Experience the vibrant Long Tong Festival in Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang! Discover Tay traditions, costs, activities, and Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours. Book your cultural adventure now!
Seize the vibrant spirit of Tuyen Quang TravelThe Long Tong Festival, a cherished tradition of the Tay ethnic group, is a vibrant cultural event in Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang Province, drawing thousands among the region’s 250,000 annual visitors to the UNESCO Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. Held annually from the 4th to 10th day of the first lunar month (typically January–February) in locations like Lang Nung hamlet, Dao Duc commune, Vi Xuyen, 9 km from Ha Giang City and 154 km northeast of Tuyen Quang City, this festival offers free entry. Set in a cool highland climate (dry season: November–April, 10–22°C or 50–71.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 18–28°C or 64.4–82.4°F), it’s a must for cultural explorers.
Recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013, Long Tong, or “Going to the Field,” is a ritual to pray for bountiful harvests, good weather, and prosperity, featuring ceremonies, folk games, and Tay cuisine. Sustainable practices, like biodegradable offerings, local-guided tours, and eco-friendly homestays, align with Tuyen Quang’s “Green Highlands” initiative, supporting Tay communities. Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours guide you through this cultural spectacle, ensuring a green, immersive journey. Register an account with us to follow our guides and book via the links throughout this article or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com
Vietnam’s administrative restructuring merged Ha Giang Province into Tuyen Quang Province, reclassifying Ha Giang and Dong Van as wards under Tuyen Quang. The Long Tong Festival retains its cultural significance under “Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang,” with updated maps simplifying navigation to festival sites.
Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering eco-friendly tours in Tuyen Quang tailored for cultural and adventure enthusiasts. Our low-impact tours use electric vans or bicycles, led by English-speaking Tay guides sharing Long Tong’s rituals, culinary traditions, and green practices. Supporting ethnic communities, we align with Tuyen Quang’s sustainability goals. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, planning is effortless. Sign up for an account to track our travel guides and book eco-tours via the links on this page to experience the Long Tong Festival responsibly!
Capture the spiritual essence of Tuyen Quang’s cultural gem (Source: Source: Internet)Held in vast fields or communal yards like those in Lang Nung, Dao Duc, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, the Long Tong Festival is a centuries-old Tay tradition, likely dating back to the formation of early Tay villages. This agricultural ritual, also called Lung Tung or Ooc Tong, honors the God of Agriculture, Mountain God, and Tutelary God, praying for prosperous crops and community well-being. The festival features solemn rituals like the water procession and seed-sowing ceremony, alongside lively folk games and traditional dishes such as “khau sli” sticky rice cakes. Sustainable practices, including organic offerings and local staffing, preserve its cultural and environmental integrity, making it a vibrant cultural event 9 km from Ha Giang City.
These eco-friendly activities, costing $0–$5, immerse you in Tay culture:
Observe the shaman-led prayer ceremony at 6:00 AM, free, honoring the God of Agriculture with offerings like “khau sli” cakes ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND).
Cost: Free; food $1–$2.
Hours: Lunar 1st month, 4th–10th, 6:00 AM–9:00 AM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use biodegradable offerings; respect sacred spaces.
Tip: Arrive early for rituals; included in Legend Travel Group’s Ha Giang Cultural Tour ($60–$90).
Participate in “nem con” (shuttlecock throwing), best at 2:00 PM, free, aiming to toss a cloth ball through a high ring for luck, with guided activities at $3–$5.
Cost: Free; guided activities $3–$5.
Hours: Lunar 1st month, 4th–10th, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use designated areas; minimize waste.
Tip: Cheer for participants; included in Legend Travel Group’s Ha Giang Cultural Tour ($60–$90).
Savor “khau sli” sticky rice cakes or black sticky rice at festival stalls, best at 8:00 AM, for $1–$2, with culinary tours at $3–$5.
Cost: $1–$5.
Hours: Lunar 1st month, 4th–10th, 6:00 AM–12:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use biodegradable plates; support vendors.
Tip: Try with sesame salt; included in Legend Travel Group’s Ha Giang Culinary Tour ($60–$90).
Watch “then sli” singing and dances, best at 7:00 PM, free, with guided cultural tours at $3–$5, showcasing Tay romantic exchanges.
Cost: Free; guided tours $3–$5.
Hours: Lunar 1st month, 4th–10th, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Respect performers; avoid flash photography.
Tip: Record respectfully; included in Legend Travel Group’s Ha Giang Cultural Tour ($60–$90).
Overnight in a Dao Duc Tay homestay, best booked for 5:00 PM, for $12–$20 (300,000–500,000 VND), enjoying festival meals and stories.
Cost: $12–$20.
Hours: Check-in 2:00 PM; check-out 11:00 AM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Supports Tay families; uses solar energy.
Tip: Register with Legend Travel Group for cultural activities; included in Ha Giang Overnight Eco-Tour ($100–$150).
Dive into the vibrant charm of Tuyen Quang Travel (Source: Source: Internet)Visit during the Long Tong Festival (lunar 1st month, 4th–10th, typically January–February) for vibrant rituals and games (10–22°C or 50–71.6°F), drawing 1,000–2,000 visitors daily, peaking on weekends. November–April offers dry weather for broader exploration, while May–October (18–28°C) is wetter but quieter (500–1,000 visitors). Early mornings (6:00–9:00 AM) are ideal for ceremonies, while afternoons (2:00–6:00 PM) suit folk games. Avoid Tet (January/February) for fewer crowds outside festival days.
The Long Tong Festival in Lang Nung, Dao Duc, Vi Xuyen, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, is 9 km from Ha Giang City and 300 km from Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, reachable in 6–7 hours:
By Private Car: Drive 6 hours via Highway 2 to Ha Giang City, then 15 minutes to Dao Duc, costing $80–$120 (2,000,000–3,000,000 VND) round-trip for 4 people. Book via Legend Travel Group.
By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): Eco-friendly VinFast taxis, 6–7 hours to Ha Giang City, $70–$100 (1,750,000–2,500,000 VND) one-way; $140–$200 (3,500,000–5,000,000 VND) round-trip. Use Xanh SM app.
By Private Motorcycle: Ride 6–7 hours via Highway 2C to Ha Giang City, then xe ôm ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND) to Dao Duc. Fuel: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND); rental $8–$15/day (200,000–375,000 VND). Helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).
By Public Bus: Bus from My Dinh to Tuyen Quang City (3 hours, $5 or 125,000 VND), then Ha Giang City (3–4 hours, $7–$10 or 175,000–250,000 VND), totaling $24–$30 (600,000–750,000 VND) round-trip. From Ha Giang City, take a xe ôm ($2–$3). Operators: Quang Nghi.
By Private Tour Bus (Legend Travel Group): Group bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang City, 6 hours, $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND)/person for 15+ people, including guide.
From Noi Bai Airport: Private car ($100–$140 or 2,500,000–3,500,000 VND, 7–8 hours, 320 km); Xanh SM taxi ($90–$120 or 2,250,000–3,000,000 VND); or Airport Bus No. 86 to Hanoi ($1.40 or 35,000 VND, 50–60 min) + private car ($80–$100 or 2,000,000–2,500,000 VND). Navigation Tip: Save “Lang Nung, Dao Duc, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow signs from Ha Giang City. Parking: $0.80–$1.50 (20,000–37,500 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Xanh SM taxis or group buses reduce emissions; avoid off-road biking.
Safety: Wear helmets on motorcycles; secure valuables. Confirm fares for taxis/xe ôm.
Pack these essentials for a sustainable visit:
Clothing: Modest attire (cover shoulders/knees), waterproof trekking shoes ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND) for rainy season; scarf for cool mornings.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses.
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), mosquito repellent ($0.50 or 12,500 VND), hand sanitizer ($0.50).
Festival Gear: Small backpack, reusable container for snacks ($1–$2), camera for ritual shots.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for purchases; biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Snacks for festival days; cash for small vendors.
Tip: Carry small VND notes for food ($1–$2), crafts ($3–$10), or tours ($3–$5); secure valuables in crowds.
Capture the sustainable charm of Tuyen Quang’s ecotourism (Source: Source: Internet)Entry and Activity Fees
Festival Entry: Free; optional donations $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Food (e.g., Khau Sli, Sticky Rice): $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Drinks (Water, Corn Wine): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., Tay Textiles): $3–$10 (75,000–250,000 VND).
Guided Cultural Tours: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND).
Homestay: $12–$20/night (300,000–500,000 VND).
Guided Eco-Tour: $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND).
Transportation (Round-Trip, from Hanoi)
Private Car: $80–$120 (2,000,000–3,000,000 VND).
Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $140–$200 (3,500,000–5,000,000 VND).
Private Motorcycle: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND) fuel; rental $8–$15/day.
Public Bus: $24–$30 (600,000–750,000 VND).
Xe Ôm (from Ha Giang City): $4–$6 (100,000–150,000 VND) round-trip.
Private Tour Bus: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND)/person.
Airport to Ha Giang: $100–$140 (2,500,000–3,500,000 VND).
Parking: $0.80–$1.50 (20,000–37,500 VND).
SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $10–$20 (bus, xe ôm, food, free entry).
Mid-range: $30–$60 (private car, guided tour, homestay).
Luxury: $80–$120 (Xanh SM taxi, premium tour, homestay).
Tip: Budget for food ($1–$2), souvenirs ($3–$10), and transport ($20–$200); carry cash for vendors (no cards accepted).
Timing: Visit lunar 1st month, 4th–10th (January–February) for the festival (6:00–9:00 AM for rituals; 2:00–6:00 PM for games). November–April for dry weather. Weekdays for fewer crowds (1,000 vs. 2,000+ on weekends). Avoid Tet for quieter travel outside festival days.
Booking: No entry tickets needed; reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead for guided visits or homestays. Book in Ha Giang City or Vi Xuyen.
Sustainability: Use biodegradable containers; support Tay vendors for food ($1–$2) or crafts ($3–$10). Respect festival grounds to preserve heritage.
Navigation: Save “Lang Nung, Dao Duc, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang” in offline maps; ask locals in Ha Giang City for directions. Avoid night travel on rural roads.
Safety: Secure valuables in crowds; confirm fares for taxis/xe ôm. Carry a flashlight for early mornings.
Weather: Dry season for comfortable visits; rainy season needs rain gear ($3–$7) and waterproof bags ($3–$7). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees); say “xin chào” to locals. Respect rituals; avoid interrupting prayers or games.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50); carry mosquito repellent and hand sanitizer.
Our eco-friendly tours showcase the Long Tong Festival’s vibrancy:
Ha Giang Cultural Tour ($60–$90/person, 1 day): Long Tong Festival, “con” throwing, Tay lunch ($1–$2). Includes guide, transport.
Ha Giang Festival Tour ($80–$120/person, 2 days): Long Tong rituals, Sung Khanh Pagoda, Tay homestay ($12–$20/night). Includes meals, guide.
Tuyen Quang & Cao Bang Immersion ($300–$450/person, 4 days): Long Tong Festival, Ban Gioc Waterfall, ethnic homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Sign up for an account to follow our guides and book now via links!
Long Tong Festival in Ha Giang Region, Tuyen Quang Province, captivates thousands yearly with its free-entry celebration of Tay heritage, held on the 8th day of the first lunar month (January–February) in Quang Binh District, approximately 30 km from Ha Giang City and 300 km from Hanoi. Recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013, this festival features shaman-led rituals at Bach Than Temple, lively nem con (ball-throwing) games, khau sli (five-colored sticky rice cakes), and then sli songs, enhanced by sustainable practices like eco-friendly offerings and local-guided tours. Legend Travel Group’s Tuyen Quang Tours guide you through this highland festival, ensuring a sustainable Tuyen Quang Travel experience with stays in Tay homestays and visits to nearby sites like Dong Van Old Town. Don’t miss out—sign up for a Legend Travel Group account, browse our featured tours, and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to experience the Long Tong Festival in Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang – Ha Giang Province? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable cultural journey!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources:
Long Tong Festival Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, mytuyenquang.vn, originvietnam.com, vietnamplus.vn, dantoc.vietnamtourism.gov.vn, ulatravelvn.com
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