Things-to-do in Ha Giang: Trekking and cultural Healing in Hoang Su Phi

Nestled deep in the majestic Hoang Su Phi valley, where mountain ranges stretch endlessly toward the horizon, Panhou Retreat has long been known as a nature based eco retreat closely connected to local culture. For travelers who value sustainable travel and seek meaningful experiences in northern Vietnam, trekking around Panhou Retreat is becoming one of the most authentic things to do in Ha Giang, especially for families and couples looking to reconnect with nature while exploring the former Ha Giang region, now part of Tuyen Quang Province.

Enchanting trekking routes that captivate travelers

Surrounded by terraced rice fields, pristine forests and peaceful ethnic villages, Panhou Retreat offers a gentle introduction to the landscapes and traditions that define this mountainous area. It is an ideal base for travelers who want to explore Ha Giang at a slower pace while still enjoying enriching outdoor activities.

From the retreat, visitors can choose several well loved trekking routes, including paths from Panhou to Yen Son, Giang Ha and Nam Nghi. Each route offers a unique perspective, yet all reveal the iconic beauty of Hoang Su Phi with its dramatic rice terraces, lush primary forests and quiet villages such as Nam Hong and Nam Ty hidden among clouds and mountains.

The trekking journeys unfold along narrow mountain trails, passing rolling rice terraces shaped like waves, bamboo forests whispering in the wind and wooden stilt houses of the Red Dao people tucked beneath ancient trees. Along the way, daily life reveals itself through simple but vivid scenes, from Red Dao women washing fabric by mountain streams to children playing in front of their homes and cooking smoke drifting softly at dusk. Hoang Su Phi does not impress through grandeur alone, but through its honesty, calmness and unspoiled beauty. 

Cloud hunting at Chieu Lau Thi – a favorite experience for young travelers

Beyond trekking, cloud hunting at Chieu Lau Thi has become a favorite activity among young travelers. Located about 40 kilometers from Panhou Retreat, Chieu Lau Thi is one of the highest peaks in the Northeast of Vietnam, rising over 2,400 meters above sea level. Here, the air feels lighter and purer, carrying the subtle scent of damp earth and fallen leaves. Thick layers of white clouds drift beneath your feet, sometimes rolling like waves, sometimes gently wrapping around mountain slopes.

At sunrise, golden sunlight pierces through the sea of clouds, creating a magical and tranquil scene that feels almost unreal. In the vast silence of the mountains, surrounded by cool winds and endless sky, many travelers find themselves pausing longer than planned, simply breathing deeply and embracing a rare sense of peace. For nature lovers, this experience is often remembered as one of the most unforgettable things to do in Ha Giang.

Healing your body through traditional Red Dao herbal baths

After a long day exploring the mountains, returning to Panhou Retreat in the afternoon offers a chance to restore both body and mind. At Yao Sin Spa, guests can experience traditional Red Dao herbal baths, a centuries old wellness practice rooted in the belief that the body can heal itself through the power of forest plants. Unlike modern therapies, the Red Dao people do not rely on needles or cupping tools, but instead trust the gentle strength of herbal water infused with medicinal leaves.

Soaking in hot herbal baths at over forty degrees Celsius helps awaken circulation, ease tired muscles and bring deep relaxation. Guests may choose a private bath or share the experience with family or loved ones, making it both restorative and intimate. In addition, Panhou Retreat offers natural oil massages that exfoliate the skin and stimulate lymphatic circulation, leaving the body refreshed and nourished. Many international travelers consider these wellness experiences an essential part of their list of things to do in Ha Giang.

Choosing an eco retreat like Panhou Retreat is an ideal starting point for trekking journeys through the mountains of Tuyen Quang, formerly Ha Giang. With every step across forest paths and mountain slopes, travelers experience not only the raw beauty of nature but also the warmth and hospitality of local communities. In this peaceful world of mountains and villages, it becomes easier to slow down, reconnect with simple joys and perhaps rediscover a lighter, more carefree version of oneself.

FAQ

1. What are the best trekking experiences to do in Ha Giang around Hoang Su Phi?

Trekking around Hoang Su Phi is one of the most rewarding things to do in Ha Giang for travelers seeking nature and cultural depth. From Panhou Retreat, visitors can follow scenic trails to Yen Son, Giang Ha or Nam Nghi, passing terraced rice fields, primary forests, and peaceful Red Dao villages such as Nam Hong and Nam Ty. These routes offer a gentle yet immersive way to explore the region’s landscapes and traditional mountain life at a slower, more meaningful pace.

2. Is cloud hunting at Chieu Lau Thi worth adding to your Ha Giang itinerary?

Absolutely. Cloud hunting at Chieu Lau Thi Peak, located about 40 kilometers from Hoang Su Phi, is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Ha Giang. Standing over 2,400 meters above sea level, the peak offers breathtaking views of rolling clouds at sunrise, where golden light breaks through layers of mist. The peaceful atmosphere, cool mountain air, and vast sky create a deeply calming experience that many travelers consider a highlight of their journey.

3. How do Red Dao herbal baths enhance your trekking journey in Ha Giang?

After a day of trekking, traditional Red Dao herbal baths provide the perfect way to restore both body and mind. Using medicinal forest leaves and hot water, this centuries-old wellness practice helps improve circulation, relax tired muscles, and promote deep relaxation. At Panhou Retreat’s Yao Sin Spa, guests can enjoy private or shared herbal baths and natural oil massages, making cultural healing an essential and rejuvenating part of the Ha Giang experience.

4. Is trekking around Hoang Su Phi suitable for families and couples?

Yes. Many trekking routes around Panhou Retreat are gentle and flexible, making them suitable for families and couples who prefer meaningful outdoor experiences without overly demanding physical challenges.

5. Why is Hoang Su Phi ideal for slow travel in northern Vietnam?

Hoang Su Phi remains largely untouched by mass tourism, offering quiet villages, authentic cultural encounters, and unspoiled landscapes. This makes it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a slower, more mindful way to explore northern Vietnam.