When it comes to famous Ha Giang Province destinations, the Nho Que River – the river at the foot of the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass – cannot be overlooked. “The green river on the stone plateau” – just a few descriptions are enough to pique the interest of romantic landscape travelers. The journey along the Nho Que River, in particular, is a fascinating option for adventurers interested in conquering Ma Pi Leng.
Where is the Nho Que River flowed from?
Nho Que River flows from Nghiem Son Mountain (Van Nam, China) to Dong Van and Meo Vac Districts of Ha Giang before joining the Gam River in Cao Bang’s Bao Lam District. The Nho Que River is 192 kilometers long in total, but the section in Vietnam is not very long (about 46km). This river flows through Tu San Canyon and Ma Pi Leng Pass in Meo Vac District, Ha Giang, 15 kilometers from Lung Cu.
Nho Que River Valley is considered one of the deepest canyons in Southeast Asia and one of Vietnam’s most unique tectonic valleys due to its extremely rugged terrain. Looking down from the peak of Ma Pi Leng, we can see the green Nho Que River winding through the mountainside and feel the majesty of nature.
How to discover the Nho Que River?
To appreciate the beauty of this river, ride your motorcycle down the natives’ trail on the mountain slope that parallels the river beneath. The 12km journey from Ma Pi Leng to the river takes backpackers about 30 minutes (by bus or motorcycle).
Sometimes you have to take a detour because of an abyss or high mountains. The roads are so narrow, bumpy, and craggy that even the best riders must hold their breath when going downhill. You can enter the Nho Que River Valley after passing through sharp bends and a series of rough rapids. Two sides of the canyon are steep cliffs, forming a deep and narrow canyon. The sound of water flowing beneath your feet creates an indescribable combination of delight and fear.
There are sections of the Nho Que River that run through rugged rock layers, forming a lot of white rapids in the valley. Water flows smoothly and poetically in other sections. The river section running through Tu San Canyon and Ma Pi Leng Pass, on the other hand, is considered the most spectacular. The water is emerald green, a captivating color that captivates almost everyone. Ha, Giang is picturesque due to the color of the water blending with the green color of the forests.
In the summer, the entire stone plateau becomes as hot as a massive volcano. People rely solely on natural water sources (rivers or streams), so the Nho Que River becomes a valuable water source for the locals.
Visitors to Ha Giang who have conquered Ma Pi Leng Pass will undoubtedly want to see the Nho Que River and vice versa. These two magnificent landscapes are a legendary stone plateau couple.
Nho Que River, with its poetic beauty beside the majestic Ma Pi Leng Pass, retains its allure regardless of the passage of time. Every year, visitors are ecstatic to come here and enjoy red bombax throughout the mountainside terraces, back pass, and immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the river. It is a great way to not only indulge your travel bug but also to explore every beauty spot in the country’s far north. So don’t pass up the opportunity to visit one of Vietnam’s most beautiful natural settings – the River of Mysteries.
