Travel Guide, Ha Giang Loop
Nho Que River Boat Ride: Must-Do Activity in Ha Giang Loop
Mar
Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey through the rugged and enchanting landscapes of the Ha Giang Loop with a Nho Que River boat ride. Situated amidst the majestic mountains and lush valleys of northern Vietnam, this scenic adventure offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of nature. As you glide along the tranquil waters of the Nho Que River, you’ll be greeted by dramatic cliffs, verdant forests, and cascading waterfalls, creating a mesmerizing backdrop for your exploration. So, buckle up and get ready to embark on a journey of discovery through one of the most picturesque regions in Southeast Asia.
Introduction to the Nho Que River
Rising to a height of more than 1,500 meters, the Nho Que River flows northwest from the China’s Nghiem Son Mountains. The total length of the river is 192 kilometers, with 46 kilometers in Vietnam. It flows from the village of Seo Lung (Lung Cu) through Tu San Canyon, following the path of the Ma Pi Leng Pass to Meo Vac. From Meo Vac, the water divides into two, flowing east and southeast, through the province of Cao Bang before joining the Gam River.
The Nho Que River boasts a picturesque beauty, with its emerald-green waters, making it an enticing destination for tours in Ha Giang. Typically, tours along the Nho Que River – Tu San Canyon start from the Nho Que River boat dock. During the journey downstream, travelers can admire the poetic and romantic scenery of the Northeastern mountains and forests, marveling at the scenic wonders of the Dong Van Karst Plateau.
Best Time to Visit the Nho Que River
Travelers can visit the picturesque Nho Que River at any time of the year, but the most beautiful time is typically around November. During this period, the weather begins to cool down, and the rugged mountain cliffs become even more rugged and mysterious, enticing adventurers to conquer them.
Particularly, November is also the season of buckwheat flowers in Ha Giang. While boating on the river, visitors can fully experience the romantic charm of the land and sky in this area.
Why Should Experience Boating on the Nho Que River?
When doing Nho Que River boat ride, you’ll have the easiest access to this vibrant watercolor painting. It can be said that the Nho Que River is one of the most beautiful destinations in Vietnam. Sitting at an altitude of over 1,000 meters above sea level, the river resembles a strip of lush green silk meandering through treacherous terrain.
The gentle yet powerful flow of the Nho Que River will carry your boat through the majestic Tu San Canyon. Moreover, if you visit during the blooming season, the journey becomes even more captivating.
Despite the changeable weather in Ha Giang, the waters of the Nho Que River maintain a gentle green hue. Therefore, anyone who visits Nho Que cannot fully describe the beauty of this river. All the beauty can only be experienced directly with your eyes, ears, and breath.
Many say that to fully appreciate the beauty of the Nho Que River, you must travel over the Ma Pi Leng Pass and stop at the highest point to look down. However, others argue that you must paddle across the Nho Que River and sit at the closest distance to truly appreciate its beauty. Regardless of opinions, the Nho Que River holds an equal allure for all.
If you stand atop the pass, you’ll see billowing white clouds. But when you boat on the Nho Que River, you’ll easily observe the towering cliffs on both sides. Alternatively, you can combine both experiences to conquer and fully admire this river.
Directions to the Boat Docks on the Nho Que River
To embark on the Nho Que River boat ride experience, you can head to 2 boat docks: one in Ta Lang village, Pai Lung commune, and another in Xin Cai commune (on the other side of the Ma Pi Leng Pass towards Meo Vac).
Ta Lang Dock
From Dong Van, ascend the Ma Pi Leng Pass to the area of Pai Lung commune, Meo Vac. Here, you’ll find signs directing you to the Nho Que River boat dock. The descent from here to the riverbank is approximately 8km with steep terrain and numerous bends. It’s advisable to use a motorcycle for self-riding down, or if traveling by car, it’s recommended to arrange a local resident’s transport for about 150k VND round trip.
Ta Lang Dock is situated close to the Nho Que River, with 39 households of ethnic groups such as the Giay, Tay, and Mong residing there. This place is far from the town center, and the residents’ lives seem somewhat secluded from the outside world. Their lives have undergone changes since the completion of the Nho Que 1 Hydroelectric Power Plant. The influx of visitors to the Tu San Canyon has provided additional opportunities for locals to offer boat rental and transportation services to tourists. Currently, around 23 tourist boats are operational, serving thousands of visitors each year.
Xin Cai Dock
Xin Cai is the first commune among the three furthest communes in Meo Vac district. The road to this area also runs along the Nho Que River. From the Ma Pi Leng Pass, you can easily spot this road. At the end of the Ma Pi Leng Pass on the Meo Vac side, there will be signs directing you to Xin Cai. Just drive another approximately 5km, near Trang Huong Bridge, and you’ll reach the boat dock (close to Trang Huong Bridge). From there, it’s about a 2km walk to reach the boat pier.
Cost of Boating or Kayaking on the Nho Que River
Once you arrive at the boat docks on the Nho Que River, you can choose to take a boat or kayak to explore the river. Each option will have different costs and experiences.
Regular Boat
You can easily find regular group boats here at a price of 100,000 VND per person. If you prefer to take a private boat, the cost will be higher, around 500,000 VND per trip for a 1-hour journey through the Tu San Canyon. In the case of large tourist groups, it’s advisable to look for larger boats. Of course, the rental cost for larger boats will also be higher, ranging from 500,000 VND to 700,000 VND depending on the size of the boat.
With this type of regular boat, the boatman will take you across the cool, refreshing water and guide you to the most magnificent landscapes. This service is suitable for those traveling in large groups who don’t want to exert too much effort or time. However, you’ll incur higher costs with this type of boat tour on the Nho Que River!
Kayak
Renting a kayak will be cheaper (around 200,000 VND to 300,000 VND for a kayak for two people) and more flexible in terms of itinerary and travel time. To experience kayaking, you’ll travel from Ha Giang to Meo Vac and disembark at the Xin Cai dock, then continue for another 5 to 7 kilometers to reach the Nho Que 1 boat dock.
Tips and Experiences for Nho Que River Boat Ride
- Be cautious and avoid playing around to prevent accidents and falling into the water.
- Bring sunscreen and a jacket to protect yourself from UV rays.
- Do not litter or pollute the waters of the Nho Que River.
- Prepare suitable clothing for photo opportunities.
- Remember to bring a fully charged camera or phone and a power bank.
- If traveling with 1 or 2 people, consider opting for group boats or kayaks for lower costs.
- For larger groups, consider renting a larger boat for more freedom and enjoyment.
- If using a motorcycle to reach the boat dock, ensure to check the engine and fuel beforehand.
- If you’re unable to descend from the hill to the boat dock, seek assistance or walk down to avoid potential complications.
Nho Que Boat Ride FAQs
How long is the boat ride on the Nho Que River?
The boat ride on the Nho Que River is approximately 7 kilometers long and takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the water level and speed of the boat.
Can I book the boat ride in advance?
Yes, it is advisable to book your boat ride in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. You can either book through a local tour operator or arrange it with your accommodation provider in the Ha Giang area.
How many people can the boats accommodate?
The boats on the Nho Que River are typically small wooden boats that can accommodate around 6 to 8 people. However, the capacity may vary depending on the size and type of boat.
What are some attractions or highlights along the Nho Que River?
The Nho Que River offers breathtaking scenery, including towering limestone cliffs, deep valleys, and cascading waterfalls. One of the highlights is the Ma Pi Leng Pass, known for its stunning panoramic views.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Nho Que River boat ride is an essential experience for anyone exploring the Ha Giang Loop. Whether you’re seeking tranquility or adventure, this picturesque journey promises to leave you with lasting memories of Vietnam’s stunning landscapes. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Nho Que River on your next visit to Ha Giang.
