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Quan Ba District in Ha Giang | A Hidden Gem in Northern Vietnam

07:59 - 11/12/2024

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If you’re looking for a slice of paradise in Vietnam, look no further than Quan Ba District in Ha Giang. Quan Ba offers everything to make your trip remarkable: beautiful scenery, rich cultural legacy, and friendly residents. Let MOTOGO Tours explore the enchanting landscapes of this place.

Where is Quan Ba District?

Arriving at Quan Ba, you will be enthralled with its unusual climate and breathtaking natural surroundings. This picturesque district is located about 46 kilometers north of Ha Giang city center and approximately 52 kilometers east of Yen Minh district. Rising 1,000 meters above sea level, Quan Ba is one of the four district centers on the Dong Van Stone Plateau today.

Quan Ba enjoys a prime location, bordered to the east by Yen Minh district. To the north and west, it shares a border with Van Son, part of China’s Yen Bai Province. The southern boundary meets Vi Xuyen district. With a total area of 553.7 square kilometers, Quan Ba had a population of 56,840 people as of 2018, comprising 22 ethnic minority groups, with the H’Mong being the most predominant.

Historically, Quan Ba was once part of Binh Nguyen in Tuyen Quang Province. During the Le Dynasty, Binh Nguyen became known as Chau Vi Xuyen, under the Phu Tuong Yen administration of Tuyen Quang. In the 16th year of Emperor Minh Mang’s reign, the region was divided into five totalities and 31 communes, officially becoming Vị Xuyên district.

Later, Quan Ba was established as a separate district, incorporated into Ha Tuyen Province. It wasn’t until 1991, when Ha Giang was separated from Tuyen Quang, that Quan Ba was reinstated as a district of Ha Giang Province. Finally, in 1999, the government officially established Tam Son Town as the district center of Quan Ba, comprising one town and twelve communes as it stands today.

Quan Ba possesses a distinctive charm that is hard to find elsewhere. It embodies a perfect blend of humanity and nature. Visitors to this enchanting place will undoubtedly feel the positive energy radiating from its inhabitants, who are always warm and welcoming, treating travelers to Ha Giang as long-lost friends.

The Best Time to Visit Quan Ba District in Ha Giang

Every season in Quan Ba presents a different set of hues that draw tourists to discover and conquer its beauty. The scene changes and people are drawn back time and once again as nature wears fresh clothes. Depending on your tastes, you may thus visit Quan Ba at any time of year.

In spring, Quan Ba enjoys a crisp, slightly chilly atmosphere. Complementing the brilliant red blossoms of the cotton trees lighting the forests, the peach, apricot, and plum blossoms burst vibrantly along the slope. As you travel through Ha Giang, you can readily see blooming peach and apricot bushes decorating the doorsteps of nearby houses.

Summer in Quan Ba delivers pleasant temperature free from strong heat. Still, frequent rain showers help to create the rich vegetation and variety found along roadsides. This season is also sometimes referred to as the “water pouring season,” since under the sun the terraced rice fields start to show glistening alluvial silt. To get a plentiful crop, residents carefully plant seedlings.

Quan Ba presents a cool temperature and welcomes fall with a new attractiveness. Talking about autumn in Ha Giang, the harvest of ripening rice is a symbol of this stony plateau. As the nearby ethnic groups hustle about harvesting, the golden hue of rice fields reaches as far as the eye can see, producing a familiar and comforting image.

Quan Ba is still covered in golden mustard blossoms, violet bạch hà, and other blooming plants by year’s end. Not to be underappreciated is the buckwheat flower, Ha Giang’s emblem. Found all around, this little blossom graces fields, doorsteps, and valleys. It blooms dazzling white at the beginning of the season, then fades to a rich purple gradually.

Moreover, the buckwheat flower festival coincides with the flowering season and is observed at various district centers. Apart from appreciating the large flower fields, guests can engage in several events including traditional games of the ethnic minority groups.

How to Get to Quan Ba District in Ha Giang?

Quan Ba is located about 45 kilometers from the center of Ha Giang city. National Route 4C or the Happiness Road of Ha Giang will let visitors reach it quickly. Especially, the road to Quan Ba is less dangerous and meandering than those to Meo Vac or Dong Van.

If you plan to travel from Hanoi to Quan Ba, the distance is approximately 330 kilometers. Buses can be accessed by business visitors at main bus terminals inside the capital. Those looking for a trip to Ha Giang or a travel adventure can choose either bus or personal motorbike travel. With trip periods spanning 7 to 8 hours, most bus lines from Hanoi to Ha Giang charge between 200,000 and 350,000 VND per person.

If you prefer a self-guided adventure in Quan Ba, you can rent a motorbike right at the bus station. In Ha Giang, numerous rental services offer competitive prices, typically around 180,000 VND per day. However, during peak season, rentals may run out quickly, so it’s advisable to book in advance. In addition, you can choose guided tours like Ha Giang Loop Tour. The road is challenging for the first time riding to Ha Giang, hence they will provide easy rider for you.

If you decide to embark on a self-guided journey to Ha Giang, you can follow this route to Quan Ba: From downtown Hanoi, head along Vo Chi Cong Road, crossing Nhat Tan Bridge, then proceed on National Route 2A to Vinh Yen City. Following National Route 2C to Tuyen Quang City, keep on Ha Giang City, and lastly use National Route 4C to get at your location.

The Most Captivating Tourist Destinations in Quan Ba District

Nestled in the rugged mountains of Ha Giang, Quan Ba is the first district with a lot of historical sites and unusual tourism appeal. For individuals from these mountainous areas, every landmark has a tale that is permanently imprinted in their memory.

Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate

No visitor on the Happiness Road to the Dong Van Plateau could afford to overlook Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate, one of famous tourist destinations in Ha Giang. Slightly 3 kilometers from the heart of Tam Son Town and around 46 kilometers from the center of Ha Giang City, this famous site is much sought after by visitors from all walks of life.

About 1,500 meters above sea level, Heaven’s Gate boasts an average temperature between 17 and 20 degrees Celsius. Nestled between two mountain tops, this spot offers an amazing perspective of the valley below. It is often referred to as the gateway that connects the rocky Dong Van Plateau to Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, and Meo Vac.

From Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate, one may see a rainbow of breathtaking natural settings. The heavy fog that covers the area on wet days gives guests the impression of entering a paradise. It has also grown to be a famous spot for daring visitors ready to follow the clouds.

Twin Mountain of Quan Ba

Renownedly known as “The Fairy of Quan Ba,” the Twin Mountain of Quan Ba is rich in the fable of an H’Mong man’s devotion toward the Peach Blossom Fairy. Located in the Tam Son area of Quan Ba district, this famous mountain This amazing natural beauty has old tales of the native ethnic groups.

Two perfectly matched peaks form this natural creation, surrounded by terraced rice fields that produce an amazing scene. The mountain presents its energy in several forms depending on the season that is passing. Still, the rice harvest season is the perfect time to really appreciate the whole range of flower splendor.

The Lonely Tree of Quan Ba

Many young visitors now consider the Lonely Tree to be a favourite place. Rising on National Route 4C, this well-known tree has flourished for hundreds of years on top of the steep highlands. Along their way from Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate to Yen Minh district, travellers can stop here. Rising to a height of forty meters, the tree has a trunk so broad five persons could hardly circle.

The Lonely Tree changes its clothing every season, captivating guests and casting spellbounding effects. Viewers standing close to its base will be able to see the panoramic vistas of the northeastern mountains and woodlands. One side shows a pure rock face; the other falls into a great void. For anyone hoping to take pictures with the Lonely Tree, care is suggested as this road sees daily heavy traffic.

Nam Dam Community Tourism Village

Near Tam Son Town in Quan Ba district, Nam Dam village is a vibrant neighborhood. It is easily reachable since its transportation system is rather established. Comprising almost 47 families, the Dao Cham ethnic group resides most in most homes in this area. For anyone looking for peace, it is the perfect place.

Having hundreds of years of history, the settlement is still quite intact. With worn green stone courtyards and fading tiled roofs, traditional dwellings seem as stores of memories accented with golden corn cobs dangling on the eaves. Travelers entering the village will feel warmth and familiarity right away. Like welcoming long-lost friends, the residents greet guests with authenticity and hospitality.

Quyet Tien Market

This unique culture thrives in the rocky mountains and is found in several energetic local markets in Ha Giang, each full of events drawing tourists. The Quyet Tien Market happens exactly in the center of Quyet Tien commune every Saturday morning. Early daylight sees residents swarm to set up their booths, presenting a range of items from basic sustenance to mouthwatering cuisine that nobody else can eat.

Attendees of the vibrant and varied Quyet Tien Market in Ha Giang come from all walks of life. Young ladies dressed nicely in vibrant traditional garb offer fresh seasonal vegetables and herbs while children cluster around booths loaded with delicious sweets. Wandering the market will allow you to find unusual and exotic delicacies just found in this region.

Must-Try Local Dishes in Quan Ba Ha Giang

Quan Ba is well-known not only for its breathtaking scenic settings but also for its rich cultural legacy of Ha Giang’s culinary specialties. Here you can enjoy rich flavors in delicious foods including buckwheat cakes, thang den, and thang co. When you visit the local markets, you can sit comfortably around the stalls and savor piping hot dishes that release fragrant steam.

The Quan Ba area also offers the opportunity to purchase corn wine as a unique Ha Giang specialty to take home as a souvenir. This corn wine is typically stored in 20-liter white barrels, lined up closely together. Before making a purchase, visitors have the chance to sample the wine. With its spicy, aromatic flavor profile and distinctive characteristics, corn wine is an excellent choice for warming up on chilly winter days.

Accommodation Options in Quan Ba District in Ha Giang

With so many lodging choices at Quan Ba, Ha Giang, visitors can savor a remarkable trip experience. As tourism services have expanded in the area, travelers can easily find hotels or homestays in Quan Ba that cater to their needs.

Quan Ba Homestay

The Quan Ba homestay is one of the most beloved types of accommodation in Ha Giang province. Most of these homestays are reconstructed from the traditional houses of the local ethnic communities residing in the area, ensuring that the ancient architecture remains intact. Deep brown clay walls, cross beams, and yin-yang tiled rooftops define the characteristics.

Usually, these homestays have shared stilt houses or individual rooms for the sleeping quarters. Every apartment is somewhat small and furnished with simple conveniences to satisfy visitors’ most basic needs. One disadvantage of this arrangement, though, is the absence of en-suite amenities; visitors will have to use homestay grounds’ public bathing areas.

Quan Ba homestays have quite competitive rates, ranging from about 400,000 VND every night. Still, depending on the particular homestay, costs could rise by 10% to 20% during busiest travel seasons. Travelers should reserve early through internet sites like Booking.com, Agoda,… to minimize the possibility of completely booked hotels during busy season.

>>>> Explore Accommodation in Quan Ba | Where to Stay in Ha Giang

Quan Ba Hotels

From low-cost to luxurious, Quan Ba, Ha Giang boasts many hotels and guesthouses at different price ranges. Every visitor will find a pleasant and clean environment thanks to the straightforward and neat design of all these lodgments. For someone looking for a cheap trip especially, this is rather enticing.

Every guest room in Quan Ba, Ha Giang has modern conveniences such TVs, Wi-Fi, water heaters, fans, and more to meet guest needs. Complementary personal care products including toothbrushes, shampoo, body wash, towels abound in private bathrooms. To provide a good experience, everything is replaced and meticulously cleaned before guests arrive.

Hotel room rates vary depending on demand, kind of accommodation, location, and season of year. Apart from dining and washing expenses, lodging fees generally begin about 300,000 VND every night. Guests can reserve accommodations online via several booking websites or phone directly to guarantee a seamless trip experience.

Quan Ba District in Ha Giang is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural richness. From the breathtaking landscapes of the Twin Mountains to the warm hospitality of its people, every corner offers something unique. Whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural immersion, or culinary delights, Quan Ba has it all. Thus, get ready for an amazing trip in this hidden treasure of Vietnam, pack your bags, and embrace the attitude of discovery!

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