Ha Giang Loop and Ninh Binh are two of the most prominent tourist destinations in Vietnam. Each place brings unique beauty and distinct experiences to visitors. What makes a place the perfect choice for you? Let’s join Karst Plateau to explore the strengths and characteristics of each locality, from landscape, culture, and activities to other experiences to help you easily decide whether to choose Ha Giang Loop or Ninh Binh for your next journey.
1. Overview of Ha Giang Loop
Ha Giang famous for its majestic mountains, Karst plateaus, and ethnic minority villages, is a famous backpacking journey that not only brings a sense of challenge but also a great opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the lives of residents here.
Landscape
Ha Giang possesses many outstanding landscapes, from rugged passes running along rugged mountain peaks to lush green valleys. Ma Pi Leng Pass is considered “the four great passes of Vietnam”, famous for its 1,200 m altitude and breathtaking views of the Nho Que River. These are challenging but also attractive routes for backpackers.
Main landscapes of Ha Giang: Ma Pi Leng Pass, Dong Van Karst Plateau, Dong Van ancient town, Lung Cu flagpole, Cat King’s Mansion, etc. With its wild and impressive beauty, Ha Giang Loop always attracts nature lovers, causing many tourists to wonder between Ha Giang Loop or Ninh Binh when planning their trip.
Culture
Ha Giang culture is very diverse and rich with the interference of ethnic minorities such as Mong, Tay, Dao, and many other groups. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore ethnic markets, where people from different villages gather to trade and exchange culture.
Some typical cultural features:
- Costumes of ethnic minorities
- Traditional dishes: Thang Co, Five-color sticky rice and corn wine, dried buffalo meat.
- Traditional crafts: brocade weaving, wine-making, wood carving.
Ha Giang is home to many ethnic minorities such as H’Mong, Dao, and Tay. The unique customs and festivals here create a distinct cultural highlight. If you want to experience highland culture, Ha Giang Loop or Ninh Binh both offer interesting opportunities, but each place has its own unique characteristics.
Motorbike tour
One of the most attractive features of Ha Giang Loop is the experience of driving a motorbike through winding, challenging but also enchanting mountain passes. The journey usually lasts from 3 to 5 days, helping you experience famous landscapes along with local culture.
Basic information for motorbike tour:
- Time: 3-5 days
- Itinerary: Ha Giang – Quan Ba - Yen Minh – Dong Van – Meo Vac – Ha Giang
- Car rental cost: 100,000 – 500,000 VND/day, depending on the type of car you choose. However, if you are not confident in your own riding skills, you can join the tour with an easy rider.
Riding a motorbike through passes like Ma Pi Leng is one of the typical experiences of Ha Giang Loop. For those who love to explore by motorbike, the choice of Ha Giang Loop or Ninh Binh will depend on personal preferences and driving ability.
Trekking
For those who love sports and exploration, trekking in Ha Giang is a better choice. Trekking routes are designed to suit both beginners and those who love challenges.
Some outstanding trekking routes:
- The road from Yen Minh to Dong Van
- Trekking in Dong Van Karst plateau
- Trekking on the god cliff
- Every step on the mountain roads will open before your eyes majestic natural scenery, helping you forget all the stress in life.
Explore fair markets
The market in Ha Giang is also an indispensable destination in your journey. Here, you not only have the opportunity to shop for local products but also admire the unique culture of ethnic minorities.
Some famous markets:
- Dong Van Market: Sunday
- Meo Vac Market: Sunday
- Pho Cao Market: Saturday
The bustling scene of the markets along with brocade products and local foods will bring you a feeling of familiarity and closer to the lives of the people here. Markets like Dong Van Market or Meo Vac Market are rich in local culture. For those who love to explore ethnic life, Ha Giang Loop or Ninh Binh both have their own strengths, but Ha Giang market is somewhat more unique.
2. Overview of Ninh Binh
Landscape
Ninh Binh, known for its beautiful natural cultural heritage landscapes, is a favorite destination of many tourists. This place not only stands out with its lush green fields but also contains many rich historical and cultural values. This is one of the reasons why tourists often hesitate between Ha Giang Loop or Ninh Binh when choosing a tourist destination.
Areas such as Trang An and Tam Coc-Bich Dong not only offer eco-tourism experiences but also make visitors fall in love with their wild beauty. Limestone mountains and clear blue rivers create a vibrant natural picture.
Notable attractions:
- Trang An: A place recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage ‘
- Tam Coc: Considered “Ha Long Bay on land”
- Bai Dinh Pagoda: One of the largest pagodas in Vietnam
Culture
Ninh Binh’s rich culture is expressed through traditional festivals, the customs of local people, and specialty dishes. From dishes such as scorched rice and goat meat to handicrafts, Ninh Binh offers many attractive culinary experiences for visitors.
Ninh Binh not only attracts tourists through its natural beauty but also creates connections through experiencing local culture. Festivals and cultural activities give visitors the opportunity to learn deeply about the nation’s customs and cultural values.
Activities in Ninh Binh
Take a boat One of the unmissable experiences in Ninh Binh is boating, especially in the Tam Coc and Trang An areas. Boat trips will take you to explore beautiful caves, and admire green fields and majestic limestone mountains. Compared to the Ha Giang Loop, this activity brings relaxation, creating the difference between the Ha Giang Loop or Ninh Binh.
Information about the boat experience:
- Time: 2-3 hours per trip
- Cost: about 120,000 – 250,000 VND/person
- Landscape: Beautiful caves, green fields, limestone mountains
Climbing at Mua cave
Mua Cave, one of the prominent destinations in Ninh Binh, gives visitors not only fresh air but also the opportunity to challenge themselves with nearly 500 stone steps. After climbing to the top, you will see a panoramic view of the Ngo Dong River and lush green rice fields. Climbing at Mua Cave is not only a physical adventure but also an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in beautiful nature and learn more about the local culture.
3. Accessibility
Ninh Binh
When talking about accessibility between Ha Giang Loop or Ninh Binh Ninh Binh has the upper hand. Located near Hanoi, only about 90 km away, you can easily get to Ninh Binh by car, motorbike, train, or bus. Travel time only takes about 2 to 3 hours, allowing you to visit during the day or on a short trip. Along with that, the transportation system in Ninh Binh is also very developed. Visitors will easily move to the area’s prominent attractions such as Trang An, Tam Coc, or Bai Dinh Pagoda without encountering many difficulties.
Ha Giang Loop
In contrast, Ha Giang requires visitors to have more travel time. From Hanoi, to get to Ha Giang, it usually takes you 6 to 8 hours, depending on the vehicle and traffic conditions. However, long distances and challenging roads are also what make Ha Giang a paradise for adventure enthusiasts.
4. Best time to visit
Time is a factor to consider in the comparison between Ha Giang Loop and Ninh Binh, to choose the most appropriate destination at each time.
Ha Giang: The ideal time to travel to Ha Giang is from September to March of the following year because this is not only the season of ripe rice and blooming flowers, but also the time of spring festivals in the fields’ mountainous area. Take note of the most brilliant Ha Giang landmarks so you don’t miss the opportunity to fully experience the beauty of this highland region!
Ninh Binh: This is a place you can visit many times of the year. However, you should come here in spring (January – March) when the weather is cool, there are many festivals, and in summer (May-August) to see the golden rice fields or fragrant lotus ponds.
5. Travel style
When you decide to choose Ha Giang Loop or Ninh Binh, determining your travel style is extremely important.
Ha Giang – Discovery and Adventure
Travel style of Ha Giang:
- Adventure travel
- Explore local culture
- Play outdoor sports activities
The majestic natural scenery, diversity of ethnic groups, and unique dishes here always make each trip a wonderful memory for those who have a soul that loves nature and exploration. This place is suitable for young people who love adventure and want to explore mountain passes. If you are looking for thrills, Ha Giang is the perfect choice when considering between Ha Giang Loop or Ninh Binh.
Ninh Binh – Relaxation and Culture
Ninh Binh is different, this place is attractive because of its peace and gentleness. Boat trips on the river, or visiting ancient pagodas along with enjoying local dishes will bring you wonderful moments of relaxation.
Ninh Binh’s travel style:
- Light travel
- Experience culture and history
- Enjoy delicious food
Ninh Binh is the ideal place for those who seek peace and want to stay away from the hustle and bustle of modern times. With many relaxing and cultural activities, this is truly an ideal destination for families, the elderly, or those looking for relaxation. This is Ninh Binh’s strong point in the comparison of Ha Giang Loop or Ninh Binh.
Ha Giang Loop or Ninh Binh, each place has its own unique appeal, from majestic natural landscapes, rich culture, and other unique experiences. Based on personal preferences, you can completely make choices for long trips. Let yourself experience the interesting things that each of these destinations has to offer, you will definitely have beautiful memories on your journey to explore this beautiful land of Vietnam. For more information and travel tips please visit the Karst Plateau website, for more information and travel tips in Vietnam.