Acquired its reputation for being Vietnam’s Northernmost point as well as owning stunning landscape that is hard to be found elsewhere in Vietnam, Hagiang has become a prominent tourist attraction that attracts thousands of avid travelers every year come to this mountainous land.
A sight of Ma Pi Leng Pass from above
In order to experience the beauty of Hagiang to the fullest, tourists often choose to do the Hagiang Loop which can bring tourists to the most outstanding visiting points in Hagiang such as Quan Ba Twin Mountain, Meo Vac Valley, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Dong Van karst plateau and so on. However, people often wonder about how can the Hagiang Loop be carried out perfectly, what is the most suitable route and which accommodations they should choose so that they can gain the most authentic experience – staying and eating with ethnic people when they visit Hagiang. Under is one of many routes that can take you to learn, to experience and to enjoy this highland area in every corners that I have done months ago and now I would like to share it to anyone who are planning on visiting Hagiang in the near future.
Dong Van Karst Plateau
It is highly recommended that visitors take an early drive in the morning by bus from Hanoi – normally the bus will come to pick the guests up around the Old Quarter - to Hagiang with a lunch in between when we pass Tuyen Quang Province. Along the way you can witness the magnificent landscape passing by the window as we are approaching nearer to Hagiang.
On the first night, we can stay overnight at Mr. Doan Homestay – a traditional Tay’s house on stilt in Ha Thanh Village which is just about 7 km away from Hagiang Town to the West at around 4PM. Here visitor will have time to unpack their belongings, stroll around the village and communicate with ethnic people. You can also walk to the nearby waterfall, take a deep breath and immerse yourself in the cool water. In the evening, you will have a chance to enjoy a homemade dinner with 100% natural, self-grown vegetables by the family host.
Mr Doan Homestay – Ha Thanh Village
On the second day, after getting the permission from the immigration office, the journey can continue with a drive to Heaven Gate and Quan Ba Twin Mountain in Tam Son Town, from which you can gasp an overview of the surrounding areas. After lunch you can pay a visit to the Vuong palace – one of the most luxury houses in the North of Vietnam in the 1900s heavily influenced by the Chinese ancient architecture. Then you can return to Dong Van Town where you will stay overnight at Hoa Cuong hotel – a well-facilitated hotel located right in the heart of the town. At night, tourist can unwind themselves by exploring the Dong Van Ancient Town – a popular trading point in the past on their own way.
.jpg)
Quan Ba Twin Mountain
On the third day of travelling, for early risers, you can take a hike to the Pu Lo - the nearby ruined fortress built in the France colonial in 1890 and evacuated in 1945, from which you can enjoy a spectacular view of the entire region.
Pu Lo Fortress
After that we will travel to Ma Pi Leng Pass – a highlight visiting point that cannot be missed when visiting Hagiang, perches on the edge of a mighty mountain range.
Ma Pi Leng Pass
Here you can try a 10km of trekking along the pass in a small path which may take quite a few hours but worth trying. From the trekking route you can get an incredible view underneath with the winding Nho Que River running between the mountain ranges and stretching into distance. After doing a long zig zag drive, in the evening tourist can stay overnight, try the specialties of Dzao people at Mr. Dat Homestay in Nam Dam village and relax after a tiresome day.
Mr Dat Homestay – Nam Dam Village
Lastly, on the fourth day in exploring Hagiang Loop, it’s time to get back to Hanoi by the same route with a lunch on the way. You can also make some stops to take pictures and make the most of your last bit of time of this magnificent land before arriving at Hanoi at around 6PM.