"Don't Look Down!" Experience Ha Giang's Epic Cliffs

During this time of the year, many tourists have flocked to the white cliff in Ha Giang to camp overnight, and enjoy one of the most unique and thrilling experiences when visiting the Northwest of Vietnam.

Charlotte Pho

October 09, 2022 | 09:35

Ha Giang’s white cliff is like a bridge that connects heaven and earth, which charms many adventurous travelers coming here every year. About 160 km from the center of Ha Giang, the cliff is located on Ma Pi Leng Pass and about 2 km from Dong Van and Meo Vac. For those brave enough to reach the edge of the cliff, a world-class view awaits.

Tourists can see Nho Que River and Ma Pi Leng Pass from above the cliff. Photo: Pham Anh Khoa

Tourists can see Nho Que River and Ma Pi Leng Pass from above the cliff. Photo: Ha Anh Khoa

From the cliff looking down, you will be able to get a gorgeous panoramic view of the Nho Que river and Ma Pi Leng Pass in a poetic and dreamy scenery.

The surface of the white cliff is narrow (about 15 – 20 m2, located in the stone arch), so it is not ideal to gather in large groups of more than 10 people. If you want to camp here overnight, you need to check the place first in case it runs out of space. The picturesque Nho Que River and the meandering Ma Pi Leng pass with mountains and hills can be seen from here.

The most unique camping site in Ha Giang. Photo: Ha Anh Khoa

In order to reach the destination, tourists follow the Ma Pi Leng pass route, located on 4C Highway (The Road of Happiness). Besides, there is also a smaller pathway called small Ma Pi Leng (Ma Pi Leng B) that only motorbikes can fit and travel through.

The white cliff in Ha Giang is located on the small Ma Pi Leng. However, the vehicle can only access the pathway for about 3 km long, then you will have to walk over 2 km to get to the place.

Photo: Ha Anh Khoa

This journey will be incredibly hard and challenging for even the bravest trekkers, but once you stand on the cliff and see the majestic scenery right in front of your eyes, everything will be worth it.

According to Thanh Nien reporters, Ha Anh Khoa (born in Hau Giang) is a traveler who just camped on the cliff overnight. The photographs capturing the most beautiful and thrilling moments of the wilderness and the natural beauty have drawn attention from social media. The spot where Khoa and his group camped was just about 40 minutes walking from the place they parked their bikes.

There are 2-3 different ways to reach this campsite, but the group chooses to trek up the route from the viewpoint of Pai Lung. This pathway was quite small, slippy, and covered with fog, with the abyss on one side. However, the route has iron railings running along so it is not too dangerous.

Photo: Ha Anh Khoa

From the high dangling cliff, you can see the Ma Pi Leng pass below through the thick fluffy clouds.

Since the place had no Wifi or signals, there are only nature and quietness that surrounded Khoa and the team. They spent the night having fun together, eating grilled meat, having hot cups of tea, and watching the floating clouds, the winding Ma Pi Leng pass, and the Nho Que river below.

The alluring scenery from the spot. Photo: Ha Anh Khoa

Camping on the cliff will be a lifetime experience that you will have. Many people also said, before Ma Pi Leng Pass, the walking path through the white cliff area was the route connecting Dong Van and Meo Vac. The current campsite used to be a place where Meo King and his people stopped to rest when they passed by.

Since the weather here is cold, you should bring warm clothes especially at night and in the early morning, when there is chilling wind. You also need to prepare some food, water, and other equipment necessary for camping.

What to know before camping on the white cliff in Ha Giang

Photo: Ha Anh Khoa

There is no water source here, so you need to bring water bottles. You should also prepare enough food, as the nearest grocery store is about 30 minutes walking, plus 2 km driving on the rough, rocky, and slippy road.

If you go in the early morning, remember to drive slowly and carefully, as the road is covered in thick fog and prevents you from seeing clearly. If you trek to the destination, wear good sports shoes so you will not slip or fall. From Ma Pi Leng, you can only ride your motorbike there.

Photo: Ha Anh Khoa

It is about 4 – 8 Celcius Degrees at night, which is extremely cold. Tourists are advised to wear warm clothes and bring tents, sleeping bags, and other necessary items to keep them from not freezing if they decide to camp overnight. Remember not to throw trash around, and clean before you leave.