For photography lovers and explorers like Quang Anh, spring in Ha Giang is not only a trip, but also an emotional journey, where each frame holds a separate story.
Precious moments on the Northwest route
Quang Anh - a young man who is attached to cameras and trips, shares that Ha Giang in spring is a picture of nature that is constantly changing. He shares: "The most impressive feeling is every time I cross the winding roads that cling to the cliffs and then suddenly encounter a new valley, where peach and plum blossoms bloom among the ancient rammed earth houses." That space is not only beautiful because of the flowers but also because of the peaceful, pristine atmosphere, where people and nature become one.
The winding road between the valley filled with plum and peach blossoms - the typical beauty of the rocky plateau in spring
When it comes to memorable stops, Quang Anh suggests small villages hidden deep in the mountains such as Pho Cao, Sung La, Lao Xa, Lo Lo Chai (Lung Cu). If you want to avoid places that are too crowded with tourists, you can spend time exploring more remote villages - which still retain their rustic beauty and have few human footprints.
What to eat and where to stay on the rocky plateau?
For those who are not too fussy about cuisine, meals at a homestay in the middle of the highlands are enough to warm their hearts. "I am not a gourmet, but just enjoying local chicken, wild vegetables, and smoked pork prepared in the local style is enough to feel the difference compared to the dishes of the lowlands," Quang Anh said.
In addition, visitors to Ha Giang this season can also try sour pho - a typical dish with a refreshing taste, soft pho noodles combined with roasted pork, roasted peanuts and sweet and sour sauce. Another option is banh cuon chan, instead of dipping in fish sauce like in the lowlands, Ha Giang banh cuon is eaten with sweet and rich bone broth, with a little fried onion and pork sausage. In Ha Giang, cuisine is not flashy, but simple, close, but leaves an unforgettable taste.
A corner of Ha Giang village in spring...
...where wild beauty blends with the simple life of the people
Mong people's Tet - a special experience
Spring in Ha Giang is not only the season of flowers, but also the season of festivals and unique customs. The Mong people here celebrate Tet until the full moon of January. "Going at this time, you will have the opportunity to see groups of adults and children playing folk games together in the middle of the village, the atmosphere is bustling and extremely joyful," Quang Anh said.
From the pao throwing and top spinning to the Mong flute melodies echoing through the valley, all create a very different Ha Giang, very lively in the spring.
Blending in with the spring colors of the children in the highlands
Experience to have a perfect spring trip
For those who want to fully enjoy the beauty of Ha Giang in spring, Quang Anh emphasizes two important factors: time and weather. "Peach and plum blossoms will bloom most beautifully from the full moon of January to the beginning of February of the lunar calendar, but if the cold weather lasts, the flowers may bloom later. This year, the flowers are expected to be most brilliant from late February to mid-March," he noted. Going at this time, visitors can capture the most brilliant scene of the mountains and forests.
In addition, it is important to pay attention to the unpredictable weather conditions in the highlands. "If it is sunny, just raise your camera and you will have a beautiful photo. But if there is thick fog and the road is slippery, you must be careful when moving, especially when riding a motorbike," he added.
Spring comes to the houses
To have a complete trip, visitors should prepare carefully. Brightly colored clothes help to stand out in the natural scenery, but don't forget to bring warm clothes because the early mornings and evenings in Ha Giang are quite cold. The roads have been improved, but there are still challenging mountain passes such as Bac Sum, Ma Pi Leng Pass or the road down to Tu San Canyon, requiring the driver to be steady. ATMs are rare in the villages, so bringing cash is necessary. And most importantly, preserve the landscape, do not pick branches or flowers or litter, so that Ha Giang can maintain its pristine beauty.
Plum and peach blossoms bloom all over Ha Giang
Spring in Ha Giang is not only the season of blooming flowers, but also the season of festivals and stories in the mountains and forests.
If you want to find a new destination in your Ha Giang spring journey, Quang Anh suggests Sao Ha village - a place that appeared in the movie "Tet in Hell Village" and has recently become known to many people. "This small village still retains its original features, with rammed earth houses, ancient stone fences and especially peach blossoms blooming in spring. The road to get there is difficult to travel, you can only go by motorbike, but it is definitely a worthwhile experience," he said.
Travelers' footsteps on spring roads, where each turn opens up a breathtakingly beautiful scene.
There are places that, once visited, will be unforgettable for the rest of your life. Ha Giang in spring is such a place. It is not only a destination, but also a land of memories, where every road, every house, every flower color contains a story. As Quang Anh shared: "That beauty will forever remain in the films I have taken, so that every time someone mentions it, my heart will be filled with endless nostalgia...".
