Ha Giang, the land at the northernmost tip of Vietnam, always holds a magical attraction for travel enthusiasts. Not only famous for its majestic mountain passes and vibrant highland markets, Ha Giang also captivates visitors with the heart-stirring beauty of the buckwheat flower season. Every autumn, the Dong Van Karst Plateau is dyed pink by the gentle hues of these flowers, creating a natural painting that is both poetic and magnificent.
The Ha Giang buckwheat flower season has become a tourism symbol, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from all over to admire its beauty. More than just flower viewing, coming to Ha Giang this season allows you to immerse yourself in the bustling festival atmosphere, explore the unique cultural features of ethnic minorities, and experience the distinctive cuisine of the rocky highlands.
Tourists check in at the Ha Giang Buckwheat Flower Festival
Ha Giang Buckwheat Flower Festival is an attractive cultural and tourist destination.
The Ha Giang Buckwheat Flower Festival is not only an occasion to honor the beauty of this unique flower but also an opportunity to promote Ha Giang tourism, introduce traditional cultural values, and local agricultural products. At the festival, visitors can participate in many cultural, sports, and unique experiences:
- Boat race on Tu San canyon, Ma Pi Leng: Challenge your courage and strength on the emerald green Nho Que River, weaving through towering cliffs.
- Kayak race at Quan Ba: Paddle through the waves on the peaceful lake surface, admiring the poetic natural scenery of Quan Ba.
- Cross-country race conquering Ma Pi Leng Pass: Challenge your limits on the legendary mountain pass, overlooking the majestic panorama of Ma Pi Leng.
- Traditional Buckwheat Cake Making Contest: Admire the skillful hands of local artisans in preparing specialty cakes from buckwheat seeds.
- Experience folk games: Relive your childhood with traditional games such as swings, seesaws, and ném pao at Ngan Chai village, Yen Minh.
- Explore ethnic cultural tourism villages: Learn about the cultural life and unique customs of the Mong, Giay, and Lo Lo people in Meo Vac.
When Does Ha Giang Buckwheat Flower Season Bloom?
“October calls you to Ha Giang, to see the buckwheat flowers bloom in pink.” This familiar saying is deeply ingrained in the minds of those who love Ha Giang, affirming that the ideal time to see buckwheat flowers is around October and November. This is when the flowers are in full bloom, displaying their vibrant colors across the hillsides and valleys.
However, if you cannot come to Ha Giang during the peak season, don’t worry! Around April – May, off-season buckwheat flowers also bloom, bringing a pure, pristine beauty with gentle white hues. Although not as vibrant as the main season, April – May buckwheat flowers are still captivating for romantic souls.
Buckwheat flower season in Ha Giang
Pink-purple buckwheat flowers stretch across the hills of Ha Giang.
Ha Giang is not the only place with buckwheat flowers, but it is known as the “capital” of this flower. Ha Giang has the largest buckwheat flower growing area in the country, along with a unique buckwheat flower festival, creating a special attraction for Ha Giang tourism in the autumn.
Guide to Traveling to Ha Giang to See Buckwheat Flowers
To get to Ha Giang to see buckwheat flowers, you can choose from several means of transportation, depending on your preferences and personal circumstances:
Traveling by Passenger Car:
This is a popular and preferred means of transport for many tourists due to its convenience and safety. Hanoi – Ha Giang bus routes operate continuously, with many different departure times. To save time and have more time for fun, you should choose buses departing from Hanoi in the evening (around 9 pm) at My Dinh bus station. The bus will arrive in Ha Giang city the next morning (around 5 am).
Currently, passenger car companies going to Ha Giang use high-quality sleeper buses, ensuring comfort for passengers throughout the journey. Bus fares range from VND 260,000 – VND 350,000/person, depending on the bus company and booking time. Some reputable bus companies you can refer to:
| Bus Company Name | Departure Time (Hanoi) | Departure Time (Ha Giang) | Contact Phone Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hung Thanh | 08:30 – 10:05 – 10:15 – 14:30 – 19:30 | Hanoi: 0988 287741 Ha Giang: 0989 416416 | |
| Hai Van | 21:00 | 20:35 | Hanoi: 0944 962323 Ha Giang: 0946 692323 |
| Bang Phan | 21:00 | 21:00 | 0219 3887867 0915 223171 |
| Cau Me | 07:30 – 09:30 – 21:00 | 08:20 – 10:30 – 21:00 | Ha Giang: 0946 445099 My Dinh: 0946 445369 |
| Ngoc Ha | 13:00 – 20:30 | 08:00 – 14:00 | 1900888684 |
After arriving in Ha Giang city, you can rent a self-drive motorbike or take an intercity bus to travel to buckwheat flower viewing spots. Motorbike rental prices in Ha Giang range from VND 150,000 – VND 250,000/day, depending on the type of motorbike and rental location. Remember to bring all personal papers (ID card/Citizen ID, driver’s license, vehicle registration) when renting a motorbike.
Traveling by Self-Drive Motorbike:
For young people who are passionate about backpacking and have experience driving long distances, a motorbike is an excellent choice to explore Ha Giang during the buckwheat flower season. Backpacking Ha Giang by motorbike offers freedom, initiative in your itinerary, and the opportunity to fully admire the majestic beauty of the Northwest mountains and forests.
Traveling to Ha Giang by motorbike is an enjoyable experience
Ha Giang backpacking route during buckwheat flower season is always attractive to travel enthusiasts.
However, traveling to Ha Giang by motorbike is quite time-consuming (about 7 – 8 hours from Hanoi) and requires good health. You need to plan reasonable rest stops along the way to ensure safety. Some popular routes from Hanoi to Ha Giang by motorbike:
- Route 1: Hanoi – National Highway 32 – Son Tay – Trung Ha Bridge – Co Tiet – Phong Chau Bridge – Along the Thao River – Phu Tho Town – Doan Hung – Tuyen Quang – National Highway 2 – Ha Giang (about 300km).
- Route 2: Hanoi – Vinh Phuc – Viet Tri – Phu Tho – Tuyen Quang – Ha Giang (National Highway 2C and National Highway 2, about 280km).
Preparing Luggage for Your Ha Giang Buckwheat Flower Trip
Ha Giang has high mountainous terrain and a cool climate, especially in autumn when the weather is chilly. Therefore, careful luggage preparation is extremely important for you to have a comfortable and complete trip:
Clothing Luggage:
Prioritize warm, long-sleeved clothes, windbreakers, scarves, and woolen hats to keep your body warm, especially if you go in November or travel by motorbike. Choose comfortable, dynamic, and easy-to-move clothing suitable for sightseeing and exploration activities.
For footwear, sports shoes or hiking shoes are the most ideal choices for easy movement on hilly terrain and mountain passes.
Essential luggage for a Ha Giang buckwheat flower tour
Lightweight luggage, suitable for Ha Giang weather and terrain.
Personal Items:
Bring all personal items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo, face towel, especially if you stay in a homestay. Personal medications, motion sickness medicine, cold medicine, stomachache medicine, bandages, and insect repellent are also essential.
Personal Papers and Cash:
Don’t forget to bring your ID card/Citizen ID, driver’s license (if renting a motorbike), and health insurance. Prepare a sufficient amount of cash for spending, shopping, and eating, as not everywhere in Ha Giang accepts card payments or transfers.
Electronic Devices:
Cameras and phones are indispensable companions for you to record the beautiful moments of the buckwheat flower season. Bring a power bank and spare batteries to ensure your devices are always ready to operate.
Accommodation in Ha Giang during Buckwheat Flower Season
Ha Giang currently has many diverse accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly homestays and cheap guesthouses. Depending on your needs and budget, you can easily find suitable accommodation.
Hotels: Mainly concentrated in Ha Giang city and Dong Van and Meo Vac towns. Hotels offer good quality and service, suitable for tourists who want convenience and comfort.
Homestays: Widely distributed throughout the districts, especially in areas near buckwheat flower viewing spots such as Sung La, Lung Cu, and Pho Bang. Homestays offer an experience close to nature and local culture, often with unique architecture and cozy spaces.
Guesthouses: Affordable prices, suitable for tourists who want to save costs. Guesthouses have basic equipment, meeting accommodation needs.
Some accommodation suggestions in Ha Giang:
| Hotels, Homestays | Address | Phone Number | Reference Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nha Chung Pua Homestay | Meo Vac Town, Ha Giang | 0384676669 | From VND 150,000/night |
| Nha van hoa Lo Lo Homestay | Meo Vac Town, Ha Giang | 0984089894 | From VND 100,000/night |
| Dao Lodge Homestay | Nam Dam – Quan Ba – Ha Giang | 0975719605 | VND 200,000 – VND 300,000/night |
| Homestay Ban Tha | Ban Tha – Lung Cu – Ha Giang | 0372277655 | VND 150,000 – VND 250,000/night |
| Homie Homestay | Lo Lo Chai Village, Ha Giang | 0904738633 | From VND 150,000/night |
| Cao Nguyen Da Hotel | Dong Van Town, Dong Van, Ha Giang | 0944502020 | From VND 300,000/night |
| Pao’s Leisure Hotel | Xom Moi, Sung La Commune, Dong Van, Ha Giang | 02193858888 | From VND 500,000/night |
>> Explore more Ha Giang hotel options at good prices at BestPrice
Top Best Places to See Buckwheat Flowers in Ha Giang
Ha Giang has many beautiful buckwheat flower viewing spots, each with its own unique beauty. Below are the most popular destinations for tourists:
Sung La:
Dubbed the “flower valley” of Ha Giang, Sung La is the most beautiful and famous buckwheat flower viewing spot. This place was the setting for the famous movie “Pao’s Story”. Coming to Sung La, you will be overwhelmed by the endless buckwheat flower fields, interspersed with ancient trình tường houses, creating a poetic scene like a fairyland.
Check-in during buckwheat flower season in Ha Giang
Sung La – The most beautiful buckwheat flower valley in Ha Giang.
Don’t forget to visit “Pao’s House” and Sung La market session held on Sunday mornings to experience local culture.
Lung Cu:
The northernmost point of the country, Lung Cu, is not only a sacred destination but also a place to see beautiful buckwheat flowers. Vast flower fields stretching at the foot of Lung Cu flagpole create a majestic and romantic picture. You can combine visiting Lung Cu flagpole and seeing buckwheat flowers in the same itinerary.
Pho Bang:
Pho Bang ancient town carries a contemplative, ancient beauty with hundreds-year-old tường trình houses. It also has beautiful buckwheat flower fields, interspersed with vibrant rose gardens. Pho Bang is a harmonious combination of cultural and natural beauty.
Lung Tao:
Buckwheat flowers in Lung Tao are not grown in large fields but grow scattered on the hillside. To fully admire the flowers, you need to climb high to get a panoramic view. Lung Tao offers a unique, pristine, and nature-friendly flower viewing experience.
Dong Van:
The ancient town area of Dong Van and surrounding communes such as Van Chai and Ma Le also have many beautiful buckwheat flower fields. You can easily encounter blooming flower patches along the way, creating ideal stops for taking photos.
Suggested Itinerary for a 3-Day 2-Night “Hunting” Ha Giang Buckwheat Flowers Trip
To have a complete Ha Giang buckwheat flower viewing trip, you can refer to the following 3-day 2-night itinerary:
Day 1: Hanoi – Ha Giang – Quan Ba – Yen Minh
- Morning: Depart from Hanoi to Ha Giang by passenger car.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Ha Giang, rent a motorbike and move to Quan Ba. Visit Quan Ba Heaven Gate, Co Tien Twin Mountain.
- Evening: Arrive in Yen Minh, check in to a homestay and rest.
Day 2: Yen Minh – Pho Bang – Sung La – Vuong Family Mansion – Dong Van
- Morning: Move from Yen Minh to Pho Bang, visit the ancient town and buckwheat flower fields.
- Noon: Arrive in Sung La, see buckwheat flowers in Sung La valley and visit “Pao’s House”.
- Afternoon: Visit Vuong Family Mansion in Sa Phin. Move to Dong Van, check into a hotel.
- Evening: Explore Dong Van ancient town, enjoy local cuisine.
Hunting Ha Giang buckwheat flowers
Ha Giang buckwheat flower hunting route is as beautiful as a painting (@meymey_2607).
Day 3: Dong Van – Lung Cu – Ha Giang – Hanoi
- Morning: Visit Lung Cu flagpole, the northernmost point of the country, and see buckwheat flowers along the way.
- Noon: Have lunch in Dong Van.
- Afternoon: Move back to Ha Giang, return the motorbike and take a passenger car back to Hanoi.
Ha Giang Cuisine during Buckwheat Flower Season: Unique Highland Flavors
Coming to Ha Giang during buckwheat flower season, you not only get to admire the beautiful scenery but also have the opportunity to enjoy unique specialties of the rocky highlands:
Buckwheat Cake:
A characteristic cake made from buckwheat seeds, with a nutty, fragrant taste. Buckwheat cake can be eaten plain or served with thang co or chao au tau.
Chao Au Tau (Ấu Tẩu Porridge):
A famous porridge of Ha Giang, cooked from au tau tubers, glutinous rice, and pig’s trotters. Chao au tau has a characteristic slightly bitter taste of au tau tubers, but is very nutritious and warming.
Chao au tau is a famous Ha Giang dish, delicious and flavorful
Chao au tau – A must-try dish when coming to Ha Giang.
Roasted Moss on Stone:
A unique dish of the Tay people, made from fresh rock moss, marinated with spices and roasted on hot stones. Roasted moss on stone has a crunchy, chewy, strange, and very nutritious taste.
Smoked Buffalo Meat:
A famous specialty of the Northwest region, buffalo meat is marinated with spices, smoked, and hung over the kitchen. Smoked buffalo meat has a rich, characteristic flavor, and is a meaningful gift to buy for loved ones.
Important Notes When Traveling to Ha Giang during Buckwheat Flower Season
- Flower garden entrance tickets: Some buckwheat flower gardens may charge an entrance fee of VND 10,000 – VND 20,000/person/visit. Please respect and comply with the regulations of the flower gardens, do not trample on flowers, and do not pick flowers.
- Sightseeing itinerary: Ha Giang has many attractions, plan a reasonable itinerary to avoid an overly packed schedule, ensuring rest time and safety when traveling.
- Local culture: Respect the culture and customs of local people. Prepare some candies and cakes to give to highland children. Do not tease or insult ethnic minorities.
- Traffic safety: Ha Giang roads have many passes and slopes, drive carefully, maintain a safe speed, especially when traveling by motorbike.
To make your Ha Giang buckwheat flower trip more complete, you can refer to Ha Giang package tours or Northwest – Northeast tours of BestPrice for the best support and advice.
Hope these Ha Giang buckwheat flower viewing travel experiences above will help you have a memorable and meaningful trip!
Author: Hai Yen
Photo source: Instagram, Internet