Overview of Quan Ba ​​Mountain

Quan Ba ​​Mountain (or Quan Ba ​​Heaven Gate) is a famous geological and cultural landscape, now an important part of Quan Ba ​​Commune in Tuyen Quang province. The geographical location of this area is at the northern gateway, on the route to conquer the UNESCO Global Geopark of the Stone Plateau. The rugged terrain, with the top of the steep mountain pass, creates the legendary "Heaven's Gate", opening up a panoramic view of the lush green rice valley. The most unique highlight here is the presence of two symmetrical circular limestone mountains, called Fairy Twin Mountains by tourists, associated with romantic folk legends of the indigenous people.

Quan Ba Mountain

As a gateway and transit center, Quan Ba is not only the intersection of unique geological formations but also the concentrated residence of ethnic minority communities such as H'Mong, Dao, and Tay. This area preserves many unique cultural features, customs and traditional crafts, especially hand-woven brocade products and corn wine. The cool climate all year round along with biodiversity and majestic natural landscape has turned Quan Ba into an indispensable destination, connecting tourists with further tourist destinations in the journey to explore the North of Tuyen Quang province.

Outstanding attractions in Quan Ba Mountain

Quan Ba Heaven's Gate

Quan Ba Heaven Gate

Quan Ba Heaven Gate is located at the top of the pass, the main gateway leading to the rocky plateau. Standing from the Heaven Gate (about 1,500m above sea level), visitors can have a panoramic view of the entire Quan Ba ​​valley, watching the Co Tien Twin Mountains and the vast rice and corn fields below. This location is located right on the top of Quan Ba Pass (National Highway 4C), Quan Ba Commune, Tuyen Quang Province and is an important stopping point with the most beautiful view in the area.

Doi Co Tien Mountain (Quan Ba Mountain)

Double Fairy Mountain

Twin Mountains is the symbol of Quan Ba, consisting of two mountains with round, balanced shapes, located in the middle of vast rice and corn fields. The majestic and poetic beauty of Twin Mountain is associated with the legend of the fairy who left her breasts to raise her children. Twin Mountain is located in Quan Ba Valley, visitors can see it most clearly from Quan Ba Heaven Gate on Highway 4C.

Tam Giac Mach Valley

Triangle Mach Valley

Quan Ba is one of the first and most beautiful spots to view Tam Giac Mach flowers on the journey. During the flower season (around October - December), the fields and hillsides are covered in pink and purple, creating a poetic scene. The main flower viewing spots are scattered on the hillsides and valleys along Highway 4C, in Quan Ba Commune, Tuyen Quang Province.

Lung Tam Cultural Village

Lung Tam Cultural Village

Lung Tam is a village famous for the traditional linen weaving and indigo dyeing of the H'Mong people. This is where visitors can learn about the process of making yarn, weaving fabric and hand-dying indigo, as well as shop for sophisticated brocade products. Lung Tam is located in Lung Tam Commune, Tuyen Quang Province, and is also a center for community cultural exchange.

Lung Khuy Cave

Lung Khuy Cave

Lung Khuy Cave is a beautiful and large natural cave, considered an "underground paradise". The cave has a diverse and shimmering stalactite system with many interesting shapes. The cave is located in Lung Khuy Village, Quan Ba Commune, Tuyen Quang Province. Exploring this place is a gentle adventure experience in the heart of the Stone Plateau.

Quan Ba Market

Quan Ba Market

Quan Ba market is a convergence of cultural colors of the H'Mong, Dao, Tay, Giay ethnic groups, usually held every Sunday. The market is not only a place to exchange goods but also a center for cultural and culinary exchange. The market is located right in the center of Quan Ba ​​Commune, Tuyen Quang Province.

Other attractions In addition to the above destinations, Quan Ba ​​also has many other attractive places:

• Kho My Cave: Another cave with a rich stalactite system (located in Quan Ba Commune).

• Dao cultural tourism village: The villages where Dao people live, still retain many traditional cultural features.

• Quyet Tien Market: Another market in the area, with a high sense of community (Quan Ba Commune).

• Pao Village Road: Beautiful road, few passersby, ideal for trekking and sightseeing.

• Limestone mountain slopes: Where visitors can take photos with the scenery Characteristic cat-ear rock mandarin.

• Peach and plum gardens: Where flowers bloom in the spring (around January-March), creating a romantic scene.

Best Time to Travel to Quan Ba Mountain

Quan Ba is the gateway to Dong Van Karst Plateau, whose beauty changes with the flower season and season. The most ideal time to visit is often associated with the purpose of hunting clouds, watching flowers or exploring market culture.

Spring and Peach/Plum Blossoms (January - March)

This is the ideal time for hunting clouds at Quan Ba ​​Heaven Gate. The climate is deeply cold, fog and clouds often cover the valley, creating a magical scene. From late January to March, peach and plum blossoms bloom, bringing fresh spring color to the villages. This is also the time when traditional festivals take place at the beginning of the year.

Water Pouring and Green Rice Season (May - June)

Around May to June is the time when people start pouring water into terraced fields in Quan Ba. The sparkling fields reflect the sunlight, creating a brilliant and magical scene. After that, young rice grew green throughout the valley. The weather at this time is quite cool, dry, very convenient for traveling.

Golden Rice and Tam Giac Mach season (September - November)

This is the most beautiful season of Quan Ba. September - early October is the time when the rice is ripe and golden, surrounding Co Tien Twin Mountain, creating a picture of prosperity. Immediately following is the Tam Giac Mach flower season (from mid-October to November), when Quan Ba ​​is one of the first places to bloom this flower, attracting a large number of tourists.

Market Days (every Sunday)

To experience the most brilliant culture, visitors should visit Quan Ba ​​on Sunday morning. This is the largest market day at Quan Ba ​​Commune Center, Tuyen Quang Province. The H'Mong, Dao, and Tay ethnic groups from neighboring villages flock to with colorful traditional costumes, creating a lively and unique atmosphere of cultural exchange and cuisine.

Travel information

By air

Nearest airport Popular flight route:

• TP. Ho Chi Minh (SGN) → Hanoi (HAN) – Tourists from the South need to fly to Hanoi, then transfer by road.

• Da Nang (DAD) → Hanoi (HAN) – Need to connect via Noi Bai Airport. Operating airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways (HAN route).

Arrival airport: Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) is the nearest airport, about 250 km by road from Quan Ba ​​Commune, Tuyen Quang Province. Note:

• After landing in Noi Bai, tourists need to travel by bus or tourist car to get to Tuyen Quang center or go straight to Quan Ba area.

By road (Interprovincial Bus)

Popular route

• Hanoi → Ha Giang 1/Ha Giang 2 Ward (Tuyen Quang Province): about 300 km, travel time 6–7 hours (highway) or 8–10 hours (normal).

• Ha Giang 1/Ha Giang 2 Ward → Quan Ba Commune: about 46 km, travel time 1.5–2 hours (via Bac Sum Pass). Reputable bus companies: Cau Me, Bang Phan, Hai Van (specializing in Hanoi - Tuyen Quang route, passing through Ha Giang area).

Reference ticket price:

• Hanoi ↔ Ha Giang 1/Ha Giang 2 Ward: about 250,000 - 400,000 VND/person (bed).

• Ha Giang 1/Ha Giang 2 Ward ↔ Quan Ba Commune: about 50,000 - 80,000 VND/person (local bus). Departure bus station:

• In Hanoi: My Dinh bus station. Note:

• The road to Quan Ba through Bac Sum Pass is quite steep and winding.

Movement in Quan Ba

Popular means of transport Popular means:

• Motorbike/Self-car Driving: This is the most popular means of exploring Quan Ba and the entire Stone Plateau. The route to Quan Ba Heaven's Gate is National Highway 4C.

• Taxi/Motorbike taxi: Operating mainly in the central area of Quan Ba Commune.

• Renting a tourist car (with driver): Suitable for large groups of tourists.

Renting a car Motorbike / car: Very suitable for tourists who want to actively visit Heaven's Gate, Twin Mountains and Lung Khuy Cave.

Reputable motorbike rental address (in the central area of Ha Giang 1/Ha Giang 2 Ward):

• Motorbike rental services near the central area of Ha Giang Ward 1 (formerly Ha Giang City) Giang).

• Large Homestays in Quan Ba Commune also have car rental services.

Reference motorbike rental price:

• Motorbike: 150,000 - 200,000 VND/day

• Scooter/motorbike: 250,000 - 350,000 VND/day (suitable for mountain passes). Car / tourist car rental address:

• Tour companies in Tuyen Quang provide 4–45-seat car rental services with drivers, specializing in Quan Ba ​​and Dong Van routes.

Accommodation information

Accommodation in Quan Ba ​​mainly focuses on good quality motels and homestays, with bold national architectural styles. This area does not have 4–5 star standard hotels, but instead has small accommodation establishments, most concentrated in the center of Quan Ba ​​Commune. Guests can choose between mini-motels with basic amenities, or experience staying at traditional stilt houses of the H'Mong and Dao people to learn more about the local culture.

Quality Accommodation (Motel & Mini-Hotel)

Tam Son Hotel  

Tam Son Hotel

Located in the center of Quan Ba Commune, Tuyen Quang Province, Tam Son Hotel is one of the mini hotels with the most stable services and facilities in the area. The hotel offers clean rooms, complete with basic amenities, suitable for travelers who prioritize central location and convenience. The hotel is often chosen by large tour groups. Room prices range from 450,000 - 750,000 VND/night, depending on room type and time.

Quan Ba ​​Retreat Hotel 

Located in a quieter area, Quan Ba ​​Retreat Hotel is designed with open space, close to nature. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with balconies with mountain views. This is a suitable choice for travelers looking for absolute relaxation and tranquility. The average room price is about 500,000 - 900,000 VND/night.

If you want more options for a quality vacation in Quan Ba, you can consider other hotels/mini motels:

• Heaven Gate Hostel - Located near Quan Ba Heaven Gate area (on Highway 4C), with views beautiful - Price about 350,000 - 600,000 VND/night.

• Quang Vinh Guesthouse - Center of Quan Ba Commune, good amenities - Price about 400,000 - 700,000 VND/night.

Cultural Experience (Ethnic Homestay)

Ly Ky Homestay 

Located on the outskirts of Quan Ba Commune, Tuyen Quang Province, Ly Ky Homestay is one of the highly rated community accommodation facilities. Homestay has both private rooms and dorm rooms, with traditional ethnic stilt house space, beautiful view, close to terraced fields. Visitors can experience local cuisine and cultural exchanges. Room prices range from 150,000 - 350,000 VND/person (dorm) or 500,000 - 800,000 VND/night (private room).

H'Mong Homestay 

Another homestay option steeped in H'Mong culture, offering cozy, clean accommodations. Homestay often organizes cultural activities and campfires for group guests. This is a great opportunity to learn about the customs and life of the H'Mong people.

For tourists who love a cozy space and cultural experience, the following places are worth a try:

• Lung Tam Homestay – Located near Lung Tam Weaving Village, convenient for visiting the craft village (Lung Tam Commune, Tuyen Quang Province).

• Dao Quan Ba Homestay – Experience staying in a traditional stilt house of the Dao people.

• Community Tourism Homestay – Villages around Co Tien Doi Nui area.

Cuisine and festival culture

Famous restaurant

Huong Do Restaurant

Huong Do Restaurant offers visitors a rich and diverse menu from popular dishes to the most typical mountain town specialties such as slot fish and wild vegetables, bee pupae and palm weevils... giving visitors unforgettable experiences. The restaurant is located in Quan Ba ​​Commune, Tuyen Quang Province. The average reference price ranges from 150,000 - 300,000 VND/person.

Huy Dinh Restaurant

Huy Dinh Restaurant

Huy Dinh Restaurant has an extremely traditional space, the interior design is completely made of natural materials from bamboo and wood, providing a cozy, rustic, completely natural dining space for visitors. The restaurant is located in Quan Ba ​​Commune, Tuyen Quang Province. The average reference price ranges from 180,000 - 350,000 VND/person.

Some other quality culinary places you can refer to in Quan Ba:

• Night eateries/Ngo Pho restaurants - Central area of Quan Ba Commune, serving Au Tau Porridge and Pho Corn.

• Homestays in Quan Ba Commune – Providing family meals and specialties upon request.

Local cuisine

Thang Co

Thang Co is the most iconic dish of the people H'Mong, made from horse meat and organs. This dish is usually cooked in a large pan and eaten hot with herbs and spices. Thang Co is the "soul" dish of the market and is often sold at Quan Ba ​​Market on Sundays.

Au Tau Porridge

Au Tau Porridge

Au Tau Porridge is a famous night dish of the highlands, made from rice, stewed bones and Au Tau tubers, has a slightly bitter taste at first but is greasy and nutritious. This dish is suitable for recovering health after the trip.

Suggested address:

• Au Tau Porridge Restaurant Ha Giang - Center of Quan Ba Commune (near the market).

• Night Pho and Porridge Restaurant - Along Highway 4C, Commune Quan Ba.

• Small eateries in the Tam Son hotel area - Quan Ba Commune.

Men Men and Tam Giac Mach Cake

Men Men (maize) is the daily food of the H'Mong people. Buckwheat Cake is a seasonal dish (October - December), made from the seeds of a typical flower.

Suggested address:

• Stalls at Quan Ba Market (Sunday).

• Street vendors at Quan Ba Heaven Gate Ba.

• Large Homestays like Ly Ky Homestay often serve experiences for guests.

Experiential Cuisine

Experience Traditional Corn Wine

Visitors can participate in learning the process of making traditional Corn Wine tradition in H'Mong villages near Quan Ba. Enjoying spicy fermented corn wine is a cultural experience, often accompanied by grilled dishes at Homestays.

Suggested address:

• Corn Wine Brewing Facility in Quan Ba Commune (ask for information at local hotels).

• Homestays in Lung Tam Commune.

• Sales area at Quan Ba Market (there are many people retailing corn wine).

Participate in Quan Ba Cuisine Market

The biggest culinary experience is visiting Quan Ba Market (Sunday). Here, visitors can enjoy all kinds of ethnic street cuisine such as Thang Co, Ngo Pho, Ngo Duc Cake, and unique grilled dishes.

Family dinner at Lung Tam

At Homestays in Lung Tam Commune, visitors can pre-order traditional H'Mong family meals, enjoy dishes made from wild vegetables and spices. local flavor in a stilt house space.

Cultural Experience & Festivals

Quan Ba Phien Market (Cultural Exchange)

Quan Ba Market

Quan Ba Market (Sunday morning) is a cultural exchange center, where visitors can admire the colorful costumes of ethnic groups and participate in trading activities and exchange of traditional products.

>Gau Tao Festival

Gau Tao Festival is the largest traditional festival of the people H'Mong, usually takes place in early spring (January of the Lunar Calendar). The festival includes religious rituals and folk games such as Khen dancing and Pao throwing.

Flax Weaving and Indigo Dyeing Culture

At Lung Tam Cultural Village (Lung Tam Commune, Tuyen Quang Province), visitors can visit and learn about the traditional art of flax weaving and indigo dyeing of the H'Mong people, a cultural experience unique.

Other cultural festivals in Quan Ba:

• Tam Giac Mach Flower Festival: Takes place at the end of October - November, with cultural and artistic activities in flower fields.

• Giao Duyen Singing and Khen Dance: Usually held in villages and markets.

• Ac Sac Ceremony: An important coming-of-age ceremony of the Dao people (if the occasion is right).

• National Costumes: H'Mong and Dao ethnic costumes can be rented at Homestays to take photos.

• Visit Lung Khuy Cave: Explore geological culture and folk legends associated with the cave.

Amusement and Experience Area at Quan Ba Mountain

Cloud hunting and Sightseeing at Quan Ba Heaven Gate

Cloud hunting at Quan Ba Heaven's Gate

This is one of the experiences not to be missed in Quan Ba. Standing from Quan Ba ​​Heaven Gate (on Highway 4C), visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Quan Ba ​​valley and the iconic Twin Mountains. In particular, in the early morning or winter-spring, fog and clouds often cover the valley, creating a magical scene, ideal for cloud hunting and photography.

Quan Ba also has many attractive places to visit and experience suitable for both tourists and locals who want to relax and explore:

• Explore Lung Khuy Cave: Lung Cave Khuy (located in Lung Khuy Village, Quan Ba Commune) is a large natural cave, with a shimmering and fanciful stalactite system. This is a gentle adventurous geological exploration experience.

• Experience Lung Tam Craft Village: Visit Lung Tam Commune to learn about and participate in the process of weaving linen, traditional hand-dyeing of indigo of the H'Mong people, and shopping for brocade products.

• Trekking to see Tam Giac Mach Flowers: Participate in light trekking activities on the hillsides along the National Highway 4C (October - December) to take photos and admire the beauty of this symbolic flower.

• Visit Co Tien Twin Mountain: Explore the Twin Mountain area (located in Quan Ba valley), an iconic destination to relax and take photos with unique natural landscapes.

• Interact at Quan Ba Market: Visit Quan Ba Market (Sunday morning at the commune center) to enjoy Thang Co cuisine, shop for products and admire the colorful costumes of ethnic groups.

Suggested tour

Experiential tour (Cultural & Ecological)

Tour Explore Quan Ba - Lung Tam 1 day

• Itinerary: Ha Giang 1/Ha Giang 2 Ward - Quan Ba Heaven Gate (Cloud hunting/seeing Co Tien Twin Mountains) - Visit Lung Khuy Cave - Lunch specialties at Quan Ba Commune - Lung Tam Cultural Village (See linen weaving, indigo dyeing) - Enjoy Corn Wine.

• Method of transportation: Car or Motorbike.

• Reference tour price: 500,000 - 800,000 VND/person (depending on car rental service).

• Organizing unit: The Homestay/Local tourism unit in Quan Ba Commune.

Adventure tour - discovery

1-day Buckwheat Flower Hunting trekking tour (Winter)

• Itinerary: Quan Ba Commune – Local trekking trail (choose hillsides with flowers) – Take photos of Tam Giac Mach – Explore stone villages – Have a picnic lunch on site – Return.

• Transportation: Car + trekking.

• Reference tour price: 700,000 – 1,000,000 VND/person (including local trekking tour guide fee).

• Organizer: Ha Giang Trekking, adventure travel agencies.

Family tour

Quan Ba - Dong Van Karst Plateau Tour 2 days 1 night

• Itinerary:

  • Day 1: Ha Giang 1 Ward/Ha Giang 2 – Quan Ba Heaven Gate – Co Tien Double Mountain – Lung Khuy Cave – Move to Dong Van Commune – Overnight.

  • Day 2: Visit Dong Van Ancient Town – Check-in Ma Pi Leng – Return.

• Transportation: 7–16-seat tourist car.

• Reference tour price: 1,800,000 – 2,500,000 VND/person (including meals, accommodation, sightseeing tickets).

• Organizing unit: Large travel companies in Hanoi or Tuyen Quang (Vietravel, Hanoitourist).

Eco-tourism

Lung Tam ecological tour - 2 days 1 night market

• Itinerary:

  • Day 1: Ha Giang Ward 1/Ha Giang 2 – Visit Lung Tam Commune (learn to weave linen, learn about culture) – Check in to Homestay in Quan Ba Commune – Enjoy ethnic cuisine (Ban Pig, Corn Wine).

  • Day 2: Visit Participate in Quan Ba Fair (Sunday morning) - Shopping for specialties - Return to the center.

• Transportation: Car/Motorbike.

• Reference tour price: 1,200,000 – 1,800,000 VND/person.

• Organizer: Homestays in Lung Tam Commune or community tourism units.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Quan Ba is an ideal place to buy traditional handicraft products of the H'Mong, Dao, and other people. Unique agricultural specialties of the Stone Plateau.

Handicraft and textile products are the most outstanding souvenirs, imbued with national identity. Tourists should look to buy items woven from linen and hand-dyed with indigo in Lung Tam Commune, Tuyen Quang Province. These products include brocade scarves, handbags, and linen, demonstrating the sophistication of traditional craftsmanship. In addition, silver and copper jewelry with H'Mong/Dao patterns, along with colorful ethnic costumes are also sold at stalls and the Quan Ba Fair (held Sunday morning at the center of Quan Ba Commune).

H'Mong linen weaving

In terms of local specialties, Quan Ba offers culinary gifts of high value. The most popular product is the famous Ngo Men La Wine of the highlands, which can be purchased at markets or winemaking establishments. Visitors can also find Mint Honey, a famous specialty harvested from mint flowers growing on rocks, along with Buckwheat Cake (seasonal, October - December) or dried Buckwheat seeds. Clean agricultural products and corn wine are also often sold at Homestays for tourists.

Support information and other information

To have the safest and most convenient trip in Quan Ba, visitors should save emergency contact information and official support agencies at the gateway area of the Stone Plateau.

Security Support Ninh

Tourists need to contact the following agencies if they have problems with security, order or need administrative support in the Quan Ba Commune area.

• Report/Emergency security assistance: 113

• Fire alarm/Fire prevention: 114

• Quan Ba Commune Police:

  • Address: Quan Ba Commune, Tuyen Quang Province (Tourism Area Center).

  • Tel: (Recommended to get official information at the commune headquarters).

• Lung Tam Commune Police:

  • Address: Lung Tam Commune, Tuyen Quang Province (Craft Village Area Security Support Center).

Nearest Medical and Emergency Services

When needing emergency medical assistance or initial first aid, visitors should go to the following facilities:

• Emergency Switchboard: 115

• Quan Ba Commune Medical Station:

  • Serves first aid and basic health problems such as altitude sickness or flu, located right in the commune center.

• Regional Medical Center for Ward Ha Giang 1/Ha Giang 2:

  • This is the largest specialized medical facility near Quan Ba (about 46 km away), which needs to be moved in case of an emergency.

Service Support and Tourism

For the best experience and protection of tourism rights, tourists should use the following support and management channels:

• National tourism support hotline:

  • Contact number: 0941 33 66 77

  • Useful for answering questions, consulting travel information and receiving feedback about services.

• Market Management Switchboard:

  • Contact phone number: 1900.888.655

  • Contact if you encounter problems with non-transparent prices or commercial fraud at Quan Ba Market.

• Dong Van Stone Plateau Management Board (Quan Ba Area):

  • Address: Located in the center of Quan Ba Commune (The main tourist information support center).

Wish visitors a truly wonderful journey to discover Quan Ba, with memorable and safe experiences in the Karst Plateau of Tuyen Quang Province