Welcome to the charming district of Hoang Su Phi, located in Ha Giang province in northern Vietnam, not far from the Chinese border. Hoang Su Phi is a picturesque, authentic destination with breathtaking scenery, a rich culture and delicious cuisine.
Introducing
Nestled in the mountains of northern Vietnam, Hoang Su Phi is a remote and striking district that offers hikers and trekkers an unforgettable experience. With its impressive rice terraces, authentic ethnic villages and majestic natural landscapes, Hoang Su Phi is an ideal destination for lovers of adventure and exploration.
Hoang Su Phi is reputed for its rice terraces - Photo : Mr Linh's adventures
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
1. Location and access
Hoang Su Phi is set in the majestic mountains of the Hoang Lien Son range, some 300 kilometers northwest of Hanoi, Vietnam's thousand-year-old capital.
This mountainous region is famous for its spectacular rice terraces, which offer a breathtaking spectacle all year round. Green valleys, winding rivers and rugged peaks create a landscape that is both magnificent and serene, offering visitors a unique and unforgettable experience.
2. How to get to Hoang Su Phi
✓ By bus: There is currently no direct bus service between Hanoi and Hoang Su Phi. You'll need to take a bus from the My Dinh bus station in Ha Giang, get off at the Bac Quang crossroads and take another bus to the town of Vinh Quang (Hoang Su Phi), or ask the driver where to get off. It's about 58 km from Bac Quang to Vinh Quang.
- Price: Hanoi - Ha Giang: 350,000 VND/pax.
- -Journey time: 6 - 9 hours (depending on bus)
- Times: 4.00 AM - 12.00 AM for the day bus. And from 19.30 to 21.30 for the night bus.
Advantages: Inexpensive
Disadvantages: several transits, travel plan affected if bus breaks down, difficult to communicate with drivers who don't know English, risk of getting lost if you get off at the wrong place, not often chosen by tourists.
✓ By motorcycle: For the more adventurous, it's possible to rent a motorcycle and ride the winding road to Hoang Su Phi. It's a long ride (around 7 hours) but offers hypnotic scenery through the Tay Con Linh range.
✓ By private car: This is the most comfortable option, but also the most expensive. The journey takes around 7 to 8 hours.
Rural life in Hoang Su Phi district - Photo : Mr Linh's adventures
3. Ideal season for hiking in the Hoang Su Phi region
The ideal time to visit Hoang Su Phi is between September and November, when the rice terraces are at their peak and take on golden hues. This is when you can capture the most striking images and enjoy an unforgettable visual experience. It's also a good time to visit between March and May, when the rhododendrons are in full bloom, enhancing the scenery. Bear in mind that late May-early June marks the re-watering of the rice paddies, and June to September is the jade season, when the paddies are in full growth, offering an intoxicating array of greens.
Good to know: from October to May, the weather gets cooler and cooler, and there's no heavy rainfall (although the rice paddies are not pretty to look at during this fallow period), while the months of June to October constantly see heavy rainfall, leading to road blockages and hazards such as landslides.
4. Accommodation and food
Homestays: The most authentic and friendly option for accommodation in Hoang Su Phi is to stay with local people.
Hotels: There are also a few hotels and youth hostels in the district, but the choice is more limited.
Eating out: Local cuisine is simple and tasty. You'll find restaurants in the villages, and you'll be able to feast with the locals.
Hoang Su Phi's culinary specialities
If you don't know the cuisine of a region, you can't claim to know it. To appreciate all its nuances, we encourage you to try grilled fish with wild pepper, banana flower salad and, of course, the famous Com Lam (rice cooked in bamboo). For the more adventurous, try field rat skewers, a specialty of the La Chi people. All served with a glass of Nang Don rice alcohol. Also on the menu is Thang Co, a traditional dish of the Hmong ethnic minority, made with simmered horse or beef meat, herbs and spices. It's a real feast for lovers of hearty, tasty meals.
Hoang Su Phi Landscape - Photo : Mr Linh's adventures
TREKKING IN HOANG SU PHI REGION
Hoang Su Phi offers a wide selection of hikes and trekking tours to suit all levels, from simple strolls to multi-day excursions.
It's worth pointing out that the Hoang Su Phi region lacks preservation and is less frequented by tourists than other destinations in Vietnam. It is therefore advisable to enlist the help of an experienced local guide to accompany you on your excursions and hikes, guaranteeing your safety and an immersive experience.
Here are a few examples of popular treks and hikes:
Easy hike (2-4 hours)
✓ Hike through the villages of Nam Ty and Thong Nguyen: This hike is like an open window on the daily life of local ethnic minorities, while offering the enchanting spectacle of picturesque rice terraces.
Easy trek (1-2 days)
✓ Ban Luoc - Nam Ty: This trek passes through rice terraces and ethnic villages.
Moderate trek (3-4 days)
✓ Trek from Ban Luoc to Thong Nguyen (3 days): This easy trek passes through magnificent rice terraces and offers magnificent panoramas of the region.
✓ Trek from Nam Hong to Sin Man (4 days): This medium-difficulty trek passes through ethnic villages and also offers spectacular mountain panoramas.
On the road to Hoang Su Phi - Photo : Mr Linh's adventures
Advanced trek (3-4 days)
✓ Passing through the villages of Ban Luoc, Ban Phung and Ban Peo: This longer trek takes you through the villages of Ban Luoc, ✓ Ban Phung and Ban Peo, offering an immersive experience of the region's impressive landscapes. You'll travel through verdant valleys, magnificent rice terraces and meet warmly smiling locals. You'll discover their ancestral customs and deepen your understanding of life in ethnic communities.
Difficult trek (5 days or more)
✓ Hoang Su Phi loop: This trek of around 7 days is the longest and most difficult in the region, but offers unique and unforgettable scenery.
✓ Ta Van to Lung Cam trek (5 days): This challenging trek through wild and remote landscapes is best suited to experienced trekkers.
✓ Trek to Mount Tay Con Linh: This trek is recommended for experienced trekkers looking for a challenge. On reaching the summit of Mount Tay Con Linh, Vietnam's second highest peak, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramas. The trek requires good physical condition and adequate preparation.
Let's finish with a flexible trek (it can be done in 2 or 4 days) and with varying levels of difficulty (depending on the itinerary chosen and the trekker's experience):
✓ Hoang Su Phi - Xin Man: a walk with breathtaking views over the Hoang Su Phi rice terraces, considered among the most beautiful in Vietnam. Hikers will also pass through the traditional villages of the Hmong, Dao and Tay peoples, where they can learn more about their way of life and culture.
Traditional H'mong costumes - Photo : Mr Linh's adventures
Tips for getting ready
- ♦ Choosing the right trek: It's particularly important to select a trek that suits your fitness level and desires.
- ♦ Equipment : Make sure you wear comfortable, hiking-appropriate clothing and sturdy hiking boots.
- ♦ Good physical condition is crucial for trekking.
- ♦ You may wish to enlist the help of a local guide to accompany you on your trek.
Conclusion
Hoang Su Phi, in northern Vietnam, is a hidden treasure of breathtaking scenery, rich culture and delectable cuisine. Whether you're a nature lover, an adventurer in search of cultural discoveries, or simply a curious gourmand, this region has something to offer everyone. Hoang Su Phi is a unique and authentic destination that offers hikers and trekkers an unforgettable experience. With its spectacular scenery, ethnic villages and vibrant culture, Hoang Su Phi is a true gem of northern Vietnam.
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