Ha Giang, often synonymous with its famous loop, is a region that has so much more to offer beyond its winding mountain roads.
While many travelers are drawn to Ha Giang for the adrenaline-pumping motorbike tours, Ha Giang City itself is a wonderful destination that deserves exploration.
Were you sitting there thinking you’d just get the night bus from Hanoi, do the Ha Giang Loop, and then get back on another night bus to Ha Long Bay?
Well allow us to show you why exploring Ha Giang City, for at least one day before the loop, is the authentic ‘off the beaten path’ experience you’ve been craving.
1. Stay at Bong Hostel: Your Gateway to Ha Giang
When it comes to exploring Ha Giang City, there’s no better place to start your adventure than Bong Hostel Ha Giang.
Located in the heart of the city, (right where the bus drops you off) Bong Hostel provides a welcoming, comfortable, and convenient home base for travelers eager to discover the many facets of Ha Giang.
Why Bong Hostel is the Ideal Place to Stay
Bong Hostel offers more than just a bed for the night; it’s a hub where travelers from all over the world come together to share stories, plan adventures, and immerse themselves in the local culture.
The hostel’s central location makes it easy to explore Ha Giang City’s attractions, while its friendly staff are always on hand to offer tips, recommendations, and help with arranging tours and activities—keep an eye out for our youngest and most popular staff member, My!
At Bong Hostel, we can organize private rooms and shared dormitories, all of which are clean, cozy, and well-maintained. However, dormitories are our staple so if you require a private room please arrange this with Bong Hanoi Hostel & Tour Office, prior to your stay!
The hostel also offers a range of amenities, including a free breakfast, fast WiFi, hot showers, and an outdoor area with stunning views over the river.
2. Explore the Local Markets: A Feast for the Senses
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture while exploring Ha Giang is by visiting its small market places.
Ha Giang Market
The main market in Ha Giang City is a lively and colorful affair, offering everything from fresh produce and meat to handicrafts and textiles.
Early in the morning, the market is at its busiest, with vendors setting up their stalls and locals haggling for the best prices.
As you wander through the market, you’ll be greeted by the sights, sounds, and smells of Ha Giang—aromatic herbs, sizzling street food, and the chatter of market-goers. They’ll also be super excited to see you since not many tourists stick around for longer than the loop necessitates!
This is the perfect place to sample some of Ha Giang’s traditional foods, such as banh cuon (steamed rice rolls), thang co (a traditional Hmong soup), and a variety of fresh fruits that are unique to the region.
Don’t forget to pick up some local souvenirs, such as handwoven scarves, traditional clothing, or bags of freshly roasted coffee.
Quyet Tien Market
Located just a short drive from Ha Giang City, Quyet Tien Market is another must-visit for those looking to experience the local culture.
This market is held on Saturdays and is a major gathering place for the various ethnic groups that live in the surrounding areas.
The market is a vibrant mix of colors and cultures, with people dressed in traditional attire selling their handmade goods, produce, and livestock.
Visiting Quyet Tien Market offers a deeper understanding of the region’s diversity and provides a unique opportunity to interact with the local people in a more authentic setting.
3. Visit the Ha Giang Museum: A Journey Through History
To discover more about the region's history, a visit to the Ha Giang Museum is a must while exploring Ha Giang City.
The museum provides a fascinating insight into the history, culture, and traditions of the various ethnic groups that call Ha Giang home.
What to Expect at Ha Giang Museum
The museum’s exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from the ancient history of the region to the role it played during the Vietnam War.
One of the highlights is the collection of artifacts related to the 17 different ethnic groups that inhabit Ha Giang, including traditional clothing, tools, and musical instruments.
The museum also features displays on the region’s unique geology, with exhibits showcasing the karst formations that dominate Ha Giang’s landscape.
4. Explore the Tay Ethnic Village of Thon Tha
Just a short drive from Ha Giang City lies the traditional Tay village of Thon Tha, a place where time seems to stand still.
Visiting Thon Tha is like stepping back in time, as the village has retained its traditional way of life, with stilt houses, and terraced fields. If you’re invited inside you’ll often find wedding photos hanging in the houses of neighbours, which demonstrates their strong sense of community and friendship.
What Makes Thon Tha Special
The Tay people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Ha Giang, and Thon Tha is a shining example of their culture and traditions.
The village is surrounded by lush green fields and forests, making it a picturesque destination for a day trip from Ha Giang City.
They’re also very welcoming people who enjoy sharing their customs. They may even allow you to participate in traditional activities such as weaving or farming.
5. Relax at Lung Khuy Cave: A Natural Wonder
For those who enjoy natural beauty, a visit to Lung Khuy Cave is a must while exploring Ha Giang City.
Located about 20 kilometers from the city, this stunning cave is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved in the region.
Discover the Beauty of Lung Khuy Cave
Lung Khuy Cave is known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites, which have formed over thousands of years into intricate and mesmerizing shapes.
The cave is well-lit, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the natural formations, and a well-maintained path makes it easy to explore the interior.
The cave is surrounded by a scenic landscape of mountains and forests, making it a great destination for nature lovers and photographers.
After exploring the cave, you can enjoy a picnic in the surrounding area or take a leisurely hike to enjoy the beautiful views. Whilst here you may even spot a group of Bong Hostel easy riders enjoying a well deserved day off—say hi from us!
6. Experience Local Cuisine: Dining in Ha Giang City
No visit to Ha Giang City is complete without sampling the local cuisine, which is a delightful blend of flavors influenced by the various ethnic groups that live in the region.
From street food stalls to cozy restaurants, there are plenty of opportunities to taste the unique dishes that Ha Giang has to offer.
Must-Try Dishes in Ha Giang
Thang Co: This traditional Hmong dish is a hearty soup made with horse meat, bones, and organs, cooked with a variety of herbs and spices. It’s a dish that’s deeply rooted in the culture of the Hmong people and is often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions.
Banh Cuon: A popular breakfast dish in Ha Giang, banh cuon are steamed rice rolls filled with minced pork and mushrooms, served with a side of dipping sauce. They’re light, flavorful, and perfect for starting your day.
Com Lam: This dish is made from sticky rice that is cooked inside bamboo tubes, giving it a unique flavor and texture. It’s often served with grilled meat or fish and is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Enjoy a Meal at One of Bong Hostel’s Partner Homestays
For a truly authentic dining experience, consider enjoying a meal at one of Bong Hostel’s partner homestays in the Ha Giang area. These homestays offer the opportunity to dine with local families and enjoy home-cooked meals made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
7. Discover the Nightlife: A Different Side of Ha Giang City
While Ha Giang City may not be known for its nightlife, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy an evening out, whether you’re looking for a quiet drink or a lively night of music and dancing.
Bars and Restaurants in Ha Giang City
The city has a growing number of bars and cafes where you can relax with a drink and meet fellow travelers. Some of the popular spots include:
Bong Hostel: Did you want a restaurant, bar, and accommodation in one? Because that’s what we’re offering. The menu at Café Bong features a selection of local and international dishes, as well as a variety of drinks. Downstairs in our bar area, there’s music, a pool table, and foozeball to keep you entertained all night long—bonus points to anyone who can beat our staff: Trinh, Kien, Vinh, and Thanh!
Pizza Here: A great and stylish place to visit after the loop, if you need the comfort of a western diet once more, which we often do!
Sports Bar: If you’re in the mood for a lively evening, the Sports Bar is one of the coolest spots in Ha Giang City, offering a mix of music, drinks, and a fun atmosphere, all to the backdrop of some sports game or other on the big screens.
8. Climb to the Top of Ha Giang City
For breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment, a climb to the top of Ha Giang City is a must. Perched on a mountain overlooking the city, there’s a charming coffee shop that offers the perfect reward after your climb. Although be warned, the coffee shop is only half way up, if you really want to see the city (and beyond) you gotta keep going!
As you ascend the steps leading to the top, you’ll pass by a temple and enjoy glimpses of the city below. Once you reach the summit, snap a photo and settle down to enjoy the sunset over the city. This spot is popular for locals and you’ll often see them working out along the way!
9. Go on a Hike
For those who love the great outdoors, Ha Giang City offers several nearby hikes that showcase the natural beauty of the region. Just a short distance from the city, you’ll find trails that take you through lush forests, past terraced fields, and up to viewpoints that offer stunning panoramas of the surrounding landscape.
These hikes are a great way to experience the diverse terrain of Ha Giang and to connect with nature, all while staying close to the city. Or, perhaps you’re doing some training for your upcoming hike up Fansipan in Sapa with Bong Hostel. Either way, this is a great way to get your steps in!
10. Discover Coffee on the River
If you’re looking for a more laid-back way to enjoy the beauty of Ha Giang City, head down to the river where a collection of quaint coffee shops await. These riverside cafes are the perfect place to start your day or to relax after a day of adventure.
Offering a range of Vietnamese coffee favorites—like salt coffee, egg coffee, and good old strong black coffee with condensed milk (cà phê sữa đá)—these spots also have stunning views over the river.
Our favorites include:
E-Coffee Ha Giang: Right next to Bong Hostel, this coffee shop is perfect. You can roll out of bed, crawl down the stairs and out the back door, and stumble right into your latest caffeine fix. Or at least, that's what we do!
Lofita: A little bit of a longer walk—but still only 10 minutes—this place serves yummy teas and has lots of quiet areas for working digital nomads.
As you sip your coffee, you can watch the gentle flow of the water and watch the little house boats bobbing along. The peaceful atmosphere and picturesque setting make these cafes a great place to unwind, whether you’re planning your next adventure or simply enjoying the moment.
Must Read: 12+ Coffees to Try in North Vietnam.
Our Thoughts on Exploring Ha Giang City
We believe Ha Giang City is a beautiful place worth exploring. So we really hope that before or after your Bong Hostel Ha Giang Loop tour, you will spend a couple of extra days enjoying it too!
Book your stay at Bong Hostel today (it's the perfect base in the region after all) and start your journey of exploration in this beautiful and culturally rich city.
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