Just a few hours from Ha Noi, the Suoi Thau Plateau in Ha Giang provides a picturesque escape with lush fields and blooming flowers, ideal for a budget-friendly day trip.
Located about 150 km west of Ha Giang City, Suoi Thau Plateau (Nan Ma Commune, at the border between Xin Man District in Ha Giang and Bac Ha in Lao Cai) has become a popular destination in recent years due to its breathtaking scenery.
Situated roughly 5 km from Coc Pai Town (Xin Man District, Ha Giang Province) at an altitude of over 1,200 meters, Suoi Thau has a cool, fresh climate, ideal for visitors seeking a refreshing getaway.
Dang Doan Sang, a 31-year-old from Ha Noi, recently visited Suoi Thau in late October with a friend, captivated by the area’s natural beauty. After seeing images online, Sang was drawn to Suoi Thau’s unique charm, and after several years, he finally realized his dream of visiting this beautiful land on the western rocky plateau.
"The plateau is vast, with pristine, clear scenery. Pine trees grow alongside flower beds and green fields. A river flows gracefully between two mountain ranges, its emerald water creating a majestic yet poetic landscape,” Sang described.
During Sang’s visit, Suoi Thau was at its peak, with golden rice and cornfields, while buckwheat flowers and cockscomb were in full bloom, showcasing vibrant colors.
“The plateau is divided into several small plots with diverse plants and flowers, each managed by different garden owners,” Sang explained. The local Hmong people often interplant staple crops like corn and rice with flowers such as buckwheat and cockscomb, which thrive in the local climate and soil. These flowers serve both as daily food and as a tourist attraction. Entry to each garden costs 20,000 VND, so it’s best to bring cash."
Sang added that the landscape at Suoi Thau makes it easy for visitors to capture stunning “check-in” photos. After 3 p.m., when the sunlight softens, it’s an ideal time for taking photos and exploring.
“To make the most of your visit, check the weather forecast beforehand, choose a sunny day, and prepare suitable clothing for memorable photos,” Sang advised.
Currently, there are no lodging or dining services at Suoi Thau Plateau, except for a few wooden stalls selling drinks and renting traditional attire, so visitors often plan it as a day trip. Those wishing to stay overnight can head to Coc Pai Town (Xin Man, Ha Giang), Bac Ha District (Lao Cai), or Ban Phung Village (Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang).
The journey from Bac Ha (Lao Cai) to Suoi Thau is scenic, with many winding roads that aren’t overly steep. However, some sections have small potholes due to landslides from Typhoon Yagi, so travelers should exercise caution.
“Once you reach Nan Ma Commune, continue about 5 km toward Xin Man, then take the concrete road to safely reach the plateau,” Sang advised.
With only a short two-day, one-night trip, Sang focused on visiting a few key attractions. Besides Suoi Thau Plateau, he explored Bac Ha in Lao Cai, where he admired fields of pink grass and blooming buckwheat, and sampled local dishes like black chicken hotpot, fried stream fish, and red hand-pulled pho.
The total cost of the trip was under 2 million VND per person, including: 680,000 VND for a round-trip sleeper bus ticket, 400,000 VND for a night at a homestay in Bac Ha, 400,000 VND for meals, 200,000 VND for motorbike rental and fuel, and a few other small expenses.
Thao Trinh