Located about 70km from Meo Vac town, Du Gia is a small peaceful village nestled in a vast karst plateau. Nature has favored this place with majestic, unique, and pristine mountains and hills. Therefore, it is an ideal destination for resting after a long day of loop journey or simply reconnecting with nature, away from the hustle and bustle of urban areas. Let’s explore more about Du Gia village with LOKA!
Du Gia village is a small commune in Yen Minh district, inhabited by three ethnic groups: Hmong, Dao, and Tay, with Tay people being the majority. When visiting here, everyone feels immersed in a space rich in traditional colors, not only blending with nature but also experiencing the resilient livelihoods of countrymen from different cultural backgrounds. This provides a profound understanding and many unforgettable experiences. Du Gia is also often the final overnight stop for those who have long loop trip after having visited all the renowned tourist destinations of the half of the loop.
Journey to Du Gia village – Through the “real life of the rocky land”
Although the distance from Mau Due to Du Gia is only about 50km, this route is the most beloved in the loop due to the journey through the countryside. Instead of passing the main roads through towns, we traverse primitive villages. Here are some must-visit stops along the way:
– Sa Ly Pass, marked as “Mau Due viewpoint” on Google Maps. From here, we can admire the winding road stretching to infinity and the terraced rice fields layered one on top of another.
– Duong Thuong Viewpoint: A historical site once managed by the French in this area.
– Lung Ho Viewpoint: Currently, there is a coffee shop here, and you cannot miss the opportunity to admire the sunset. It is one of the most beautiful sunset spots in the loop that you should not miss.
– Du Gia Pass: Dubbed as “the second Ma Pi Leng,” this pass is only about 8km long from the peak of Lung Ho Viewpoint, with a deep cliff on one side and a mountain wall on the other.
How to get there
There are several options to get there since it is one of the must-visit places in the loop. Each route offers different experiences, so choose one of the following routes:
Route 1:
From Ha Giang City, travel along National Highway 34, passing through Minh Ngoc commune (Bac Me district) until you reach a three-way intersection. Then, turn left onto DT176 road to reach Du Gia, with a total distance of 70km. This route allows adventure enthusiasts to admire the peaceful valleys of the Tay ethnic people nestled on the mountainside, along with the thrilling bends and rugged rock mountain, providing a sense of adventure. The national highway is quite beautiful but not too large, with mountain passes and many cars, so pay attention to drive slowly and follow traffic laws. However, DT176 road still has many potholes and rough sections due to ongoing construction, making the journey a bit challenging. Nevertheless, the breathtaking natural scenery makes up for it. It is advisable to avoid this route during the rainy season to prevent landslides.
Route 2:
You can also travel via National Highway 4C, passing through famous landmarks such as Heaven Gate and Twin Mountains, until you reach the three-way intersection at Huu Vinh, then turn left onto DT181 road to Mau Due. From there, you will pass through various viewpoints like the French Fort relic and Lung Ho Viewpoint before reaching Du Gia. Although this route is about 40km longer than National Highway 34, the road is incredibly beautiful and easy to navigate, offering equally stunning views.
Route 3:
Besides Ma Pi Leng and Nho Que, the route from Duong Thuong to Du Gia is also remarkably beautiful. From Ha Giang City, follow the Mien River through Thuan Hoa and Thai An communes on DT181 road, then continue through Duong Thuong and Lung Ho to reach Du Gia. This route is less popular as it is about 30km longer than Route 1, but the road is less crowded, and the scenery is magnificent. LOKA recommends you experience this new route, which is both easily accessible to Du Gia and allows you to admire the pristine beauty of the majestic karst plateau and the Hmong ethnic villages.
Route 4:
Lastly, from Meo Vac, pass through the M-shaped curve and Lung Ho commune to reach Du Gia. This route is often chosen by travelers who travel Ha Giang loop, stay in Meo Vac town, and visit Du Gia the following day. Along this route, you will traverse hills and stunning mountain slopes that are characteristic of the high rocky plateau. Note that there are some sections under construction, so you should pay attention.
It can be said that, beside Ma Pi Leng and Nho Que, the route from Duong Thuong – Du Gia are equally beautiful.
Experiences in Du Gia village
Du Gia is a village inhabited by the Tay ethnic people, surrounded by favorable natural landscapes of rivers and mountains. There are some unmissable experiences when visiting here:
– Swim at Du Gia Waterfall (Tham Luong Waterfall). However, these natural places have many potential risks, especially jumping from a height into the waterfall, which is highly dangerous. Therefore, when deciding to engage in any adventurous experience, consider the risks and take responsibility for your decision
– Fishing in the stream with the locals: The Tay ethnic people here often bring baskets, goggles, and nets to catch fish in the stream in front of their houses during the late afternoon. You can join them to learn and have an enjoyable time
– Take a walk around the village to experience the tranquility and immerse yourself in the daily life of Du Gia
– Of course, choosing a homestay to enjoy meals with the host family and thereby gain a deeper understanding of the local culture
Accommodations in Du Gia village
Currently, the accommodation services in Du Gia village are relatively developed and diverse. LOKA Ha Giang recommends choosing to stay at a homestay to have local experiences and connect with the local community. Most of the hosts are local people who utilize their traditional stilt houses, which are over 50 years old, as homestays. Therefore, you will feel like a member of their family, comfortable to chat and exchange cultures together.
The prices and quality of services at different homestays are relatively similar.
Dormitory rooms cost around $4, private rooms start from $12, and bungalows are available from $15. Don’t forget to choose an ideal room on a hill, where you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the vibrant Du Gia valley. Start your morning with a hot cup of coffee while admiring the picturesque rice fields. It is advisable to make early reservations through OTA platforms such as Agoda, Booking.com, or directly contact the phone number provided on the Google Maps address of each homestay.
Some notes:
• The road to Du Gia has many rough and potholed sections, as well as gravel roads and no barriers, so it is important to drive carefully, slowly, and pay close attention.
• The weather in the highland region is unpredictable, so always carry raincoats, boots, warm clothing, and personal medical equipment.
These factors have left a lasting impression on tourists and often make them want to stay longer in Du Gia. Have you been in this land yet?
Please share your experience in the comment box below with LOKA! If you encounter any difficulties in planning your trip to Ha Giang or need to rent services such as motorcycles, cars, easyriders, tour guides, etc., don’t hesitate to contact us for the most suitable support.
My name is Giap Van Hai, I am a travel enthusiast and always want to share the beauty of Ha Giang with everyone. With a deep love for the mountains and the typical culture of Ha Giang people, I decided to establish Loka Ha Giang – a website specializing in Ha Giang tourism services. We provide travel services such as Ha Giang Loop, Ha Giang Trekking, Ha Giang Easyrider