Ha Tinh might not be familiar to foreign tourists visiting Vietnam, but if you ever visit this place, you’ll discover it’s a hidden treasure. This province not only boasts beautiful scenery, but it’s also renowned for its talented residents and rich folklore traditions, including folk songs and Vi Giam songs. We hope you have the opportunity to explore this region someday, and when you do, we believe this Ha Tinh travel guide will be useful to you.
Where is Ha Tinh?
Situated in the sunny and breezy North Central region, Ha Tinh province is located 340 km south of the capital city of Hanoi. It enjoys the advantage of being bordered by the sea to the east, the renowned Truong Son mountain range, and Laos to the west.
This unique location results in a diverse landscape in Ha Tinh, encompassing mountains, plains, rivers, streams, and lakes. Notably, the province boasts a stunning coastline that spans 137 km. Ha Tinh never fails to astonish visitors with its beautiful beaches, with Thien Cam beach being a notable highlight.
When is the best time to visit Ha Tinh?
Now, let’s discuss the distinct climate of this region. During the summer, the weather here is characterized by scorching sun and hot winds. However, as winter approaches, the climate becomes colder, with dense fog occasionally setting in.
The noticeable contrast between the first two seasons and the last two seasons of the year brings about significant changes in the weather , resulting in a unique and remarkable landscape for any visitor.
If you plan to travel to Ha Tinh, it is recommended to choose spring or autumn, specifically the months of March to May or September to November, as these are the ideal times to have the best experience.
How to go to Ha Tinh?
If you go from southern provinces
- Airplane: Ha Tinh does not have its own airport, so the most convenient option is to take a flight to Vinh Airport in Nghe An Province. The flight usually takes around 2 hours, and the cost of a regular ticket is approximately 995k VND. From Vinh Airport, you can then take a bus back to Ha Tinh.
- Passenger car: Traveling by passenger car from Ho Chi Minh to Ha Tinh can take quite a long time, ranging from 25 to 31 hours. It is advisable to purchase a sleeper ticket from reputable bus companies such as Mai Linh or Manh Cuong for a more comfortable journey, which typically costs around 650k VND. However, we generally do not recommend this option due to the lengthy travel time. It is more suitable if you are traveling from Da Nang.
- Motorbike: Traveling by motorbike from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Tinh is only recommended for those who are experienced and well-prepared, as the distance is considerable.
- Train: The train route from Ho Chi Minh City to Yen Trung station (Ha Tinh) has ticket prices ranging from 390,000 to 2,160,000 VND, depending on the type of seat. However, the journey can take over a day, which can be quite time-consuming, although it offers the opportunity to enjoy the scenery along the way. It is a better option if you are traveling from Da Nang.
If you go from Hanoi and northern provinces
- Airplane: Similar to traveling from Ho Chi Minh City, it takes approximately 1 hour to reach Vinh Airport from Hanoi. The ticket price for this route is also cheaper, around 650k VND.
- Passenger car: The journey by passenger car from Hanoi to Ha Tinh takes about 7-8 hours. It is advisable to choose a sleeper car for a more comfortable experience. Hoang Long bus company offers a ticket price of 190k VND per person, and the bus is equipped with 40 seats and a restroom onboard.
- Motorbike: For those traveling from Hanoi, the distance to Ha Tinh is around 300km. The route starts from Hanoi, heading towards Lang – Hoa Lac, then turning left onto road 21B. Continue straight until reaching Xuan Mai junction, then turn right onto QL6A. Keep going on Ho Chi Minh Road until reaching the Thai Hoa intersection, where you should turn left onto Highway 48. After traveling for about 25km, you will reach National Highway 1A. Proceed straight on National Highway 1A for about 70km until you enter Ha Tinh.
- Train: The train journey from Hanoi to Yen Trung station in Ha Tinh has ticket prices ranging from 200,000 to 560,000 VND, depending on the type of seat.
How to move around Ha Tinh?
Exploring Ha Tinh on a motorbike is an excellent choice. If you don’t have a motorbike, you can rent one. However, it’s worth noting that motorbike rental services here are not very common. You can ask your hotel for rental options, or you can visit/contact the addresses below:
| Unit Name | Contact | Address | Manual Bike Rental Price | Scooter Rental Price |
| Mr. Tam | 0944640777 | House No. 7, 26/3 Street, Ha Tinh City | 80,000 VND – 100,000 VND/day | 130,000 VND – 140,000 VND/day |
| Hoa Do Hotel | 0913 673 370 | Block 1 Xuan An Town, Nghi Xuan, Ha Tinh | 80,000 VND – 120,000 VND/day | 120,000 VND – 160,000 VND/day |
| Tuyet Hoa Hotel | 033 584 1125 | Ky Phong, Ky Anh, Ha Tinh (far from city center) | 100,000 VND/day | 150,000 VND/day |
If you arrive in Ha Tinh by public transportation and prefer not to drive on your own while you’re here, taxis can be a more convenient option. Here are some taxi companies you can trust:
- Mai Linh: Phone: 0239 3 898 989
- Lam Hong: Phone: 0239 3 777 888
- Rong Viet: Phone: 0239 3 883 883
- Taxi Lam Hong: Phone: 0239 3 777 888
- Taxi Phu Thanh: Phone: 0239 3 88 77 88
- Taxi Ha Tinh: Phone: 0239 3 777 222
What to do for the first time in Ha Tinh?
Huong Tich Pagoda
Huong Tich Pagoda, situated on the peak of Huong Tich in the Hong Linh mountain range, is a true gem. Apart from its unique Buddhist culture, this pagoda, also known as Huong Tich Co Tu, is popular among tourists for its breathtaking scenery of mountains and forests when you reach the temple at an elevation of 650m. Visiting Huong Tich Pagoda is a must when exploring Ha Tinh, according to travel experiences.
Thien Cam Beach
Stretching gracefully for almost 3 km from Thien Cam Mountain to Dau Voi Mountain, Thien Cam Beach is Ha Tinh’s most beautiful beach. Located approximately 20 km south of Ha Tinh city along National Road 1A, this beach captivates visitors with its cool blue sea waters and long, white sandy shores, making it perfect for swimming. It attracts millions of domestic and international tourists, particularly during the summer season.
Ke Go Lake
A picturesque lake lies about 20 km from the center of Ha Tinh city. To reach it, follow Ha Huy Tap Street (NH1A) from the city center until Cam Binh, then take a right onto Cam Xuyen – Ke Go Street. Soon, you’ll be greeted by the serene beauty of Ke Go Lake with its clear blue waters.
Ngang Pass: A True Natural Wonder
Ngang Pass reveals its cool blue magnificence before our eyes. As we ascend to the top of the pass, we come across a stone gate constructed in 1833 during the reign of King Minh Mang, known as the “Gate of Heaven,” which controlled passage through the pass. From this vantage point, the entire mountain range and sky unfold before us.
Son Kim Hot Spring
From the heart of Ha Tinh city, take Highway 1A towards Hong Linh town. Turn left onto QL8A, then onto QL15, and make another left onto National 8A (AH15). Keep heading straight, and after approximately 100 km, you’ll find the scenic and tranquil Son Kim hot spring—an ideal spot for relaxation, resembling a picturesque water painting.
Hong Linh Mountain
Hong Linh Mountain holds great significance as a symbol and soul of the people of Ha Tinh. Located 10 km from the center of Vinh city, its northern slope runs along the banks of the Lam River. This place boasts a rustic and unspoiled beauty, adorned with numerous temples, shrines, and sacred sites.
Read more: The 15 HOTTEST Ha Tinh Tourist Attractions
What to eat in Ha Tinh?
Ram Bánh Mướt (Steamed Rolled Cake & Fried Spring Roll)
When you visit Ha Tinh, you must not miss out on this delicious dish. Ram (Spring Roll) is made with ingredients like vermicelli, chili peppers, mushrooms, and bay leaves. It is then wrapped with Bánh Mướt (Steamed Rolled Cake), which is made from fried golden rice flour and then fried. In the northern regions, Bánh Mướt is often filled with meat, resulting in a rich and fatty texture when fried. However, in Ha Tinh, people prefer to enjoy Bánh Mướt with a simple accompaniment of fish sauce. The combination of the smooth Ram and the chewy, crispy Bánh Mướt creates a delightful culinary experience that is both simple and refined.
Cu Đơ candy
Cu Đơ candy is a renowned delicacy of Ha Tinh and many people are familiar with its name. This candy offers a delightful blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of molasses, the aromatic spiciness of ginger, and the crispiness of peanuts and rice paper. The combination is truly unique and leaves a lasting impression.
Similar to the people of Ha Tinh, Cu Đơ candy may appear rough and unassuming on the outside, but it holds a heart that is kind and generous. Just like the spicy ginger, life may present challenges, but it is also as sweet as honey because of love, sincerity, and enthusiasm that permeate through it. Cu Đơ candy captures the essence of Ha Tinh and creates an unforgettable experience.
Sesame Rice Paper
While rice paper is commonly consumed in the northern regions, Ha Tinh offers its own unique variation known as sesame rice paper. This specialty stands out with its thickness, large size, and delightful crispiness. It is generously coated with black sesame seeds, adding a distinct flavor. Ha Tinh’s sesame rice paper is so satisfying that it can even be enjoyed as a substitute for rice, leaving you feeling satiated.
What sets Ha Tinh’s sesame rice paper apart is the use of high-quality rice grains, ensuring a delicious and flexible texture. Unlike other varieties, there is no mixture with corn or cassava. When enjoying sesame rice paper, it is typically dipped in a special sauce made from lucky juice, mixed with lemon for a tangy kick. Some prefer to add a touch of spiciness with hot chili and a few drops of eggplant extract. This combination creates a unique and flavorful experience for those who indulge in Ha Tinh’s sesame rice paper.
Whiting Fish Salad (Gỏi cá đục)
In Ha Tinh, a region abundant with diligent fishermen and a vast sea, fish-based dishes are a culinary highlight. Among the various delectable preparations, one dish stands out: Whiting fish salad.
Whiting fish, known for its delicate flavor, is transformed into a refreshing salad. The dish is accompanied by an array of aromatic leaves such as fig leaves, clove leaves, and young mango leaves. The salad is further enhanced with the tanginess of green mango and green star fruit.
To enjoy this dish, one takes rice paper rolls filled with vegetables and fish, and then dips them into a flavorful broth. The broth combines the richness of the fish, the freshness of the vegetables, and the tangy spiciness of the dipping sauce. This combination creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Whiting fish salad embodies the essence of Ha Tinh’s seafood cuisine, reflecting the region’s bountiful sea and the skills of its fishermen.
Vung Ang Squid
The peak season for catching jumping squid in Vung Ang typically runs from March to the end of July. To ensure the freshness of the squid, fishermen head out at night to catch them, storing them in reserve boats and selling them to local restaurants. When visiting, you have the opportunity to personally select the squid that meets your preferences, which will then be prepared by the chef.
The simplest and quickest way to prepare these fresh squids is to boil them and serve them with ginger fish sauce or mustard. This method highlights the natural flavors of the squid. The price of the squid ink is quite affordable, ranging from 300,000 to 350,000 VND. It’s a delicious and reasonably priced option for seafood lovers to enjoy during their visit to Vung Ang.
Read more: 10 Best Ha Tinh Local Foods That Define the Region’s Cuisine
Hotels in Ha Tinh
While Ha Tinh may not be well-known among foreign tourists, it holds significance for the locals. Therefore, you will find numerous motels and hotels in Ha Tinh catering to various budgets, ranging from affordable to high-end options. Depending on your travel budget, you can select suitable accommodation. Here are some recommendations for beautiful and budget-friendly hotels in Ha Tinh:
- Vinpearl Hotel Ha Tinh: As the premier luxury hotel in Ha Tinh, Vinpearl Hotel offers the ultimate in comfort for a restful sleep. Located conveniently at Vincom Plaza, this 5-star hotel boasts modern facilities and rooms starting from 900k VND per night. Guests can enjoy amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool, gym, spa, and massage rooms. Whether you’re on a business trip or leisurely visit to Ha Tinh, Vinpearl Hotel ensures a comfortable stay akin to being at home.
- Muong Thanh Hotel: Another luxurious and contemporary option in Ha Tinh is Muong Thanh Hotel. With room rates starting from 600k VND per night, this 4-star hotel offers well-designed rooms, measuring 27m². While it is situated a bit further from the city center, it provides a tranquil setting for those seeking a peaceful environment or proximity to work-related activities.
- Ngan Ha Hotel: If you’re seeking a satisfying stay in Ha Tinh, the 3-star Ngan Ha Hotel is a great choice. It features beautiful spaces, professional staff, and comprehensive facilities to ensure your comfort. The hotel offers various amenities, including a gym, sauna, massage services, karaoke, and hot tub, allowing you to relax and entertain yourself. The hotel’s address is 158 Tran Phu Street, and room prices start from 400k VND per night.
- Hotel Thanh Binh 2: For budget-conscious travelers looking for a central location, Hotel Thanh Binh 2 is a wallet-friendly option. With room rates starting from only 200k VND per night, it serves as a convenient overnight stay without excessive amenities or services.
These accommodations cater to different preferences and budgets, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for visitors.
How long should you stay in Ha Tinh?
Ha Tinh is an ideal destination for a 1 to 2-day stay, during which you can visit the aforementioned attractions and savor delicious local cuisine. However, if you have the luxury of more time, it is highly recommended to extend your stay to 4 to 5 days. This will allow you ample time to explore additional local attractions and engage in various activities, making your experience in Ha Tinh even more fulfilling and memorable.
ATM and Money Exchange in Ha Tinh
Ha Tinh has a sufficient number of ATMs available for convenient cash withdrawal. However, it is advisable to carry some cash with you in case you need to make purchases at small stalls or visit remote areas where ATMs may be limited.
Currency exchange services are not commonly found in Ha Tinh. If you require such services, it is recommended to inquire at local banks or visit jewelry stores. It is advisable to inquire beforehand at the specific establishment or opt for major banks like Vietcombank, Sacombank, and others. For the sake of safety, it is recommended to perform currency exchange in major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang before traveling to Ha Tinh or Nghe An.
Local Emergency Contact for Tourists in Ha Tinh
- Tourist hotline: 0393 686 234 or 0982 158 835.
- Emergency Rescue: Dial 112
- Police: 113
- Fire Department: 114
- Ambulance and Medical support: 115
- Remember to save your hotel/homestays phone number in case of emergency
Other notes to ensure a wonderful trip beside of this Ha Tinh travel guide
To make your trip to Ha Tinh more enjoyable and hassle-free, here are some important things to keep in mind:
- Get a Viettel SIM Card for reliable data connection throughout your trip.
- Choose the best time to visit Ha Tinh, avoiding the rainy and stormy seasons. Check the weather forecast before your departure.
- Plan your travel itinerary well, considering that many tourist attractions are located far from the city.
- Opt for comfortable walking shoes instead of high heels to navigate the destinations easily.
- Carry sufficient cash with you for convenience and in case of emergencies.
