Thong Nguyen is the most popular destination in Hoang Su Phi. Since most people on a short visit will arrive from the southern end on QL2, it is the closest terraced rice field area in Honag Su Phi for them. Thong Nguyen has a lot going for it. A nice little town with fuel and stores. There is a quaint weekend market but the main draw are the bungalow communities in the hills above town. Many of these bungalows, like Binh Minh, are perched right over the rice terraces.
While you are in Thong Nguyen be shore to visit Mam Xoi a bit further up the hill from the bungalow area. The Mam Xoi Homestay, while not bungalows, is worth staying in for the amazing views and sunsets. Be sure to NOT follow the Google Map directions or you will end up in the woods (though you will pass a lovely waterfall). Just ask a local or look for the sign for Mam Xoi Homestay in the main bungalow area.
Thong Nguyen is so close to QL2 that it makes a good stop for those going to the Ha Giang Loop. It’s still a bit far for a single day at ~250km but if you got an early start you can definately use it as a stopping point.
Photography Notes
Photography Notes
Sunset: One of the best sunset locations around Thong Nguyen is the Mam Xoi Homestay area. The elevated position gives you good views across the surrounding rice terraces and mountains. The homestay also has a restaurant, making it an easy place to stay through the last light and grab something to eat afterwards.
Sunrise: Binh Minh Homestay is my favorite sunrise location in the area. Its small bungalows sit directly among steep terraced rice fields, with the mountains providing a beautiful layered background. You can start photographing almost immediately after stepping outside.
Waterfall: From the Binh Minh bungalow area, follow the steep road downhill toward town. At the bottom, turn right instead of left toward town and cross the river. After another kilometer or two, you’ll come to a beautiful waterfall on your left. Water buffalo are often bathing in the pool below the falls, which can make a great addition to the scene. The road becomes rough in places due to storm washouts, although it is maintained for the families who live along it.
A tripod and ND filter are useful at the waterfall if you want to blur the movement of the water. When buffalo are in the pool, I generally shoot two frames: one at a higher ISO and faster shutter speed to freeze the buffalo, and a second at a low ISO with an ND filter and longer exposure to blur the water. This gives me the option of blending the two exposures later while keeping the animals sharp.
