Suggested Itinerary for a Basic Ha Giang (Northern Vietnam) Trip

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Ha Giang province is unique; you could explore the entire province, but most visitors focus on the highlands, specifically the main route:

The Quan Ba – Yen Minh – Dong Van – Meo Vac route (National Highway 4C)
This is the most famous and popular route in Ha Giang, also known as the "Happiness Road."

Suggested Itinerary:

Day 1: Ha Giang – Quan Ba – Yen Minh – Dong Van
* Visit the Twin Mountains (Núi Đôi) and Heaven's Gate (Cổng trời) in Quan Ba.
* Travel to Yen Minh.
* Visit the Vương Dynasty Mansion (Dinh thự họ Vương).
* Visit the Lũng Cú Flagpole (Cột cờ Lũng Cú).
* Arrive in Dong Van and explore the old town in the evening.

Day 2: Dong Van – Ma Pi Leng – Meo Vac
* Explore the old town in the morning. Visit the Dong Van market (daily market; if it's a weekend, visit the weekend market instead).
* Optionally, climb Dong Van's Cao Fort (Đồn Cao) for panoramic views of the town.
* Conquer Ma Pi Leng Pass and admire the Tu San Gorge (hẻm vực Tu Sản).
* Arrive in Meo Vac and visit the weekend market (if traveling on a weekend).

Day 3: Meo Vac – Ha Giang
* Travel back to Ha Giang.

Important Notes:

* Transportation: Motorbikes are the most common way to explore Ha Giang. You can also rent a car if traveling in a group.
* Weather: Ha Giang's weather is unpredictable. Pack warm clothes and rain gear.
* Documents: Bring your ID and driver's license.
* Food: Enjoy Ha Giang specialties such as thắng cố (horse meat stew), cháo ấu tẩu (a type of porridge), and bánh cuốn trứng (egg crepes).
* Preparation: Ha Giang is mountainous. Bring sturdy hiking boots and other gear suitable for the terrain. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
* Caution: Highway 4C has many winding, steep sections. Drive carefully.

This itinerary is flexible and can be adjusted based on your fitness level, time, and budget.

(Image from a brochure published by the Ha Giang Department of Tourism.)