Delicious food travelers love in Ha Giang

Ha Giang special food

Ha Giang is not only known as a mountainous province with spectacular landscapes, customs and traditions, colorful festivals, sheer limestone mountains but also we see it as a piece of land with of attractive natural products and one of the best attractions that lure travelers is the food culture with dishes made from many materials available in nature that have become exotic, interesting and impressive specifically available only in the highland region of Ha Giang

In this article I will introduce some specialties of Ha Giang land that have become famous and I myself have tried during our Ha Giang adventures. If you have a chance to visit this region just don't forget to taste them.

1 - Banh Cuon Trung (Rice rolls with eggs)

In the cold stone land of Ha Giang, one must eat something really hot, so hot air to fight the gloom air emanating from the rocks. But Egg rolls, specialty of the border land is a "cold dish", used with hot soup cooked from bone, sweet and tasty.

When the sauce is ready, you just dip the thin piece of rice, wrap with red color of egg yolk, everything is deep in the self-made sauce and enjoy the strange and tasty flavour of the remote land.

Some places to enjoy Banh Cuon Trung:

- Banh Cuon Mrs Lan, address 116A Ly Tu Trong street, Ha Giang town.

- Banh Cuon shop, just across the old Dong Van market

2 - Chau Au Tau (Au Tau porridge)

In Ha Giang there are unique dishes that make visitors never forget. Bitter Porridge or Chao Au Tau is one of them.

In a cold winter night, wandering in the town of Ha Giang, take a seat at the corner of the restaurant and order a bowl of Chao Au Tau, full gamut of taste in a small bowl of soup: fragrant glutinous rice mixed with aromatic rice cultivated on upland well cooked, the buttery flavour of a bulb of Au well cooked with pig trotters soup, odor herbs, spice leaves...A bowl of Chao Au Tau looks very attractive by harmonious combination of rice, minced meat, bone water, herbs... It is not easy to make Chao Au Tau, the bulb of Au is thoroughly soaked in strong rice water and stewed in 4 hours. Sticky rice Hoa Vang is mixed with white rice cooked in broth chopped pork leg and Au flour, add a little chopped lean meat, another little extra spice, the porridge tastes bitter and many people called bitter porridge.

Many visitors to Ha Giang, enjoy the tasty Chao Au Tau for the first time would return for it. Chao Au Tau is not just a dish but also a medicine for cold. Chao Au Tau is available in Ha Giang all seasons however only sold in the evening. In the cold winter night in the mountains, sitting in a warm restaurant by the red flame kitchen and savor Au Tau porridge is also an interest for those who love to discover new things.

3 - Thang Co

The aroma of cardamom, nuts and lemongrass, mingled with the fat of the meat warm the air in the cold weather of winter. H'mong men to Dong Van market all want to have a bowl of Thang Co soup, drink some cups of wine with friends. Men who have many friends are invited to many wine, those who are drunk at the end of the market session is considered as blessed for having many friends. 

The market in Dong Van has been rebuilt, look similar to markets in the cities however the roofs and ceilings cannot replace the umbrellas of ethnic women. In the middle of the market, the Thang Co shops are placed behind the foodstuff. Pork, buffalo, beef is hanging for sale in the big hooks, the wine shops are right beside the Thang Co shops, wine is stored in the big plastic can or ceramic jars carried on horseback from the early morning or the night before, a world of wines mingled with the flavour of hot fiery leaves.

H'mong people usually bring to market Men Men, a kind of corn cakes, when they come to market they buy a couple of wines and a bowl of Thang Co is enough to make a party with friends. You must squat when eating Thang Co, the bowls are put on a long wooden span and served by a wooden spoon, there is always a bowl of salt and hot chili, a little salt would make the Thang Co very strong. Thang Co must be eaten with friends so that you can talk about family, health and business and the sounds of cheers go all about the market. When you begin to get drunk people would sing and play flut, all men and women can be drunk at the Thang Co table.

4 - Com Lam in Bac Me (Sticky rice cooked in bamboo pipe)

Ha Giang is a fertile region with delicious sticky rice that has become famous, the Com Lam Bac Me is becoming a special dish of the Tay ethnic people here.

Techniques to process Com Lam is simple, raw materials is sticky rice treated thoroughly and soaked in water from underground sources, put in a bamboo pipe and blocked with banana leaves, people use young bamboo, cut into tubes with one end open and the other end is blocked, like the bottom of the pan, glutinous rice is washed carefully, add some salt, mix well and put into the tubes, pour water approximately above the rice. The open end of the bamboo pipe is blocked with dried banana leaves and then grill on fire or put under the fire wood, spin the tube around slowly to make the rice heat up evenly. As long as an hour or less (depending on how big the pipe is), the fragrance of glutinous rice spread out then the Com Lam is ready.

Before eating, use a knife and remove the green skin outside the pipe (now burned black) and the white layer inside, the Com Lam is shaped in the form of a pipe, surrounded by an ivory silk shell of bamboo tube. In the old days Com Lam is a priority for pregnant women and women who were feeding new born babies. A scientific explanation, that eating Com Lam will avoid the nature of copper, iron, aluminum as cooked by metal pan and therefore would not affect the quality of milk of the mother, when eating the Com Lam has the fragrance coupled with banana leave and grilled pipe, Com Lam can be eaten with sesame or grilled fish from river.

5 - Reu Nuong (grilled moss)

Moss from rock has been considered a kind of aquatic plant. But for the Tay people in Xuan Giang commune, Quang Binh district, stone moss is a special dish.

The food processed from stone moss is also call Que, this is a tasty and nutritious dish with unique flavour. According to local people, when they go looking for moss they usually go to large fields where moss is plenty and tasty, moss is washed thoroughly until it is free from sand, moss then can be processed into different dishes.

Moss from streams is plenty however less delicious. Moreover moss is seasonal so for people here, moss is a precious dish. Moss can be cooked in different dishes such as fried, dried however the most delicious and original grilled with difference spices.

Tay people say "Que chi ap, tap chi ho", means moss should be grilled on charcoal. When the moss is grilled you don't spin the bag of moss but grill one side of the bag then the other side, when tapping the bag with two fingers and feel soft inside then the moss is ready. Since the moss is seasonal so in addition to processing fresh moss people also dry the moss, put in the kitchen to make food reserves. Only the distinguished guests are treated dry moss in the kitchen.

Ha Giang tourism developes

Ha Giang department of Culture and Information in corporation with Tourism Promotion Centre has organized a training course on "Community Tourism of Ha Giang in 2015". Attending the course are 42 students who are in charge of cultural affairs in the villages with community tourism, management board and households offering homstay service in Phuong Thien and Phuong Do communes of Ha Giang town.

Ha Giang in Vietnam

The training course is attended by lecturer from Hanoi Tourism College with content: Overview of the tourism development of Ha Giang province, the role of eco-environmental protection with development of tourism activities, characteristics and needs of tourists coming to the community-based cultural villages, some models of management, operation and distribution of profits for community tourism products. Practice how to decorate, arrange furniture in the house, methods of processing some traditional dishes to serve tourists, some principles in interacts with tourists. The training course is not only to equip people with basic knowledge of business, community tourism activities, but also help people orient the economic development in a sustainable way according to the model of economic tourism, thereby contribute to local economic development, 

In order to raise the level of knowledge for professional management team, directors and deputy directors, business owners and service staff in hotels, motels and restaurants in town and also helps operate the business activities more effective, the training course on "Business Management for customer service at hotels, guesthouses and restaurants" was held in 2 days at Ha Giang museum hall, there were 20 people attended including 5 participants from hotels and restaurants in town. Content of the course was to convey to students necessary stills such as basic communication skills with tourists, objects and mentality of tourists, promotion and marketing in the hotels, restaurants, handling situations in operating hotels, guesthouses and restaurants. This is an opportunity for accommodation establishments and restaurants in the City and other districts in Ha Giang province to exchange, share of experiences to serve guests better.

Ha Giang is the province with great potential for tourism development. However, to put up the smokeless industry development, Ha Giang is trying to build and implement successful strategies for tourism development. Since Dong Van Plateau has officially become a member of network of global geoparks, Ha Giang is determined to implement the strategy to become a tourist centre in north Vietnam. This determination is expressed through the building of Ha Giang's strategic development with the goal to receive 1.9 million visitors in 2015, with 340 thousand foreign tourists, revenue from tourism, services reach 2 trillion Vietnam Dong.

To accomplish this goal, Ha Giang province is expected to improve the existing accommodation facilities on 122 hotels and guest houses with 1,687 rooms, 45 village community cultural tourism. By 2020, Ha Giang tourism sector is expected to receive about 3 million tourists, with 650 thousand foreign visitors, total revenue of over 3 trillion Dong. The accommodation facilities are raised to 150 motels, hotels and resorts, with a total of 4000 rooms, 88 community-based tourism cultural villages

Spectacular Ma Pi Leng pass in Ha Giang

Ma Pi Leng is the name of the craggy stretch of mountainous road in Ha Giang province, about 20 km long, located on the Happy Road linking the Ha Giang town, Dong Van and Meo Vac districts. Ma Pi Leng in the language of Hmong people means "Horse nose" refering the abrupt mountain slopes. The road winding through the cliffs, passing Ma Pi Leng summit at an altitude of 2,000 meters, below is Nho Que river, light and thin as a thread. 

Ma Pi Leng pass in Ha Giang

Ma Pi Leng pass is not too long however it is the most difficult pass in the remote north Vietnam, considered as King of passes in Vietnam, the pass was built by tens of thousands of workers from norther provinces in 11 months, at first the road was just wide enough for pedestrians and cycles then widened for the cars however it was still very difficult and dangerous with sharp bends and too narrow for two cars to pass from opposite directions. After completion, Ma Pi Leng pass with 9 curves over the sheer cliffs and deep abyss below has become a Great Wall of Vietnam. On top of the pass placed a stone tablet recording the construction of the road and also a monument to the contributions of those who have sacrificed their lives to make the road.

The road is like a silk band winding the mountain with sheer cliff on one side and deep abyss on the other side is a challenge to adventurers, after crossing the slopes, visitors arrive at the Ma Pi Leng pass, amazed at the magnificent space of the mountain appearing in the blue sky, especially there is a piece of rock that comes out of the road is the place for you to have a panorama view of the mountainous north, visitors have a feeling like in the middle of the sky.

With rugged terrain and spectacular unspoiled scenery, Ma Pi Leng pass deserves as one of the "Big Four Passes" of the northern region of Vietnam (with the Pha Din, O Quy Ho and Khau Pha Passes). One cannot miss Ma Pi Leng pass when visit Ha Giang.

Nguom Ngao cave

Nguom Ngao cave

Nearly 90 kilometers of the mountain pass, over Ma Phuc and Khau Lieu passes you have reached Nguom Ngao Cave. Most tourists visit the Ban Gioc waterfall often visit Nguom Ngao cave because the distance is only about 3km...

In the opinion of the experienced visitors, Nguom Ngao cave is considered one of the country's most beautiful cave system by stalactites and stalagmites made the scene vividly, that amazing man surprise, surprise. The total length of approximately 2.144m includes 3 doors: Nguom Ngao, Nguom Lom, Nguom Ban Thuon... The temperature is from 18 to 25 ° C, cool in summer and warm in winter. Nguom Ngao cave is indeed priceless gift that nature bestowed Cao Bang.

According to legend, there used to be many tigers living in the cave and Tay people named the cave as Nguom Ngao, it means: Tiger cave, however, there is another theory that the roar emitted by sound generating significant streams of water flowing more like the roar of the tigers so the people named as Nguom Ngao, attractions in north Vietnam highlands

According to scientists Nguom Ngao is the limestone cave formed about 300 million years ago .... From time to time under the impact of natural nowadays Cao Bang has 1 more attractive point to visit with stalactites Nguom Ngao cave is different from the other by mixed calcium impurities .

Looked at four sides above the limestone cliffs, visitors will encounter a lot of amazing pictures like dodder, mother breast, holy toad, rock guitar... and one can not ignore the "highlights "the most prominent of Nguom Ngao is the coral tree and the ship, gold, silver waterfall, upturned lotus, lonely stone columns... All these scenes are natural created by stalactites and stalagmites from limestone, no intervention of human arrangements, but they appear incredibly vivid and seductive. Nguom Ngao is truly a valuable natural gifts that the Creator gave the people in the area.

Spectacular Du Gia commune in Ha Giang

Du Gia, Ha Giang

Those who love travel, discover the route from Mau Due to Du Gia always bring unforgettable memories, all bikers express their discourage when mentioned the journey, the nickname "miserable road" was given to this hardest stretch of road as the most difficult road in north Vietnam adventure tours. The route from Du Gia to Mau Due in Ha Giang province has attracted how many bikers, it takes almost a half day when the weather is good, when it rains and fog you cannot tell how long, the 75km stretch of road along the mountain path, full of sharp rocks coupled with towering slopes about 11-12 degrees and full of desolation. The challenge is that but this route has seen a lot of travelers to conquer, some people did the trip more than one times until it has become a habit, a drug for years that forces them to come back every year.

The wonderful thing that compensates those who dare to explore and experience the hardship of the road is the spectacular moments when you stop and stretch your legs on top of the pass, you can take the most beautiful photos of the green valley in the rocky plateau, the yellow paddy terraces are even more beautiful than in Mu Cang Chai or Hoang Su Phi as they look like flowers on the grey background of mountains.

Arriving in Ha Giang town at noon, our group quickly prepared food, drinks and a 10 litre can of petrol for the upcoming journey with only a few little houses perched on the high mountain slopes, no gas station, no bike repair, no phone coverage...so that when you have set the foot in this route you have to get out of it before the night falls. We started the trip from Ha Giang township about 25km to Bac Me and then turned to Mau Due, leaving the main road about 10 meters we hit the rocky path, those who come on this road for the first time feel shocked by the bumpy path that makes your motorbike bounces up and down. Along the endless winding road the scenery is very spectacular, with the mountains, rivers, jungle all combine to make it a magnificent picture, sometimes you see a little waterfall on the road side, before your eyes in the distance are rice terraces on the hillside where Hmong people raise corn, an unresistable attraction of Ha Giang travel information.

At the place from Lung Ho commune to Mau Due township, all steps are stopped at the Sa Ly and Na Lau cultural hamlets, Yen Minh district of Ha Giang province, these are the villages of Red Dzao people perched on the peak of the mountain surrounded by the most beautiful rice terraces, the tiled roofs houses connected together as an art installation by someone purposely created on this highland, the blue smoke from the houses even gives the picture warmer colours. Both villages still retain the natural rustic beauty, innocence as the color of the rocks around the existing gray stone plateau.

Crawling on the edge of the cliff at a speed of 5km/hour and we arrived at Du Gia commune at 16.00, we stop for a rest at a tea stall, all the way from Du Gia to Mau Due, a mountain peak is followed by a valley pass, we came to Lung Ho when the sun just set, we had to keep riding 35 km through Ma Pi Leng pass to come to Meo Vac, our destination for the night.

Ma Pi Leng pass and the road of happiness in Ha Giang

In the coming time, Ha Giang province is expected to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the completion of the "Road of Happiness" to honor and praise the great contribution of the former voluntary youngsters in the eight northern provinces who have opened the road from the town of Ha Giang to four northern mountainous districts. The celebration is scheduled to be held in mid March 2015.

The "Road of Happiness" is the path extending from Ha Giang town to Meo Vac district via the legendary Ma Pi Leng pass built by young peoples of Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Lang Son, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, Thai Nguyen, Nam Dinh and Hai Duong provinces during 8 years with simple tools equivalent to 2 million workdays.

Happy couple taking photos on Happiness Road

The Happiness Road was started on 10th September 1959 with total length 200km from Ha Giang over the rock plateau Dong Van and Ma Pi Leng pass to Meo Vac, after a long time of hard working the route was completed and put into operation on 10th March 1965. Nearly 8 years of contruction in harsh conditions with a lot of hardship the road was completed in the happiness of local people and young workers.

Why the road was name Happiness? For the road was attached to hard labour of the youth, they have sacrificed their beautiful young years, shed sweat and even blood for the road. In those days, enthusiastic young people willing to participate in activities to help people. When the campaign to build the road was launched, hundreds of young people came together on the road, volunteered to go opening the road. At that time, the tools were very basic and simple, they just had the hammers and crowbars to work. The country was still in difficult condition, they had to work very hard under severe conditions however everyday young people still worked very hard. Even they hang onto the roof of the Ma Pi Leng plateau over 11 months to build the road over the pass opening literally every centimeter of rock to open the road, completing 10km road through the steep side. Today Ma Pi Leng is considered as one of the most spectacular passes in northern Vietnam, travelers on their adventure tours to Ha Giang Vietnam cannot miss Ma Pi Leng pass on the way from Meo Vac to Dong Van.

Many people have expressed deep feelings when recalling to the old days, it's like a historical battle that they have put all effort into helping people. It is the sacrifice of their contributions now the plateau region has increasingly developed. Thanks to the Road of Happiness that people now can have easy access to trade with each other and with other regions, tourists come here to discover more and more, contributing to the economic development of Ha Giang province.

The 50th anniversary of the completion of "Road of Happiness" is expected to organize many cultural activities such as organizing acceptance of phase 1 of the monument of voluntary youth on the Happiness Road, inauguration of the cemetery and organize offering incense to young martyrs in Yen Minh district, the 2nd Hmong flute festival in Ha Giang...

Under the plan, the Northwest Steering Committee will host the ceremony in collaboration with Ha Giang province, and local agencies concerned to prepare the necessary conditions to organize the 50th anniversary of the completion of "Road of Happiness" in Ha Giang province to ensure practical and effectiveness.

Travel permit to Ha Giang

Travel permit to Ha Giang

Travel permit to Ha Giang: Foreign tourists to Ha Giang are required to have permit in order to access the remote border areas in Ha Giang province. Previously, travellers must apply for this permit at Ha Giang Immigration Department. But now, for the convenience of tourists visiting Ha Giang tours from different ways each district has an immigration unit based in town issuing permits directly to visitors. The procedure has become even more convenient as the hotel staff can help arrange permits for guests staying at their hotels. Each permit allows maximum 5 passengers, fee is 10 usd.

Ha Giang developes community tourism

More than 520,000 visitors came to Ha Giang in 2013, this is an impressive figure for the tourism industry the frontier area of the country.

Ha Giang Vietnam

Nam Dam hamlet in Quan Ba district is a farourite choice for visitors coming to Ha Giang tours. In total 50 households, mostly ethnic Dzao, there are up to 20 families organize community based travel. To attract more tourists, Nam Dam has set up a Management Board, responsible for the managing of tourism activities in the village. Thanks to the attention of local authorities, from early 2014 the hamlet had a museum of it's own. Travellers can learn about culture, traditions and habits of Dzao people in Ha Giang through exhibits and old books.

Nevertheless, community tourism in Ha Giang has not been implemented in a professional manner, many villages branded as community travel culture village however there is no service. Ha Giang province is composed by 21 ethnic minorities, many villages still preserve cultural traditions however people's lives are difficult, education level is not high. Developing community tourism will contribute to protecting the environment and creating jobs, increasing imcome and improving life for people...But to achieve this goal Ha Giang must have specific strategies, especially to raise awareness for the people.

According to leaders of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, from the end of the year, under the Circular 12 of the Ministry of Culture, ethnic minorities will enjoy more preferential policies for tourism development such as promotion support and assistance in the development of tourism in the model of homestay. The Circular is hoped to facilitate the sustainable development of community tourism in Ha Giang.