Heaven Gate

Just 50 kilometers north of Ha Giang City lies Quan Ba, a picturesque valley that marks the beginning of the Dong Van Karst Plateau. Rising gently above the town are two perfectly rounded limestone hills — Twin Mountain (Núi Đôi Cô Tiên) — a natural wonder that has become one of Ha Giang’s most iconic symbols.

A Legend Written in Stone

Locals call them the Fairy Mountains (Núi Cô Tiên) — a name rooted in an old Hmong legend. According to the tale, a fairy descended from heaven and fell in love with a Hmong man. When their forbidden love was discovered, she was forced to return to the sky, leaving behind her twin breasts to nourish her child. Over time, those sacred mounds turned into the two green hills that stand today in Quan Ba Valley.

Beyond the poetic story, the mountains have become a symbol of fertility, love, and the nurturing spirit of Ha Giang’s land and people.

A View Like No Other

The Twin Mountain viewpoint is located just a few minutes’ drive from Quan Ba town, on the main road toward Yen Minh. From the Heaven Gate Pass (Cổng Trời Quan Bạ), you can see the twin peaks rising gracefully from a patchwork of rice terraces and villages below.

The best time to visit is early morning, when the valley is still covered in mist, or late afternoon, when the sunlight paints the hills in warm golden tones. From this viewpoint, you can take in the entire Quan Ba Valley, with its scattered houses, fields, and winding roads — a peaceful picture of life in the northern mountains.

Life Around Quan Ba

Quan Ba isn’t just a stop for photos. The area is home to Hmong, Dao, and Tay ethnic minorities, who live in small, picturesque villages nestled among the mountains. Travelers can walk through local hamlets like Nam Dam Village, known for its traditional Dao homestays, herbal baths, and ancient customs still practiced today.

In summer, the fields glow a vibrant green; by September and October, they turn golden during harvest season — the most beautiful time to photograph the Twin Mountains and the valley below.

When to Visit

  • April – May: Blooming season for corn and rice planting.

  • September – October: Golden harvest season, ideal for photography.

  • November – February: Cool, misty weather, creating mystical morning views.

How to Get There

From Ha Giang City, drive or ride a motorbike north along Highway 4C toward Dong Van. After about 50 km, you’ll reach Quan Ba Heaven Gate, where a small viewpoint overlooks the Twin Mountains.
It’s a perfect first stop on the Ha Giang Loop, offering travelers a taste of what lies ahead — winding mountain roads, ethnic villages, and endless horizons.

Travel Tips

  • Arrive early morning (6:00–8:00 AM) for sunrise or before sunset for the best light.

  • Combine your visit with a walk through Nam Dam Village or a stop at Quan Ba Heaven Gate Café for local herbal tea and panoramic views.

  • Bring a light jacket — the altitude keeps Quan Ba pleasantly cool year-round.

Twin Mountain, Quan Ba is more than a scenic landmark — it’s the poetic beginning of Ha Giang’s highland adventure. With its mythic charm, cool air, and breathtaking vistas, it invites every traveler to pause, breathe, and let the mountains tell their story.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the best time to visit Hanoi?

It is highly recommended you visit Hanoi during the months of October to early December. The air is cool and dry and there are not yet many tourists (compared to the peak season of late December to early January). The period after Tet holiday from March to April is also a great time to visit as there are many festivals in and around Hanoi. If you don’t mind the heat, summer is otherwise a good time to be as accommodation and tour activities are considerably cheaper than in winter time.

2. Is Hanoi a safe city?

Hanoi is a very safe place to be in, especially in Hanoi Old Quarter area. Here and there there can be petty crimes such as pick pocketing, so beware of your belongings. Single woman travelers have consistently rated Hanoi as one of the safest cities to travel in, with very low crime rate against tourists.

3. How long should you spend in Hanoi?

It really depends on how much time you have got. The minimum recommended duration is 3 days while you can stay as long as 3 weeks to fully enjoy the city. Although Hanoi does not seem to have a lot of things to do at first sight, one will have to dig deeper to know the must-dos. From nightly street food scenes to the hidden shopping alleys, and occasional visit to craft village, Hanoi may just well be your most special destination thus far. If you need some suggestion, contact us.

4. What should I buy in Hanoi?

Hanoi is famous for its Old Quarter where each street often specialize in one single product (production and sales). Once you get here you will know exactly what you should buy. Some ideas include conical hats, handcrafted bags, silverwares… Souvenir shops that crowd Au Trieu Street, Nha Tho Street or Hang Be Street also offer more extension selection: coffee, tea, essential oils, and silk. If there is no price tag attached, it is always good to bargain.

5. How cold does it get in Hanoi?

Hanoi weather often reaches a record low of 7 Celsius degree in late December or early January. However the humid wind often makes it a lot harsher than its sounds. If you plan to travel to Hanoi during this period, make sure to pack some serious sweater or jackets. In case you travel beyond Hanoi to the mountain region of Sapa, the temperature may even drop further.