Hiking and camping on the dramatic “White Cliff” is one of the most impressive travel experiences, attracting many visitors to Ha Giang in recent years.
The Legend of the “White Cliff”
The “White Cliff” is actually the back of a mountain located at the peak of Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of the most dangerous mountain passes in Vietnam. According to local stories, long ago in Meo Vac, there stood a towering mountain that people could only admire from below but could never climb. On the highest part of the cliff grew a rare medicinal plant believed to cure all diseases, even grant immortality, yet no one could reach it because of its extreme height.
In a nearby village, there lived a young couple. The wife suffered from a serious illness that could not be cured, and unwilling to lose her, the husband decided to climb the mountain to find the magical herb. He carried hundreds of wooden stakes and hammered them into the cliff, creating a path upward. After successfully retrieving the plant, the stakes mysteriously disappeared, and from that moment on, no one could climb the cliff again.
Later, two white rock formations appeared at the mountaintop. The larger one is known as the Husband Cliff, while the smaller one is called the Wife Cliff. Local people consider this place sacred, and during traditional holidays, the Hmong community often comes here to make offerings. Some also believe that the droplets falling from the cliff are the tears of a fairy, bringing health and good fortune to anyone who drinks them, which is why many travelers try to collect these drops when visiting.
Hiking and Camping on the “White Cliff”
The “White Cliff” hiking route begins from a small trail near the Youth Volunteer Monument at the top of Ma Pi Leng Pass and ends at Pa Vi Commune, Meo Vac District. The trail runs parallel to and above the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass, with a total length of approximately 5 kilometers. The English name of this hiking route is “Ma Pi Leng Sky Walk” True to its name, the entire trail offers panoramic views from above, showcasing the majestic landscapes of the Ma Pi Leng Pass area—along with glimpses of the Nho Que River winding below amidst a sea of clouds and cool, refreshing air. For safety, the authorities of Ha Giang have installed iron railings over 1 meter high along parts of the path.
The trail winds along the mountainside, passing through lush green grasslands. Along this route, visitors can enjoy a unique experience: camping on a rocky platform that appears precariously perched on the cliff. This camping area is quite small, about 15–20 square meters, leveled with stones and located within a natural rock alcove. From here, visitors can look straight down at the beautiful Nho Que River and the winding Ma Pi Leng Pass, surrounded by layers of mountains.
Due to its limited size, the campsite can only accommodate around 10 people. Therefore, visitors should check availability in advance to avoid missing a spot if planning to stay overnight. Those camping should also prepare warm clothing, food, drinks, and essential gear.
According to geologists, the “White Cliff” is a result of natural geological formation. Its dramatic landscape today is mainly shaped by tectonic activity and the formation of the Nho Que River valley millions of years ago.