Blogs

Travel Reviewer

Pho Bang Town: Discover the Hidden Cultural Gem of Ha Giang

08:02 - 28/10/2024

4.5/5 - (2 votes)

Pho Bang Town, Ha Giang often hailed as a fairy-tale town tucked away in the highlands of Northeast Vietnam. This location really is one-of- a-kind in its old, lyrical appeal. Let’s explore with MOTOGO Tours and find out what makes Pho Bang so captivating!

Where is Pho Bang Town Located?

Pho Bang Town is situated in the western part of Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province, in the northeastern region of Vietnam. Mostly, the Hmong and Chinese ethnic groups live in the town. Originally the administrative and financial hub of Dong Van, Pho Bang has evolved and gained a fresh character after these purposes were moved to Dong Van Town.

Pho Bang currently has a calm appeal, even though it is not as vibrant as it was years ago. The town has quite fresh and clean vibe. Tucked among the great mountains and hills of the Northeast, its historic buildings create a mesmerizing picture that stays with everyone who has ever visited.

How to Get to Pho Bang Town?

Traveling from Hanoi to Ha Giang city and thereafter from Ha Giang city to Pho Bang constitutes two primary phases of reaching the town of Pho Bang in Ha Giang. Over 400 kilometers are travelled overall, negotiating various mountainous routes with steep gradients to create a long yet picturesque adventure.

From Hanoi to Ha Giang City, the first stage of the trip is about three hundred kilometers. Buses from Hanoi to Ha Giang, opulent 12-seat limousine vans, and even 22-cabin sleeper buses all run on this path among other transit options. Modern conveniences on these vehicles help to guarantee a comfortable and enjoyable experience for the users.

Various businesses have different departure schedules, usually spanning from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, thereby giving guests choices. Usually ranging from 200,000 VND to 350,000 VND per person, ticket prices for a deluxe sleeper bus cabin run roughly 550,000 VND for two persons. These fares hold constant all year long, including during busiest travel seasons and holidays.

Travelers might rather decide to drive themselves in a private car or motorcycle. This choice is not particularly advised, nevertheless, particularly for those first-time motorbike travelers to Ha Giang. From Hanoi to Ha Giang, the path is somewhat long and unknown; many of the steep mountain crossings call for good physical stamina and expert driving.

Visitors can rent motorbikes or automobiles to tour the Pho Bang once in Ha Giang city. Near the Ha Giang city bus station, several rental companies abound; daily rates for motorbikes start at 180,000 VND. Usually including two helmets, a raincoat, and a Ha Giang travel guide to help visitors negotiate the area, rentals Furthermore, you could take guided trips such as Ha Giang Loop Tours to improve your experience. They will give a thorough picture of the background and importance of Pho Bang Town.

Running across the Dong Van Karst Plateau, the second section from Ha Giang city to Pho Bang follows the picturesque National Highway 4C, sometimes known as the Happiness Road. The path passes Quan Ba and Yen Minh then turns off to Pho Bang close to Sung La. Given that the road mostly runs along the national highway with few side roads, following it is rather simple.

But the path gets more difficult the more near Pho Bang you get. Apart from the portions built with concrete along the Happiness Road, there are also tough areas with rocky dirt roads since this less-traveled road is yet very unknown. Traveling becomes more difficult and maybe dangerous on rainy days when the road could get muddy, slick, and challenging to negotiate.

For those particularly visiting the Dong Van Karst Plateau and Pho Bang, motorbike travel is highly advised. It not only gives you the freedom to change your plans and tour little towns and winding lanes but also lets you really enjoy the amazing natural surroundings of the area. A very unforgettable trip is made possible by the breathtaking vistas of the craggy limestone peaks shown by the meandering mountain routes.

The Best Time to Visit Pho Bang Town

Pho Bang Town is open to visitors at different times of year, and every season has special attraction. Early in the year, the town is ablaze in brilliant blooms. The terraced rice fields turn a golden color from August to October; October through November marks the season for profusion of buckwheat blossoms.

Visiting Pho Bang during customary celebrations can also be rather fulfilling. The town holds many cultural events including the Cap Sac Festival of the Red Dao, the Gau Tao Festival of the Hmong, and the Long Tong Festival of the Tay people. However, it’s important to note that the period from December to February is the rainy season in Ha Giang, so it’s advisable to plan accordingly if you’re traveling during this time.

Discover the Ancient Charm of Pho Bang Town

Serene and Picturesque Scenery

Since Pho Bang is mostly a rocky route vulnerable to landslides during the rainy season, the road leading there is rather difficult. Once you reach the finish, though, you will discover a little town tucked well inside a valley surrounded by verdant mountains. The scene reminds me of a secret gem just waiting to be discovered.

Arriving in Pho Bang, you immediately notice that time appears to have left its stamp on everything. The place seems to be stepping back in almost 50 years thanks to the worn-out walls, moss-covered tiled roofs, and antique wooden doors. The dwellings here have a distinctive palette with colors ranging from reddish-brown to ivory yellow; the walls are built of earth. A couplet, or traditional decorative inscription, hangs in front of every home, accentuating the town’s unique and old appeal.

Still, Pho Bang is more than just its building technique. The town envelops you in a tapestry of vivid flowers and the great beauty of the Northeastern highlands. As spring arrives, white plum flowers show up like delicate brushstrokes; the valley turns golden with flowering mustard flowers; roses explode in flaming reds, peach blossoms beautify the scene in pink. Simply being at one with the amazing surroundings in this far-off town will make one happy. Wandering around Pho Bang with a camera will definitely catch enough breathtaking events for you to treasure.

>>> Explore: Hmong Kings’ Palace: A Cultural Treasure in Ha Giang

The Simplicity of Life in the Highland Community of Pho Bang

Pho Bang radiates an unusual tranquilly. It has the breath of a straightforward, rustic lifestyle common of the highland ethnic communities, unlike the busy Old Quarter of Dong Van.

Maybe the unspoiled and natural surroundings help the people living here seem even more modest, honest, and free. The residents’ daily activities center on farming on the hills, caring to sweet potatoes and corn, and doing different housework. Notwithstanding the challenges, the people living here have a distinct “essence”—they lead a laid-back, leisurely pace and labor day by day. On the porch, elderly people still can be seen munching betel nuts, young men carrying woven baskets for fieldwork, and women washing clothes by the riverbed. Children occasionally can be seen playing happily in their shabby clothing, their faces glowing from pure smiles.

Attaching the Ha Giang Lui Market, which only happens once every six days, can help you to also appreciate the native way of life. These market days, the town seems to come alive with vitality. Usually shopping for weekly supplies, the residents find early morning hours extremely vibrant and busy. The market runs until about midday, then Pho Bang goes back to its peaceful everyday pace.

Savoring the Local Delicacies of Pho Bang Town

Smoked Buffalo Meat

Smoked buffalo meat is a must-try meal you might also get as a memento from Pho Bang Town. To produce an amazing taste, the buffalo meat is marinated with a special mix of spices and then hung to dry in the kitchen. Often gracing the dining table during significant local events, this dish highlights its importance in the local gastronomic customs.

Thang co

Among Pho Bang’s best dishes is “thang co,” a classic Hmong meal that has come to represent the area. Made from horse flesh, organs, and a range of herbs and spices, thang co is a filling soup traditionally eaten during holidays. Usually cooked for hours, the rich, savory broth produced by this dish comforts the spirit.

Corn Wine

Not miss the opportunity to indulge in some corn wine while at Pho Bang Town. Its strong scent distinguishes it and generates a unique character not found elsewhere. One may taste the hospitality and culture of the area by sipping this locally made beer.

Cap Nach Pork

Renowned hybrid breed known in Ha Giang for their great taste are Cap Nach pigs. Make sure you taste the Cap Nach pork–made delicacies when visiting Pho Bang Town. Essential for your trip through this little town, the soft and delicious meat promises to create an amazing gastronomic experience.

Some Tips for Visiting Pho Bang

The path to Pho Bang can be somewhat difficult, hence careful driving is absolutely vital. Before you start, make sure your car and gasoline levels are completely checked.

Especially along the way to Dong Van, you may mix your visit to Pho Bang with a tour to Ha Giang.
Think about stopping at the breathtaking Sung La Valley, well-known for the “House of Pao,” a little house that enthralls everyone who visits it on your route from Ha Giang to Pho Bang.
Regarding tourism, Pho Bang is not very developed; just one or two hotels are accessible. Thus, you can choose to approach local families for a homestay if you intend to spend overnight and cannot locate a location to relax. This might also be a fantastic chance to gain knowledge about the daily activities and customs followed by the town residents.
Pho Bang is a highland town thus its climate is rather hostile. If you visit in the winter, be sure you dress warmly and closely monitor the weather report.
If possible, think about packing some old books, clothes, or sweets for the neighborhood youngsters.

Pho Bang has maintained its perfect and peaceful appeal over years. Get your rucksack and go to Pho Bang to feel the passage of time mirrored in its scenery and to enjoy its nostalgic mood. Art enthusiasts and those looking for a quiet moment among the rush of contemporary life will surely find this place unforgettable.

Related posts: