Aside from the well-known Ma Pi Leng Pass, Quan Ba Twin Mountains, Nho Que River, and Tu San Canyon, northern Vietnam’s Ha Giang Province boasts a network of incredible trails that are perfect for adventure lovers looking to get off the beaten path.

Ha Giang is endowed with unspoiled landscapes and a variety of ecosystems, creating a majestic collage of forests, mountains, and rivers.

Ha Giang transforms into colorful and romantic wonderland in September, when buckwheat flowers, brassica napus, and wild sunflowers bloom. Photo: Hai Le Cao / Tuoi Tre

The province’s rock plateau is home to nearly 20 ethnic minority groups, each boasting a unique cultural identity and a strong connection to local historical heritage. 

Photographer Le Cao Hai, also known as Hai Le Cao, is a 38-year-old resident of Hung Yen Province who had made a name for himself in Vietnam’s travel community thanks to photos he has taken on his adventures through some of the country’s most hidden gems.

Hai has visited Ha Giang on nearly 20 different trips, and claims each offers an entirely new, unique experience.

“Ha Giang exudes beauty from its mountains, wilderness, and splendor. The beauty of the local highlanders is a source of inspiration for my visits to the province,” he said.

Ha Giang’s breathtaking scenery and friendly people help tourists temporarily forget the hustle and bustle of life. Photo: Hai Le Cao / Tuoi Tre

Hai’s most recent trip to Ha Giang was unplanned, but during the five-day trip, he and his wife explored stunning trails and camped amongst some of the province's most stunning scenery, far from the typical tourist trail. 

The following are photos taken by photographer Hai Le Cao during his trips to Ha Giang:

Stunning trails pass through the trees and over rocky mountains. Photo: Hai Le Cao / Tuoi Tre

Ha Giang’s vast plateau is filled with unique rock formations. Photo: Hai Le Cao / Tuoi Tre

Ha Giang transforms into colorful and romantic wonderland in September, when buckwheat flowers, brassica napus, and wild sunflowers bloom. Photo: Hai Le Cao / Tuoi Tre

Rocky paths are characteristics of the rock plateau. Photo: Hai Le Cao / Tuoi Tre

Ha Giang might experiences unpredictable rains at the end of summer, when never-ending blankets of fog drift over the mountains. Photo: Hai Le Cao / Tuoi Tre

A small village sits among forests near a mountainside. Photo: Hai Le Cao / Tuoi Tre

An elderly couple from a local ethnic group stand beneath the eaves of their home as sunlight gleams over them. Photo: Hai Le Cao / Tuoi Tre

On the way to Ha Giang, travelers can spot locals carrying heavy loads on their backs as they walk to and from work. Photo: Hai Le Cao / Tuoi Tre

A Lo Lo ethnic woman at Meo Vac Market. Photo: Hai Le Cao / Tuoi Tre

A Mong ethnic child tends to a goat. Photo: Hai Le Cao / Tuoi Tre

A Tay ethnic elderly woman brings bamboo logs home to build a fence. Photo: Hai Le Cao / Tuoi Tre

Trips to Ha Giang put travelers in a calm state of mind and offer freedom to refresh their souls. Photo: Hai Le Cao / Tuoi Tre

People become tiny in the vast Ha Giang plateau. Photo: Hai Le Cao / Tuoi Tre

A dreamy streamside stop for camping. Photo: Hai Le Cao / Tuoi Tre

At dawn, the campsite is shrouded in mist due to last night’s light rain. Photo: Hai Le Cao / Tuoi Tre

The fish bought by Hai Le Cao and his wife from a Ha Giang resident. Photo: Hai Le Cao / Tuoi Tre

A simple but delicious dinner. Photo: Hai Le Cao / Tuoi Tre

A swarm of fireflies light up part of a forest. Photo: Hai Le Cao / Tuoi Tre

An unplanned trip along a winding path. Photo: Hai Le Cao / Tuoi Tre

Hai says that he is a thrill-seeker and likes to take novel photographs. However, it requires essential skills, good spirits, excellent health, and years of practicing. Photo: Hai Le Cao / Tuoi Tre

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Tieu Bac - Kim Kim / Tuoi Tre News