Yen Minh is a district of Ha Giang Province, 100km north-east of Ha Giang City. Yen Minh is part of Dong Van Karst Plateau – a member of the Global Geopark Network, bordered to the north-west by China, to the west by Quan Ba District, to the south-west by Vi Xuyen, to the south by Bac Me, to the south-east by Cao Bang Province, to the east by Meo Vac and Dong Van Districts.
Yen Minh is sparsely populated by ethnic people
The terrains of Yen Minh are mostly composed of steep dirt and karst mountains. Due to steep terrain, the soil is especially dry and unproductive in Yen Minh. The steep terrain combined with short-lived torrential rains may cause flash floods in Yen Minh. The local ethnic people grow some corn and rice on terraces, but much depends on the weather and they are in constant lack of food.
The roads at Yen Minh offer scenic mountain views
There are 2 rivers in Yen Minh: The Mien River and the Nhiem River. The Mien River starts from China flowing through Yen Minh to Ha Giang City discharging its water into the Lo River, 48km in Vietnam. The Nhiem River flows from Yen Minh to Meo Vac where it converges with the Gam River, 22km.
There are only a few patches of forests, while basically the mountains are barren
There are some green rice terraces, but all looks dry
There are two seasons at Yen Minh with monsoonal influence: Summer from May through October with the Southeasterly Monsoon which causes high humidity and torrential rains. The winter is from November through next April with the Northeasterly Monsoon which causes the air dry and cold. The temperatures are at the highest in July (21oC) and at the lowest in late December and January (below 10oC). The averaged annual rainfall is 1,745mm per annum.
The mountain slopes are steep and soil is washed away easily when it rains
From Ha Giang, you travel to Yen Minh by passing on a steep and meandering road via Quan Ba. When the landscape changes from gray rocky mountains into barren hills, then you are in Yen Minh. The town of Yen Minh is located in the center of the district. If you travel from Quan Ba, then continue through Yen Minh Town, and the road forks into one narrow route to Dong Van and the other to Meo Vac.
All looks dry even at the beginning of the normal rainy season
Only a few patches filled with water
All others have none
The town of Yen Minh is where you decide to go to Meo Vac or Dong Van
Alternatively you can get to Yen Minh from Bac Me District via Route 176B: a thrilling adventure! This route can be done on motorbike or mountain bike only. The gradients are steep and those who ride a bike here are expected to get off and go on foot mostly! The rewards here are sublime mountains and wild landscape. You can travel through Yen Minh into Dong Van District and Meo Vac District via this way and the scenery is spectacular. The road from the meeting point of Route 176 and 176B is good.
Du Gia Valley, Yen Minh, Ha Giang
Yen Minh is home to 16 ethnic groups: Hmong (53%), Dao (15%), Tay (14%), Pu Peo, Lo Lo, Nung, Giay…
Splendid mountains at Du Tien, Yen Minh, Ha Giang
What to see and things to do in Yen Minh
Captivating landscape of rocky mountains and valleys all along Route 4C from Yen Minh Township to Dong Van.
Idyllic valley of Du Gia with visually appealing rice terraces and breathtaking mountains and canyons.
Lung Ho Valley with unreal mountain peaks: this is the best part of the Dong Van Plateau for mountain biking as you are close to amazing rocky peaks always!
Staying with local ethnic families in their home: There are few ethnic families offering homestay to the visitors. You’ll have an absolutely unique experience staying with them and explore the surroundings.
Trekking: There are a few easy and short walk around Yen Minh and there are long hiking paths in Yen Minh that bring you to hidden corners of the land.
Mountain biking: The routes in Yen Minh are scenic. Some routes are deep and dangerous while several others are quite easy and not much effort is needed. Paradissa adventure team could find suitable and best suited to your physical endurance.
Mountainscape at Lung Ho, Yen Minh, Ha Giang
Most travellers would make their trip through to Dong Van from Ha Giang, but some stay in Yen Minh and go exploring around the sublime barren hills around the town. There are plenty of opportunities for exotic photos at Yen Minh. There are hotels with basic facilities and restaurants in the town of Yen Minh.