← Ha Giang
Nho Que River & Tu San Canyon
The deepest gorge in Indochina — a vivid turquoise river snaking between vertical limestone walls, viewed from Ma Pi Leng Pass or by boat.
Overview
The Nho Que River cuts through the deepest gorge in Indochina — Tu San Canyon — as it winds between Vietnam and China through the Dong Van Karst Plateau. Viewed from Ma Pi Leng Pass far above, the river appears as a vivid turquoise ribbon snaking between vertical grey limestone walls hundreds of metres high. It is one of the most dramatic natural sights in all of Vietnam.
Get There
Transport directions coming soon.
Hotels
Hotel recommendations coming soon.
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What to See and Do
- View from Ma Pi Leng Pass — the classic viewpoint; the river glows turquoise thousands of metres below (free)
- Tu San Canyon viewpoint — a dedicated lookout platform over the canyon's deepest section (30,000 VND)
- Boat trip on the Nho Que — accessible via a long stone staircase below Ma Pi Leng; boats take visitors 4 km upriver through the canyon (120,000 VND per person)
- Riverside walk — at the canyon floor, limestone walls tower on both sides
Practical Information
- Boat trip: 120,000 VND per person; departs from the river landing below Ma Pi Leng
- Tu San Canyon viewpoint: 30,000 VND
- Ma Pi Leng viewpoint: Free
- Best season: Oct–Apr (dry season; clearest turquoise colour); the river turns brown during heavy monsoon rain
Tips
- The boat trip is worth it — the canyon from water level is a completely different and equally dramatic perspective
- The river is most vividly turquoise in the dry season (Nov–Apr); avoid after heavy rain when silt clouds the colour
- The staircase down to the river from Ma Pi Leng is steep and long — wear proper shoes
- Combine the boat trip with a Ma Pi Leng Pass stop for the complete canyon experience
