Misty mountain ridges across northern Vietnam

Hà Giang · Vietnam

Following the mountain road into Hà Giang

Limestone passes, market days, and Vietnam’s far northern frontier.

By Amara WestMay 3, 20268 min read

North of Hà Giang city, the road becomes the destination.

It climbs through terraced valleys toward the Chinese border, each switchback revealing a wider sweep of limestone.

The Ma Pi Leng pass

Above the Nho Quế river, the pass is best taken slowly, ideally with a local driver who knows every village along the way.

Northern Vietnam mountains
Morning mist lingers over the ridges near Đồng Văn.

When to go

October and November bring golden rice and buckwheat blossom.

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