Yen Minh in brief
- Yen Minh is a district located in Ha Giang Province.
- It is the largest district in Ha Giang, stretching from the eastern border with Cao Bang Province to the western border with China.
- The main town within this district is also named Yen Minh.
- The district has a population of almost 100,000, the majority of whom are ethnic minorities.
- Comprising 17 communes, the district is a diverse and expansive area.
Best things to do in Yen Minh
1. Tay minority commune of Du Gia
Nestled among verdant rice fields, the Du Gia commune is home to the Tay ethnic minority. These communities retain their traditional stilt houses and age-old customs. With the growth in tourism, the number of homestays has increased, providing authentic experiences for travelers. It’s ideal for those tackling the loop in 4 days or more, offering a window into traditional lifestyles, complete with water buffaloes and local minority markets.
2. Terraced rice fields in Mau Due
While the Ha Giang Loop might not be synonymous with terraced rice fields, Mau Due breaks that stereotype. Depending on the time of year, the fields offer a shifting tableau of colors, from waterlogged mirrors in April and May to lush green expanses in July and August. The harvest season in late August to early September paints the fields a golden hue.
3. Lung Ho Viewpoint
Perched high above route 176, the Lung Ho viewpoint offers panoramic vistas of the region and the quaint Lung Ho Village. Cafés along the pass provide the perfect pit stops to enjoy these sweeping views over a cup of local coffee.
4. Yen Minh Pine Forests
The pine forests offer a peaceful respite from the intense Vietnamese heat. Located along the longer route between Yen Minh and Quan Ba, the well-preserved plantation can be explored by bike. A short climb up a hillside provides stunning views through the towering pines.
5. Du Gia Waterfall
As one of the most captivating waterfalls in Ha Giang, Du Gia offers an excellent spot to cool down. Whether you want to swim in the natural pool or brave a leap from the rocks above, it’s an exciting and refreshing experience. Though popular with backpacker groups, it maintains a social and lively atmosphere.
6. Ruins of French watchpost
Though not much remains of this colonial-era structure, it adds a touch of history to your journey. Conveniently located by the roadside, it’s an easy but intriguing stop. The sweeping views in this area are an added bonus.
7. Yen Minh Market
Frequented by local ethnic minorities, the Yen Minh Market in the town center bursts with color and cultural richness, serving as a bustling hub of activity especially on Sundays. Open from early morning until noon, the market offers a feast for the senses with its array of local specialties such as wine, buffalo meat, medicinal herbs, and seasonal fruits and vegetables. It’s an excellent opportunity to sample local cuisine, purchase traditional textiles, and pick up unique ingredients or souvenirs to take home.
8. Bamboo rafting in Tham Lin Cave
If you’re looking for an adventure, then the road leading to Tham Lin Cave promises to be both challenging and beautiful. Once there, you can take a guided bamboo raft tour, a unique experience that allows you to explore the large cavern in a traditional way, offering a tranquil and serene atmosphere unlike any other.
9. Homestay experience in Yen Minh Town
While Yen Minh Town itself may not offer the epitome of local authenticity, it does feature a bustling street lined with well-reviewed homestays that provide a different kind of enriching experience. These homestays may not be traditional in the sense of offering an ethnic minority experience, but they are known for their hospitality and often feature communal dinners and social spaces. Here, you can socialize with fellow travelers, share travel stories and tips.
Where to stay in Yen Minh
When planning where to stay in Yen Minh, you’ll find two main hubs for accommodation: Yen Minh Town and Du Gia. Yen Minh Town is situated to the west of Ha Giang province and serves as a convenient lodging spot, particularly if you’re on the first leg of the Ha Giang Loop. Du Gia, on the other hand, lies to the east and offers a scenic place to rest, best suited for those who are on the last stages of their loop journey.
Accommodation in the district mainly consists of homestays, but a few basic hotels and other types of accommodations are also available.
Yen Minh Town
Yen Minh Town itself is quite small but features a few restaurants along with basic hotels. Most notably, the town boasts a street lined with highly-reviewed homestays. These are ideal for group tours and those looking to socialize but might lack a bit in terms of an authentic local experience. If you find Yen Minh Town falls too early in your journey on the Ha Giang Loop, you could consider skipping an overnight stay here and continuing on to Dong Van.
Du Gia
As for Du Gia, it’s a must-visit for travelers planning a 4-day (or longer) loop due to its breathtaking scenery. However, it’s harder to stay overnight in Du Gia if you’re on a shorter loop, as the area is a bit remote and the roads are not in the best condition.
The area has seen a significant rise in accommodation options; just a few years ago, there was only one homestay, but now you can find a variety of them. For an authentic experience, consider staying in a stilt house, the traditional home of the Tay minority that populates this area. These stilt houses offer panoramic views of the surrounding rice fields.
Rural areas & villages
Besides the central hubs of Du Gia and Yen Minh Town, there are also homestays and other accommodations available in more rural areas and local villages. Compared to Yen Minh Town, these areas offer a more authentic experience, though they can be quite basic in terms of amenities.
How to get there?
Location
Yen Minh is a district situated in Ha Giang province, nestled between the districts of Quan Ba and Dong Van. The district stretches from the eastern edge bordering Cao Bang province to the western border adjacent to China. The main town, also named Yen Minh, is approximately 100 km from Ha Giang City, which is about a 3-hour drive. Additionally, it’s around 380 km away from Hanoi, requiring almost 9 hours by road. Most visitors explore Yen Minh as part of the iconic Ha Giang Loop, a route renowned for its breathtaking landscapes.
From Hanoi to Ha Giang
Before embarking on the Ha Giang Loop, travelers must first get to Ha Giang City. There are no direct flights or train services, so the primary mode of transport is by bus from Hanoi. The bus journey typically takes between 6 to 7 hours, and overnight options are available.
Embarking on the Ha Giang Loop to Yen Minh
Upon arrival in Ha Giang, you have three main options for navigating the Ha Giang Loop to reach Yen Minh:
- Driving a Motorbike: You can rent a motorbike and drive it yourself, which gives you full freedom to explore at your own pace.
- Riding on the back with an Easy Rider: If you’re less confident about driving in Vietnam, you can opt to ride pillion with an experienced local motorbike driver, known as an “Easy Rider.”
- By Car with a driver: For those who prefer a more comfortable and hassle-free journey, hiring a car with a driver is also an option.
Tips for visiting Yen Minh
Stay in a Local Homestay for an Authentic Experience: To get the real feel of Yen Minh, opt for a homestay rather than a hotel. You’ll get a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and perhaps even participate in some traditional activities.
Commit at Least 4 Days for the Loop to Stay in Du Gia: To truly appreciate the beauty of the area, try to allocate a minimum of four days for the Ha Giang Loop. This will give you enough time to explore Du Gia, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes.
Consider Hiring a Local Guide: To make the most of your trip, especially if you’re keen on learning about the local culture, flora, and fauna, consider hiring a guide. They can offer invaluable insights that you might otherwise miss.
Visit During Harvest Season: Yen Minh has some of the few terraced rice fields along the Ha Giang Loop. To see them in all their glory, plan your trip for late August or early September, during the harvest season.
Visit Yen Minh Market on a Sunday: To truly absorb the local culture and flavors, make sure to visit Yen Minh’s main market in the town center on a Sunday. From early morning until noon, the market is bustling with an array of local specialties.
Try Local Specialties: Don’t leave without trying local foods and drinks like buffalo meat, local wine, and medicinal herbs. Whether at the Sunday market or a local restaurant, these are flavors you won’t easily forget.
Explore the Lesser-Known Villages: If you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience, consider spending some time in the smaller, more rural villages around Yen Minh. Accommodations here might be more basic, but the experience will be more authentic.
