According to Breaking Travel News, in September this year, Ha Giang - the northernmost province of Vietnam - was honored to win the category "Ha Giang - Asia's Leading Regional Cultural Destination 2024".

This recognition has put Ha Giang on the world map as a special tourist destination, highlighted by its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes and ethnic traditions that have thrived over centuries.

The Rise of Ha Giang

In the past, Ha Giang's landscapes were a closely guarded secret for adventurous travelers. Nestled in the northernmost mountains of Vietnam, it is a breathtaking combination of rugged limestone peaks, deep valleys, terraced rice fields and mist-shrouded hills.

Today, Ha Giang's pristine beauty and cultural richness are considered a "lighthouse" for global tourists looking for a different experience.

According to Breaking Travel News, in contrast to commercialized destinations, Ha Giang is trying to maintain its pristine beauty - a rare thing in today's tourism landscape. This beauty, along with the preservation of indigenous cultures, has made this place an attractive global destination.

The painting is imbued with cultural identity

Cultural diversity is one of the outstanding features that helps Ha Giang stand out on the world tourism map. The province is home to more than 50 ethnic minority groups, including the H'Mong, Tay, Dao and Lo Lo.

Each of these communities maintains unique traditions, costumes and festivals, offering visitors a culturally rich experience.

A visit to Ha Giang offers visitors a first-hand look into the daily lives of this ethnic group. Traditional markets such as Dong Van Market are not only bustling commercial centres but also spaces where people from many different ethnic groups gather, dress in traditional costumes, share handicrafts, goods and delicious local cuisine.

One cannot talk about Ha Giang without mentioning the vibrant Khau Vai Love Market, held annually.

Khau Vai is not only a place to preserve traditional cultural values, noble human values, but also a place to praise pure love, create a spread of good values ​​in the community, contributing to building and developing social ethics, family, and love. This event is considered a celebration of love and tradition, showing an aspect of life in Ha Giang that has deep roots in history and emotions.

This is also a place for exchange and meeting to preserve the unique cultural beauty of ethnic minorities and promote and attract tourists to Dong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark.

Majestic Landscape: A Natural Masterpiece

In addition to its rich cultural heritage, Ha Giang’s natural beauty offers breathtaking and majestic scenery. Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO Global Geopark, is a geological wonder that stretches across the Ha Giang plateau. The limestone blocks, formed over 400 million years, are one of the most impressive landscapes in Southeast Asia, creating a unique terrain that captivates every visitor.

Another highlight is Ma Pi Leng Pass, often hailed as one of the most spectacular mountain passes in Vietnam, offering breathtaking views of the winding Nho Que River winding through towering cliffs.

Meanwhile, the terraced fields in Hoang Su Phi are a testament to the harmony between nature and local ethnic groups who have mastered the art of terraced farming for centuries.

Sustainable and responsible tourism

Part of Ha Giang’s success lies in its commitment to sustainable tourism. Unlike many other destinations, the local community, together with the Ha Giang government, has worked to ensure that tourism development respects the environment and traditional ways of life.

The homestay model, where tourists can stay with local families and participate in activities in ethnic minority villages, has created a certain level of success, helping tourists experience culture while contributing to supporting the local economy.

Along with participating in community tourism, Ha Giang tourism industry is directly contributing to the local economy, ensuring that local people through many generations can both develop and maintain cultural activities.

"Visitors to Vietnam's northernmost province, Ha Giang, can take in some of the country's most spectacular landscapes. Explore terraced rice fields that curve down valleys and up hillsides, drive along winding, treacherous roads, and visit ethnic minority villages and vibrant weekend markets," Breaking Travel News describes./.