Overview of Sung La Valley

Sung La Valley, now in Sa Phin commune (Tuyen Quang), is known as "the flower blooming in the heart of the Stone Plateau". Located on Highway 4C, Sung La is a beautiful, peaceful valley, famous for its traditional walled house architecture and the setting of many famous movies.

Sung La Valley

Sung La Valley It is located in the middle of four limestone mountains, but is one of the few valleys with the most fertile soil in the region. The climate is cool and temperate all year round, creating conditions for people to grow food crops such as corn, vegetables and especially Tam Giac Mach flowers in the fall. This place is mainly inhabited by the Lo Lo and H'Mong ethnic groups, imbued with traditional culture with stone fences surrounding ancient houses.

Outstanding attractions in Sung La Valley

Sung La Valley is a beautiful, peaceful valley, located right on the arterial road connecting Dong Van with Yen Minh. This place is famous for its cinematic beauty and unique architectural culture.

Pao's House 

Pao's house

Pao's house became famous after becoming the main setting of the movie "Pao's Story", this is an ancient walled house, imbued with the traditional architecture of the H'Mong people. The house is built of earth, surrounded by a stone fence and planted with flowers and fruit trees. This location is located right in Sung La Village, Sa Phin Commune, Tuyen Quang, very easy to recognize when traveling on Highway 4C. Coming here, visitors can not only take pictures but also learn about the lifestyle of the H'Mong ethnic people.

Sung La Flower Field

Sung La flower field

Sung La flower field is known as one of the most beautiful flower valleys in the Stone Plateau. This is the main flower viewing spot in the region, especially during the Tam Giac Mach flower season (October - November) and yellow mustard flower (spring). The flower field is nestled in the middle of rocky mountains, creating a poetic and brilliant scene. The main location of the fields is in Sung La Valley, along both sides of Highway 4C, in Sa Phin commune, Tuyen Quang.

Sung La Market (Sung La Street)

Sung La Market

Sung La Market (Sung La Street), although not as busy as Dong Van market, this market is still an important trading center for the people of Sa Phin Commune and neighboring communes. The market here has a high sense of community, visitors can shop for local products, brocade and enjoy rustic dishes right at the market. This market is located in the center of Sa Phin commune, right on Highway 4C.

Lo Lo Sung La Cultural Village

Lo Lo Sung La Cultural Village

Lo Lo Sung La Cultural Village is home to many ethnic groups, including the Lo Lo people. The village still retains the architecture of ancient houses and traditional living habits. Tourists can visit the village to learn about the culture, costumes, and crafts of the Lo Lo people, one of the smallest ethnic groups in Vietnam. This area is located in Sung La Village, Sa Phin commune.

Hanh Phuc Road (QL4C)

Happiness Road (NH4C)

The valley is right above National Highway 4C - part of the historic "Happiness Road". The experience of driving through here is an integral part of the journey. The winding road hugs the valley, providing a beautiful panoramic view of the fields and ancient houses, especially the section of Highway 4C running through Sa Phin commune.

Experience Trinh Tuong House Architecture

Trinh Tuong House Architecture

Trinh Tuong House Architecture Earthen walls are the most prominent physical cultural feature in the valley. Meter-thick mud walls keep the house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Visitors can easily admire and take photos of these ancient houses located interspersed between terraced fields and stone fences, concentrated mainly in Sung La Village, Sa Phin commune.

Other attractions In addition to the above destinations, Sung La is also an ideal transit point to explore attractive places:

  • Vuong Family Mansion: Sa Phin Village, Sa Phin Commune, Tuyen Quang (about 9km from Sung La).

  • Quan Ba Heaven's Gate: Highway 4C, Quan Ba Commune, Tuyen Quang.

  • Dong Van Old Town: Dong Van Commune, Tuyen Quang (about 20km away).

  • Lung Cu Flagpole: Lung Cu Commune, Tuyen Quang (about 34km away).

  • Lung Cu Pass: The dangerous but majestic road leading to the Column Flag.

  • Lo Lo Chai Cultural Tourism Village: Lung Cu Commune, Tuyen Quang.

The most beautiful time to travel

Sung La Valley has a beauty that changes with each flower and crop season. Choosing when to travel depends on your interest in sightseeing, especially the typical flowers of the rocky plateau.

Spring and Canola Flowers (January - March) This is the time when Sung La awakens with the fresh green and brilliant yellow of canola flowers. The spring climate is still cold and wet, but the blooming mustard fields around the houses create a romantic and vibrant scene. Visitors to Sung La this season also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the traditional New Year festival atmosphere of the H'Mong and Lo Lo ethnic groups.

Canola season yellow

Summer and Water Pouring Season (May - June) The summer climate in Sung La is quite cool thanks to its high altitude. Around May to June is the time when people start pouring water into the terraced fields in the valley. The sparkling fields reflect the clouds and limestone mountains, creating a magical natural picture. This time is ideal for walking, exploring villages and having the clearest views.

Rice and Corn Season (August - September) Although Sung La's land is mainly rocky, this is a valley with terraced fields and large corn cultivation. From late August to early September, corn fields and rice fields begin to ripen, bringing rich, warm beauty to the valley. The weather at this time is dry and mild, very convenient for traveling and visiting architectural sites such as Pao's House.

Machete Flower Season (October - Early November) This is the time that attracts the most tourists of the year. The fields in Sung La are considered one of the most beautiful and poetic spots to view Tam Giac Mach flowers in the Stone Plateau. The purple-pink colors of flowers spread across the gray stone background and the walled houses create a highly symbolic scene, inspiring many artistic photos.

Winter (December - January) The cold and dry weather brings an ancient, quiet beauty to the walled houses and stone fences. Many tourists love the feeling of sitting next to a warm fire, enjoying corn wine and watching the fog cover the valley. This is the ideal season to feel the tranquility and traditional living culture of the H'Mong people.

Transportation information

By air

Nearest airport Popular flight routes:

  • Hanoi (HAN) → Ha Giang Ward (Road route after flight) – There is no direct airport in Tuyen Quang or Sung La.

  • TP. Ho Chi Minh (SGN) → Hanoi (HAN) – Travelers from the South need to fly to Hanoi for the next long road trip. Operating airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways (HAN route).

Arrival airport: Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) is the nearest airport, about 400 km by road from Sung La. Note:

  • Tourists need to use a passenger bus or tourist car after arriving in Hanoi to continue the journey to the rocky plateau.

By road (Intercity Bus)

Popular route

  • Hanoi → Ha Giang 1/Ha Giang 2 Ward: travel time about 7–9 hours.

  • Ha Giang Ward → Dong Van Commune: about 150 km of steep mountain pass, travel time 4–6 hours (need to change routes). Reputable bus companies: Cau Me, Bang Phan, Hung Thanh (specializing in the Hanoi - Ha Giang sleeper route).

Reference ticket price:

  • Hanoi ↔ Ha Giang Ward: about 250,000 - 350,000 VND/person (sleeper).

  • Ha Giang Ward ↔ Dong Van Commune: about 150,000 - 200,000 VND/person (seat car). Departure bus station:

  • In Hanoi: My Dinh bus station, Yen Nghia bus station. Note:

  • Sung La is located on Highway 4C, passenger buses on the Ha Giang - Dong Van route often stop here at the request of tourists.

Moving in the Sung La area

Popular means of transport

  • Self-driving motorbike: Most suitable for freely visiting Pao's House and Flower Field in the valley.

  • Car service: Rent a 7-seat or 16-seat car to drive yourself or with a driver (suitable for families/large groups).

  • Motorbike taxi: Available at the center of Dong Van Commune or Yen Minh Commune for short trips to Sung La.

Motorbike / car rental: very suitable for tourists who want to freely explore the valley and nearby spots.

Reputable motorbike rental address (in the central area of Ha Giang Ward, Tuyen Quang):

  • Ha Giang Motorbike Rental – No. 197 Tran Hung Dao | ☎ 0948 448 228

  • QT Motorbikes and Tours – No. 258 Nguyen Trai | ☎ 0975 788 998

  • Dong Van Hostel – Motorbike rental in Dong Van Commune (near Sung La) | ☎ 0989 962 138

Reference motorbike rental price:

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

  • Scooter/car Price: 200,000 - 300,000 VND/day

Accommodation information

Accommodation in Sung La Valley is mainly traditional homestays or budget motels, concentrated around Pao's House area and Sung La market.

Luxury Accommodation (Homestay Chat) quality / Nearby hotels)

Homestay Pao's house 

Pao's Homestay

High quality accommodations here or nearby establishments are often referred to as Pao's Homestay, located right in Sung La Village, Sa Phin Commune. The rooms are renovated and fully equipped with basic amenities (hot and cold water, warm blankets and mattresses), providing a sleeping experience in a traditional space. Room prices here range from 500,000 - 900,000 VND/night, depending on room type and time of booking.

Hoang Ngoc Hotel 

Is one of the hotels with the best standards in the area, located in Dong Van Commune (about 20km from Sung La). The hotel provides full modern amenities (elevator, air conditioning/heating fan) and professional services. The average room price is about 800,000 - 1,500,000 VND/night, depending on room type and time of booking.

If you want more options for a high-quality vacation near Sung La, you can consider other quality establishments in Dong Van:

  • Dong Van Hotel - Dong Van Commune, central location Center, good amenities - Price about 700,000 - 1,200,000 VND/night

  • Phuong Dong Hotel - Dong Van Commune, clean room service - Price about 750,000 - 1,300,000 VND/night

  • Homestay Ly Lan - Dong Van Commune, has beautiful design and quality service - Price about 600,000 - 1,000,000 VND/night

Resort (Homestay Experience Sung La Village)

A Kiem Homestay (Sung La)

A Kiem Homestay is one of the famous accommodation establishments in Sung La Village, Sa Phin Commune. This homestay was renovated from a traditional walled house, providing a profound cultural experience and cozy space. Rooms are fully equipped with warm blankets and hot and cold blankets, ideal for resting after a journey of discovery. Room prices here range from 400,000 - 700,000 VND/night, depending on room type.

Pho Cao Motel 

Located in the center of Pho Cao (about 10km from Sung La, on the way), motels like Pho Cao Motel provide basic, clean and convenient room services for traveling. Move to visit the flower fields in the valley. Pho Cao also has unique ancient walled houses.

For diverse options for tourists who love nature and want to find a peaceful space among the Northwest mountains and forests, you can refer to some other resorts:

  • Homestay Sung La View – Sung La valley area, Sa Phin commune, with beautiful flower field view – Gia from 350,000 - 600,000 VND/night

  • Chan May Guesthouse - Dong Van Commune (neighboring Sung La), quieter space - Price from 400,000 - 700,000 VND/night

  • Lo Lo Chai Homestay - Lung Cu Commune (34km from Sung La), a place to experience Lo Lo culture - Price from 400,000 - 900,000 VND/night

Experience (Budget Hostel, Dorm)

Anh Tu Homestay 

Anh Tu Homestay is a popular choice serving backpackers in Sung La Village. This facility offers low-cost dormitory accommodation and basic private rooms. Homestay has a lively atmosphere, making it easy to interact with other tourists. Dorm room prices range from 100,000 - 150,000 VND/person/night.

Motels near Pho Cao Market 

Affordable tourist service motels are located along Highway 4C through the valley, concentrated in the Pho Cao market area (new Pho Bang commune). These motels provide basic, clean and affordable accommodation services, very convenient for backpackers.

For travelers who love a cozy space, reasonable cost but still fully equipped, the following places are worth a try:

  • Dong Van Hostel - Dong Van Commune (20km away), with car rental service machine - Price from 150,000 - 300,000 VND/night

  • Anh Tu Guesthouse - Dong Van Commune, reasonable price - Price from 350,000 - 450,000 VND/night

  • Homestays in Sung La Village - Providing accommodation services in the style of community bedrooms (very low cost, need to contact directly).

Culinary and festival culture 

High-class restaurant

Because Sung La is a valley Small, no large-scale restaurants. Tourists often go to Dong Van Commune (20km away) to look for quality restaurants.

Ma Pi Leng Restaurant 

Ma Pi Restaurant Leng

Located near Ma Pi Leng Pass (in Pai Lung Commune, Dong Van), Ma Pi Leng Restaurant is one of the restaurants with the highest location and service quality in the area. The restaurant specializes in serving Northwest mountain and forest specialties with breathtaking views of the Ma Pi Leng Pass and Nho Que River. This is the ideal choice for groups of tourists looking for a culinary experience combined with majestic scenery. The average price is from 200,000 - 450,000 VND/person.

Vi Son Restaurant 

Vi Son Restaurant (also known as Tuan Lien) is located near Dong Van Old Quarter, an ideal place to enjoy highland specialties such as Ngua Hotpot, Goat, Black Chicken and Thang Co, which are cleanly prepared. The restaurant is highly appreciated by many tourists for its traditional flavors and friendly service. The average price is from 180,000 - 400,000 VND/person.

Some other high-class culinary places you can refer to near Sung La:

  • Tam Giac Mach Restaurant - Dong Van Commune, serving local dishes and dishes from seasonal Tam Giac Mach flowers - Average price 150,000 - 350,000 VND/person

  • Dong Van Old Quarter Restaurant (Located in the Old Quarter) - Serving Vietnamese food and specialties, famous for its ancient architectural space - Average price 100,000 - 250,000 VND/person

  • Lo Lo Chai Cultural Village Restaurant - Lung Cu Commune (34km away), famous for its traditional meal set and walled house space - Average price 180,000 - 380,000 VND/person

Local cuisine

Thang Co

Thang Co is the most traditional and iconic dish of the H'Mong people, made from meat and internal organs of horses (or cows or goats). Thang Co dish is usually cooked in a large pan and eaten hot with herbs and spices typical of the mountains. This is the "soul" dish of fairs and specialty restaurants.

  • Suggested address:

    • The restaurants at Sung La Market Area (Sa Phin Commune) on market day.

    • Big restaurants in Dong Van Commune (Ma Pi Leng Restaurant, Vi Son Restaurant).

Nuoc Cuon Cake Bones

Banh cuon in Dong Van Ancient Town (20km from Sung La) has the unique feature of being eaten with hot broth stewed from bones, instead of traditional dipping sauce. The rolls are thinly coated and filled with minced meat and wood ear mushrooms. A bowl of fatty, sweet broth is very suitable to enjoy on cold mornings.

  • Suggested address:

    • Ba Ha Banh Cuon Restaurant: Located in the Dong Van Old Quarter area, the most famous in the area.

    • The Roadside breakfast restaurant in Dong Van Commune.

Mèn Men

Mên Men is the daily food of the H'Mong people, carefully prepared from parboiled (steamed) corn. Corn kernels are ground, mixed with water and mixed with a wooden basket. Men Men has a rich, rustic taste, often eaten with Thang Co or vegetable soup.

  • Suggested address:

    • Homestay families in Sung La Village (can book in advance to enjoy traditional meals).

    • Food market at Dong Van Market.

Experiential Cuisine

Corn Wine

Corn wine is an indispensable traditional drink in meals and festivals of local people. The wine is made from a typical type of corn and traditional leaf yeast, with a spicy and fragrant taste. Enjoying Corn Wine is a cultural culinary experience, often shared during community meals.

Macadamia Cake

Triangular Buckwheat Cake

A typical cake made from buckwheat seeds buckwheat flower. The seeds are ground into flour, shaped into round cakes, steamed, and have a fleshy, sweet taste and a faint scent of grass. This is a seasonal snack, sold mainly at street vendors and markets.

Au Tau Porridge

Au Tau Porridge is a famous night dish in Dong Van Commune. Porridge is made from rice, stewed bones and au tau root, has a mildly bitter and greasy taste. This is a dish to restore health and experience local time (dining at night).

Suggested places to enjoy: To fully experience these dishes and drinks, visitors should visit Dong Van Market on Sunday morning, night eateries in Dong Van Old Quarter area, or participate in community meals at Homestay A Kiem (Sung La Village).

Experience Culture & Festivals

Cho Phien Market Sung La

Sung La market (at the center of Sa Phin commune) is a place for trade and cultural exchange of Lo Lo and H'Mong ethnic people. Although smaller than Dong Van, the market here still shows the traditional lifestyle and diversity of costumes and products. The market usually opens every Sunday.

The Art of Bronze Drum Dance (Lo Lo People)

The Art of Bronze Drum Dance (Lo Lo People)

Sung La is one of the main living places of the Lo Lo people. A unique cultural experience here is to learn about the art of Bronze Drum Dance - the national intangible heritage of the Lo Lo people. Visitors can find groups performing or participating in learning about traditional dances, costumes and the meaning of bronze drums in worship ceremonies.

Other cultural festivals and exchange spots near Sung La:

  • Gau Tao Festival: (January of the Lunar Calendar) - Usually takes place on large grounds in communes neighboring Sung La La.

  • Tam Giac Mach Flower Festival: (October – November) – Sung La Valley is one of the most colorful flower display places, with cultural activities centered at Pao's House.

  • Love singing and Khen Dance: Commonly seen during holidays and festivals. H'Mong and Lo Lo markets.

  • Pho Cao Market: (about 10km from Sung La) - Another small market worth exploring on the day of the meeting.

  • Indigo weaving and dyeing: Visitors can observe or buy raw textile products from local people in the village.

Amusement area

Experience living at Pho Cao

Pho Cao

Pho Cao (about 10km from Sung La, on Highway 4C) is a neighboring commune famous for its ancient and quieter house architecture than Sung La. This place is an ideal place to walk and explore ancient houses of the H'Mong people, especially on market days. Visitors can experience a slow, rustic life and learn about the art of making stone fences, a unique architectural culture of the Stone Plateau.

Tuyen Quang also has many attractive places to visit and experience suitable for tourists who want to relax and explore:

  • Admiring the Lonely Banyan Tree - Lung Cu Commune: Ancient standing banyan tree alone in the middle of a corn field, creating a cinematic scene and a famous photo spot (need to travel 30 minutes from Sung La).

  • Kham Xuong Cave - Sa Phin Commune: A small cave located near the Vuong Family Palace area, called "Kham Xuong Cave" by locals, associated with legends and is an interesting geological discovery site.

  • Corn Picking/Agricultural Experience – Sung La Village: During the season (around September-October), visitors can participate in agricultural activities with people such as harvesting corn, making Men men at Homestays.

  • Sightseeing Can Ty Pass – Can Ty Commune (on the way back): Pass road has breathtaking scenery, famous for its steep cliffs, a worthwhile driving and sightseeing experience.

Suggested tours

Sung La Valley tours are designed for visitors to fully enjoy the beauty of H'Mong and Lo Lo culture and the unique geological landscape of the Stone Plateau.

Experience tour

Valley Culture Tour 2 days 1 night

  • Itinerary: Dong Van Ancient Town – Sung La Valley (visit Pao's House, take photos with the Flower Field) – Lo Lo Sung La Cultural Village – Pho Cao (ancient house architecture) – Experience the cuisine Local food.

  • Transportation: Motorbike (self-drive or rent a motorbike taxi) or Car.

  • Reference tour price: 1,500,000 - 2,500,000 VND/person (including homestay accommodation in Sung La or Dong Van).

  • Organizer: Homestays/professional photo tour organizers.

Sung La - Pho Cao Cultural Exchange Tour 1 day

  • Itinerary: Dong Van – Sung La Valley (visit the House of Pao, shopping at Sung La Market) – Light trekking around the valley – Pho Cao (experience wall architecture) – Return to Dong Van.

  • Transportation: Motorbike or Car.

  • Reference tour price: 350,000 - 500,000 VND/person (excluding car rental costs).

  • Organizer: Dong Van Tourism Support Center.

Adventure tour – explore

Sung La - Pho Bang Trekking Tour 2 days 1 night

  • Itinerary: Dong Van Commune - Trekking the trail through the corn fields of Sung La Valley - Cao Street - Bang Street (discover the rudimentary walled house architecture) - Trekking back to Dong Van.

  • Transportation: Car + trekking on the trail.

  • Reference tour price: 1,800,000 - 2,800,000 VND/person (depending on the level of support and local tour guide).

  • Organizer: Travel companies specializing in trekking (for example: Tay Bac Trekking Company).

1 day Tour to Explore Kham Xuong Cave

  • Itinerary: Dong Van Commune – Sung La – Visit Vuong Family Palace – Explore Kham Xuong Cave (Commune Sa Phin) - Lunch specialties at Sung La - Return to Dong Van.

  • Transportation: Motorbike.

  • Reference tour price: 600,000 - 800,000 VND/person (including cost of local tour guide).

  • Organizer: Homestays/Local guides in Dong Van.

Family tour

Pho Cao - Sung La Resort Tour 3 days 2 nights

  • Itinerary: Hanoi - Ha Giang Ward - Quan Ba Heaven Gate - Sung La Valley (resort at a quality Homestay) - Visit the Vuong Family Palace and Pao's House.

  • Transportation: High quality tourist car.

  • Reference tour price: 3,200,000 - 4,500,000 VND/person (mainly staying in quality hotels/homestays).

  • Organizing unit: Large travel companies with family resort routes.

Eco-tourism

3 days 2 nights Tam Giac Mach Flower Eco-Tour

  • Itinerary: Hanoi - Ha Giang Ward - Sung La (visit main flower fields) - Dong Van Old Town - Admire Tam Giac Mach Flowers in Pho Cao and Xin Man areas (in season).

Shopping and Souvenirs

The most sought-after culinary gifts are agricultural products. Tourists should look to buy dried corn kernels and dried Men Men from local people in Sung La Village, which are the main food of the region. In addition, Buckwheat Cake is an indispensable gift when purchased at stalls around Pao's House during the flowering season (October - November). Other valuable specialties such as Mint Honey and Tuyet Tea can also be purchased in the central area of ​​Sa Phin commune.

In terms of handicrafts, Sung La is famous for brocade products and carved silver jewelry of the H'Mong and Lo Lo people. Tourists should look to buy Pieu Towels or beeswax painting products on indigo fabric, which have high cultural and artistic value. The small market at Sa Phin Commune Center on Sunday mornings is the best place to shop for brocade, or simple souvenirs such as Corn Bags and Wicker Baskets.

Touched Silver Jewelry engraved 

Other symbolic souvenirs are Buckwheat Flower Seeds to plant as souvenirs. Shopping at Sung La is not just about buying gifts, but also a unique cultural experience. Visitors can also find thin jackets and wool hats with brocade motifs at small shops, which are both convenient and a souvenir of their trip to the highlands.

 

Support information and other information

To have the safest and most convenient trip in the Sung La Valley area, visitors should save emergency contact information and support agencies officially in the surrounding area.

>Tourism Police and Security Support

Sung La Valley is located on an important route, visitors should contact the following agencies when there is a problem with order or need administrative support.

  • Report/Emergency security support: 113

  • Fire alarm/Fire prevention: 114

  • Pho Bang Border Guard Station:

    • Support phone number: (Recommended to get official information locally).

    • Address: Pho Bang Commune (near Sa Phin area, where Sung La is located).

  • Sa Phin Commune Police:

    • Supports issues of social order and safety and declaration of stay in Homestay.

Nearest Medical and Emergency Services

When urgent medical assistance is needed, you need to move to the Medical Center in Dong Van Commune:

  • Emergency switchboard: 115

  • Dong Van Medical Center:

    • Support phone number: 02193.856.819

    • Address: Dong Van Commune (The closest specialized medical facility to Sung La, about 20 km away).

  • Sa Phin Commune Medical Station:

    • Serves initial first aid, supports basic health problems such as hangover High fever or flu.

Service and Travel Support

To have the best experience and protect travel rights, tourists should use the following support channels:

  • National tourism support hotline:

    • Contact phone number: 0941 33 66 77

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

  • Market Management Call Center:

    • Contact phone number: 1900.888.655

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

  • Information and Dong Van Tourism Support:

    • Address: Dong Van Ancient Town area (The closest support center to Sung La).

Wish you will have a truly wonderful journey, with memorable experiences and moments of peace and discovery in Sung La Valley, the flower blooming in the middle of Cao Cao. original stone