Ha Giang is a popular destination for many, especially young people. What specialties should you choose as gifts for your loved ones and friends when traveling to Ha Giang? This is probably a question for many people. So, let’s join us to find the answer in this article!
1 Introduction to Ha Giang Travel
Ha Giang is known as the northernmost point of Vietnam, with majestic mountain landscapes. It is definitely an interesting tourist destination that you should visit at least once.
Ha Giang Province is located in the northernmost part of Vietnam, bordering Cao Bang Province to the east, Yen Bai and Lao Cai provinces to the west, Tuyen Quang Province to the south, and China to the north. The winding and steep roads of Ha Giang pose a challenge for drivers. However, when you gaze at the surrounding scenery, the tension gives way to a sense of tranquility as you admire the beauty of the highlands.
You can visit during August to October when the terraced rice fields start to turn golden, or from October to November when the buckwheat fields are in full bloom. If you want to admire the fields of yellow mustard flowers, white plum blossoms, and pink peach blossoms everywhere, then come between January and the Lunar New Year!
Introduction to Ha Giang Travel
2 Top 16 Ha Giang Specialties to Try and Buy as Gifts
Specialties to Try in Ha Giang
Porridge with Job’s Tears
This porridge is made from Job’s tears, a common ingredient in the mountainous regions of Northeast Vietnam. It is considered one of the most famous specialties in Ha Giang and is known for its medicinal properties as a remedy for colds.
Estimated price: 20,000 – 50,000 VND/bowl (~$0.85 – $2.15)
Suggested places to buy:
- Huong – Chao Au Tau: QL2, Ha Giang Town, Ha Giang
- Hoa The – Pho, Bun, and Chao Au Tau: QL 4C, Meo Vac Town, Meo Vac, Ha Giang
- Cháo Ấu Tẩu Ngân Hà: 161 Tran Hung Dao, Tran Phu, Ha Giang
Porridge with Job’s Tears
Thang Den
Thang Den is a unique dish made from glutinous rice flour and filled with a mixture of crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, and sugar. Thang Den is best enjoyed with a bowl of broth made from ginger, cinnamon, and anise, and you can add more crushed peanuts or sesame seeds to taste. It is best enjoyed fresh and hot, with smoke still rising from the dish.
Estimated price: 10,000 – 15,000 VND/bowl (~$0.43 – $0.65)
Suggested place to buy: Quan Ba Beo – 154 Tran Hung Dao, Ha Giang.
Thang Den
Grilled Algae
Grilled algae is a very unique and exotic dish in Ha Giang. This dish is made from algae found in the crevices of rocks in mountain streams. Grilled algae is believed to have detoxifying properties, improve blood circulation, stabilize blood pressure, and boost the immune system.
Estimated price: 20,000 – 50,000 VND/plate (~$0.85 – $2.15)
Suggested place to buy: Xuan Giang, Ha Giang (in the Tay ethnic minority village).
Grilled Algae
Five-Color Sticky Rice
Five-color sticky rice is a must-have dish on the banquet tables of ethnic minorities in Ha Giang. The rice is colored with natural dyes to create a vibrant and colorful dish. It has a nutty flavor and is usually eaten as a snack by the locals when they go to work in the fields.
Estimated price: 5,000 – 20,000 VND/packet (~$0.21 – $0.85)
Suggested places to buy: Dong Van and Meo Vac Sunday Markets.
Five-Color Sticky Rice
Pig Carried Underarm
“Pig carried underarm” is a unique type of pig found in Ha Giang. These pigs roam freely and feed on wild herbs and grass, resulting in meat that is tough and flavorful. This type of pork can be prepared in various delicious dishes, but the most famous one is steamed pig blood pudding. If you have the chance to visit Ha Giang, don’t miss out on this delicacy, as one taste will leave you craving for more!
Estimated price: 100,000 – 140,000 VND/kg (~$4.30 – $6.03)
Suggested places to buy:
- Au Viet Restaurant – 105 QL4C, Dong Van Town, Ha Giang
- Trung Van Restaurant – 345 Tran Phu, Tran Phu Ward, Ha Giang,…
Pig Carried Underarm
Thang Co
Thang Co is a popular dish in many parts of Vietnam. However, the version found in Ha Giang has a distinct flavor that sets it apart from other places. Trying Thang Co in Ha Giang will leave a lasting impression, and you will truly appreciate the full flavor of this famous dish.
Estimated price: 100,000 – 350,000 VND/pot (~$4.30 – $15.05)
Suggested place to buy: Dong Van Sunday Market.
Thang Co
Dong Van Rice Noodles
Dong Van Rice Noodles is a popular choice among tourists visiting Ha Giang. The noodles are thin, long, and wide, and they are served with a rich bone broth that is very appetizing.
The noodles are made with either minced pork or chicken fillings. Trying Dong Van Rice Noodles once will surely make you want to come back for more when you visit Ha Giang again.
Estimated price: 30,000 – 40,000 VND/bowl (~$1.29 – $1.72)
Suggested places to buy:
- Mrs. Bich’s Rice Noodle Restaurant – Dong Van, Ha Giang
- Mrs. Ha’s Rice Noodle Restaurant – 31 Co Street, Ha Giang Town, Ha Giang.
Dong Van Rice Noodles
Men Men
Men Men is a very rustic dish made from crushed corn, usually served with cabbage soup or meat broth. It may take some getting used to, but once you acquire a taste for it, you’ll be hooked!
Estimated price: 15,000 – 20,000 VND/bowl (~$0.65 – $0.86)
Suggested place to buy: Ha Giang Street Market
Men Men
Specialties to Buy as Gifts from Ha Giang
Ha Giang Sausage
Ha Giang sausage is unique compared to those found in other regions of Vietnam. It is made from wild boar meat – a type of pig that feeds on grass and wild herbs. The meat is cleaned, minced, and then marinated with spices before being stuffed into casings and hung over a wood fire to dry.
This type of sausage is special because it is less sweet and has a more intense flavor due to the unique blend of spices used in the marination process. It is definitely worth considering as a gift for your loved ones!
Estimated price: 250,000 – 300,000 VND/kg (~$10.76 – $13.01)
Suggested place to buy: Quan Ba Sunday Market – Tam Son, Quan Ba, Ha Giang
Ha Giang Sausage
Smoked Buffalo Meat
Smoked buffalo meat is a popular delicacy in the mountainous regions of Vietnam, including Ha Giang. Large pieces of buffalo meat are marinated with spices, skewered, and then hung over a kitchen fire to smoke. The meat has a sweet and savory flavor, and while it may taste a bit strange at first, you’ll soon find yourself craving more. This distinctiveness is what makes it a popular choice for tourists visiting Ha Giang to buy as gifts.
Estimated price: 900,000 – 1,200,000 VND/kg (~$38.74 – $51.65)
Suggested places to buy: Dong Van Sunday Market – Dong Van, Ha Giang, and Meo Vac Sunday Market – Meo Vac Town, Meo Vac, Ha Giang.
Smoked Buffalo Meat
Ancient Shan Snow Tea
Ancient Shan Snow Tea is not only used for brewing tea but also has medicinal properties that can help prevent certain diseases. Drinking this tea regularly is believed to have detoxifying effects, increase longevity, and improve overall health.
Estimated price: 700,000 – 1,000,000 VND/kg (~$30.13 – $43.01)
Suggested places to buy: Yen Minh Sunday Market – Yen Minh, Ha Giang, and Quan Ba Sunday Market – Tam Son, Quan Ba, Ha Giang
Ancient Shan Snow Tea
Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a fruit that is characteristic of Ha Giang. It is often used to make wine to treat high blood pressure. This is a very special and meaningful gift to give to your family and friends!
Estimated price: 30,000 – 35,000 VND/kg (~$1.29 – $1.50)
