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Ha Giang Tours Explore Nho Que River And Tu San: 3,4 Days

Hidden away in Vietnam’s mountainous north, Ha Giang is a land of rugged beauty and timelessness. With cloud-draped peaks, ethnic hill tribes, and roads curved like the kiss of the sky, it’s the ultimate location for an unforgettable adventure. Amongst its crown treasures are the breathtaking Nho Que River and the mythical Tu San Canyon, the deepest gorge of Southeast Asia. Embark with our Ha Giang Tours explore Nho Que River and Tu San, where you cruise majestic green water under the shadow of monumental cliffs and find the essence of the upland highlands. Painstakingly designed with meticulous care at Impress Travel, our premium Ha Giang Tours combine visual splendor with real local experience, an adventure that’s as authentic as it can be

Tour in Details

The Enchanting Beauty of Nho Que River and Tu San Canyon

Origins and Geography: Where Nature’s Magic Begins

Carved by primeval forces that worked on it for millions of years, the present-day Tu San Canyon is an awe-inspiring testimony to the power of geological time. Measuring almost 1,000 meters deep, with solid limestone cliffs that line the walls, the canyon is the deepest in all of Southeast Asia. A part of the UNESCO-recognized Dong Van Karst Plateau, not only is this area visually breathtaking, but scientifically impressive, an unusual work of art at the same time of enormity and narrative.

Flowing at the center of this beauty is the peaceful Nho Que River, whose turquoise currents wind softly through rock. Nourished by the upland regions of Yunnan, China, and flowing along Lung Cu into northern Vietnam, the river unfolds its most breathtaking section under the guiding eye of Ma Pi Leng Pass. On all of our Ha Giang Tours, this is the moment tourists become quiet, awed at a panorama that looks unmoved by time. No finer place to start your adventure with Ha Giang Tours explore Nho Que River and Tu San.

The Best Way to Admire It: A Boat Ride Unlike Any Other

Though the sight, particularly from the heights of Ma Pi Leng Pass, is nothing short of breathtaking, the magic occurs at the water level. Meandering or paddling along the Nho Que River presents an intimate perspective of the canyon’s grandeur. The cliffs enclose you, forming a serene, alien corridor of rock and sky that is completely surreal.

On all of our Ha Giang Tours explore Nho Que River and Tu San, where guests can enjoy the canyon by motorboat or kayak. Both offer the same essence of awe: gliding under the vertical walls, surrounded by quiet and echoes. This is not so much a visual ride, it’s an experience one can only dream of, one of Vietnam’s finest natural wonders. And you’ll see it with Ha Giang Tours at the optimal time of day, the optimal light, the optimal calm, the optimal memories.

Ha Giang Tours explore Nho Que River and Tu San

Nho Que River (Sours: motorbiketourexpert)

Day-by-Day Adventure with Ha Giang Tours Explore Nho Que River and Tu San

Day 1: Hanoi – Ha Giang – Quan Ba – Yen Minh

05:30 – Your Ha Giang Tours adventure commences with Nho Que River and Tu San as our friendly guide and private car collect you in the middle of Hanoi city. We set off north, trading the city noise behind us for the atmospheric beauty of Vietnam’s countryside.

08:00 – A brief breakfast break at one of the highway’s rest stops, a time to stretch the legs, warm up with a bowl of pho or banh mi, and prepare yourself for the mountain road that lies ahead.

10:30 – Our first cultural experience is the Vi Xuyen National Cemetery, a poignant visit to pay tribute to the troops who had fought to guard Vietnam’s northern boundary. This solemn experience helps set the tone of the proper respect due to this region.

12:00 – Arrive at Ha Giang City for lunch at a local restaurant, where you will experience your first taste of traditional highland dishes. Later, we take a brief pause at the Km0 landmark, the mythical entrance to Ha Giang Tours and the fabled Road of Happiness.

15:00 –We climb up into the hills of Quan Ba, stopping at Heaven’s Gate and the picturesque Twin Mountains (Nui Doi Co Tien). These mountains are filled with local legend and give breathtaking views of the surrounding valley.

17:30 – Arrive at the serene mountain town of Yen Minh, where you will stay at the highly-ranked Yen Minh Lodge Hotel 4★. This is an ideal destination to relax, surrounded by the fresh mountain air and the pine forests.

19:00 – Enjoy local fare at a quaint local restaurant. Taste local favorites such as smoked buffalo, sticky rice with five colors, and the renowned Au Tau porridge. This quiet night is your initial introduction to the warm hospitality of all our Ha Giang Tours.

Discover Twin Mountains with Ha Giang Tours explore Nho Que River and Tu San

Twin Mountains (Sours: congluan)

Day 2: Yen Minh – Lung Cu – Ma Pi Leng – Nho Que River – Meo Vac

07:00 – After resting overnight in Yen Minh, we begin the day with a warm breakfast at the hotel. Today’s adventure is the essence of your Ha Giang Tours explore Nho Que River and Tu San, with twisting passes, cultural sites, and breathtaking landscapes.

08:30 – We arrive at Tham Ma Pass, which is a winding ribbon of road curled into the mountains. It’s one of the area’s most iconic photo stops, where horses needed to prove themselves carrying loads up the hillside. The views around here are pretty spectacular – the ultimate highlight of any Ha Giang Tours.

09:30 – Arrive at King Vuong Palace (Dinh Vua Meo), an interesting combination of French, Chinese, and H’Mong architecture. Situated deep in a quiet valley, the site provides information about the way of life of the H’Mong nobility during the early 20th century.

10:30 – After that, we head to Lo Lo Chai Village, the traditional home of the Lo Lo ethnic minority group. You can take time to stroll through quiet alleys, look at the stilt houses, and maybe share tea with one of the local households.

11:30 – Ascension to the Lung Cu Flag Tower, which proudly marks Vietnam’s northernmost location. Panoramic views at the top of vast forests, mountains, and occasional peeks into neighboring China.

12:30 – Nearby, lunch is served featuring substantial highland foods to support your adventure. Post lunch, we are getting set to take the most legendary pass of northern Vietnam.

14:00 – Welcome to the Ma Pi Leng Pass, locally known as the “Roof of the Dong Van Plateau.” This snake-like road, which winds into the mountainside, presents breathtaking views from precipitous heights. But the best is yet to come.

15:00 – From the bottom of Ma Pi Leng, we take a boat to see Nho Que River and Tu San canyon along Ha Giang Tours. This 45-minute boat ride is the absolute standout, where the cliffs tower almost 1,000 meters above you and the turquoise water shines bright under your boat. It’s peaceful, dream-like, and downright unforgettable.

17:30 – Back on land, we proceed to Meo Vac, which is one of the quaint highland towns that lie nestled between limestone peaks. You’ll stay at the traditional-style Meo Vac Clay House (or similar 4★ accommodation).

19:00 – Dine at a local restaurant with a mouthwatering local meal. Having eaten to your heart’s content, rest under the night sky or take the same quiet walk through the serene town streets of Meo Vac to prepare yourself to sleep tonight.

Ma Pi Leng

Ma Pi Leng (Sours: peacetour)

(Optional Tour 4 Day) Day 3: Meo Vac – Dong Van – Sung La – Dong Van Ancient Town

07:00 – Begin the day with breakfast in Meo Vac, surrounded by peaceful mountain air. After checking out, we drive to Dong Van, an old provincial town at the center of the Ha Giang uplands.

08:30 – We break at Pa Vi Village, which is a picturesque H’Mong village where life remains wonderfully traditional. Here, you can view women weaving traditional brocade by hand or see the kids playing around the stone houses, the cultural jewel of all Ha Giang Tours.

10:00 – After this, we head to the legendary House of Pao at Sung La Valley, which is the shooting location of the acclaimed Vietnamese film Story of Pao. Its earthy walls and flower-filled gardens evoke the essence of H’Mong highland life.

12:00 – We arrive at Dong Van, where lunch is enjoyed at a local restaurant. Look forward to warm mountain fare prepared using fresh produce brought straight from the surrounding villages.

14:00 – Afternoon belongs to discovering the beautiful Dong Van Ancient Town. Strolling along tranquil stone streets, appreciating the century-old houses, and enjoying a cup of coffee at a traditional H’Mong teahouse overlooking the mountains, you can sense time standing still.

17:00 – Arrive at the centrally based Hoa Cuong Hotel 4★, which provides up-to-date comforts but keeps you at the heart of the old quarter.

19:00 – Have a quiet stroll through the lanterned streets after dinner or immerse yourself in local life at the town square. It’s poetry and serenity at night, what  Ha Giang Tours explore Nho Que River and Tu San promises.

Dong Van Ancient Town

Dong Van Ancient Town (Sours: vncarrentals)

Day 4: Dong Van – Ha Giang – Hanoi

06:00 – If you are on tour there on Sunday, the day is off to an early morning visit to the vibrant, busy Dong Van Market. This weekly event puts dozens of ethnic minorities, all decked out, into one place; it’s a visual, cultural treat.

07:30 – Following breakfast, we set off on the return trek to Ha Giang City, traversing the same mountain roads, this time with renewed appreciation and a deeper insight.

12:30 – Enjoy a relaxing lunch break in the city of Ha Giang, the last opportunity to savor the flavors of the upland region before bidding this incredible area farewell.

13:30 – We head along the expressway to Hanoi, pondering the grand landscapes, significant meetings, and deep traditions that you have encountered along the way.

19:00 – Arrive at Hanoi, the conclusion of your enriching  Ha Giang Tours explore Nho Que River and Tu San experience. Although the road comes to an end, the recollections and the magic of Ha Giang remain with you forever.

Dong Van Market

Dong Van Market (Sours: vietnamevasion)

What’s Included & Not Included in the Tour

Tour Includes

  • Private A/C transportation from Hanoi and along the way (16–29–35 seaters, depending upon the size of the group)
  • 3 night stay (Yen Minh Lodge, Meo Vac Clay House, Hoa Cuong Hotel or equivalent 4★ hotels)
  • Ethical
    • 3 breakfasts
    • 6 lunches & dinners at local restaurants of good reputation
  • All entrance fees to listed sites, such as
    • Nho Que River boat ride
    • Tu San Canyon access
    • Dinh Vua Meo (King Vuong Palace)
    • Flag Tower, Lung Cu
    • Pao’s House
  • Local English-speaking guide with intimate knowledge of the geography and culture of Ha Giang
  • Travel insurance (maximum claim amount: 60,000,
  • Drinking water (2 bottles/day/person)
  • Impress Travel signature hat
  • Group photo at Km0 Ha Giang milestone
  • Surprise local gift or voucher for your subsequent tour

 Tour Excludes

  • Drinks with meals (soft drinks, beer, alcohol, coffee, etc.)
  • Private expenditures (laundry, phone calls, snacks, souvenirs
  • Suggestions for driver and guide (optional but appreciated)
  • Single room supplement (for single travellers not sharing)
  • 8% VAT tax (if invoice is required)
  • Incidental costs outside the planned itinerary
  • Flights, visas, or airport transfers (on request)

Ha Giang Specialties to Bring Home as Souvenirs

Smoked Buffalo Jerky (Trau gac bep): Thin slices of buffalo meat, marinated using wild herbs, slow-smoked using kitchen firewood an H’Mong delicacy. 

  •  Flavor: Smoky, savory, high in protein.
  •  Price range: 400,000–500,000 VND / 0.5 kg
  •  Where to buy:
    • Cho Dong Van (Dong Van Market)
    • Pa Vi Homestay Craft Corner, Meo Vac
    • Lung Cu Village stalls

Herbal Tea & Mountain Honey: Locally Sourced Tea Leaves (from shan tuyet tea trees or forest herbs) blended with thick, golden-coloured honey harvested from the wild bee hives that inhabit the highland forests.

  •  Benefits: Great for digestion, immune support, and relaxation after your treks.
  •  Price range:
    • Herbal tea: 100,000–150,000 VND / 100g
    • Mountain honey: 200,000–350,000 VND / bottle
  •  Where to buy:
    • Coopmart Ha Giang City (for clean packaging)
    • Tea & Honey stalls at the Lung Cu Flag Tower entrance
    • Ha Giang Specialty Stores, Km0 area

H’Mong Embroidered Brocade Products: Handwoven products made by H’Mong women utilizing traditional looms and organic dyes. Scarves, pouches, bags, and jackets can be found.

  •  Why it matters: These products directly support local artisans and help preserve cultural heritage.
  •  Price range:
    • Small pouch: 50,000–80,000 VND
    • Scarf: 150,000–250,000 VND
    • Handmade backpack: 300,000–450,000 VND
  •  Where to buy:
  • Lo Lo Chai Cultural Village (Lung Cu)
  • Dong Van Ancient Town Night Market
  • H’Mong Cooperative Shop in Meo Vac

Buckwheat Cake (Banh tam giac mach): A soft, nutty cake created using buckwheat flour, the same type of flour you’ll notice blanketing hillsides each autumn season. Typically steamed or pan-fried.

  •  Perfect with: Herbal tea or corn wine!
  •  Price range: 10,000–15,000 VND / piece
  •  Where to buy:
    • Street food stalls in Dong Van Market
    • Sung La Village roadside vendors

Corn Wine (Ruou ngo): A pungent, strong wine fermented from native corn among mountain ethnic groups. Served frequently at ceremonies and celebrations.

  •  Alcohol content: 35–40%
  •  Price range: 80,000–150,000 VND / 500ml bottle
  •  Where to buy:
    • Local households in Pa Vi, Meo Vac
    • Cho Phien Dong Van (Sunday market)
    • Ask your Ha Giang Tours guide for the most authentic, non-commercial options!

Essential Travel Tips for Ha Giang Tours Explore Nho Que River and Tu San

Best time to visit Ha Giang Tours explore Nho Que River and Tu San

For the best scenery and pleasant climate, we invite you to book your Ha Giang Tours between February to April (during spring, when the peach and plum blossoms are at peak bloom) or between September to November (when the rice terracing has reached golden colors, with skies which are bright and clear). These periods are the best time to take photographs, particularly while cruising the Nho Que River under the sheer walls of the Tu San Canyon.

What to pack for Ha Giang Tours explore Nho Que River and Tu San

You’re going into mountainous country, so appropriate equipment is essential. Pack sturdy trekking shoes, a windbreaker or lightweight jacket, and sunscreen. Mornings and evenings can be cooler, even during the summer months. A sturdy backpack and refillable water bottle are also essentials for day treks on your Ha Giang Tours.

Handling winding roads for Ha Giang Tours explore Nho Que River and Tu San

Ha Giang roads are legendary, and the curves are too! Bring medication or herbal aids like ginger candy or acupressure wristbands, though, if you’re susceptible to motion sickness. Our vehicles are air-conditioned and professionally operated, but it never hurts to be prepared so you can fully appreciate the journey on your  Ha Giang Tours explore Nho Que River and Tu San.

Cameras and drones for Ha Giang Tours explore Nho Que River and Tu San

Photographers, rejoice! These landscapes won’t be found anywhere else in Vietnam. A wide-angle lens is best to capture the sheer size of Ma Pi Leng Pass and Tu San Canyon. Drones can be used in many spots, but ought to be operated respectfully, never buzzing over villages unless you’ve gained local approval first. Ask your guide before taking off.

Cultural etiquette for Ha Giang Tours explore Nho Que River and Tu San

You’ll encounter many different ethnic communities during your Ha Giang Tours. Always ask permission before photographing people, especially elders. Dress modestly in villages (no short shorts or tank tops), and respect local customs. Small gestures like buying handmade souvenirs or greeting locals with a smile go a long way in building connections.

You’ll be exposed to numerous ethnic groups while Ha Giang Tours. Be sure to seek permission to take photographs, particularly of the elderly. Dress conservatively at the village (no tank tops or shorts), and be mindful of local traditions. Little things, such as purchasing local handicrafts or smiling at villagers, mean so much to foster connections.

Conclusion

Let the grandeur of the mountains, the quaint ethnic villages, the majestic views of Nho Que River, and the Tu San Canyon remain with you long after the adventure has ended. Now is the time to book your plan your Ha Giang Tours explore Nho Que River and Tu San today, experience Vietnam like few others have ever known. With Ha Giang Tours, each experience is real, and each step is unforgettable. Contact Impress Travel to book or arrange your tour:

Contact Impress Travel to book or customize your tour:

  • 125 Hoang Ngan Street, Trung Hoa, Cau Giay, Hanoi
  •  info@impresstravel.com
  • (+84) 912 379 189
  •  www.impresstravel.com
Ranana

You feel like organized tour, but you are in a privet tour. Impress Travel make the different.

We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.

Ebrahim

Tour of Vietnam

Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!

Solly Pochee

The tour was fantastic

I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee

Bernard Lim

Great value for money with 4 stars hotel

Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.

Derek.Schooling

We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel

This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.

My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .

We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress

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    The imposing mountains, hills, lure valleys, and scattered Karst Parks have all made Ha Giang one of the most appealing destinations in Vietnam for travelers around the world. Additionally, the culture, tradition, and diversity of ethnic minority people such as the H’mong make Ha Giang more immersive for people to come to explore this land at the intersection of earth and heaven more and more.

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