Drifting along the Nho Que River in a kayak.

What's so fun about kayaking on the Nho Que River?

When mentioning Ha Giang, many people are probably already familiar with its treacherous yet magnificent cloud-hunting routes, the towering, vertical rock formations on the Dong Van plateau, or the serene beauty of buckwheat, apricot, and plum forests. However, it's not just forests and mountains; Ha Giang also captivates many with the winding Nho Que River, flowing along the Ma Pi Leng Pass.

The Nho Que River originates in the mountains of Yunnan, China, flowing northwest-southeast before entering Vietnam from Seo Lung village, Lung Cu commune, Dong Van district. The Nho Que River flows peacefully year-round through rocky cliffs, creating the Tu San Gorge – a verdant boundary between the mountain passes. With its extremely rugged terrain, the Tu San Gorge section of the Nho Que River is considered one of the deepest gorges in Southeast Asia.

Located at an altitude of over 1,000 meters above sea level, the Nho Que River resembles a vibrant green silk ribbon, winding through the rugged terrain of the Northwest mountains. Traditionally, visitors choose to take a boat trip along the river. But now, you have the opportunity to experience the thrill of being in control of your own journey by kayaking and exploring the most stunning destinations in the area.

With kayaking, each boat can accommodate 1-2 people, giving visitors the opportunity to exercise their bodies while admiring the beauty of Nho Que at the closest possible distance. On both sides are sheer cliffs, and above lies a clear, vast blue sky. Everything that is most pristine and unspoiled is present in a truly authentic way.

Kayaking experience on the Nho Que River

To reach the boat dock on the Nho Que River, travelers should head from Ma Pi Leng Pass towards Meo Vac until they see a sign directing them to Xin Cai. Continue for about 5-7 km until you reach Nho Que Boat Dock 1. From there, you'll need to trek another 2 km to reach the dock located right on the riverbank and rent a kayak.

Currently, the rental fee for a kayak on the Nho Que River is 100,000 – 150,000 VND per person for 30 minutes. However, tourists need to contact the boat operators a day in advance to reserve a boat and specify their arrival time, as boats are not always available. Alternatively, you can choose a kayak tour to enjoy unlimited freedom and paddle on the Nho Que River.

A note for tourists choosing to kayak on the Nho Que River: first, ensure you are in good health and fitness. Don't forget to bring a bottle of water and some snacks to replenish your energy during your exploration of the vast river. Additionally, prepare appropriate, active clothing suitable for hiking and kayaking.

M.Chi