Savor Thang Co in Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang! Discover this iconic Hmong dish, costs, cultural experiences, and Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours. Book your culinary adventure now!
Capture the savory essence of Tuyen Quang’s culinary gemThang Co, a hearty Hmong bone soup, is a culinary cornerstone of Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang Province, drawing food enthusiasts among the region’s 250,000 annual visitors. Centered in Meo Vac and Dong Van, 145 km northeast of Tuyen Quang City and 300 km from Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, this dish is savored at markets and festivals for $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND). Set in the UNESCO Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Ha Giang’s 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) enhances its appeal for culinary explorers.
Rooted in over 300 years of Hmong tradition, Thang Co is more than a dish—it’s a cultural experience, often enjoyed during vibrant market days and festivals. Sustainable practices, like locally sourced ingredients, biodegradable market stalls, and eco-friendly homestays, align with Tuyen Quang’s “Green Highlands” initiative. Legend Travel Group’s sustainable culinary tours guide you through this flavorful journey, ensuring a green, authentic experience. Book via the links throughout this guide 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. Thang Co retains its fame under “Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang,” with updated maps simplifying navigation to Meo Vac’s culinary hotspots.
Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering eco-friendly culinary tours in Tuyen Quang tailored for food and culture lovers. Our low-impact tours use electric vans or bicycles, led by English-speaking Hmong guides sharing Thang Co’s history, local 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. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and savor Thang Co responsibly!
Dive into the flavorful charm of Tuyen Quang Travel (Source: Source: Internet)Thang Co, meaning “bone soup” in Hmong, is a rich stew of horse or cow bones, meat, and offal, simmered for hours to create a savory, aromatic dish. Originating over 300 years ago during wartime, when Hmong people used horsehide as makeshift pots, it’s now a staple at Meo Vac and Dong Van markets, especially during festivals like the Khau Vai Love Market. Sustainable sourcing from local farms and eco-friendly market practices preserve this tradition, making Thang Co a cultural highlight of Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, 300 km from Hanoi.
These eco-friendly culinary activities, costing $0–$5, offer a taste of Hmong culture:
Savor Thang Co at Meo Vac’s Sunday market, best at 8:00 AM, for $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND), paired with corn wine.
Cost: $1–$2.
Hours: Sundays, 6:00 AM–12:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use biodegradable bowls; support local vendors.
Tip: Arrive early for fresh servings; included in Legend Travel Group’s Ha Giang Culinary Tour ($60–$90).
Experience Thang Co during festivals like Khau Vai Love Market (lunar March 27, typically April/May), free entry, with servings at $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Cost: Free; food $1–$2.
Hours: All day, peak 6:00 PM–9:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Support Hmong cooks; minimize waste.
Tip: Pair with Hmong music; included in Legend Travel Group’s Khau Vai Festival Tour ($80–$120).
Join a cooking class in Dong Van, best at 10:00 AM, for $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND), learning to prepare Thang Co with local Hmong families.
Cost: $3–$5.
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use locally sourced ingredients; respect traditions.
Tip: Book in advance; included in Legend Travel Group’s Ha Giang Culinary Tour ($60–$90).
Enjoy Thang Co in a Meo Vac homestay, best booked for 6:00 PM, for $12–$20 (300,000–500,000 VND), with communal meals and Hmong stories.
Cost: $12–$20 (includes meals).
Hours: Check-in 2:00 PM; check-out 11:00 AM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Supports Hmong families; uses solar energy.
Tip: Book via Legend Travel Group for authentic dining; included in Ha Giang Overnight Eco-Tour ($100–$150).
Taste Thang Co with “rượu ngô” (corn wine) at Dong Van markets, best at 9:00 AM, for $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND) for wine.
Cost: Food $1–$2; drinks $0.30–$1.
Hours: Sundays, 6:00 AM–12:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use reusable cups; support local distillers.
Tip: Sip slowly to savor; included in Legend Travel Group’s Ha Giang Culinary Tour ($60–$90).
Photograph the cultural allure of Tuyen Quang’s heritage (Source: Source: Internet)Visit from November to April for cool, dry weather (10–22°C or 50–71.6°F), ideal for market visits and festivals like Hmong New Year (December), with 500–1,000 visitors daily. The rainy season (May–October, 18–28°C) suits quieter market days but may limit outdoor dining. Festivals like Khau Vai Love Market (April/May) draw 1,000–2,000 visitors, especially on weekends. Early mornings (6:00–9:00 AM) are best for fresh Thang Co at markets, while evenings (6:00–9:00 PM) suit festival feasts. Avoid Tet (January/February) for fewer crowds.
Meo Vac, in Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, is 300 km from Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, reachable in 6–7 hours:
By Private Car: Drive 6 hours via Highway 2, 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, $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 via Highway 2C, 6–7 hours, $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND) fuel; 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 to Meo Vac (3–4 hours, $7–$10 or 175,000–250,000 VND), totaling $24–$30 (600,000–750,000 VND) round-trip.
By Private Tour Bus (Legend Travel Group): Group bus from Hanoi, 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 “Meo Vac, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow signs from Dong Van. 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/buses.
Experience Tuyen Quang Tours with sustainable adventures (Source: Source: Internet)Pack these essentials for a sustainable visit:
Clothing: Light layers, comfortable shoes; waterproof jacket ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND) for rainy season; scarf for cool evenings.
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).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/Xanh SM apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).
Culinary Gear: Small backpack, reusable container for market snacks, camera for food shots.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for market buys ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Snacks for travel; cash for small vendors.
Tip: Carry small VND notes for food ($1–$2), drinks ($0.30–$1), or crafts ($3–$10); secure valuables at markets.
Entry and Activity Fees
Market/Festival Entry: Free.
Thang Co and Other Foods: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Drinks (Water, Corn Wine): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).
Cooking Class: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., Hmong Textiles): $3–$10 (75,000–250,000 VND).
Homestay (with Meals): $12–$20/night (300,000–500,000 VND).
Guided Culinary 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).
Private Tour Bus: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND)/person.
Airport to Meo Vac: $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, food, free entry).
Mid-range: $30–$60 (private car, cooking class, homestay).
Luxury: $80–$120 (Xanh SM taxi, premium tour, homestay).
Tip: Budget for food ($1–$2), tours ($3–$40), and transport ($20–$200); carry cash for vendors (no cards accepted).
Start your Tuyen Quang Travel with serene vistas (Source: Source: Internet)Timing: Visit November–April for cool weather (6:00 AM–12:00 PM for markets; 6:00–9:00 PM for festivals). Weekdays for fewer crowds (500–1,000 vs. 2,000+ on weekends). Avoid Tet for quieter visits.
Booking: No entry tickets needed; reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead for guided culinary experiences or homestays. Book in Meo Vac or Dong Van.
Sustainability: Use biodegradable bowls; support Hmong vendors for food ($1–$2) or crafts ($3–$10). Respect local culinary traditions.
Navigation: Save “Meo Vac, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang” in offline maps; ask locals in Dong Van for market directions. Avoid night travel on rural roads.
Safety: Secure valuables at markets; confirm fares for taxis/buses. Carry a flashlight for evening feasts.
Weather: Dry season for comfortable dining; rainy season needs rain gear ($3–$7) and waterproof bags ($3–$7). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly at markets (cover shoulders/knees); say “xin chào” to locals. Respect food customs; avoid waste during communal meals.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50); carry mosquito repellent and hand sanitizer.
Our eco-friendly tours showcase Thang Co and Ha Giang’s culinary heritage:
Ha Giang Culinary Tour ($60–$90/person, 1 day): Meo Vac market, Thang Co tasting, and Hmong lunch ($1–$2). Includes guide, transport.
Ha Giang Cultural Tour ($70–$100/person, 2 days): Thang Co cooking class, Dong Van market, Hmong homestay ($12–$20/night). Includes meals, guide.
Tuyen Quang & Cao Bang Immersion ($300–$450/person, 4 days): Thang Co feasts, Ban Gioc Waterfall, ethnic homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Thang Co in Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang – Ha Giang Province, captivates food lovers among over 250,000 yearly visitors with servings priced at $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND), just 300 km from Hanoi. This traditional Hmong bone soup, made with horse, beef, or pork organs and a blend of 12 spices like cardamom and cinnamon, is a cultural highlight at Dong Van and Meo Vac markets, especially during festivals like the Khau Vai Love Market. Enhanced by sustainable practices such as local sourcing, it reflects Ha Giang’s rich heritage. Legend Travel Group’s Tuyen Quang Tours guide you through this culinary legacy, ensuring a sustainable Tuyen Quang Travel experience with immersive dining in Hmong homestays along the Ha Giang Loop. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly culinary journey today!
Ready to savor Thang Co in Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang – Ha Giang Province? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable culinary adventure
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:
Thang Co and Ha Giang Information: focusasiatravel.com, izitour.com, originvietnam.com, hagiangamazingtours.com, handspan.com
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