The former district of Hoang Su Phi, in the Ha Giang region (merged into Tuyen Quang province in July 2025), near the Chinese border, is a mountainous region that remains largely untouched by tourism. Here, you’ll find some of the most breathtaking terraced rice fields in Vietnam, listed as a national scenic site since 2012, warm-hearted locals and pristine nature.
Less accessible than Sapa or Mu Cang Chai, Hoang Su Phi district is still off the major tourist routes in Vietnam. It is the least touristy area in Ha Giang province, which is primarily known for its north-east loop through the Dong Van Geopark and Meo Vac, described in our article on the Ha Giang loop.
In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to plan and make the most of your visit to this region, which will undoubtedly leave you with unforgettable memories. Hoang Su Phi is about 350 km from Hanoi, an 8 to 9-hour drive. As districts were abolished in 2025, we use the place names that are still used every day.
If you wish to explore Hoang Su Phi with an immersive and authentic experience, discover our 4-day trekking tour in Hoang Su Phi – a unique off-the-beaten-path adventure.
How do you visit Hoang Su Phi?
Hoang Su Phi can easily be added to a broader itinerary in Northern Vietnam, especially around Ha Giang.
| Place | Where | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Ban Luoc | About 12 km south of Vinh Quang | Listed rice terraces, Dao and Tay houses |
| Ban Phung | About 30 km north, near China | Among the highest terraces |
| Ho Thau | About 30 km south-west | Red Dao villages, access to Chieu Lau Thi |
| Thong Nguyen | About 30 km south | Lush valley and eco-lodges |
| Tay Con Linh | Between Hoang Su Phi and Vi Xuyen | 2,428 m summit, sacred to the La Chi |
| Vinh Quang market | Main town | Sunday morning |
Add Hoang Su Phi in your itinerary
Due to its remote location and the difficulty of access, visiting Hoang Su Phi is recommended for those who want to take their time exploring Northern Vietnam. If you are planning a longer trip of 10 to 12 days in the north, it is quite possible to include Hoang Su Phi in your itinerary. This journey could, for example, cover the following destinations: Hanoi, Sapa, Bac Ha, Hoang Su Phi, the Dong Van Karst Plateau, Halong Bay, and Ninh Binh.
Rice fields from above. Photo : Quang Nguyen Vinh (Pixabay stock)
Book a tour from Hanoi
It is also possible to consider visiting Hoang Su Phi as an excursion from Hanoi. Given the distances involved, we recommend planning at least 5 days and 4 nights (allowing for 2 days of transport) to get a good overview of the region. You could then travel from family to family for a week of trekking. This is also what two photographers did, travelling without a French-speaking guide. We arranged for a local guide who organized everything on site. Depending on your budget, different options are available.
From your hotel in Hoang Su Phi
A third option is to book accommodation on-site (see below for a list) and do a two-day trek, for example, around your lodging. Most eco-lodges in the region have created one- or two-day circuits in the surrounding areas to allow their guests to explore the vicinity. However, be aware that local guides will not speak French or English. It will be a complete immersion with limited communication possibilities (although Google Translate can help…).
The adventure way : a motorbike trip
Finally, it is possible to rent a motorcycle in Sapa and then visit the Hoang Su Phi district. This is what the blogger Brice did, and it took him 9 days. However, be cautious as the roads can be in very poor condition and/or under construction, which will slow you down. Keep in mind: 1) Riding a motorcycle in the mountains is very tiring; 2) Plan your routes carefully to avoid riding at night, for example.
Hoang Su Phi landscape. Photo : Mathieu Arnaudet
What is the best time for visiting Hoang Su Phi?
In Hoang Su Phi, as in all the mountainous regions of Northern Vietnam, there is only one rice harvest per year.
In Hoang Su Phi, as in all the mountainous regions of Northern Vietnam, there is only one rice harvest per year, from late September to early October. If you want to see the rice fields in their most beautiful golden colour, just before the harvest, come in mid- to late September.
The other period that will delight photographers is when the rice fields are flooded, which usually occurs at the end of May or early June in Hoang Su Phi.
In general, for the landscapes, the best season to visit Hoang Su Phi is from late May to early October. It is also the rainy season: bring good shoes and rain gear, and keep some flexibility in your schedule.
Harvesting time in Hoang Su Phi. Photo : Mathieu Arnaudet
What places should you discover in Hoang Su Phi?
Hoang Su Phi is primarily known for its magnificent terraced rice fields, among the most stunning in Vietnam.
As you can see, Hoang Su Phi is primarily known for its magnificent terraced rice fields. Below, we have listed the best places to hike and admire these masterpieces created by ethnic minorities.
Ban Luoc
Located just 12 kilometers south of Vinh Quang, the main town of Hoang Su Phi district, Ban Luoc is a commune nestled in the heart of the “national landscape area of terraced fields” in Hoang Su Phi and home to about 200 hectares of rice terraces. When visiting Ban Luoc, you can also see the beautiful traditional wooden stilt houses of the Dao and Tay ethnic groups hidden in the mountains. The deeper you venture into the villages, the more you will feel the majesty of Ban Luoc’s landscapes.
Some homestays: Nam Ly Retreat, La Maison de Cuong
Ban Phung
The village of Phung is located near the Chinese border, just 30 kilometers north of Vinh Quang. By car or motorcycle, it takes about 1.5 hours to get there, following a beautiful mountainous road. The slope is quite steep as Phung is home to some of the highest rice terraces in the district, alongside Ban Luoc.
Some homestays: Trong Phu, Chi Tai, Lan Co La Chi
Ho Thau
The commune of Ho Thau is located southwest of Vinh Quang, also about thirty kilometers from the town and twenty kilometers from the township of Nam Dich. In Ho Thau, the Red Dao people live and are known for planting forested areas around their fields to protect them from landslides.
Some homestays: May Chieu Lau Thi, Ho Thau Eco Village, Chan Mui
Thong Nguyen
This commune is at a slightly lower altitude than the others and is located on the route back to Hanoi. It is situated to the south, about thirty kilometers from Vinh Quang. A river runs through it, creating a beautiful, lush landscape. This area also hosts several eco-lodges that are a bit more upscale than the homestays, including Hoang Su Phi Lodge and our favourite, Panhou Retreat (formerly Panhou Village), created by Michel, a Frenchman who arrived in Vietnam in the mid-1990s, and taken over by a Vietnamese owner after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Some homestays: Ta Quyen, Minh Phuc, Hill Home
What markets are must-visit in Hoang Su Phi?
The most iconic ethnic markets are found in districts other than Hoang Su Phi, such as Bac Ha or Si Ma Cai.
The most iconic ethnic markets are found in districts other than Hoang Su Phi (such as Bac Ha, Si Ma Cai, or Coc Pai). However, if you arrive in the town of Vinh Quang on a Saturday evening, for example, we recommend staying until Sunday morning, as the market is held there every week at the foot of Tay Con Linh mountain, the highest in the district.
The market is a meeting place for different ethnic minorities in the region, such as the Tay, Nung, Dao, H’mong, and others. This market takes place on both sides of the road from early morning until noon. It is very beautiful and authentic because it still retains its original and cultural aspects, serving not only as a commercial venue but also as a meeting place for the ethnic groups
What mountains can you climb in the Hoang Su Phi region?
Tay Con Linh, the highest peak in the region at 2,428 metres, rises between Hoang Su Phi and Vi Xuyen.
Tay Con Linh
Tay Con Linh is located along the Chay River mountain range. Straddling the districts of Hoang Su Phi and Vi Xuyen, its summit is 46 km from the city of Ha Giang, former capital of the province of the same name. The mountain reaches an elevation of 2,428 meters and is considered sacred by the La Chi ethnic community.
Chieu Lau Thi
Chieu Lau Thi (also known as Kieu Lieu Ti), which means “Nine Steps,” is the second highest mountain in Ha Giang at an altitude of 2,402 meters. The mountain is located in the hamlets of Tan Minh and Chien Thang, in the commune of Ho Thau, in the Hoang Su Phi area. At the foot of Chieu Lau Thi mountain, there are 13 communes.
What is the best accommodation in Hoang Su Phi?
Several homestays and ecolodges are now available in Hoang Su Phi, chosen according to the area visited.
We have listed above some homestays according to the area visited. Today, there are also a few eco-lodges that combine comfort and authenticity, such as Hoang Su Phi Lodge, Riz d’Or and our favourite, Panhou Retreat, named “Asia’s Leading Green Resort” at the 2025 World Travel Awards. From these accommodations, you can hike to discover the villages and the magnificent terraced rice fields.
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FAQ: visiting Hoang Su Phi
Where is Hoang Su Phi?
In the mountains of the former Ha Giang province, merged into Tuyen Quang in 2025, near the Chinese border, about 350 km from Hanoi.
How long does it take to get from Hanoi to Hoang Su Phi?
Allow 8 to 9 hours by road. We recommend at least 5 days and 4 nights, including two days of travel.
When is the best time to see the golden rice terraces?
From mid- to late September, just before the harvest. The flooding of the rice fields, in late May and early June, also offers beautiful scenery.
Can you visit Hoang Su Phi without a guide?
Yes, by staying in a homestay or eco-lodge that organises treks. However, local guides speak neither French nor English: a professional guide makes the experience far richer.
What are the most beautiful villages in Hoang Su Phi?
Ban Luoc, Ban Phung, Ho Thau and Thong Nguyen, for their terraced rice fields and traditional houses.
Where should you stay in Hoang Su Phi?
With local families in the many homestays, or in a more comfortable eco-lodge such as Panhou Retreat or Hoang Su Phi Lodge.
