1. Where is Hoang Su Phi?
Hoang Su Phi is a mountainous district located in the west of Ha Giang province, Vietnam. About 80 km southwest of Ha Giang city and about 310 km northwest of Hanoi capital. With geographical location:
- The East borders Vi Xuyen district and Bac Quang district
- The West borders Xin Man district
- The South borders Quang Binh district
- The North borders China with a border of 41,421 km.
2. How is Hoang Su Phi unique?
The terrain of Hoang Su Phi located upstream of Chay River is mainly hills and mountains with steep slopes and divided by many streams. This is also a long-standing settlement of people of 12 ethnic groups, of which the Nung, Dao, Tay, H’Mong, and La Chi people make up the majority.
Because it is located on the road connecting the Eastern and Northwestern regions of Vietnam, the magnificent natural landscape and unique cultural features are preserved and preserved by the community here. So Hoang Su Phi tourism has a lot of potential for development, especially community and eco-tourism.
Possessing a special geographical location in the northernmost part of Vietnam. Hoang Su Phi attracts people with its beautiful terraced fields in September and October when the rice is ripe and golden.
In particular, if they are lucky, visitors will also be able to see and experience extremely mysterious and unique rituals of the local community. Such as the Year Pass Festival, the rice spirit calling ceremony, and the Dao people’s fortune-telling ceremony. , worshiping ceremony for the Forest God of the Nung ethnic group, Khu Cu Te festival of the La Chi ethnic group, Gau Tao Festival of the H’Mong ethnic group.
3. When is the best time to travel to Hoang Su Phi?
As a highland district with strongly divided terrain, Hoang Su Phi has many sub-regions with different climates, soils and natural landscapes. Therefore, when traveling to Hoang Su Phi, you can refer to and choose a suitable time to travel.
- Spring is the time when unique festivals of Hoang Su Phi are held. This is also the season to take photos of peach, pear orchards and tea hills.
- From mid-April to June is the rice planting season. Coming to Hoang Su Phi on this occasion, you will be able to admire the landscape of Hoang Su Phi terraced fields during the flood season. The whole space is like a giant mirror reflecting the majestic natural landscape.
- From mid-September every year, the ripe rice season begins in the northern mountainous provinces of Vietnam in general and Hoang Su Phi terraced fields in particular. This is the best time to go to Hoang Su Phi, freely taking photos of the terraced fields stretching endlessly on the mountain slopes.
- At the end of the year, it is winter in Northern Vietnam. If you don’t mind the cold, you can go to Hoang Su Phi to explore Tay Con Linh and Chieu Lau Thi peaks to hunt clouds and snow.
4. How to get to Hoang Su Phi?
4.1 Route to Hoang Su Phi from Hanoi
The distance from Hanoi to Hoang Su Phi is about 300 km. There are two routes that Origin Vietnam will suggest below, visitors can refer to:
Route 1: Hanoi – Ha Giang City – Hoang Su Phi
From Hanoi, you can use personal vehicles or passenger cars to travel to Ha Giang City. The distance from Hanoi to Ha Giang City is quite far, you should prioritize using passenger cars or sleeper buses to save time and preserve your health. Travel to Ha Giang, you rent a motorbike to travel to Hoang Su Phi according to the reference route below. National Highway 2 to Tan Quang, then go on D177 road to Hoang Su Phi.
Otherwise, you can move to Thanh Thuy border gate, then go through Tay Con Linh mountain and you will reach Hoang Su Phi.
Route 2: Hanoi – Hoang Su Phi
Tourists who want to go directly to Hoang Su Phi without going through Ha Giang City can follow the following route: Hanoi – Kim Ma – Vo Chi Cong – Vinh Ngoc – Vo Nguyen Giap – National Highway 2A – Tel 131/DCT 05 – National Highway 2C – National Highway 37 – Route 1 – DT 177 and go to Hoang Su Phi.
4.2 Means of transportation to Hoang Su Phi
Passenger bus goes to Hoang Su Phi – Ha Giang
Currently, there are many passenger buses and sleeper buses running from Hanoi – Ha Giang with many different time frames. You can catch a bus at My Dinh bus station or pick-up points on the road if the bus passes by (contact the bus company in advance). Usually, departure buses will depart in the evening, to save travel time as well as have more daylight time to visit.
Hoang Su Phi is about 80km from Ha Giang city center. There are many convenient means for you to move to Hoang Su Phi from personal vehicles, passenger cars, taxis,…
Motorbike to Hoang Su Phi Ha Giang
Once you arrive in Ha Giang city, you can rent a motorbike to move to Hoang Su Phi. Tourists can refer to the route below: Go against National Highway 2 to Tan Quang then turn onto DT177 road to go to Hoang Su Phi or you can go in the direction of Thanh Thuy border gate and then go through Tay Con Linh mountain to Hoang Su Phi. .
Currently, some tourists use motorbikes to travel from Hanoi to Hoang Su Phi. Although using a motorbike is quite strenuous, in return you will be able to admire the majestic mountain scenery and poetic nature along the way. A convenient route that you can refer to is following National Highway 2 to Hoang Su Phi. When returning, you can turn to visit Xin Man, Bac Ha and then take Yen Bai road to return to Hanoi.
5. Sightseeings in Hoang Su Phi
The area of terraced fields in Hoang Su Phi extends to nearly 3,000 ha and is scattered in most communes. Among them, the most beautiful is still 760 hectares of fields recognized as a National Heritage. They are in Ban Luoc, Ban Phung, Thong Nguyen, Ho Thau, Nam Ty and San Sa Ho. These landscapes sit along the broader Ha Giang Loop, where mountains, forests, and winding streams shape a journey defined by nature and rural life.
5.1 Discovering the beauty of terraced fields
Perhaps what brings Hoang Su Phi closer to tourists is the beauty of the terraced fields. Just like Mu Cang Chai in the ripe rice season, the scenery of Hoang Su Phi is dyed a brilliant yellow color of ripe rice. Tourists are attracted and want to see that wonderful scene with their own eyes when coming to this pristine land.
5.1.1: Ban Phung Terraced Fields
Ban Phung is a commune located near the border with China. From the center of Vinh Quang town, you have to follow a small mountain pass about 30 km to cross the mountain to reach the commune center.
Without wide valleys such as Cao Pha or Muong Hoa, terraced fields in Ban Phung are crouched on steep slopes. Along with Ban Luoc, this is the place with the highest terraced fields in Vietnam.
5.1.2: Ho Thau Terraced Fields
Ho Thau is a commune of Hoang Su Phi, about 16 km 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 labor 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.
5.1.3: Thong Nguyen Terraced Fields
Located on the left bank, where the flow of three large streams converges: Phin Ho falls down, Nam Ong flows back and Nam Khoa bounces together to form a plateau in the middle of the mountain. Many people commented that Thong Nguyen was the place of “Quan Son – Tu Thuy”.
Thong Nguyen is one of the most beautiful places to see terraced fields in Hoang Su Phi. The most beautiful part you can stop to take pictures is about km24 road from Bac Quang to Hoang Su Phi.
5.1.4: Terraced Fields Ban Luoc – San Sa Ho
Ban Luoc and San Sa Ho communes are mountainous terrains and moderate slope, so there are many terraced fields. Here, everywhere has terraced fields in the wavy shape and bow. Terraced fields here belong to Dao people in Ao Dai and Nung people.
5.1.5: Nam Ty Terraced Fields
Located on km 24 of Bac Quang road to Hoang Su Phi. Nam Ty terraced fields are also of the Red Dao and is one of the places recognized as Hoang Su Phi’s National Monument of terraced fields.
Those who love adventure, take a little risk, you can choose to conquer the mountain of West Con Linh to see the whole rice terraced fields from above as well as enjoy the fresh air and the majesty of nature. The journey may be longer and more difficult, but the landscape drawn before you will make you remember forever.
5.2 Hoang Su Phi buckwheat flower field
Buckwheat flower is a typical flower of the northern mountainous provinces of Vietnam. The buckwheat flower fields with many colors, have a wild yet poetic beauty. Travelling to Hoang Su Phi at the end of autumn, you will be immersed in the purple color of buckwheat flowers.
5.3 Chieu Lau Thi mountain peak
Chieu Lau Thi is located 42km from the center of Hoang Su Phi district capital. To reach the top of the mountain, visitors will need to climb a relatively high distance of 2402m. This is also one of the largest peaks in the Northeast region of Vietnam. On rainy days, fog often covers the mountains, creating the beauty of a fairyland.
Trekking Chieu Lau Thi is an experience worth trying. Standing on the top of a high mountain watching the sunrise and sunset, feeling the gentle golden rays of sunlight shining through each floating cloud, touching each person’s soul.
5.4 Exploring Hoang Su Phi market
Located at the foot of the majestic Tay Con Linh mountain, Hoang Su Phi Market opens every Sunday. Here people can exchange goods in daily activities such as fruits and vegetables, fabrics, embroidery, agricultural tools, agricultural products, etc.
Although not too busy, the atmosphere here is always very cheerful. People go to the market with excitement like going to a festival. Therefore, there are boys and girls preparing to go to the market the night before to be on time for the market meeting.
5.5 Tay Con Linh peak
Tay Con Linh is a mountain peak in the mountain range upstream of the Chay River. Tay Con Linh is located 46 km from Ha Giang, stretching through two districts of Hoang Su Phi and Vi Xuyen. With an altitude of 2419m, from the top of the mountain, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the preserved tropical primeval forest at the foot of the mountain; The terraced fields gently curve below. Tay Con Linh is one of the highest peaks in Northeast Vietnam. In addition, Tay Con Linh is considered a sacred mountain range of the La Chi ethnic people.
5.6 Suoi Thau Temple
It is one of two sacred temples in Hoang Su Phi district, Ha Giang province. Suoi Thau Temple has become an indispensable tourist and spiritual destination for the spiritual life of every indigenous person here. Nestled beneath the soft, winding terraced fields, the temple is humble, but when visiting the temple, visitors will admire the poetic beauty but also be very simple and rustic.
5.7 Nam Hong village
Coming to Nam Hong village, you will admire the primeval mountain landscape, majestic terraced fields and experience the typical cultural features of the Red Dao people. This is the right place for those who want to find a wild and simple space.
5.8 Ancient tombs of La Chi ethnic people
Currently, on the mountain slopes of Ban Phung and Ban May communes, Hoang Su Phi district and Ban Diu commune, Xin Man district, there still exist hundreds of ancient tombs scattered along an arc in an area of thousands. km2 along the mountainside with the size of each tomb about 1.5 meters high, 15 – 25 square meters wide, in particular, there are tombs with a circumference of more than 70m, over 6m high. After hundreds of years, these tombs still do not exist. Not eroded by rain or sun.
6. Specialties when traveling to Hoang Su Phi
Hoang Su Phi converges all the special delicacies of Ha Giang region that you cannot ignore such as amaranth, young porridge, braised rice, blue rice, kitchen buffalo meat, etc. However, this place is still famous for dishes made from mouse meat of La Chi ethnic people with many different variations such as grilled rats, stir-fried mice, kitchen rats, etc. Mice are soft and fragrant, rich in flavour from the typical mountain and forest materials. So it’s a harmonious whole.
There is also a dish of black pork – a local breed of the Dao and H’ mong people, Ha Giang. Due to being naturally grazed, pork is firmer, with less fat and more nutrients than conventional varieties. People here prefer grilled black pork dish because of its aroma and special soft sweetmea
7. Accommodation when traveling to Hoang Su Phi
When traveling to Hoang Su Phi, visitors can refer to some of the accommodation facilities below:
7.1 Hotels:
- Hoang Anh Hotel. Address: Quang Vinh Town, Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang.
- Hoang Su Phi Lodge. Address: Nam Hong Village, Commune, Thong Nguyen, Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang.
- Tay Con Linh Hotel. Address: Group 4, Vinh Quang town, Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang.
- Golden Season Hotel. Address: Group 1, Quang Vinh Town, Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang.
- Song Chay Hotel. Address: Quang Vinh Town, Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang.
7.2 Guesthouses:
- Thong Nguyen Guesthouse. Address: Thong Nguyen, Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang.
- Minh Chau Guesthouse. Address: Group 6, Quang Vinh Town, Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang.
- Tien Dat Guesthouse. Address: Quang Vinh Town, Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang.
- Thuan An Guesthouse. Address: Quang Vinh Town, Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang.
- Anh Duy Guesthouse. Address: Thong Nguyen, Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang.
7.3 Homestays:
- Nam Homestay. Address: Suoi Thau 2 Village, Ban Luoc Commune, Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang.
- Long Chieu Homestay. Address: Tan Phong, Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang.
- La Chi Phong Homestay. Address: Ban Phung, Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang.
- Ecolodge Panhou Village. Address: Thong Nguyen, Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang.
- Thanh Van Homestay. Address: Group 1, Quang Vinh Town, Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang.
- For details about accommodation in Hoang Su Phi you may interest.
8. Some important notes when traveling to Hoang Su Phi
To have the most complete trip to Hoang Su Phi, you need to pay attention to the following factors:
- Make reservations as early as possible, especially during peak tourist season.
- If you want to conquer mountain peaks, you should prepare comfortable, warm and protective clothing.
- If you ride a motorbike to explore Hoang Su Phi, you should check the vehicle carefully before riding. You should fill your gas tank and bring spare gasoline.
- If you don’t know the way, you can ask local people.
- You need to bring all necessary documents such as ID card/ID card, driver’s license and vehicle quality check, bring reflective items, check lights and brakes thoroughly before leaving.
- The weather in Hoang Su Phi is quite cold, so when traveling here you need to bring warm clothes and good thermal clothing.
- In addition, you should also bring snacks such as cakes, candy, and drinks because there are quite a few food stalls along the way.
In addition to its scenery, the region also provides opportunities for cultural connection via seasonal celebrations and village life. Watching farmers and believers interact can add depth to your experiences in this mountainous region.
It’s great for
- Photographer, nature lover, solo traveler, young people.
Conclusion:
The time spent in Hoang Su Phi is more than a treat for the eyes; it is an experience that calls for observation. Exploring villages on foot, listening to the locals’ tales, and observing their daily activities are activities that help in appreciating the culture of the region. Visitors interested in exploring further may opt to continue discovering Ha Giang in their journeys. Origin Vietnam undertakes these experiences in a learning way.
