Ha Giang in November: A Guide to the Buckwheat Flower Fields

Ha Giang is beautiful year-round, but November offers travelers a special treat with vibrant pink-purple buckwheat flower fields, floating sea of clouds embracing the mountains, and traditional festivals rich in highland culture. If you’re planning a trip to Ha Giang in November but don’t know where to start, read this comprehensive guide from Phieu Travel!

1. Ha Giang Weather in November: The Most Beautiful Season of the Year

In November, Ha Giang enters early winter. Temperatures range from 8°C to 20°C (46°F to 68°F), bringing the characteristic chill of Vietnam’s northern mountains. In the early morning, dense fog blankets the landscape, softening the outlines of small houses nestled on mountainsides. The crisp air makes each breath feel deeper and slower. By midday, the sun peeks through mountain gaps, drying the lingering dew on leaves and bringing welcome warmth to travelers.

This is also buckwheat flower season in Ha Giang. The hillsides from Quan Ba to Lung Cu, from Yen Minh to Dong Van are covered in a gentle pink-purple hue. Tiny flower petals sway in the breeze, standing out vividly against the pale blue sky. Along winding mountain passes, the flowers follow every curve, making travelers slow down to admire the view.

From the flower-covered hills, a glance upward reveals clouds drifting in the distance. White clouds float lazily around mountain waists, wrapping around small villages in the valleys below. During early mornings or late afternoons, standing on Ma Pi Leng Pass or Bac Sum Slope, you’ll see only a white haze covering everything, blurring the boundaries between mountains and villages.

November in Ha Giang is also festival season for highland communities. The sound of Hmong flutes echoes through the mountains, colorful traditional costumes appear on hillsides, and laughter rings out from early morning markets. The festive atmosphere permeates every road and stone staircase, bringing warmth and vibrancy to life in the early winter season.

2. How to Get to Ha Giang

Ha Giang is located in northeastern Vietnam, approximately 300km north of Hanoi. Most travelers choose to depart from the capital, where various convenient transportation options are available for exploring the highlands.

Transportation	Suitable for	Advantages	Disadvantages	Estimated Cost	Travel Time
Motorcycle	Adventurers who enjoy freedom and conquering mountain passes	Flexible schedule, easy to stop for photos or sightseeing	Long distance, steep passes; physically demanding if not used to long rides	Fuel, spare parts, meals… Generally low cost	Approximately 8–10 hours
Bus	Travelers looking for safety and energy-saving options; solo or group trips	Frequent night departures, comfortable sleeper seats, rest during the journey	Fixed schedule, cannot stop at will along the way	250,000–350,000 VND/one-way	Approximately 6–7 hours
Private Car	Families or friends seeking privacy and a flexible itinerary	Flexible, safe, convenient for carrying luggage	Tiring for one driver, especially with sharp curves near the final leg of the trip	Fuel and toll fees	Approximately 7–8 hours
Airplane (plus bus/motorbike)	Travelers from Central or Southern Vietnam wanting to save time	Fast flight to Hanoi, then flexible land transport options to Ha Giang	No airport in Ha Giang; requires 6–7 more hours by bus or motorbike from Hanoi	Varies by airline and season; excludes cost from Hanoi onward	Approximately 9–10 hours (2h flight + 7–8h land travel)

If you choose to travel to Ha Giang by motorcycle or car, there are two main routes to consider.

2.1 Route via National Highway 2 (QL2)

The National Highway 2 route spans approximately 285km, with an average travel time of about 6 hours. The road is relatively easy to navigate with smooth surfaces, suitable for both cars and motorcycles. However, as you approach Ha Giang, you’ll encounter a series of consecutive curves that require steady handling, especially during the rainy season.

From central Hanoi, head toward Kim Ma, then through Vo Chi Cong, Vinh Ngoc, Vo Nguyen Giap before turning onto National Highway 2A. Continue along ĐT131 and ĐCT05, then merge onto QL2C. Passing through Tuyen Quang province, turn left onto National Highway 37, drive a few more kilometers and rejoin QL2 at Doi Can commune. From there, continue another 158km to reach Ban Me – Phuong Thien – the first landmark of Ha Giang province. Note that there are toll stations along this route, so remember to prepare cash!

2.2 Route via National Highway 32 (QL32)

If you want to explore more scenery before reaching Ha Giang, the National Highway 32 (QL32) route is an interesting choice. This route is nearly 311km long, taking about 7 hours, and will take you through the lush midlands of Phu Tho and Tuyen Quang provinces.

The journey starts from Ton Duc Thang, La Thanh, and Tran Duy Hung streets, connecting to Thang Long Avenue. This section is quite wide and easy to drive. After about 27km, turn onto National Highway 21, drive another 20km, then merge onto QL32.

Next, the route takes you through verdant tea hills and peaceful countryside. At the QL32C intersection, continue to Ngoc Thap Bridge, then follow the ĐT320 direction. Near Phu Tho Vocational College, turn left to join QL2. From here, the journey continues to connect with QL37 and QL2 as described in the previous section.

3. What to Eat in Ha Giang in November

In the early winter chill, your Ha Giang journey in November wouldn’t be complete without warming meals that capture the flavors of the highlands. Here are some dishes you shouldn’t miss when visiting the rocky plateau this season:

3.1 Au Tau Porridge

The au tau root is naturally toxic, so before cooking, Ha Giang locals must soak and boil it for many hours to remove all toxins. Through this meticulous preparation, the porridge retains its rich, creamy flavor with a distinctive slight bitterness. When served, people often add green onions, ground pepper, and fresh chili slices to enhance the taste. This porridge is typically eaten by locals in the evening to keep warm and restore energy after a tiring day of work.

3.2 Cap Nach Pork

Cap nach (carried under the arm) pigs are free-range animals that roam the mountains, feeding on wild vegetables, resulting in firm meat, crispy skin, and less fat. The best way to prepare this meat is to grill it until golden and serve it with wild pepper salt. On chilly days, sitting beside glowing embers, watching the meat turn golden, and enjoying the crispy skin and sweet, tender meat infused with smoky flavor creates an unforgettable experience.

3.3 Bac Me Bamboo Rice

When visiting Bac Me during the cool weather, you’ll experience the joy of peeling away hot bamboo layers to reveal soft, sticky rice inside, fragrant with smoke and the gentle aroma of bamboo. This dish is made from sticky rice that’s carefully soaked, then placed inside bamboo tubes lined with banana leaves and cooked until done. The rice is served with grilled chicken or sesame salt, creating a simple yet memorable flavor.

3.4 Buckwheat Cakes

Buckwheat flowers are familiar to visitors far and wide, but few know that buckwheat seeds are also used by local communities to make specialty cakes that capture the essence of mountain flavors. After careful selection, the seeds are ground to remove the husks and milled into fine flour. The flour is then processed into cakes with a soft, smooth exterior. When tasting, you’ll experience the characteristic aroma along with a gentle, rich sweetness.

3.5 Smoke-Cured Buffalo Meat

Smoke-cured buffalo meat comes from free-range buffalo that don’t consume industrial feed, preserving their natural sweetness. After cleaning, the meat is marinated with wild doi seeds and mac khen pepper, then hung above the kitchen hearth and smoked with firewood for at least two months. To enjoy, the meat is grilled or steamed, then eaten with cham cheo sauce to fully appreciate its rich, aromatic flavor.

4. Special Experiences in Ha Giang in November

When visiting Ha Giang in November, don’t miss these wonderful activities:

4.1 Conquering the Winding Passes of Ma Pi Leng

In November, Ma Pi Leng loses its year-round fierceness and dons a gentle cloak of pink-purple buckwheat flowers covering the mountainsides. Each winding curve appears softly through the drifting mist, both clear and hazy like a watercolor painting. Stopping at the peak, you’ll see the emerald Nho Que River and Tu San Gorge immersed in clouds and mist, creating a profound, peaceful landscape.

4.2 Admiring Vibrant Buckwheat Flower Fields

November is when buckwheat flowers bloom brilliantly, dressing Ha Giang’s rocky plateau in vast stretches of pink-purple. The flower fields extend with the wind, creating a poetic, romantic scene amid the early winter chill. Visiting Dong Van Ancient Town this month, you can also immerse yourself in the Buckwheat Flower Festival with fascinating traditional cultural activities.

4.3 Witnessing Misty Valleys in Dong Van and Ma Le

If you visit Ha Giang in November, you’ll witness the area around the Vuong Family Mansion and Ma Le commune immersed in a sea of floating clouds. The layered mountains emerge from white clouds, interspersed with small thatched roofs, creating a mystical, peaceful scenery. Amid this sea of clouds, you’ll find your soul becoming as light and tranquil as the surrounding landscape.

5. Where to Stay in Ha Giang

When visiting Ha Giang, choosing suitable accommodation is an important factor for a complete trip. In Ha Giang, you can consider these two types of lodging:

5.1 Hotels

If you’re looking for comfortable, luxurious accommodations in Ha Giang, hotels are an ideal choice. Here are some addresses you might consider:

Phoenix Hotel

A neo-classical, elegant hotel with panoramic views of the poetic Lo River. Suitable for travelers who appreciate sophistication and modern amenities.

• Address: Group 17 Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Trai Ward, Ha Giang City
• Reference price: 1,100,000 – 2,000,000 VND/night

Dinh Gia Ha Giang Hotel

Modern rooms, professional service, located near the bus station, offering motorcycle and car rental assistance.

• Address: Group 1 Cau Me, National Highway 2, Ha Giang.
• Reference price: From 470,000 VND/night.

H’mong Village

Unique resort with Quay Tau houses, infinity pool, near Dong Van Geopark. Suitable for young friend groups and families who love nature and cultural experiences.

• Address: Trang Kim Area, Quan Ba, Ha Giang.
• Reference price: From 1,200,000 VND/night.

Ecolodge Pan Hou Village

A resort amid Hoang Su Phi’s nature with traditional architecture, offering massage services, herbal baths, and bonfire gatherings. Ideal for travelers seeking peace and closeness to nature.

• Address: Giang Village, Thong Nguyen Commune, Hoang Su Phi District, Ha Giang.
• Reference price: From 950,000 VND/night.

5.2 Homestays

For those seeking accommodations with local character, close to nature and the lifestyle of highland people, staying at a homestay is the perfect option. This is a way to fully enjoy cultural experiences and immerse yourself in the authentic rhythm of life in Ha Giang. Below is a list of homestays loved and highly rated by travelers.

Dao Lodge

Deeply imbued with Dao people’s traditions, featuring simple, cozy designs. Comfortable rooms with many balconies facing lakes and mountains. The homestay also provides bicycle and motorcycle rental services and arranges Ha Giang – Cao Bang tours. Travelers should book rooms in advance to ensure comfortable accommodations.

• Address: Nam Dam, Quan Ba, Ha Giang.
• Reference price: 250,000 – 300,000 VND/night.

Auberge de MeoVac

Featuring distinctive Hmong architecture, renovated from a rammed earth house over 100 years old. Located in a small alley in the center of Meo Vac town.

• Address: Chung Pa A Village, Meo Vac Town, Meo Vac, Ha Giang.
• Reference price: 230,000 – 300,000 VND/night.

Dong Van Ancient House Homestay

A house over 200 years old, preserving many traditional items.

• Address: No. 10, Dong Van Ancient Street, Dong Van District, Ha Giang,
• Reference price: 100,000 – 200,000 VND/night.

Bong Bang Homestay

Northeastern highland style with laterite stone fences, corn drying on walls, and tiled gate roofs. Comfortable space, beautiful mountain views, many Instagram-worthy spots. Accommodations in November are very busy, so book in advance to ensure lodging.

• Address: Na Ma, Yen Minh Town, Ha Giang.
• Reference price: From 350,000 VND/night.

6. Exploring Ha Giang with Phieu Travel

Phieu Travel proudly specializes in organizing Ha Giang tours with diverse itineraries and all-inclusive services, helping customers fully discover the beauty of the rocky plateau. Our team of local guides understands every road and story at each destination, delivering authentic, intimate experiences rather than just ordinary tourism.

6.1 Current Tours at Phieu Travel

Whether you’re traveling alone or in a large group, want to conquer amazing mountain passes yourself or experience a safe journey with a guide, Phieu Travel has suitable options to satisfy you. We organize these diverse tours:

Self-Driving Motorcycle Tour: Allows travelers complete control over their journey, freely exploring each curve and stopping whenever they wish. This is the ideal choice for those craving freedom and wanting to experience adventure on magnificent mountain passes.

Guided Motorcycle Tour: You simply sit behind the driver, relaxing and enjoying the mountain scenery under the guidance of experienced guides. Suitable for small groups or travelers wanting both safety and relaxation while fully experiencing nature.

Shared Car Tour: An economical and friendly solution, helping you easily connect with other travelers during the journey. This tour is suitable for solo travelers or small groups seeking convenience and a lively atmosphere while exploring Ha Giang.

Custom Private Tour: Flexibly designed to precisely meet the wishes and number of guests. This option is for large groups or individuals wanting private, comfortable experiences and deeper exploration of the rocky plateau.

6.2 Tips for Visiting Ha Giang

November is both the most beautiful and busiest time in Ha Giang. For a perfect trip, you should prepare carefully, from booking tickets and accommodations to packing appropriately for highland weather and terrain conditions.

• Book transportation tickets, flights, and hotels in advance for better prices and more choices.
• Prepare warm clothing such as jackets, wool hats, gloves, and socks as November weather can be quite cold.
• Fog often appears in early mornings and evenings on mountain passes, so thoroughly check tires, brakes, and headlights before departing.
• Maintain safe speeds, ensure good visibility, and keep steady control when navigating winding, dangerous curves.

November in Ha Giang is the season when buckwheat flowers bloom pink-purple across mountainsides, alongside mystical mist covering the valleys. The characteristic cool air and highland colors create a landscape both poetic and majestic. This is the ideal time to immerse yourself in nature and discover the unique culture of the rocky plateau. Let Phieu Travel accompany you on this wonderful journey!