Hoang Su Phi is one of the most untouched area of Ha Giang, Vietnam. This region has been isolated from the mainstream culture until lately. The capital city of Hoang Su Phi District is 60km from Tan Quang City, 100km from Ha Giang city central and 250km from Hanoi road trip.
The pristine beauty of the mountain landscapes and precious wild life can win all travellers’ hearts at first sight. Apart from that, the local ethnic minorities such as Nung, H’mong, Tay and Ha Nhi People is another nice brush of the whole picture.
Whether you are a nature lover or a cultural seeker, Hoang Su Phi of Vietnam’s Ha Giang province definitely hits all the right notes.
7 Things to do in Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang
Hoang Su Phi is very difficult to reach and for that reason it is not touristy either. There are no direct busses going here, so the best and easiest way is by tour. There are a number of tours going to this region. A tour is also the easiest way to explore this area, as you go often go tracking through the most beautiful terraced rice fields and stay overnight in local homestays.
1. Admire Ban Phung ( Phung Village)
Ban Phung Village is a village near the border with China. From the center of Vinh Quang you have to follow a pass of almost 30 km over a mountain to reach the center. Phung is located on a steep slope and together with Ban Luoc this is the place with the highest terraced rice fields.
2. Trekking to Ho Thau Village
Ho Thau is a commune of Hoang Su Phi, about 16km from Nam Tich intersection. Terraced fields in Ho Thau of the Red Dao ethnic people. The people here have a custom: with a small clearing around each field to keep the land from landslides. Farming is carried out from high to low with simple labour tools such as pickaxes, harrows, shovels and knives. Ho Thau terraced fields are immense, high as the eye with rolling hills with a large width, regularity and little slope.
3. Stay in Thong Nguyen with Red Dzao tribe
Thong Nguyen has three rivers that come together in one place near a plateau. You will find one of the most beautiful places to see terraced rice fields in the region of Hoang Su Phi. You find this village between Bac Quang and Hoang Su Phi.
4. Exploring Ban Luoc village
Ban Luoc is the area of the Dao ethnic minority with many mountains and slopes. These hill tribes have created many terraced rice fields, which is a very powerful sight
5. Visit Nam Ty village
Nam Ty is located halfway between Bac Quang and Hoang Su Phi. The beautiful rice fields here are from the Red Dao ethnic minority
6. Conquered highest mountain peaks
Tay Con Linh Peak
With a height of 2419 meters, Tay Con Linh is the highest peak in Northeast Vietnam and one of the highest mountains in Vietnam. At the top of the mountain there is a landmark and at the foot of the mountain you will find among other things a tropical forest. This mountain is considered a holy mountain by La Chi ethnic people.
Chieu Lau Thi Peak
Chieu Lau Thi is called the nine-storey mountain, located 42 km from Hoang Su Phi. The highest point of the mountain is 2.402 meters and therefore also one of the highest peaks in northeastern Vietnam. On clear days you can see tens of kilometers from the peak. Around the mountain you will find a diverse ecosystem including a primeval forest. In Vietnam this area is also known for snow tea. Every year there is a period of snow, where the snow covers a large area. Reaching the Chieu Lau Thi mountain peak is only for adventurous tourists.
7. Visit Sunday Market
Hoang Su phi market on Sunday is one of the must do when you pay this wonderful land a visit. For ethnic communities, the markets capture every little details of their daily life as well as cultural traits.
Read more: Amazing Hanoi to Ha Giang Road Trip
Best travel time to Hoang Su Phi
The most favorable time to visit Hoang Su Phi is summer time. It’s also the harvesting season. The water pouring period actually starts at the beginning of May and it covers everything with a unique coat. No one wants to miss this special time, particularly photographers for you will find plenty of interesting corners of lights and the water. Another ideal time for photographers to come is September and October because rugged mountains, lush valleys, endless skies and terrace rice fields are what you will get.
Accommodations in Hoang Su Phi
You can find accommodation in Vinh Quang, the largest town in Hoang Su Phi. But throughout the region you will find homestays, in villages such as Ban Phung, Ho Thau and Thong Nguyen. In these homestays you will find basic facilities and you can go there for local meals. Tourism is not yet developed in this region, so don’t expect much luxury. Also keep in mind that the host family of the homestay speaks little or no English.
A number of homestays:
- Panhou village
- Ecolodge Pan Hou Village
- Hoang Su Phi Lodge
- Homestay Mr. Quyen
- Kinh Homestay
Road trip Hanoi to Hoang Su Phi by private car
Hoang Su Phi is very difficult to reach and for that reason it is not touristy either. There are no direct buses going here, so the best and easiest way is by tour. There are a number of tours going to this region. A tour is also the easiest way to explore this area, as you go often go tracking through the most beautiful terraced rice fields and stay overnight in local homestays.
5-Day Hoang Su Phi itinerary road trip from Hanoi
Day 1: Hanoi – Thong Nguyen – Nam Hong
You will start exploring the area by an one hour trek to Nam Hong community-based tourism village to enjoy the poetic beauty of the natural landscape, rice terraces and inhale fresh air. On the way to the homestay, you will obtain more knowledge of Red Dao people by visiting their local museum.
Day 2: Nam Hong- Khoa Thuong- Nam Ai – Nam Son
You will be escorted by moto-taxi up to the end of Nam Hong village pass before trekking along the charming path to Khoa Thuong (about 7.5 km) to enjoy the marvelous landscape.
the trek continues to Nam Ai village to where you can see beautiful rice paddies and explore the lifestyle and culture of Dao Ao Dai (long-dressed Dao) minority people.
Day 3: Ho Thau to Phung Village
A day trip to Phung Village on the frontier border with China, stay with local host (La Chi tribe), adore the breathtaking landscape of rice terraced fields and trekking through out the track of bottom rice fields.
Day 4: Phung Village to Bac Ha
Visit Bac Ha market and exploring this beautiful town surrounded by mountains
Day 5: Bac Ha to Hanoi
Going back to Hanoi
Recommended Hoang Su Phi Tours:
- Bac Ha market – Hoang Su Phi Tour 4 Days
- Hanoi to Ha Giang transfer by a private car
- Ha Giang loop tour amazing 5 days
Questions About Hoang Su Phi Travel?
Do you have any questions about traveling to Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang? Ask me anything in the comment section below. We’ll do our best to help!
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