Sung La valley - the best destination in Ha Giang

Blessed with spectacular natural scenery, Ha Giang stands out for its majestic mountain ranges and iconic attractions such as Dong Van, Meo Vac, the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass, and the Lung Cu Flag Tower. However, among all these destinations, Sung La Valley is a place that no traveler to Ha Giang should miss.

Often described with poetic names like “the delicate flower among the rocky highlands” or “the valley where stones bloom”, Sung La captivates visitors from the very first moment. Many travelers can’t help but exclaim that the valley is “overwhelmingly beautiful and deeply enchanting.”

How to get to Sung La valley

Sung La Valley is located right on National Highway 4C, the main route connecting Yen Minh with the Dong Van – Meo Vac Karst Plateau. For this reason, Sung La is almost an unavoidable stop on any Ha Giang loop itinerary.

In the local language, Sung La means “oasis.” True to its name, the valley offers a peaceful and rustic landscape where visitors can immerse themselves in poetic nature while discovering the unique cultural identity of the local people. The area is home mainly to H’Mong, Lo Lo, and Hoa ethnic groups, who live in charming traditional rammed-earth houses, surrounded by flowers blooming throughout the year.

To fully appreciate the colorful and complete panorama of Sung La Valley, travelers are advised to approach it from Yen Minh toward Dong Van. At the Pho Bang junction, you will find one of the most beautiful viewpoints, where a winding mountain road embraces the entire green valley. From above, Sung La appears simple and tranquil, nestled among rugged limestone peaks and time-worn houses with faded tiled roofs.

Best time to visit Sung La valley

Sung La is at its most beautiful in late autumn and spring.

Late autumn (October–November): The valley is covered with soft pink and purple hues of buckwheat flowers, stretching across the hillsides.

Spring (February–March): The once cold and rocky landscape suddenly comes alive with the white blossoms of pear and plum trees, along with the gentle pink of peach flowers.

These seasonal colors transform the dark limestone terrain into a scene of irresistible charm, making Sung La even more captivating in the eyes of visitors.

Top attractions in Sung La valley

Sung La offers several interesting places to explore, but one of the most unique is the Lung Phin Market, located right at the Sung La junction.

This traditional market is held once a week on Ty and Ngo days according to the lunar calendar. What makes it special is that the market day moves backward by one day each week, exactly as its name “Lui” (meaning “backward”) suggests. For example, if it is held on Tuesday this week, it will take place on Monday the following week, and so on.

Another must-visit site is Lung Cam Cultural Village, home to around 60 households of the H’Mong and Lo Lo ethnic groups. The village is famous as the filming location of the Vietnamese movie “The Story of Pao.” Here, visitors can admire beautifully preserved ancient rammed-earth houses, watch children playing innocently on stone steps, and see H’Mong women quietly weaving fabric by traditional looms—scenes that reflect the authentic rhythm of life in the rocky highlands of Ha Giang.