Ha Giang tourism has launched several initiatives to promote tourism post-flood, including hotel discounts ranging from 10% to 30% to draw visitors back.
"Hotels are offering a 10% to 30% discount until the end of the peak season," said Lai Quoc Tinh, Chairman of the Ha Giang Tourism Association, during a tourism promotion event held in Hanoi on October 14. Tinh emphasized that the local hotels and guesthouses were unaffected by the floods and are fully operational to welcome tourists.
Since early October, tourism companies have organized fam trips to the Ha Giang Loop to survey the region. Additionally, the province has planted three new crops of buckwheat flowers, while several tourist attractions, historical sites, and scenic spots have undergone maintenance and renovation.
Photo by Ngoc Thanh
Distinct Tourism Zones Across the Ha Giang Loop
Ha Giang has developed three distinct tourism spaces:
- Western Zone: Featuring Hoang Su Phi, Xin Man, and Quang Binh districts, renowned for their national-level terraced fields.
- Northern Zone: Home to the Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark, including Dong Van, Yen Minh, Meo Vac, and Quan Ba districts.
- Spiritual Tourism Zone: Located in Vi Xuyen, featuring ancient temples, three national treasures, and a cemetery honoring fallen soldiers.
Tourism Challenges and Recovery After Natural Disasters
As one of the most popular destinations in northern Vietnam, the Ha Giang Loop was hit hard by severe weather and Typhoon Yagi in August and September. While tourism is currently in its peak season, the number of visitors has dropped dramatically, marking an unprecedented slowdown since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many tourists canceled their trips, forcing some restaurants to close temporarily, leading to a significant revenue drop. The majority of visitors now are international tourists, with local travelers remaining cautious.
Ha Giang authorities confirmed that there are no travel restrictions for visitors. National Route 2 has been reopened for two weeks, and tour boats on the Nho Que River are back in service. Transportation through Ma Pi Leng Pass is now clear of any obstacles.
"All roads are fully accessible, with no landslide risks, and tourism conditions are safe," stated Nguyen Hong Hai, Director of Ha Giang’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
Stimulus Measures to Revitalize Tourism
Alongside ensuring safe transportation and accommodations, Ha Giang has implemented various incentives. Apart from improving service quality, the province offers new tourism products and promotional hotel discounts to encourage visitors.
Photo by Giang Trinh
Seasonal Attractions on the Ha Giang Loop
Ha Giang’s natural beauty and cultural heritage make it a favorite destination for both domestic and international travelers. Visitors can enjoy different experiences throughout the year:
- January to March: Plum, pear, and peach blossoms
- April to May: Blooming kapok and azaleas
- June to July: Spiritual tours and historical site visits
- August to September: Golden rice fields in full harvest
- October to December: Buckwheat flower season
The region is also known for hosting numerous festivals throughout the year.
Ha Giang’s Tourism Performance and Challenges in 2023
In 2023, Ha Giang welcomed over 3 million tourists, generating nearly VND 7.1 trillion (approx. USD 290 million) in revenue, contributing directly to 10% of the province's GDP. However, the floods and Typhoon Yagi in August and September led to an 80% drop in revenue for many hotels and restaurants compared to the same period last year.
Discover the Ha Giang Loop today and explore its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant festivals all year round!
