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Written by: Vicky Nguyen
Updated date:02/10/2025
Contents
Hello, I’m Vicky from the Marketing team at Asia Viva Travel, one of participants who joines in the Inspection Trip in Ha Giang with Asia Viva Travel.
In September 2025, our entire staff joined the year’s most important survey trip to Ha Giang. This journey was dedicated to exploring key destinations, accommodations, and dining services with the goal of refining our tour itineraries, enhancing service quality, and diversifying experiences to better meet travelers’ expectations.
Ha Giang Survey 2025
To ensure the trip brought back the most valuable insights, we carefully planned the schedule, destinations, and team assignments as follows:
Location: Ha Giang
Dates: 12.09 – 16.09.2025
Purpose: Evaluate every service from the smallest things like transportation, hotels & homestays, route feasibility, road quality, local restaurants.
Staff: Operation Team + Marketing & Sales team + Product Manager
– Focused on assessing logistics and safety, including transportation options (cars, motorbikes, and a 29-seat coach) and road conditions across Ha Giang’s winding passes.
– They collaborated with local drivers to verify travel times, evaluated safe stopping points (e.g., scenic viewpoints at Ma Pi Leng Pass), and tested the feasibility of the 5-day itinerary to ensure comfort and reliability for future travelers.
– Review hotel rooms included in the itinerary as well as survey nearby locations, check restaurants for service and food.
Asia Viva Travel’s Operations Team
– Engaged directly with local communities, homestay owners, and service providers to assess hospitality standards and cultural authenticity.
– Tested adventure activities, such as motorbike routes on Happiness Road and trekking in Hoang Su Phi, to evaluate suitability for different traveler profiles (e.g., adventurers, families). They provided feedback on accessibility, safety, and cultural engagement to tailor future tour offerings.
Asia Viva Travel’s Sales Team from all Markets
– Documented firsthand experiences, from cultural interactions
– They collected visual and sensory details to create compelling narratives that showcase Ha Giang’s unique charm for future promotions.
Asia Viva Travel’s Marketing Team
– Oversaw the survey’s strategic goals, assessing the balance of adventure, culture, and relaxation in the itinerary.
– They evaluated accommodations for comfort and authenticity and identified opportunities to develop new tour packages, such as shorter 3-day options or family-friendly cultural experiences.
Asia Viva Travel’s Product Managers
From September 12 to 16, 2025, our Operations and Marketing & Sales Teams conducted a comprehensive 5-day survey trip across Ha Giang to evaluate its key destinations, logistics, and experiences.
The itinerary below outlines the routes, distances, and activities we assessed to ensure a balanced and authentic travel experience for future tours.
Ha Giang’s Itinerary in 5 days
With this itinerary, we balanced travel time, cultural exploration, and relaxation, ensuring that within just 5 days we could experience and survey every highlight of Ha Giang. The 5-day journey has long been our recommended option for travelers seeking a complete Ha Giang experience. However, after this trip, not only did we refine our classic 5D4N tour, but we also designed a brand-new 2–3 day itinerary. This shorter program still captures the essence of Ha Giang, especially with the inclusion of Xin Man – a unique route newly explored in depth by Asia Viva Travel.
– The journey to Ha Giang is long – whether from Hanoi (the most logical starting point) or between attractions within the province. Therefore, it’s essential to select reliable transport providers that ensure safety, comfortable seating, and drivers/guides with solid knowledge of the routes.
– As Ha Giang is a mountainous region with challenging conditions, road quality can be inconsistent and weather-dependent. This makes it crucial to plan the itinerary timing carefully to maintain both safety and comfort.
– Classified activities into clear categories – exploration, experience, challenge, relaxation – to propose suitable tour designs.
– Cultural & Relaxation Highlights: Đồng Văn Sunday Market, Shan Tuyết tea experience.
– Adventure Highlights: Ma Pi Leng Pass, Hoàng Su Phì trekking.
– From authentic firsthand experiences, we can now shape future products, offering realistic visuals and insights so travelers gain the most accurate impression of Ha Giang.
– Important to remind travelers about potential issues such as weather conditions or service quality limitations.
Our Operations and Marketing & Sales Teams evaluated key destinations and logistics to ensure high-quality tours. Below are our key findings:
For the 5-day itinerary, we found this timeframe not only sufficient but also deeply fulfilling, offering a wide range of emotions and experiences. The schedule was well-balanced and thoughtfully aligned with special weekly events, allowing us to enjoy unique cultural moments such as:
– Highland Sunday Market: a vibrant cultural gathering that only takes place once a week, where travelers can immerse themselves in the bustling trade of the mountain communities.
– Dong Van Old Quarter: a lively “festival” by night, where visitors and locals dance together around the fire in a joyous celebration.
Dong Van market and Old Town
Most remarkably, Ha Giang is home to more than 17 ethnic minority groups. During our journey, we were fortunate to arrive in Lo Lo Chai village just in time for the Ancestor Worship Festival – a major celebration held only once every three years. This rare occasion gave us the chance not only to observe but to truly participate: to feel the rhythm of the music, hear the jingling of silver ornaments on colorful traditional costumes, and share laughter that transcended cultural boundaries.
The Ancestors Worship festival
The itinerary also featured several must-see highlights that every traveler should experience in Ha Giang:
Ha Giang Trekking
Nho Que River – Tu San Canyon
Trekking and Village Experiences in Ha Giang
Ma Pi Leng Pass
Lung Tam weaving village
This itinerary served as a valuable tool for Asia Viva Travel to assess the flexibility of services, as well as the richness of cultural and natural experiences in Ha Giang. Based on these insights, we are confident that in the future, our offerings will become even more diverse—designed with carefully balanced schedules, guaranteed quality standards, and tailored to match the exact type of journey each traveler seeks.
These findings reflect Asia Viva Travel’s commitment to delivering safe, authentic, and memorable journeys, informed by our teams’ hands-on fieldwork.
Covering over 300 km from Hanoi and navigating Ha Giang’s challenging terrain, our teams assessed logistics, road conditions, and traveler preferences. Below are our key findings:
– Confirmed the Hanoi to Ha Giang route (over 300 km) involves mountain passes and occasional dirt roads, requiring careful planning.
– Identified winding passes and potential landslides in Ha Giang, emphasizing the need for local drivers and guides familiar with the terrain to ensure safety and save travel time.
– Noted scenic viewpoints (e.g., panoramic bends, waterfalls) along routes, with our team testing safe stopping points for photo opportunities to enhance traveler experiences.
– Tested a 29-seat coach for our large group, which navigated Ha Giang’s roads smoothly, confirming suitability for group tours with transfer vehicles for narrower routes.
– Assessed 4–7 seat cars and limousines as ideal for small groups, offering comfort and flexibility.
During my journey, I observed that traveling by car is highly recommended. It not only ensures the itinerary stays on schedule but also provides drivers who are familiar with the routes, often knowing shortcuts that make the trip smoother, especially important since Ha Giang’s mountain roads can be prone to landslides during heavy rain or storms.
Traveling by car also allows you to rest more comfortably during long transfers, which makes a big difference on such extensive routes.
While Asia Viva Travel does not sell motorbike tours in Ha Giang, I would like to share an important reminder for those considering this option: you must hold a valid international driving license. Local police enforce this strictly, and fines can be severe. Please respect traffic laws and prioritize your safety above all else, do not rely on rental shops that claim an international license isn’t necessary. Your well-being is always more important than convenience.
Transportation for Ha Giang trip
Based on the schedule, at each location we will choose a hotel/homestay and then also survey the surrounding accommodation locations to find other options. The list of accommodation locations below is also arranged according to the travel schedule.
On our first night, we stayed in a Dao ethnic village in Nam Dam Commune, where accommodations are designed as cozy wooden bungalows of varying sizes. The location is peaceful—set amid rice fields and close to a small waterfall—and the rooms, though without air-conditioning, stay comfortable thanks to the cool mountain climate. Private bathrooms are spacious and fully equipped, with extra blankets provided when needed.
The family-run homestay serves freshly prepared local meals and gives guests the chance to interact with the Dao community. It also offers traditional herbal treatments, such as foot soaks (available anytime) and full herbal baths (to be booked in advance), which we found refreshing and authentic. With its tranquil garden space for dining or bonfires, this homestay is a charming option for travelers seeking both comfort and cultural immersion.
Hong Thu Homestay & Bungalow
In Dong Van, the atmosphere is busier as this is the central hub of Ha Giang’s northern region, attracting many travelers. Here, we stayed at Dong Van Ville H’Mong Hotel, located just a short distance from the Old Quarter.
Dong Van Ville Du H’Mong Hotel
The hotel is spacious, with ample parking and friendly staff. Each room includes air-conditioning, a TV, and a private balcony—guests can choose between views of the town or rice fields. Rooms are bright and comfortable, though power outlets are limited and not always close to the bed. Bathrooms are small but well equipped, with essentials provided and even a hair dryer. Because of the location near rice fields and the hotel’s height, insects can appear; however, mosquito nets and protective screens are installed for convenience.
Additional services include laundry, motorbike rentals, and assistance with Ha Giang Loop bookings.
While the hotel is close to Dong Van Old Quarter, it requires a 5–10 minute walk. For travelers wanting to stay right next to the Old Quarter, we also surveyed several similar options nearby to provide more choices:
– Hoàng Ngọc Hotel ( Hoang Ngoc Hotel)
– Hoa Cương Hotel ( Hoa Cuong Hotel)
Located in Tha village, a peaceful Tay ethnic minority community just about 5 km from Ha Giang city center, we chose to stay at Mr. Cay Homestay.
The rooms here are built entirely of wood, each designed as a small private cabin. Inside, you will find solid wooden beds, air conditioning, and fully equipped bathrooms. Though the space is not very large, it feels warm and authentic.
Surrounding the homestay is a rustic landscape: a small swimming pool, an open courtyard, and lush rice fields stretching right beside the property, creating a fresh and tranquil atmosphere.
Mr. Cay Homestay – Tha village
Guests can enjoy a variety of relaxing activities such as trekking around the village, visiting nearby waterfalls for a refreshing swim, taking a dip in the homestay’s pool, or even spending the evening singing karaoke with friends.
One of the most memorable highlights is the opportunity to connect with Mr. Cay – the host, a war veteran. After a delicious homemade dinner, guests are invited to listen to his stories about past battles as well as the life and traditions of the Tay people. Adding to this unique cultural exchange, Mr. Cay once worked in Italy, which gave him a deep understanding of international guests’ tastes. Thanks to that, breakfasts at the homestay often feature a European touch, such as homemade crepes served with bananas freshly picked from the family’s garden.
This experience goes far beyond accommodation – it is an immersion into both history and culture, making every moment in Tha village unforgettable.
During our visit and stopover at Tha Village, we noticed that about 15 km away lies Xa Phin Commune, another very authentic village. It is an ideal spot for travelers who wish to go trekking and admire the terraced rice fields. Interestingly, the rice here is planted a bit later, which means the golden harvest season can last until late October and even early November.
Nestled among Hoang Su Phi’s iconic rice terraces, this community-based stay features bamboo and wooden bungalows with wide windows overlooking the fields. Rooms are simple but comfortable, equipped with basic amenities. There’s no air conditioning, yet the cool mountain nights make it pleasant.
The main house doubles as a reception and small restaurant; note that the bungalows are spread out, so assistance may require a short walk (a contact number is provided).
Facilities include a pool, outdoor tea area with Shan Tuyet tea – picked by the locals every morning , and the chance to try the Dao Red herbal bath or foot soak. Guests can also join the host for guided treks through villages, forests, and hilltops for sweeping views of the terraces.
Hoang Su Phi Homestay
After surveying multiple properties, we noted several important points for travelers:
– Book early in peak season: The busiest times are March–May and especially mid-September to late October, when the rice terraces turn green and golden. To secure the best options, book accommodations well in advance—or reach out to Asia Viva Travel for assistance.
– Choose based on your needs: Ha Giang is a mountainous region where services can still be limited. Staying in community-based tourism villages or in areas closer to town centers will make transportation, dining, and shopping more convenient.
– Rely on local expertise: Don’t hesitate to connect with locals for authentic experiences—they know the terrain best. Avoid traveling entirely on your own to ensure safety and discover shorter routes to your desired destinations.
– Opt for places with dining services: Many homestays and hotels provide local meals. This allows you to enjoy specialties without the hassle of traveling far.
During our research, we tried as many local dishes as possible to find a neutral, not too strong flavor because some dishes in Ha Giang are marinated with strong spices from mountain herbs, sometimes it can be a bit difficult to eat, however, most of the restaurants surveyed, the dishes are prepared cleanly, deliciously, guaranteed delicious – cheap and quality. Moreover, we confirm that most dishes are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, suitable for travelers with dietary restrictions.
Some recommended restaurants that we tried and highly recommend:
A rustic lakeside stopover with countryside charm, perfect for a relaxing lunch break on the long road from Hanoi to Ha Giang.
– Breezy lakeside setting with a peaceful, rustic vibe.
– Simple but tasty dishes (ginger chicken, braised fish, fried potatoes).
– Friendly and attentive service.
– Popular with travelers – gives a sense of reliability.
– Food is basic, not gourmet.
– Can get busy; advisable to call and pre-order 30 minutes in advance to avoid waiting.
A warm, home-like restaurant in Ha Giang, run by descendants of the famous Vuong family, offering both a cultural touch and authentic highland flavors.
– Cozy, intimate atmosphere with traditional décor and family photos.
– Authentic highland cuisine, bold and distinctive in flavor.
– Generous portions, making it great for sharing.
– Dining here feels like stepping into local culture, not just eating a meal.
– Some dishes are strongly seasoned – may not suit every palate.
– Large portion sizes might lead to food waste if not ordered carefully (better to choose smaller portions).
One of the most recommended dining spots by both locals and travelers, famous for its signature sturgeon hotpot with a light, flavorful broth.
– Spacious and welcoming atmosphere, great for groups.
– Sturgeon hotpot is light, naturally sweet, and easy to enjoy.
– Wide variety of fresh ingredients for dipping.
– Unique local rice cake bánh đá adds a special touch to the hotpot.
– Restaurant can get crowded during peak hours.
– Service may be slow; best to order multiple items at once.
After visiting the Nho Que River, we stopped by Ngoc Lan Restaurant – a small, modest eatery that surprisingly draws many foreign visitors. The menu is simple, featuring everyday dishes like stir-fried pork, vegetable soup, and fried tofu. Its convenient location along the route, combined with consistent flavor, makes it a reliable stop.
– Conveniently located near Nho Que River
– Simple but tasty local dishes
– Popular among both locals and foreign travelers
– The restaurant is quite small
– Guests help themselves to water
– Best to place your order about 30 minutes in advance
Food in Ha Giang tells the story of the mountains and their people – simple ingredients, prepared with care. Warm, freshly prepared meals are especially comforting on Ha Giang’s cool evening, making dinings happens more wonderful.
– Buffalo meat: smoky dried, stir-fried, or stewed; rich in flavor and nutrition.
– Black chicken: prized for its dark skin and tender meat; often cooked in herbal soups or grilled.
– Bamboo shoots: harvested when farmers go to the mountains to work, cut and brought back on the same day, have a slightly sour taste and are crunchy.
Ha Giang’s cuisine is also surprisingly friendly to visitors with dietary restrictions. Most dishes are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, featuring rice, wild vegetables, pork, and buffalo. For those craving Western options like pasta or pizza, these can only be found in central areas such as Ha Giang City or Dong Van Town.
Food in Ha Giang
The inspection trip to Ha Giang has reaffirmed the philosophy of “experience first – recommend later.” Every site visited, every service tested, and every activity engaged in has allowed Asia Viva Travel to refine and ensure the highest standards of safety, authenticity, and quality for future tours.
Ha Giang is more than just a destination – it is a living cultural tapestry interwoven with breathtaking landscapes and heartfelt human connections. The journey highlighted not only the province’s iconic attractions but also the nuances that travelers truly value: comfort, safety, and genuine local encounters.
Looking ahead, Asia Viva Travel is committed to making Ha Giang a must-include destination in upcoming tour products. Continuous inspections will be carried out to discover new services, expand diverse experiences, and create itineraries that adapt seamlessly to travelers’ needs.
Inspection Trip in Ha Giang by Asia Viva Travel
