Thon Tha Village, Ha Giang – Travel Guide to a Peaceful Tay Village

What is Thon Tha Village?

Thon Tha is a small, traditional Tay ethnic village located in the foothills just outside Ha Giang City. It’s known for its peaceful atmosphere, wooden stilt houses, and lush surroundings of rice fields and hills. Life here moves slowly — locals still farm by hand, cook over wood fires, and wear simple traditional clothing.

What makes Thon Tha unique is how well it has preserved its character. Unlike more touristy villages, it still feels genuine and lived-in. You’ll stay in homes built from wood and palm leaves, eat home-cooked meals, and wake up to the sounds of nature — not traffic or construction. It’s ideal for travelers looking to experience real village life without the crowds.

Where is Thon Tha? – A better alternative to Ha Giang City

Thon Tha is just 5 to 6 kilometers from Ha Giang City. Despite being so close, it feels like a different world — quiet, green, and full of charm.

Many travelers arrive in Ha Giang and spend one night before starting the Ha Giang Loop, or stay an extra night after finishing it. Instead of staying in Ha Giang City, which can feel busy and lacks atmosphere, Thon Tha is a much better alternative. Here, you get straight into the countryside and connect with local life from the moment you arrive.

How to get there

To reach Thon Tha Village, you first need to get to Ha Giang City. The easiest way is by limousine bus (daytime) or sleeper bus (overnight) from Hanoi. For full details on routes, travel times, and ticket options, check our guide: How to Get from Hanoi to Ha Giang.

Most buses can drop you off near the entrance to Thon Tha Village, just before reaching Ha Giang City. The village roads are too narrow for big vehicles, so you’ll need to walk the last few hundred meters. If your bus doesn’t stop nearby, it’s easy to take a taxi from Ha Giang City to the village — the ride is short and usually costs under 100,000 VND (about 4 USD).

Things to do in Thon Tha Village

There’s not a long checklist of attractions in Thon Tha — and that’s exactly the charm. It’s a quiet, traditional Tay village where not much happens, and that’s the point. Life moves slowly here, with peaceful surroundings, friendly hosts, and simple experiences that feel real. This is not a touristy village — it’s a place to breathe, observe, and take things as they come.

1. Stay in a local homestay

Thon Tha has been designated by the local government as a community tourism village, so you’ll find a small number of licensed homestays. Don’t worry — it still feels authentic, with local families hosting guests in traditional stilt houses. There are no restaurants in the village, so you’ll usually eat where you stay. Most homestays offer tasty home-cooked meals, and in the evening you can often join a family dinner — a great chance to learn about Tay traditions and daily life.

2. Explore the village

Take a slow walk through the village and you’ll see traditional wooden stilt houses, animals wandering freely, and a few locals going about their day. Buffalo may stroll past on the dirt paths, pigs and ducks are kept under the houses, and children play outside in the late afternoon. If you’re lucky, you might catch a local event like a wedding — these are colorful and lively moments of village life, though not staged for tourists.

3. Walk or trek around the rice fields and hills

Several small walking paths lead out of the village, winding through rice fields, bamboo groves, and gentle hills. You can explore on your own, but it’s much better with a local guide. While formal guides can be hard to find here, many homestay hosts are happy to take you, often for a small extra fee. One nearby hill offers a great view over the village; keep walking and you’ll pass through a bamboo forest and, in the right season, rice terraces in full bloom.

4. Visit a local waterfall

Roughly 3.5 km from the village, you’ll find a spot known as Waterfall No. 6, named for its distance from Ha Giang’s Landmark 0. It’s about an hour’s walk or a short 8-minute ride by motorbike. In the dry season, the flow is light, but during the summer months, it becomes a refreshing spot with a small natural pool — perfect for a cool dip. It’s a peaceful, local place with no entrance fee and no crowds.

Best time to visit

If you’re visiting Thon Tha Village as part of your Ha Giang Loop trip, the best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months offer mild temperatures, clearer skies, and less rain — perfect for walking, trekking, or just enjoying the scenery without extreme weather.

For the best rice field scenery, timing your visit with the planting and harvest cycles helps. Thon Tha has two rice seasons due to its lowland location. The first season is planted around February to April and harvested in May to June. The second is planted in May and harvested around September. The fields are green and beautiful in the months between, but the closer you are to harvest time, the more striking the views will be.

Where to stay in Thon Tha

Staying in a local homestay is the best way to experience Thon Tha Village. These stilt houses are basic but comfortable, offering real insight into Tay culture. Expect simple wooden rooms with thin mattresses and mosquito nets, shared toilets, and often cold-water showers. But what you get in return is warm hospitality, peaceful rice field views, and delicious home-cooked meals — usually shared with the host family.

There are no hotels or guesthouses here. All accommodation is family-run, and each homestay has its own unique charm. Here are a few popular options:

Mr. Cay’s Thon Tha Homestay

A four-generation household, Mr. Cay’s homestay offers a mix of dorm-style rooms and private bungalows. It’s a good choice for those wanting a bit more privacy. They also offer traditional herbal baths, a soothing way to relax after a walk in the hills.

Mr. Thien’s Thon Tha Homestay

Mr. Thien, a Tay local born in 1982, offers a welcoming stay in his family’s traditional home. He speaks some English and enjoys sharing stories — including personal insights into the Vietnam War. His place is surrounded by rice fields and limestone hills, creating a quiet, scenic escape.

Mrs. Dung and Mr. Nghiem’s Homestay

This homestay is run by a cheerful couple eager to connect with guests. While English is limited, their friendliness shines through. Mrs. Dung has taken part in local tourism training programs and uses humor and gestures (plus a bit of Google Translate) to make everyone feel at home.

Travel tips for visiting

Thon Tha is a real, working village — not a tourist attraction. To make the most of your stay and avoid surprises, keep these practical tips in mind:

Bring cash

There are no ATMs in the village, and nearly everything is paid in cash — from your homestay to any small purchases. Make sure to withdraw money in Ha Giang City before arriving.

Respect village customs

This is a real ethnic Tay community, not a show village. People live, farm, and go about daily life here. Dress modestly, ask before taking photos, and don’t treat it like a sightseeing stop.

Pack for the countryside

Bring good walking shoes, mosquito spray, and sun protection. You’re surrounded by rice fields, ponds, and hills — great for walking, but also home to bugs and strong sun, especially in the dry season.

Embrace the slow pace

There’s not much to “do” here — and that’s the beauty of it. Sit on the homestay balcony, enjoy the fresh air, read a book, or just relax. It’s the perfect soft landing before or after the intensity of the Ha Giang Loop.

Expect a Language Barrier

Most locals, even those running homestays, speak little or no English. They’re friendly and helpful, but communication can be a challenge. Bring a phone with Google Translate, and note that most homestays have Wi-Fi. A Vietnamese SIM card also helps, especially if you wander away from your homestay.

Pack what you need

There are no shops or convenience stores in Thon Tha. Bring essentials like toiletries, medicine, and a few snacks. Meals are usually provided by your homestay, but having a small backup is useful — especially if you’re a picky eater or have dietary needs.