Hoang Su Phi – A Glimpse

Hoang Su Phi is a mountainous district located in the western part of Ha Giang province. Currently, it has 24 communes and 1 town, with 4 communes bordering the international border, resulting in a total border line length of 40 km. The terrain of Hoang Su Phi is predominantly hilly and mountainous, with steep slopes and many streams cutting through the landscape.

This is a long-standing settlement area for 12 ethnic groups, with the Nung, Tay, and Hmong people forming the majority.

Hoang Su Phi has been blessed by nature with exceptionally beautiful natural scenery, which, combined with the unique cultural features preserved and passed down by the local community, presents a great opportunity for the development of community-based ecotourism.

To reach Hoang Su Phi, visitors need to cross the “Heaven’s Gate” at km17 on the Bac Quang – Hoang Su Phi route, where they can immerse themselves in the layered mountains shrouded in morning mist, ancient “san tuyết” tea plantations, or the captivating terraced rice fields. If fortunate enough, visitors may also have the chance to discover the unique culture by participating in local festivals, dances, and fortune-telling activities with the residents.

Hoang Su Phi During the Rice Harvest Season

2.1. The Captivating Scenery

The period from May to July is when Hoang Su Phi’s rice crops are ready for harvest. After the rainy days, the locals hurry to bring water into the fields to prepare for the new planting season. As the water seeps through every path, it covers the entire valley, creating a remarkably vibrant and captivating scenery in Hoang Su Phi under the shimmering sunlight.

During the rice harvest season in Hoang Su Phi, visitors can marvel at the softly curved, terraced rice fields, which appear to be hidden among the white clouds, or simply admire the small, nestled houses peeking out from the surrounding hills.

The natural landscapes of Hoang Su Phi are truly exceptional during this time of year. The glistening water-filled fields, the soft contours of the terraced paddies, and the interplay of sunlight and mist create a breathtaking, almost dreamlike atmosphere that enchants all who experience it.

2.2. The People of Hoang Su Phi

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the majestic mountains, Hoang Su Phi feels like a true paradise, with its warm and friendly local people. As you admire the terraced rice fields bathed in the golden glow of sunset, you can’t help but be captivated by the sight of the locals engaged in their seasonal work.

The vibrant images of Hmong, Dao, and Nung women in their colorful dresses of red, yellow, and blue, their long shadows dancing across the water, are a true delight to behold. And the friendly Hmong children, their gentle smiles shining in the mountain breeze, some even carrying their younger siblings on their backs to help their mothers in the fields – these are the sights that fill one’s heart with love for life and gratitude for the simple joys.

The people of Hoang Su Phi have retained the authenticity of their traditional costumes, culture, and customs, as well as their innate hospitality and warmth. Experiencing Hoang Su Phi during the rice harvest season, you will be awestruck by the harmonious integration of nature and humanity, and you’ll understand why so many are enchanted by this captivating place.

Other Attractions in Hoang Su Phi

3.1 The Terraced Rice Fields

When visiting Hoang Su Phi during the rice harvest season, you will be awed by the breathtaking expanses of golden ripe rice fields.

3.1.1 Terraced Fields in Ban Phung

Ban Phung is a commune located near the Chinese border. To reach the commune center, you’ll need to traverse a winding 30km mountain pass. In Ban Phung, you’ll not only enjoy the panoramic valley views like those in Muong Hoa and Cao Pha, but also marvel at the precarious terraced fields clinging to the steep mountainsides.

3.1.2 Terraced Fields in Ho Thau

Ho Thau is another commune in Hoang Su Phi, about 16km from the Nam Dich intersection. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the terraced rice fields of the Red Dao people. The locals here have a custom of leaving small patches of forest around each terrace to prevent soil erosion.

3.2 Buckwheat Flowers

In Hoang Su Phi, after the terraced rice fields have been harvested in late autumn, the landscape transforms from the golden hues of rice to the vibrant pink and purple blossoms of buckwheat flowers.

3.3 Tay Con Linh

Tay Con Linh is a mountain peak in the upper reaches of the Chay River watershed in western Ha Giang province. The Tay Con Linh mountain range spans across the Hoang Su Phi and Vi Xuyen districts, located 46 km from the city of Ha Giang. This peak is considered the highest mountain in Northeast Vietnam.

Tay Con Linh

3.4 Hoang Su Phi Weekly Market

The Hoang Su Phi weekly market is a vibrant, lively affair, almost like a festival. As such, some young men and women come down to the market the night before to make sure they arrive on time for the market opening. According to local belief, one must wear their freshest, most elegant attire to the market, so those attending make sure to save their best outfits for the occasion. Experiencing the weekly market is an essential part of exploring Hoang Su Phi during the rice harvest season.

3.5 Chieu Lau Thi Mountain Peak

Chieu Lau Thi is located 42 km from the Hoang Su Phi district center. It is one of the highest peaks in the Tay Con Linh mountain range, situated within the Ho Thau commune of Hoang Su Phi district.

Exploring the Culinary Delights of Hoang Su Phi

4.1 Cháo Âu Tấu (Porridge with Wild Ginger Tubers)

This is one of the famous specialty dishes of Ha Giang, made from a highly nutritious wild tuber. Eating Cháo Âu Tấu is believed to help promote better, deeper sleep. This dish is available year-round, but you can typically only find it at the markets in Dong Van or in certain evening eateries.

The porridge is made by simmering a blend of glutinous and regular rice until soft, cooked together with the Âu Tấu tubers. When ready to serve, the porridge is topped with chicken eggs, pepper, chili, and green onions – creating a deliciously savory and balanced flavor profile.

The creaminess of the Âu Tấu tubers is complemented by the fragrant eggs and the warmth of the pepper and chili, resulting in a comforting and highly palatable dish.

4.2 Thang Co

It would be a grave oversight to visit Ha Giang without trying the specialty dish of Thang Co. This delicious dish is made from the offal of buffalo, horse, or cattle. You can sample Thang Co at the markets in Dong Van, Meo Vac, Lung Cu, and others. Each bowl of Thang Co is typically sold for 20,000 VND.

4.3 Shan Tuyet Tea

If you are looking to bring some Ha Giang delicacies home, consider purchasing Shan Tuyet tea, a variety grown throughout the province.

For those who have had the pleasure of trying this tea, the fragrant and delicious flavor is truly unforgettable. Shan Tuyet tea is harvested year-round, so you can purchase it at any time.

4.4 Thang Den Specialty

Thang Den is another essential specialty of Ha Giang. It is made from the fragrant sticky rice of Yen Minh district, which is both glutinous and sweetly delicious. Unlike lowland rice varieties, this rice has large, firm, and white grains. To prepare Thang Den, the sticky rice is finely pounded with warm water to create a smooth flour mixture. It is then allowed to dry before being formed into bite-sized round balls.

When you visit Hoang Su Phi during the flood season, you will feel the tranquility between heaven and earth, nature and people here. Not only that, in Hoang Su Phi you can also learn about and chat with the ethnic people about their culture and the simple lives of the local ethnic minorities. MIA.vn hopes that the information provided will be helpful for your upcoming journey to explore Hoang Su Phi.