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Vi Xuyen District Ha Giang: Discover A Destination with Heroic History

08:02 - 11/12/2024

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Vi Xuyen District Ha Giang is a mesmerizing site that offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and historical significance. Let’s join MOTOGO Tours to see what makes this place so tempting to travelers!

Introduction to Vi Xuyen District Ha Giang

Where is Vi Xuyen District ?

Vi Xuyen District is entirely enveloped by Ha Giang City, bordered to the north by Quan Ba, and to the south by Bac Quang. To the west, it shares a boundary with China and Hoang Su Phì District, while the east is adjacent to Na Hang, Tuyen Quang, Yen Minh, Bac Me, and Ha Giang City.

Vi Xuyen, Ha Giang, is home to a huge community of 15 ethnic groups, including Nung, Tay, Dao, La Chi, Muong, and Lo Lo, among others. They dwell scattered among 22 communes and two small towns, creating this renowned tourist destination a bustling crossroads of diverse rich traditional cultures.

Thanks to its geographical position in the province’s heart and proximity to the city, Vi Xuyen is an essential stop on any journey through Ha Giang. Major highways like National Route 4C connect Vi Xuyen to several other districts, including Dong Van, Meo Vac, Quan Ba, Yen Minh, and Bao Lam (Cao Bang).

>>> Explore Ha Giang Travel: A Journey to Vietnam’s Northern Frontier

The Historical Formation of Vi Xuyen District

On November 16, 2015, at a scientific conference, historians addressed the formation of Ha Giang Province in general and Vi Xuyen District in particular, based on historical data.

Phase 1: This phase marked the creation of the Nguyen Dynasty, which began unifying the country in 1802. The local governmental system was kept in its original form from the Le-Trinh era. Subsequently, Tuyen Quang was officially constituted as a province in 1831, containing Yen Binh Prefecture, Phuc Yen District, and five districts, one of which was Vi Xuyen.

Phase 2: In the 14th year of Minh Mang’s reign (1833), Vi Xuyen District was divided into two administrative units: Vi Xuyen District (on the left bank of the Lo River) and Vinh Tuy District (on the right bank). By the late 19th century, Vi Xuyen had recognized a total of 31 small communes.

Finally, during the conference chaired by the Head of the Provincial Party Committee’s Propaganda Department, January 1, 1833, was officially recognized as the founding date of Vi Xuyen District in Ha Giang Province. Since then, this district has secured its place on Ha Giang’s tourist map, remaining unchanged to this day.

The Heroic Vi Xuyen Front

The Vi Xuyen Front was the scene of hundreds of intense clashes between the Vietnamese army and invading forces over a duration of ten years, from 1979 to 1989. This fight resulted in tremendous losses in both lives and resources, with many military troops and civilians risking their lives at this place.

The Vi Xuyen Front witnessed intense fighting, particularly in one incident where, within just three days, China fired over 100,000 artillery shells into this area, reaching as far as Ha Giang Town. Furthermore, the total artillery shells fired at the Vi Xuyen Front during China’s five-year campaign exceeded 1.8 million rounds.

After the war concluded, upon surveying the area, our forces discovered that one mountain had been eroded by over three meters. This conflict is famously referred to as the “Century Lime Kiln” due to its brutality. Many fierce battles took place on high points such as 1509, 1100, 772, 685, Doi Dai, and Co Ich, where our troops and people triumphed over tens of thousands of Chinese soldiers, forcing them to retreat across the border.

Although the victory in the Vi Xuyen War is a source of great pride, the losses were considerable. Over 4,000 military personnel and civilians perished on the battlefield, most of whom were under 20 years old. Even today, thousands of martyrs remain scattered across the Vi Xuyen area, with many still unaccounted for in the cemeteries.

How to Get to Vi Xuyen District Ha Giang?

The route from Hanoi to Ha Giang is currently the most common approach to reach the Vi Xuyen region. From the center of Ha Giang City, travelers can head roughly 20 kilometers south to arrive in Vi Xuyen District. For a convenient journey, guests can consider the following options:

By Motorbike: Travelers can take advantage of self-drive motorbike rental alternatives. However, riding on curvy mountain roads can be risky, and the journey from Hanoi to Ha Giang City might take around 7 to 9 hours. From there, you will continue your tour for another 20 km south to reach Vi Xuyen District.

By Bus: There are several bus companies offering transportation services from Hanoi to Ha Giang, with various vehicle sorts to accommodate different budgets. Options include limousines, sleeper buses with 46 or 43 seats, among others. The usual fare ranges from 300,000 to 400,000 VND per person every voyage. The most usual departure times are between 9 PM and 12 PM.

By automobile: If you are traveling with family, especially with tiny children, or if you have a large group of friends, utilizing a personal automobile or joining Ha Giang Loop Tour that includes door-to-door transport is the safest and most convenient solution. This allows you to be flexible with departure timings and makes it easier to tour several scenic spots along the way.

Upon arriving in Ha Giang City by bus or self-driven car, you can easily rent a motorbike to continue your journey to Vi Xuyen. The rental price for a motorbike ranges from 150,000 to 200,000 VND per day. There are various rental firms in the city center for you to pick from.

What’s Exciting in Vi Xuyen District Ha Giang?

468 Memorial Site

Forty years ago, fierce battles took place in Nam Ngat Village, Thanh Thuy Commune, Vi Xuyen District, to protect the northern border. Today, at the 468 height of this village, visitors can pay their respects at a memorial dedicated to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the homeland. Here, you’ll see greenery enveloping these monuments.

The 468 Memorial in Vi Xuyen covers over 1,100 square meters and includes significant structures such as a stele house, a memorial house, an incense house, and various other facilities. This site provides as a forum for friends and family of the martyrs and veterans to honor the heroes of Vietnam.

Visitors can also explore other sights such as points 772, 685, and 1509 in the area. However, height 468 remains noteworthy for its history of the most fierce conflicts in Vietnam. Despite the melancholy memories of intense battles, Mount 468 retains the pristine beauty of the high highland region of Northwest Vietnam.

Tay Con Linh Peak

Located in Northwest Vietnam, Tay Con Linh Peak rises to an impressive 2,427 meters above sea level. This site has always been considered one of the most pristine and beautiful mountains in Vietnam. Known as the “roof” of the Northeast region, it is steeped in legendary tales from the La Chi ethnic group in Hoang Su Phì District.

On your long journey to Tay Con Linh, you’ll be enchanted by the picturesque beauty of the Shan Tuyet tea hills, which have stood for decades. Besides, travelers admire the stunning terraced rice fields in Ho Thau, Phung Village, and Thong Nguyen Commune, formed through natural mountain erosion. Especially during the rice ripening season, the golden terraces stretch toward the horizon.

Dan Pioong Cave in Vi Xuyen

Dan Pioong Cave is renowned as one of the two caverns currently being explored in the Dan Pioong Mountain Range, located in Bạch Ngọc Commune, Vi Xuyen District, Ha Giang. Its unusual shape has been molded by thousands of years of erosion from underground rivers, creating deep caverns within the limestone cave.

Dan Pioong Cave shows a diversified and interesting geological formation. In addition to its beautiful stalactites, the cave offers a big pool of water formed from waterfall rushes over 20 meters high. Notably, the interior of the cave retains its original splendor, making it very enticing for visitors to Ha Giang.

This iconic stop can hold 40 to 50 persons. However, due to the damp and slippery conditions inside the cave, it is vital to pack specialist shoes and safety equipment. Visitors can opt to camp within the cave or outside its entrance to experience the sunrise over Bach Ngoc Valley.

Noong Lake in Vi Xuyen

Noong Lake is located in Phu Linh Commune, Vi Xuyen District, Ha Giang Province. It is a natural freshwater lake that appears on the Tay Con Linh Mountain Range. Its area varies seasonally, reaching its largest size of 80 hectares during the rainy season and shrinking to only 20 hectares during the dry season. Additionally, this scenic spot is just about 35 km from Ha Giang City center.

This beautiful area of Ha Giang is surrounded by lush green forests covering about 700 hectares and undulating rocky mountains. The lake is divided into two main sections: Noong I Lake and Noong II Lake. Notably, the water source for the lake comes from the caves within and three streams flowing from the Lo River.

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

Doi Co – Cau Ma Temple

Located in Dao Duc Commune, Vi Xuyen District, Ha Giang Province, Doi Co Cau Ma Temple was initiated in 1929 to worship the Upper Mountain deity and the Thoai Cung goddess. It is considered a shrine for these two deities in Vietnam. Doi Co Cau Ma Temple in Vi Xuyen holds special significance in honoring the Thoai Cung goddess and is one of the most noteworthy shrines in the area.

Doi Co Cau Ma Temple is highly regarded in the region due to its distinctive architectural style. The temple comprises three halls corresponding to three different altars. The main hall houses the statues of the Three Holy Mothers and the Doi Co, crafted from lacquered wood and gilded, arranged neatly in the altar. This site is frequently visited by many travelers seeking blessings for their families.

Traditional Festivals in Vi Xuyen District Ha Giang

The Gau Tao Festival

Alongside various religious ceremonies, the Gau Tao Festival plays a significant role in the spiritual life of the Hmong people. Although it has existed for a long time, the festival retains its uniqueness and pristine value, especially in Suoi Dong village, Vi Xuyen district, Ha Giang province.

The Gau Tao Festival involves the selecting of a tall, straight bamboo tree to serve as the “Nêu,” which reflects the festival’s essence. This “Nêu” is planted in a vast region, signifying a stable focal point of heaven and earth and facing east. This gesture indicates wishes for a fruitful harvest and a prosperous life for the community.

Moreover, the Gau Tao Festival offers many recreational activities that encourage interaction among participants, including traditional horn dancing, tug-of-war, and singing competitions, along with opportunities for young men and women to socialize. The festival’s underlying significance is to pray for a bountiful harvest and to express gratitude to one’s parents.

The Fire Jumping Festival

The Fire Jumping Festival is one of the most unique traditional folk ceremonies of the Red Dao population in the districts of Vi Xuyen, Hoang Su Phi, and Bac Me. For them, fire is a revered deity closely related to the life and soul of their ethnicity.

This celebration bears significant significance, symbolizing human strength in the face of nature. It also acts as an homage to ancestors and an honoring of the sky and earth. In Vi Xuyen district, this event is celebrated in the beginning of January, with hopes for a good harvest and a prosperous life for the locals. It offers a great experience for travelers experiencing Ha Giang.

The Long Tong Festival

Right after the Lunar New Year in Vietnam, you have the chance to participate in the Long Tong Festival held in Vi Xuyen, Ha Giang. Annually, this event takes place from the sixth day to the full moon of the first lunar month. The festival is characterized by a spirit of unity and community activities that bring everyone in the village together.

This incident occurs just after local farmers have harvested their rice. The peasants prepare the finest sacrifices to bring to the deities, praying for a fruitful harvest and a prosperous life. The offerings are neatly arranged in a line in front of the altar. The shamans, along with local leaders and villagers, take turns lighting incense and expressing appreciation to the sky, soil, and deities.

What to Eat When Visiting Vi Xuyen District ?

When you arrive in Vi Xuyen, you absolutely must not miss the delicious flavors from the region’s most iconic dishes hailing from the rocky highlands. To indulge in these culinary delights, visitors can explore the weekly Ha Giang markets.

Thang Co

The first dish on the list is Thang Co, a specialty of Ha Giang province. The primary ingredient for Thang Co is typically the “internal organs” of cattle, rather than horse or pork as many might mistakenly believe. Because horse meat is quite rare in the area and not always available for preparing Thang Co.

The cooking process for Thang Co is relatively straightforward. After being cleaned and prepared, the internal organs are marinated with an array of spices, including local herbs, star anise, cardamom, and over a dozen other spices. Thanks to the exquisite combination of these flavors, Thang Co emerges with a distinct aroma that is simply unforgettable.

Corn Wine

For the local ethnic communities, corn wine is not just a daily beverage; it serves as a means to relieve stress and keep warm during the chilly winter months. When temperatures drop to around 4-5 degrees Celsius in late October, corn wine becomes a popular choice. It is also a well-known Ha Giang’s specialty often gifted to tourists visiting Vi Xuyen.

To manufacture corn wine, corn is gently cooked and then left to ferment for around 10 days. The resulting beverage is transparent, with a mild, sweet flavor evocative of corn. With an alcohol concentration of roughly 30 degrees, corn wine pairs wonderfully with Thang Co. At the local markets, you’ll commonly find local locals enjoying corn wine alongside a steaming bowl of Thang Co at food stalls.

Smoked Buffalo Meat

To prepare the characteristic smoked buffalo meat, people meticulously choose high-quality buffalo pieces. They then utilize unusual spices from the northern mountains, such as mac khén and dổi seeds, to infuse the meat with a unique flavor. The buffalo flesh is sliced into chunks and marinated for an extended period, allowing the spices to permeate deeply and create a rich taste.

Once marinated, the dried buffalo meat is impaled on wooden sticks and placed over the fireplace to dry while preserving its moisture. Locals prefer eating the meat fresh from the skewers. Since this cuisine can be maintained for a long period, the ethnic tribes commonly cook dried buffalo meat throughout the winter. Overall, this specialty from Ha Giang is a popular choice among travelers shopping for keepsakes.

Buckwheat Flower Cake

No mention of Ha Giang’s famed dishes would be complete without buckwheat flower cake. This dish is recognized to be a traditional staple of the H’Mong ethnic community. However, you may only experience this delicacy toward the end of the buckwheat bloom season, often around late January each year.

The buckwheat flower cake from Vi Xuyen is enormous and circular, weighing up to half a kilogram and measuring the size of two adult hands. When guests seek to purchase it, residents cut the cake into bite-sized triangular pieces for simple sampling. With its fluffy, delicate texture, the buckwheat flower cake has a slightly sweet flavor that is just seductive.

Where to Stay in Vi Xuyen District ?

Since Vi Xuyen is close to the provincial capital, many travelers decide to stay here for simple access to see other historical sites in the vicinity. Here are some of the most popular accommodation options in Vi Xuyen for travelers to consider:

Vi Xuyen Hotels

If you’re traveling with family to Vi Xuyen, the finest lodging would be hotels in the city center. Here, you’ll find modern amenities, cozy rooms, and better customer service, such as room cleaning and high-quality furnishings. However, costs can be on the higher side, ranging from 450,000 to 1,200,000 VND per person each night.

Vi Xuyen Homestays

This lodging style is fairly common in Vi Xuyen, offering varied spaces and decorative styles. Typically, homestays feature a nostalgic architectural design that harmonizes with the natural surroundings. Additionally, homestays in Ha Giang also provide dormitory accommodations for larger parties, with costs ranging from 100,000 to 800,000 VND per person each night.

Vi Xuyen Guesthouses

With prices starting from just 70,000 VND per person, guesthouses are a common choice for backpackers stopping in Vi Xuyen for a night. They cater to basic needs for food and accommodation, featuring minimalist design and compact spaces. It’s wise to consider your options before making a reservation!

Vi Xuyen Ha Giang is a captivating destination that offers a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re trekking through lush valleys, sampling delicious local cuisine, or immersing yourself in the traditions of the ethnic minority groups, Vi Xuyen promises an adventure that you won’t soon forget.

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