For most travelers, the “Ha Giang Loop” begins the moment they step off a sleeper bus in the busy, neon-lit center of Ha Giang City. But in recent years, the savvy traveler is looking for something more. For those seeking a soulful, authentic entry into the UNESCO Global Geopark, there is a hidden sanctuary of the Tay ethnic people Tha Village (Thon Tha), just 2km away from Ha Giang city center.
At the Ha Giang Expeditions’ Station in Tha village, we believe the best adventures shouldn’t start with city traffic. They should begin under a palm-leaf thatched roof, accompanied by the gentle rustle of wind through a valley.
Here is why we chose Thon Tha as our home, and why it should be the first chapter of your story:
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1. A Living Gateway to Tay Heritage
10 minutes from Ha Giang city, Thon Tha is more than just a location; it is a preserved cultural landscape. As a traditional village of the Tay ethnic group, it sits at the mountain valley, cradled by emerald rice paddies and limestone peaks. For generations, the community here has maintained a slow, rural rhythm that feels untouched by the modernization of the nearby city center.
By placing our Station here, Ha Giang Expeditions want to take you directly into the local soul from day one. You aren’t just visiting Ha Giang; you are living it: quietly, grounded, and deeply connected to the local.
The Tay ethnic people in their traditional costume playing “Tinh” Lute in Tha Village
Tha village’s cultural signatures you will find here:
- Iconic Palm-Leaf Roofs: Thon Tha is famous for these thick, hand-woven thatched roofs that keep traditional stilt houses naturally cool and quiet.
- The “Dan Tinh” (Tinh Lute): The soul of Tay music. This gourd-shaped lute is a centerpiece of Tay heritage, often played during traditional “Then” ceremonies.
- Stilt House Architecture: Elevated wooden homes built with a deep respect for “Feng Shui,” perfectly harmonized between the rice fields and the mountains.
- Living Traditions: Experience a village in motion—see neighbors heading to the fields, buffalo roaming the lanes, and the authentic rhythm of a community connected to the land.
2. Supporting Community-Based and Responsible Tourism
Ha Giang Expeditions was built around the belief that tourism should benefit local communities and protect cultural heritage. Thon Tha is one of Ha Giang’s most established community-based tourism villages, where local families actively participate through homestays, food, guiding, and cultural exchange.
Choosing Thon Tha as our station helps:
- Create direct income for local Tay families in long-term
- Encourage the preservation of traditional stilt houses and village life
- Avoid mass-tourism models that place pressure on fragile destinations
Travelers do not simply pass through – they contribute, respectfully, to the local economy and cultural continuity.
3. An Ideal Starting Point for Trekking and Nature Experiences
Thon Tha’s landscape makes it a perfect gateway for trekking and soft-adventure experiences. From the Station, guests can easily access:
- Village-to-village trekking route led by local: 1-Day Ha Giang Trek: Nature, Waterfalls & Local Culture
- Rice fields and low mountain trails walking
- Daily life experiences such as cooking class and cultural interaction
Our journeys are designed to start slowly and deepen gradually – allowing travelers to connect with the land before reaching the dramatic high passes of the Ha Giang Loop.
4. More Than a Station – A Place of Connection
Ha Giang Expeditions chose Thon Tha Village as its station because it reflects everything we stand for: authentic culture, responsible tourism, meaningful travel, and respect for local communities.
A journey through Ha Giang does not truly begin at the first mountain pass. It begins in a quiet village, among rice fields and stilt houses — where the land sets the pace, and travel regains its original meaning.
Begin Your Journey Where the Heart Is
Skip the city chaos and wake up to the mist over the rice fields. Book your tour with Ha Giang Expeditions and enjoy an immersive, authentic stay at our Thon Tha Station before you hit the road.
💡 Pro Recommendation: > We highly recommend arriving half a day or even a full day earlier. This gives you time to ease into the peaceful village atmosphere, join a cooking class, enjoy a gentle walk around the area, and have a good night’s rest before your adventure begins the next morning.
