The Unique Mountain Duo and the Legend of the Fairy’s Love Story
The Quan Ba mountain range offers tourists unique and impressive experiences on their journey to conquer the Ha Giang province.
Not only is the Quan Ba mountain range known for its natural wonders, but it also captivates tourists with a touching legend about love and maternal affection, linked to the formation of this “one-of-a-kind” mountain in Vietnam.
According to stories passed down by the local people for generations, there once lived a Hmong boy with a talent for playing the lip organ. His music moved a fairy from the upper realm named Hoa Dao, who escaped to the mortal world to be with him. Their love bore fruit in the form of a healthy and adorable baby boy.
However, their happiness was short-lived as the Jade Emperor discovered Hoa Dao’s escape and ordered her back to the heavens.
The mountain has become a popular spot for tourists to take creative photos.
Out of love for her child, Hoa Dao left behind two breasts in the mortal realm. Over time, they transformed into the two mountains, now known as the Quan Ba mountain range. Hoa Dao’s tears flowed into the Mien River, meandering through the mythical Heaven’s Gate alongside the rocky landscape. Legend has it that the fairy’s milk brought a cool climate to the region, nurturing the lush flora and abundant crops of rice, corn, and vegetables.
To fully appreciate the beauty of these uniquely shaped mountains, visitors can head to the Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate, offering a panoramic view of the majestic mountain duo. The best time to visit this special region is from January to March and August to September.
Visitors can admire the vast rice terraces and the lush, undulating mountains of Quan Ba.
From this vantage point, visitors can take in the breathtaking sight of rice terraces stretching across the landscape, interspersed with verdant mountain ranges. The mountains of Quan Ba present different hues depending on the time of day, adding to their allure.
Three Must-Try Specialties When Visiting Quan Ba
Mèn Mén
Mèn mén is a traditional dish of the Hmong people in Ha Giang, made from corn. To prepare mèn mén, the best corn kernels are selected, dried, ground into powder, and then steamed twice. It has a golden hue and a sweet, nutty flavor characteristic of corn, with a chewy and aromatic texture.
Mèn mén is typically served with vegetable soup, smoked meat, or ‘thắng cố’—a traditional Hmong stew. It is chewed slowly to savor its unique flavor. Mèn mén is not just a delicious dish but also represents a distinct cultural aspect of the Hmong people in Ha Giang.
Mèn mén is an indispensable part of the Hmong people’s meals.
Thanh Van Corn Wine
Thanh Van corn wine is a renowned specialty of Ha Giang, embodying the essence of the northwestern mountainous region. It is crafted from local corn and blended with a secret recipe of forest leaves, resulting in a distinctive flavor.
The process of making Thanh Van corn wine is intricate and demands precision and experience. After harvesting, the corn is dried, ground into powder, and cooked. This powder is then mixed with forest leaves and left to ferment for a specific duration. This fermentation step significantly influences the wine’s quality and taste.
Thanh Van corn wine has a pale yellow hue and a translucent appearance. It exudes a strong aroma of corn and forest leaves. When sipped, the wine offers a gentle sweetness and a warm, tingling sensation without being overpowering. This corn wine is not just a specialty drink but also holds a significant place in the culinary culture of Ha Giang.
Corn wine is a specialty of the highland region of Ha Giang and a popular choice for tourists to bring home as gifts.
Black Hmong Chicken
Black Hmong Chicken, also known as Mong Chicken, Black Bone Chicken, or Cat Ba Chicken, is an indigenous breed of Vietnam originating from the northern mountainous region. This chicken breed is distinguished by its entirely black appearance, from feathers to skin, meat, and even bones.
Raised freely in the high mountains, Black Hmong Chicken boasts firm and flavorful meat rich in nutrients. The meat is tender yet chewy, retaining its natural sweetness. Black Hmong Chicken can be prepared in various ways, including steaming, boiling, or stir-frying with forest herbs.
The soft and tender meat of Black Hmong Chicken, paired with its sweet and savory taste, has captivated the hearts of tourists.
Black Hmong Chicken is not just a delicious dish but also a nutritious delicacy. Tourists who indulge in this specialty often seek to nourish their bodies and replenish their energy.
The Ancient Ha Giang Market: A 200-Year-Old Trading Hub and a Magnet for Western Tourists
Amidst the rugged limestone plateau of Ha Giang, every Sunday, Dong Van Market springs to life as a vibrant cultural hub for the highland dwellers.
Exploring the Northernmost Border of the Motherland, an Adventure to Savour the Renowned Delicacy.
The northern frontier of Vietnam, Ha Giang, is renowned for its pristine natural beauty and majestic mountain passes. It offers an exhilarating experience as you navigate the winding roads through the lush green mountains.
The Country’s Top Relaxing Holiday Destinations
Aside from Ho Chi Minh City, which is the epicenter of grand celebrations, destinations like Lan Ha, Nha Trang, and Phu Quy Island witnessed a relatively good influx of tourists on the first day of the holiday. It is expected that these places will be bustling with visitors from May 1st onwards.
The Red Mai Anh Dao Blossoms of Ha Giang Attract Visitors Post-Tet
The majestic solitary cherry blossom tree at Lung Cu Flagpole has become a sought-after attraction for visitors post-Tet. Its vibrant red blooms create a stunning visual contrast against the lush green backdrop of the northern mountainous region. This solitary tree, with its vibrant blooms, has captured the hearts of many, becoming a symbol of natural beauty and a must-see for those exploring the area.
The World’s Elite and Their Ha Giang Getaway
The world’s millionaires and billionaires arrived in Ha Giang by helicopter and experienced the “unique” things on the “Road of Happiness”, Nho Que River or Tu San Canyon.
