AllWays Traveller Features
Ha Giang: Vietnam’s hidden gem finally recognised
In a stunning but well-deserved victory, Ha Giang—Vietnam's northernmost province—has won the prestigious title of Asia's Leading Regional Cultural Destination at the 2024 World Travel Awards in Manila.
This recognition places Ha Giang firmly on the world map as an extraordinary travel destination, celebrated for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes and authentic connection to the ethnic traditions that have thrived in this region for centuries.
The rise of Ha Giang
For years, Ha Giang has been a well-kept secret among adventurous travellers. Nestled in the northernmost mountains of Vietnam, it is a breathtaking mix of rugged limestone peaks, deep valleys, rice terraces and mist-covered hills. With this award, Ha Giang's raw beauty and cultural richness are no longer an insider's secret but a beacon for travellers around the globe seeking an immersive, off-the-beaten-path experience.
In contrast to more commercialised destinations, Ha Giang has managed to maintain its authenticity, a rarity in today's tourism landscape. This authenticity, coupled with the preservation of its indigenous cultures, made it a frontrunner for this year's title at the World Travel Awards.
A cultural mosaic
One of the defining features that earned Ha Giang this award is its ethnic diversity. The province is home to over 50 ethnic minority groups, including the Hmong, Tay, Dao, and Lô Lô people. Each of these communities has preserved its unique traditions, clothing and festivals, offering travellers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences.
A visit to Ha Giang allows travellers to step into the daily lives of these ethnic groups. Traditional markets such as Dong Van Market serve not only as bustling trade hubs but as spaces where people from various ethnic backgrounds, wearing traditional clothing, come together and share their crafts, goods and culinary delicacies.
One quirky feature of Ha Giang is the vibrant Khau Vai Love Market, held annually. It is a unique cultural event where men and women, many of whom are already married, return to meet their old flames. The event is a celebration of love and tradition, showcasing a side of life in Ha Giang that is deeply rooted in history and emotion.
Majestic landscapes: A natural masterpiece
Beyond its rich cultural heritage, Ha Giang's physical beauty is nothing short of spectacular. The Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO Global Geopark, is a geological wonder that stretches across Ha Giang's highlands. The limestone formations, sculpted over 400 million years, are among the most dramatic landscapes in Southeast Asia, creating an otherworldly terrain that captivates every visitor.
Another highlight is the Ma Pi Leng Pass, often hailed as one of the most breathtaking mountain passes in Vietnam, offering jaw-dropping views of the winding Nho Que River that snakes through the towering cliffs. The terraced rice fields in Hoang Su Phi are a testament to the harmony between nature and the local ethnic groups who have mastered the art of terraced farming over centuries.
Sustainable and responsible tourism
Part of Ha Giang's success lies in its commitment to sustainable tourism. Unlike many other destinations that have succumbed to overdevelopment, Ha Giang's local communities, alongside the government, have worked hard to ensure that tourism development respects the environment and the traditional ways of life. The homestay model, where visitors can stay with local families in ethnic minority villages, has been a successful way to provide both a culturally immersive experience and support for local economies.
By engaging in community-based tourism, Ha Giang offers travellers a way to contribute directly to the local economy, ensuring that the people who have nurtured this land for generations can thrive while maintaining their cultural practices. Visitors to this most northerly province of Vietnam can enjoy some of the country's most extraordinary scenery, while visiting minority villages and vibrant weekend markets.
A deserving winner
Winning Asia's Leading Regional Cultural Destination at the World Travel Awards is not just a recognition of Ha Giang's scenic beauty but a tribute to its deep-rooted cultural heritage. This award honours the people of Ha Giang, who have maintained their traditions and welcomed travellers with open arms, allowing them to experience a world that is both ancient and alive.
Ha Giang stands as a reminder that in the quest for discovery, the most remarkable places are often those that have remained untouched, their people waiting patiently and perhaps apprehensively for the world to come and see the true beauty of their land.
Getting there
International travellers will fly into Hanoi from where buses, including sleepers, run day and night to Ha Giang city, the gateway to the province. The roughly 300km journey north will take five to six hours. Public transport around Ha Giang province is limited but you can rent a motorbike there or a car in Hanoi. Another option is to book a private tour.
Photos: Pixabay
Useful links
Location (Map)
When you subscribe to the AllWays Traveller, we will send you an e-mail when there are new updates on the site so you wouldn't miss them.
About the author
Contact info
ISSN 2634-7032
London, United Kingdom
+44 0 7764 198 286