Ha Giang, the land at the head of the country, is not only famous for its majestic mountain passes and spectacular terraced fields but also hides the unique cultural beauty of ethnic minorities. Among them, Mong villages in Ha Giang are always an attractive destination, offering visitors unforgettable experiences. Pa Vi Village, a gem nestled at the foot of the Ma Pi Leng Pass, is one of the most typical Mong villages in Ha Giang, where natural beauty blends with traditional culture, creating a peaceful and charming picture. Let’s explore Pa Vi Village to better feel the beauty of Mong villages in Ha Giang.
Introducing Pa Vi Village – Ha Giang’s Hidden Gem
Geographical Location and Natural Features of Pa Vi
Pa Vi Ha Village is located in Pa Vi Commune, Meo Vac District, Ha Giang Province, about 160km from Ha Giang city center. This village is nestled at the foot of the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of the “four great peaks” of Vietnam. With its special geographical location, Pa Vi is surrounded by majestic mountains, covered with mist all year round, creating a wild, majestic, and poetic natural landscape.
The total area of Pa Vi village is about 46,000 square meters, including three main areas, home to nearly 30 Mong households. The village space is harmoniously planned, interspersed with traditional houses, cultural houses, display areas, and playgrounds, creating a cohesive community space imbued with identity.
History and Culture of Pa Vi Mong Village
Pa Vi is not only a Mong village in Ha Giang with stunning natural scenery but also a place that preserves the long-standing traditional cultural values of the Mong people. The Mong people in Pa Vi still preserve their lifestyle, customs, festivals, and traditional crafts from generations ago. Coming to Pa Vi, visitors have the opportunity to learn more about Mong culture, from house architecture, costumes, cuisine to unique cultural and artistic activities.
In recent years, Pa Vi Village has strongly transformed from a purely agricultural village to a community-based tourism model. The people of Pa Vi have proactively exploited the tourism potential of the locality, built homestays, developed tourism services, and introduced Mong culture to domestic and international tourists. This transformation not only helps improve the economic life of the people but also contributes to preserving and promoting the traditional cultural values of Mong villages in Ha Giang.
Majestic beauty of Ha Giang mountains and forests
Journey to Pa Vi
Choosing Transportation: Motorbike, Car, Bus
To get to Pa Vi Village, visitors can choose from various means of transportation depending on their preferences and conditions.
- Motorbike: Motorbikes are the preferred vehicle for many tourists, especially young people who love to explore, to reach Pa Vi. Traveling by motorbike offers freedom, initiative, and the opportunity to admire the majestic natural scenery along the way. However, the road to Pa Vi is quite long and has many steep and winding passes, requiring drivers to have experience and good health. Visitors can rent motorbikes in Ha Giang city with prices ranging from VND 180,000 to VND 600,000/day depending on the type of motorbike.
- Car: Cars are a suitable means of transportation for groups of friends or families who want to travel more comfortably and safely. Visitors can rent self-drive cars or chauffeur-driven cars in Ha Giang. However, some roads to Pa Vi may be a bit small and difficult to navigate for large cars.
- Bus: Buses are a cost-effective option for solo travelers or small groups. Visitors can take a bus from Hanoi or other provinces to Ha Giang city, then continue by motorbike taxi or taxi to Pa Vi.
Suggested Itinerary and Suitable Routes
To have a complete trip to Pa Vi Village and explore Mong villages in Ha Giang, visitors can refer to the following suggested itinerary:
- Day 1: Travel from Hanoi to Ha Giang city (about 6-7 hours). Overnight in Ha Giang.
- Day 2: Rent a motorbike or car, travel from Ha Giang to Pa Vi Village (about 4-5 hours). On the way, visitors can visit Milestone No. 0, Bac Sum Slope, Quan Ba, and Co Tien Twin Mountain. Arrive in Pa Vi, check in to a homestay and explore the village.
- Day 3: Visit tourist attractions near Pa Vi such as Ma Pi Leng Pass, Nho Que River, Tu San Canyon. Experience cultural and culinary activities in Pa Vi.
- Day 4: Return to Ha Giang or continue your journey to explore other destinations in Ha Giang.
The most popular route to Pa Vi is along National Highway 4C, through famous tourist destinations such as Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, and Meo Vac. The road is quite beautiful and easy to travel, but it is necessary to drive carefully on steep passes.
Notes When Traveling to Pa Vi
- Vehicle preparation: If traveling by motorbike, check the vehicle carefully before departure, ensure the vehicle is in good working order and fill up with gasoline. If traveling by car, choose a high-clearance vehicle and have experience driving on mountain passes.
- Personal documents: Bring all personal documents such as ID card/Citizen ID, driver’s license (if self-driving).
- Clothing: Wear comfortable clothes suitable for the weather and sightseeing activities. Bring a warm jacket as the weather in Ha Giang can be cold, especially in the evening and early morning.
- Personal items: Bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, personal medications, and other necessary items.
- Weather: Monitor the weather forecast before going to prepare appropriate clothing and plan accordingly. The best time to travel to Pa Vi is from September to March of the following year.
Pa Vi Village from above, as beautiful as a painting
Unique Experiences in Pa Vi Village
Discovering the Unique Trinh Tuong (Rammed Earth) Architecture of the Mong People
A special attraction for visitors when coming to Pa Vi Village is the unique Trinh Tuong (rammed earth) architecture of the Mong people. The houses are built entirely of rammed earth, thick walls, yin and yang tile roofs, creating a rustic, solid beauty that is harmonious with nature. Trinh Tuong houses are not only a place to live but also a cultural symbol, expressing the creativity and adaptation of the Mong people to harsh natural conditions.
Visitors can stroll around the village, admire the ancient Trinh Tuong houses, learn about the unique construction techniques, and feel the peaceful and simple living space of the locals.
Immersing Yourself in Traditional Cultural Life
Pa Vi Village still retains the traditional cultural life of Mong villages in Ha Giang. Coming here, visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the daily life of the people, participate in living and production activities, and experience unique cultural features.
Visitors can join local people in farming, weaving, making cakes, cooking corn wine, or participate in traditional festivals such as the Gau Tao festival, Long Tong festival (going to the field), Lunar New Year… This is a great opportunity to learn more about Mong culture, interact with locals, and create memorable memories.
Enjoying the Unique Cuisine of the Mong People
Cuisine is an indispensable part of the culture of Mong villages in Ha Giang. Coming to Pa Vi, visitors will enjoy specialties imbued with the flavor of the mountains and forests such as Thang Co (horse meat hotpot), Men Men (steamed corn flour), Chao Au Tau (Au Tau porridge), Thit Trau Gac Bep (smoked buffalo meat), Lap Xuong (smoked sausage), Banh Tam Giac Mach (buckwheat cake), corn wine…
Mong dishes are often prepared from natural, fresh ingredients and have a distinctive flavor of the highlands. Visitors can enjoy Mong cuisine at restaurants and eateries in the village or experience a cozy family meal at homestays.
Staying at Homestays with a Strong Identity
To fully experience the beauty of Mong villages in Ha Giang, visitors should choose to stay at homestays in Pa Vi village. Homestays in Pa Vi are often built in the traditional Trinh Tuong architectural style, offering a cozy space close to nature and local culture.
Some famous homestays in Pa Vi include A Kiet Homestay, Little Yen’s Homestay, Meo Vac Clay House… These homestays not only provide comfortable accommodation but also have other services such as dining, tours, cultural experiences, helping visitors have a memorable vacation in Pa Vi.
Admiring the Beauty of the Nho Que River from Pa Vi
From Pa Vi Village, visitors can easily admire the majestic and poetic beauty of the Nho Que River. The Nho Que River winds at the foot of the Ma Pi Leng Pass, likened to a soft green silk strip across the rocky cat-ear mountains. Visitors can admire the Nho Que River from above, on the Ma Pi Leng Happiness Road or experience boating on the river to feel the beauty more closely.
The Nho Que River is not only a natural beauty spot but also closely associated with the cultural and spiritual life of the people of Mong villages in Ha Giang. The river brings water for irrigation, living, and is an endless source of inspiration for stories, songs, and festivals of the Mong people.
Traditional musical instruments of local people
Don't forget to check-in with the ancient houses here. Photo: collected
Immerse yourself in the interesting festivals of the H'Mong people
When is Pa Vi Most Beautiful?
Pa Vi’s Beauty by Season: Flower Season, Rice Season, Festival Season
Pa Vi Village has its own beauty in each season of the year, visitors can choose the time to come to Pa Vi according to their preferences and desired experiences.
- Spring (January-March): Spring is the season of peach blossoms and plum blossoms blooming, showing off their pink and white colors throughout the Mong villages in Ha Giang. Pa Vi is no exception, in spring, the whole village seems to be dressed in a new, brilliant, and vibrant coat. This is also the time when many traditional festivals of the Mong people take place, such as the Gau Tao festival, Lunar New Year…
- Summer (April-June): Summer is the season of lush green mountains and forests, of terraced fields entering the planting season. Summer weather in Pa Vi is cool and pleasant, suitable for trekking and exploring nature.
- Autumn (July-September): Autumn is the season of golden ripe rice on terraced fields. Pa Vi in autumn puts on a shimmering golden color, creating a picturesque scene. This is also an ideal time for visitors to come to Pa Vi to admire the scenery and take photos.
- Winter (October-December): Winter in Pa Vi is quite cold, with fog and sometimes snowfall. However, winter brings a different beauty, quiet and magical. If you like to explore the wild, peaceful beauty of Mong villages in Ha Giang, winter is also an interesting option.
Advice on Travel Time
According to the experience of many visitors, the best time to travel to Pa Vi Village is from September to March of the following year. During this time, the weather is dry, cool, with many flowers blooming and traditional festivals taking place. However, visitors should also monitor the weather forecast before going to prepare clothing and plan accordingly.
Conclusion
Pa Vi Village is not only an attractive tourist destination but also a Mong village in Ha Giang imbued with traditional cultural values. Coming to Pa Vi, visitors not only admire the majestic and poetic natural beauty but also experience unique cultural features, immersing themselves in the simple life of the locals. If you are looking for a peaceful destination, close to nature and culture, Pa Vi Village is definitely a great choice in your journey to explore Ha Giang. Come and feel the beauty of this Mong village in Ha Giang!