The majority of ethnic groups in Ha Giang are farmers growing rice or corn as their primary crop. Many of the hillsides are terraced rice fields and are farmed using manual labor with the assistance of water buffaloes to pull plows. A buffalo is often a family’s most valuable possession. Corn is usually grown at higher elevations with rockier soils not suitable for rice farming. Farming is highly dependent on rainwater. In periods of drought, locally produced food is insufficient to meet basic needs. The dependence on farming as an income source means that the people of Ha Giang, especially the ethnic minorities, belong to the poorest in Vietnam. Ethnic minorities account for more than 66% of the poor while only accounting for less than 14% of the total population. Despite living in simple ways, people of Ha Giang are warm-hearted and always willing to welcome visitors from abroad.

Ha Giang ethnic minorities have unique customs and traditions that makes travelling much more than sightseeing but can give you a real taste oft he local people’s way of life. Most ethnic people in Ha Giang wear their traditional dresses on a daily basis and not just for special occasions like in some other areas of Vietnam. Different ethnic groups can be distinguished by their clothing. For example you will most likely see women working in the fields wearing intricately patterned dresses. Ethnic groups of Ha Giang still have strong natural religions where ghosts, spirits and natural gods play an important spiritual role. Numerous colourful markets are held where you can see many colourful ethnic minorities gather.

Probably most famous is Khau Vai love market which happens once a year, often in May. More than a market, Khau Vai is a festival where young and old gather to dance, sing tribal song, drink wine and eat traditional food.