoang Anh hotel,” this market has a unique charm compared to other main markets in the province because it sells fresh beef and boiled corn, famous for its sweet and delicious taste. There are also breakfast stalls by the market offering local dishes at affordable prices. This experience made me feel like I truly touched the real life of the locals here.

Natural Attractions at Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark

Hà Giang Province is renowned for its beautiful nature, especially the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, a national park with steep limestone mountains rising about 1,000 to 1,600 meters above sea level. It offers breathtaking views, but I chose to explore the simple atmosphere of the town to truly absorb the local lifestyle.

Food in Hà Giang, a small town full of local flavors

Food in Hà Giang was a highlight that impressed me greatly. In the morning, I recommend visiting themorning marketwhere you can find a variety of dishes including rice porridge, grilled pork, and local foods made from fresh ingredients. For lunch, single-plate meals similar to rice with curry are sold with rice included. For dinner, I recommend the fresh beer bar “Bong Thin” located by the cliff in town. They serve a special dish called nem cluk, which is almost impossible to find elsewhere in Vietnam, paired with cheap draft beer—a true paradise for food lovers.

Vietnamese iced coffee prices here are affordable, about 20,000-30,000 dong per glass, or 30-50 baht. Most coffee shops do not have air conditioning turned on, even if installed, due to the intense heat in May. A full meal in Hà Giang costs about 70 baht and includes up to four dishes plus fresh vegetables. Interestingly, locals mainly eat rice and occasionally banh mi (Vietnamese bread) depending on the occasion.

Town Atmosphere and Local Lifestyle

Hà Giang is a small, quiet town with very friendly and smiling people. I strolled around the town feeling completely at ease. Karaoke bars operate both day and night by the river, which surprised me and made me wonder why people here love singing so much. If anyone knows the answer, please tell mr.hotsia.

In town, you will see people selling boiled corn, a local specialty, from bicycles along the streets. I tried some and must say it was the best boiled corn I've ever tasted.

Travel and Accommodation in Hà Giang

Traveling to Hà Giang has become much more convenient. The roads are good, and you can easily take buses from Lao Cai, Hanoi, or other cities. Public buses are air-conditioned and very cheap, costing about 1 baht per 2 kilometers.

There are about 10-20 hotels in town. I stayed at Hoang Anh hotel, which is affordable at about 35,000 dong or 600 baht per night. The hotel has air conditioning, high-speed internet, and laundry services, making the stay very comfortable. Most hotels do not offer massage or karaoke services but provide a quiet atmosphere perfect for those who want to truly relax.Read more details about hotels in Hà Giang

Local Festivals and Culture

Hà Giang is home to many ethnic minority groups with interesting festivals, such as the Spring Festival Hà Giang, similar to the Hmong New Year in Thailand, the Lo Lo People’s New House Celebration, and the Nhay Lua Festival featuring fire-walking, which I have only seen online and have yet to experience in person.

Summary of Hà Giang Experience with mr.hotsia

Hà Giang is a small town full of peace and genuine local warmth. The simple lifestyle, delicious local food, and beautiful nature impressed me deeply. Despite being close to the Chinese border, I did not encounter any Chinese people in town. What impressed me most was the tranquility, friendliness, smiles of the people, and the unique atmosphere of the fresh beer bar serving nem cluk.

For anyone wanting to escape the hustle and bustle and experience authentic local life like me, mr.hotsia recommends visiting Hà Giang at least once. You will surely have a unique and unforgettable experience.