Located at an altitude of 1,700 meters, the White Cliff has gradually become a favorite destination for backpacking enthusiasts looking to camp and stay overnight.
When talking about tourism in the mountainous Northwest of Vietnam, one cannot overlook Ha Giang with its Nho Que River, pristine stone plateaus, and winding mountain passes. Thanks to these natural gifts, Ha Giang has increasingly become a beloved destination for both domestic and international travelers, especially those who are passionate about backpacking and exploring.
The natural beauty makes Ha Giang a favorite travel destination for tourists both domestically and internationally.
One of the spots in Ha Giang that backpackers “hunt for” is the White Cliff. It is also known by the nicknames “the star-viewing sleeping spot” or “the million-dollar sleeping spot.” So what exactly is the White Cliff, and where is it located?
Location of the White Cliff
The White Cliff is actually a cliff located at the peak of Mount Co Tien, at an altitude of 1,700 meters above sea level. Because of this height, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Ma Pi Leng Pass and the Nho Que River from the cliff. The H’Mong people also refer to the White Cliff as Gầu Cá Dính.
The White Cliff viewed from above captured by a drone. (Photo by Ha Anh Khoa)
According to local customs, every Lunar New Year, people come here to pray for a prosperous and happy life. Because of the frequent foot traffic, a trail leading to the cliff has gradually formed, which also leads to Phai Lung commune.
To reach the White Cliff, visitors follow the Ma Pi Leng Pass, located on National Highway 4C – also known as the Happiness Road. There is also a section called Ma Pi Leng B. However, this road can only be traversed by motorbikes used by adventurous travelers, as cars cannot pass.
After reaching Ma Pi Leng B, visitors ride their motorbikes for about 3 kilometers and then walk approximately 2 more kilometers to reach the White Cliff. The path to here is considered small and narrow, rugged, just enough for one motorbike to pass, with a steep cliff on one side and a deep ravine on the other. Therefore, it requires visitors to have a very stable physical condition and driving skills.
The 2-kilometer path that visitors will have to hike to reach the White Cliff. (Photo by Ha Hien, Nguyen Ba Bac – Group Check in Vietnam)
If you do not have the confidence and courage to conquer the path to the White Cliff, you can also hire someone to take you on the first 3 kilometers by motorbike. For the remaining 2 kilometers, wear a sturdy pair of sports shoes to navigate the mountain slope, going up and down the stone steps, only to be overwhelmed upon reaching your destination.
What makes it called the “star-viewing sleeping spot”?
Although it has existed for a long time, in recent years, as Ha Giang tourism has become popular, the White Cliff has garnered more attention. The “once-in-a-lifetime” experience here is camping and staying overnight.
The area of the White Cliff is about 15-20 m2, nestled within a stone arch. According to geological researchers, the landscape of the White Cliff is primarily due to the fault activity of the Nho Que River over 30 million years ago. Locals also say that this was the resting place for the H’Mong king and his entourage whenever they passed through.
Photo by Dan Thanh – Group Check in Vietnam.
However, due to the limited area, it cannot accommodate too many people. Many visitors who have been here suggest that the maximum number of people should be fewer than 10. Therefore, if visitors want to camp overnight, they need to check the conditions carefully. Setting up a small tent, a couple of stools, along with a flickering fire, boiling a kettle of water, and sipping with your companion is surely a well-deserved “reward” for those who successfully conquer the White Cliff.
As mentioned above, from the White Cliff, visitors can gaze at the Nho Que River lazily flowing, the Ma Pi Leng Pass winding along with the misty clouds. This is the scenery that has earned the White Cliff the name “the star-viewing sleeping spot.” Imagine waking up in the morning to watch the sun gradually rise from here; surely no resort or 5-6 star hotel can offer this feeling.
Photo by Hoang Quoc Cuong – Group Check in Vietnam.
View from the White Cliff down to the Ma Pi Leng Pass, the Nho Que River along with the magical “sea of clouds.” (Photo by Dan Thanh – Group Check in Vietnam)
Being situated amidst vast clouds, there are several things that visitors need to note and be aware of when visiting the White Cliff, especially when camping overnight. First, there is no internet or phone signal.
Secondly, the area can be quite chilly. Although it is sheltered from rain and sun by the stone arch, it still attracts wind, especially at night and early morning, with temperatures dropping to about 4-8 degrees Celsius at night. Therefore, visitors need to prepare blankets or warm clothing to ensure they stay warm. Food, drinks, basic medications, first aid supplies, and other necessary items should also not be forgotten in your backpack on this journey. And lastly, do not forget to clean up after yourself once you finish your unusual overnight stay at the White Cliff.
Visitors camping overnight should bring warm clothing, food, drinks, and other necessary equipment. (Photo by Ha Anh Khoa).
