Situated along Highway QL4C, between Ha Giang City and Dong Van, Sung La Valley is a scenic gem waiting to be explored. To reach this enchanting destination, travelers must traverse the Chin Khoanh Pass, known as Nine Ramps, offering mesmerizing vistas along the journey. Apart from reveling in the natural beauty of the valley, visitors have the opportunity to discover quaint villages and the famed House of Pao.
Overview Sung La Valley
Sung La, a picturesque commune nestled in Dong Van district of Ha Giang Province, stands out as one of the most captivating highland destinations within the Dong Van plateau. Positioned along Highway 4C, it is approximately 20km away from Dong Van district and 127km from Ha Giang city.
Renowned for its breathtaking buckwheat flower valleys, Sung La serves as a veritable “oasis” for the local ethnic communities. As you traverse the winding Chin Koanh Pass, you are greeted by a verdant valley adorned with minority villages and vibrant flower fields. The valley’s cinematic allure has further been immortalized through its depiction in the acclaimed Vietnamese film “The Story of Pao,” which revolves around the life of a young H’Mong girl.
Highlights of Sung La Valley
1. Lung Cam Village
Nestled near Pao’s House is the quaint Lung Cam Village, home to over 60 households. The village’s H’Mong architecture, characterized by aged walls and moss-covered tiled roofs, enthralls visitors with its timeless charm. With a rich history spanning centuries, the village now serves as a cultural hub, offering a glimpse into local life for eager visitors.
2. Ethnic Diversity
While Sung La Valley’s natural beauty captivates, its cultural tapestry, enriched by ethnic minorities, adds depth to its allure. Here, you can immerse yourself in the traditional practices, craftsmanship, and cuisine of the Lo Lo, Mong, and Han ethnic groups, gaining insights into their way of life.
3. Chin Khoanh Pass
Before entering Sung La Valley, travelers traverse the Chin Khoanh Pass, nicknamed the Nine Ramps due to its winding nine-level turns. The well-maintained road offers an exhilarating drive, culminating in panoramic vistas of the valley below. A local woman tends to buckwheat fields along a stretch of the pass, offering picturesque photo opportunities.
4. Buckwheat Blossoms
Sung La Valley is renowned for its picturesque buckwheat flower fields, emblematic of Ha Giang’s mountainous landscapes. These white blossoms bloom twice annually, from October to November and April to May. The Buckwheat Flower Festival, held yearly, enhances the experience with a range of engaging activities amidst this floral splendor.
5. Pao’s Abode
Following the cinematic success of “The Story of Pao,” Pao’s House has become a must-visit attraction. This century-old H’Mong dwelling exudes rustic charm with its distinctive U-shaped layout, stone fences, and vintage yin-yang tiles. Surrounding plum and peach trees add bursts of color to the landscape each year.
The best time to visit
The Sung La Valley offers enchanting experiences throughout the year, each season bringing its own unique charm:
- Buckwheat Flower Season:
For the quintessential Sung La Valley experience, visit during the buckwheat flower seasons. The main bloom occurs from October to November, while an additional bloom happens from April to May. During these periods, the valley bursts into a spectacle of white and pink blossoms, creating picturesque scenes perfect for photography and leisurely strolls.
- Spring:
Spring, spanning from February to April, presents another ideal time to explore Sung La Valley. With comfortable temperatures and blooming flowers, this season invites visitors to immerse themselves in the valley’s cultural richness. Additionally, you can partake in local festivals commemorating the Lunar New Year, usually occurring in late January or early February. These festivities offer valuable insights into the traditions and communal life of the valley’s ethnic minorities.
- Other Flower Seasons:
Beyond buckwheat, Sung La Valley showcases a variety of seasonal blooms such as rhododendrons and wild sunflowers. These floral displays typically grace the landscape from June to August, offering a different yet equally captivating color palette to admire.
How to get to Sung La Valley
Getting to Sung La Valley is relatively straightforward:
- Location:
Situated along Highway 4C, Sung La Valley is located 20km from Dong Van district and approximately 127km from Ha Giang city.
- Visiting as Part of the Ha Giang Loop:
Sung La Valley is a key highlight along the renowned Ha Giang Loop, a scenic route that begins in Ha Giang City and encompasses various attractions in the region.
- Transportation Options:
The most beautiful and fastest route to reach Sủng Là Valley is via National Highway 4C. This route, known for its mountain passes, has been renovated to make it more convenient for tourists. However, if you travel on days with adverse weather conditions, the travel time may be longer than expected. Therefore, it’s essential to check the weather forecast before heading here.
The safest means of transportation to Ha Giang is by passenger bus. This option is suitable for drivers who are not confident in navigating mountainous roads. There are many reputable bus companies offering routes from Hanoi to Ha Giang for you to choose from, such as Quang Nghi, Cau Me, Ngoc Cuong, etc. Bus ticket prices range from 250,000 VND to 550,000 VND.
Moreover, if you are an adventure enthusiast who loves exploring, you cannot miss the opportunity to travel by motorbike. The journey to Sung La promises to fulfill your desires. Riding a motorbike allows travelers to discover stunning mountain passes and enjoy panoramic views of the valley.
As for transportation within Sung La Valley, you can choose to walk, take a taxi, or rent a motorbike for self-exploration. Most young travelers opt for renting a motorbike from reputable rental shops in Ha Giang. This way, you can be flexible with your destination and time. The rental prices here are relatively cheap, ranging from 100,000 VND to 150,000 VND per bike per day.
Accommodations in Sung La Valley
Accommodations in Sung La Valley are somewhat limited, primarily catering to Vietnamese tourists. However, there are several homestays available that offer comfortable lodging options. While the amenities may be basic, staying in a homestay provides an authentic and immersive experience of local culture and hospitality.
As for dining options, visitors can enjoy family-style dinners prepared by their hosts at the homestays. This communal dining experience allows guests to savor traditional Vietnamese cuisine while interacting with their hosts and fellow travelers. While dining options may be limited, the opportunity to enjoy home-cooked meals adds to the charm of staying in Sung La Valley.
A must-visit destination you shouldn’t miss when coming to Sung La is Lao Xa Ancient House Homestay – H’mong Ethnic
Contact information:
- Phone number: 1900 252 209
- Address: Lao Xa Hamlet, Sung La, Đong Van, Ha Giang
- Average room price: 300,000 VND – 400,000 VND per person per night
Notes for traveling to Sung La Valley
- Weather and seasons: The best time to visit Sung La Valley is during the autumn and spring seasons when the weather is pleasant and cool. Avoid traveling during heavy rainy seasons to prevent weather-related risks and flooding.
- Dress code: When visiting religious or cultural sites, dress modestly as a sign of respect. Opt for lightweight, long-sleeved clothing to protect yourself from the sun and insects.
- Road conditions: The roads to Sung La Valley can be rugged and treacherous, especially during the rainy season. Therefore, check road conditions and prepare suitable transportation before departure.
- Personal essentials: Ensure you bring enough drinking water, sunscreen, electrolyte solutions, and other personal items to be prepared for any situation while exploring the valley.
- Respect local culture: Always respect the culture and customs of the local people when visiting Sung La Valley. This includes not disturbing local residents, avoiding littering, and maintaining environmental hygiene.
Ready for your trip to Sung La Valley – Ha Giang
Hope that through this article, you have gathered enough information about Sủng Là Valley in Ha Giang. We sincerely wish you a wonderful vacation filled with fantastic experiences here. Let’s explore the majestic beauty of nature in Ha Giang together with Jackfruit Adventure and explore more of Ho Chi Minh city cycling tour and team building social impact in Ho Chi Minh city.
