Journey to Than Cliff in Ha Giang: Great experiences for trekkers

Explore Than Cliff, nestled in Ha Giang's Ma Pi Leng Pass. From blooming peach trees to golden rice fields, each season has its own unique natural beauty. Hãy nghe Trần Thuỳ Thanh Xuân (Đồng Nai) một travel blogger nổi tiếng bật mí .

1. Where is Than Cliff?

Than Cliff in Ha Giang, also known as White Cliff, is a steep and challenging destination. As a result, it has attracted a lot of attention from adventure enthusiasts and thrill-seekers. This cliff is located right on Ma Pi Leng Pass, just 2 km from the ancient town of Dong Van or Meo Vac town, making it very convenient to arrange a sightseeing and entertainment schedule. Situated at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level, it offers picturesque natural scenery, with a panoramic view of the mountains, the winding roads of Ma Pi Leng Pass, and the poetic Nho Que River.

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2. Legend Associated with the White Cliff in Ha Giang

It is said that in the ancient Meo Vac region, there was a majestic mountain covered in mist all year round. This mountain could only be seen from below but could not be climbed. Atop the mountain lived a beautiful and kind-hearted fairy. Every day, she would sit on the cliff, gazing at the Nho Que River and singing enchanting songs. Thanks to the fairy and the protection of the cliff, the local people lived prosperous lives, with favorable weather and bountiful harvests. To honor her, the H’Mong people called this mountain "Chua Lanh Gau," meaning Fairy Mountain.

People also whispered that a precious medicinal plant, capable of curing all ailments and granting a long life, grew on the highest cliff. However, since the plant was on a high cliff, no one could climb up to get it. Those who attempted would fall into the abyss and be swept away by the Nho Que River.

The story begins with a woman in the village suffering from an incurable disease. Her husband, out of love and desperation, decided to climb the cliff to find the plant, despite everyone's warnings. He took hundreds of wooden stakes to drive into the cliff as he climbed. After much hardship, he brought back the precious plant and cured his wife's illness. The stakes mysteriously disappeared, and no one could climb the cliff to pick the plant again. Not long after, a pair of white stone cliffs appeared on the mountain peak—one larger cliff called the Husband Cliff and a smaller one called the Wife Cliff. Every year, the locals hold a ritual here to honor and worship.

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3. Why the Than Cliff on Ma Pi Leng Pass captivates visitors?

3.1. Admiring the beauty of Ma Pi Leng Pass and Nho Que River

Stopping at the rest area on Ma Pi Leng Pass, visitors can gaze out and see a part of the majestic Than Cliff in Ha Giang. The cliff stands tall and imposing, precariously perched among the clouds and sky. After conquering the formidable Than Cliff, you will undoubtedly be amazed by the beauty of the mountain and the grandeur of the surrounding nature. Taking a photo with the blue sky, white clouds, the steep Ma Pi Leng Pass, and the winding, emerald-green Nho Que River cutting through the mountains will surely be a keepsake you cherish long after your Ha Giang trip.

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3.2. Enjoy a super chill overnight camping experience

On the White Cliff, there is a small hollow space where many creative souls have brought their tents and campsites. This activity has gradually become popular and embraced by many who seek new experiences. When you reach the White Cliff, you can bring tents, tables, chairs, and food to enjoy an evening taking in the full beauty of Ma Pi Leng under a starry sky. This unique experience is not easily forgotten and is a strong reason to return.

Sleeping overnight on a cliff is probably something you have never imagined doing, but you can experience it here. If camping by lakes or on grassy fields is thrilling, camping overnight on the White Cliff is ten times more exciting. Perched on the edge of a cliff, you will feel both small and triumphant, having conquered nature to reach this point—truly an exhilarating feeling. However, if you decide to camp overnight here, remember to keep your tent away from the edge and avoid horseplay, as the location can be very dangerous.

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3.3. Let's welcome the sunrise and sunset together to see the entire Nho Que River

Imagine waking up to the sunrise on a cliff—it sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? But if you conquer the White Cliff, you can experience that sensation. The White Cliff is quite high, allowing you to enjoy the sunrise from the top of Tu San Canyon in the early morning. If you are even luckier, you might get to witness the clouds of Ha Giang from that very spot.

In the late afternoon, as the sun begins to set, standing on the cliff, you can watch the sun gradually disappear, with the last rays of the day reflecting off the surface of the Nho Que River until they vanish completely. The scene suddenly becomes quiet, exuding a mysterious and somber beauty that is no less impressive at the Than Cliff.

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4. Detailed guide to reaching Than Cliff in Ha Giang

Than Cliff in Ha Giang is quite far from Ha Giang city center, approximately 160km away. However, compared to some other districts, it is not too far. To reach Than Cliff, there are several routes you can take. Based on my experience visiting this place about three times and trying all the routes, I find that there are two safest and easiest routes:

4.1. Route Starting from the Youth Volunteer Monument

If you take this route, you will follow Ma Pi Leng Pass to the Youth Volunteer Monument, where there is a turnoff. From here, it is about 3km to Than Cliff. The road to Than Cliff from this point becomes difficult and treacherous.

As I recall, there are about 2km of concrete roads accessible by motorbike, but the road is narrow and winding, so I recommend hiring a motorbike taxi who knows the way. It is safer and saves time, costing around 50,000 VND per trip. Only about 2km is navigable by motorbike; the remaining 1km must be walked because the road is very narrow and rough, with dirt and gravel. The walking path has been equipped with safety railings to ensure visitor safety near the cliff, so you can rest assured that it is safe, though a bit tiring.

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4.2. Route Starting from the Happiness Road Museum

For those passionate about adventure and exploration, you might choose this route, although it is longer and more difficult than the route starting from the Youth Volunteer Monument. This route requires walking from Dong Van Stone Plateau to Meo Vac along a completely narrow trail, not accessible by motorbike due to its danger. However, if you are brave enough to conquer this route, you will experience many pristine and rustic sceneries that not all visitors can see on this path.

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5. Best time to visit Than Cliff in Ha Giang

You can visit Than Cliff in Ha Giang during any season except for the rainy season, typically from May to July. Let me explain why in detail:

Every season offers stunning landscapes in Ha Giang, especially along Ma Pi Leng Pass and the Nho Que River. However, this doesn't mean that Ma Pi Leng's greenery remains the same throughout the year. The scenery of Ma Pi Leng changes month by month, with varying shades of green. Not only greenery, each season at the foot of Ma Pi Leng Pass displays different scenes, like changing clothes for the landscape, all incredibly beautiful. From Than Cliff, you can fully appreciate the following beautiful scenes:

- January to March: Peach blossoms and plum blossoms bloom profusely at the foot of Ma Pi Leng Pass.

- March to April: Two rows of rice flowers on the banks of the Nho Que River bloom vividly in red.

- August to September: Golden ripe rice fields at the foot of Ma Pi Leng Pass.

- October to December: Buckwheat flower fields on the banks of the Nho Que River in romantic shades of pink and purple.

As mentioned earlier, both routes to Than Cliff have road access, but the distance is quite long and mostly covered in gravel and stones. Visiting during the rainy season is risky due to two main reasons: slippery roads, which are very dangerous, and muddy dirt roads that can become impassable even for motorcycles. If heavy rain causes landslides or floods along the way up to Than Cliff, you might get stuck on the cliff. Therefore, please heed my advice and avoid visiting this place during the rainy season.

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Whether you are captivated by spring flowers or golden autumn fields, the Divine Cliff along Ma Pi Leng Pass promises a scenic journey through Vietnam's natural wonders.

Trần Thuỳ Thanh Xuân (Đồng Nai)