Hoang Su Phi Travel Guide

Located in the western highlands of Ha Giang Province, Hoang Su Phi is a remote mountainous district that has gradually emerged as a must-visit destination on northern Vietnam discovery routes connecting the Northeast and Northwest regions.

Situated along Provincial Road DT177, which links Bac Ha (Lao Cai) with the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Hoang Su Phi lies on the Tay Con Linh mountain range, at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,700 meters, with peaks rising above 2,000 meters.
Thanks to its cool climate, dramatic landscapes, pristine forests, terraced rice fields, and ethnic villages scattered across the hillsides, Hoang Su Phi offers an authentic and breathtaking travel experience far from mass tourism.

Geography And Ethnic Diversity

Covering an area of 629.42 km², Hoang Su Phi is divided into 24 communes and one township, including four border communes with a total border length of over 40 km.

The district is home to more than 64,900 inhabitants from 12 ethnic groups, creating a remarkable cultural mosaic:

Nung people: 37.97%

Dao people: 21.36%

Hmong people: 12.63%

Others: La Chi, Tay, Pa Then and additional minority groups

Due to the remote geography and limited accessibility, cultural exchanges have developed slowly, allowing local communities to preserve distinct traditions, customs, and identities with minimal outside influence. This cultural authenticity is one of Hoang Su Phi’s greatest strengths.

Tourism Development In Hoang Su Phi

Hoang Su Phi remains a relatively new destination with many secrets yet to be discovered. Tourism here began around 2006, mainly through small-scale trekking activities focused on nature, ethnic encounters, and cultural exploration.

Because of its rugged terrain, limited transportation infrastructure, and distance from major urban centers, tourism development has progressed gradually. However, several community-based tourism villages such as Nam Son, Nam Khoa, Thong Nguyen, Ban Luoc, and Nam Ty have successfully welcomed both domestic and international visitors.

In 2014, Hoang Su Phi received approximately 6,570 visitors, including 4,350 Vietnamese travelers and 2,200 international tourists. While growth has been positive, visitor numbers remain modest compared to other destinations in Ha Giang and across Vietnam—making Hoang Su Phi an ideal choice for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures.

Cultural diversity is considered a unique tourism asset, especially appealing to international travelers. Tourism in Hoang Su Phi is often described as a journey back to the source, offering new emotions, serenity, and a meaningful escape from urban life.

Best Time To Visit Hoang Su Phi

April To June – Watering Season

From April to June, the terraced rice fields resemble giant curved mirrors, reflecting the sky and surrounding mountains. Water is carefully channeled into each terrace, and rice seedlings are gradually transplanted, creating one of the most photogenic landscapes in Vietnam.

Mid-September To October – Harvest Season

The harvest season transforms the hills into golden waves of rice terraces.
In 2012, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism officially recognized the Hoang Su Phi terraced rice fields as a National Natural Heritage Site, covering six key areas:

Ban Phung

Ban Luoc

Nam Ty

Nam Hong – Thong Nguyen

Ho Thau

San Sa Ho

Every corner offers stunning photography opportunities.

November To January (Lunar Calendar) – Festival Season

This period is marked by traditional cultural festivals, such as:

Khu Cu Te Festival of the La Chi people

Cap Sac ceremony of the Red Dao ethnic group

Visitors during this time can immerse themselves in vibrant cultural spaces and ancestral rituals.

Adventure Season – Year-round

For adventure lovers, trekking to Chieu Lau Thi Peak or exploring the Tay Con Linh range offers unforgettable experiences. In winter, mist-covered mountains, ancient forests, Shan Tuyet tea plantations, and resting rice terraces create a mystical atmosphere.

How To Get To Hoang Su Phi

Hoang Su Phi is located approximately 300 km from Hanoi and 100 km from Ha Giang City.

By Public Transport

Take a sleeper bus from My Dinh Bus Station (Hanoi) to Tan Quang Crossroad

Travel time: around 6–7 hours

From Tan Quang, continue by private car or motorbike along DT177 to Hoang Su Phi

By Motorbike

Travelers seeking scenic routes can ride from Hanoi via National Highway No. 2. Hoang Su Phi also connects well with nearby destinations such as:

Hanoi – Hoang Su Phi – Dong Van – Meo Vac

Hanoi – Hoang Su Phi – Xin Man – Bac Ha

Accommodation In Hoang Su Phi

Thanks to the development of community-based tourism, visitors have various accommodation options:

Homestays in ethnic villages

Budget guesthouses

High-end eco-lodges, such as Hoang Su Phi Lodge, offering comfort, panoramic views, and responsible tourism experiences

Why Visit Hoang Su Phi?

Authentic ethnic cultures

Spectacular terraced rice fields

Untouched mountain landscapes

Ideal for trekking, cultural immersion, and slow travel

Hoang Su Phi is not just a destination—it is an experience of nature, culture, and human connection.