SV-02 · 23°14′N 105°25′E
Ha Giang Stone Plateau by Starlight
Three nights along the darkest passes in the north.
- nights
- 3
- SQM
- 21.76
- Bortle scale
- 3
- Demanding
- ≤ 8
Highlights
An observing night on Ma Pi Leng pass
Three different dark sites in one journey
Starscapes with limestone peaks as foreground
Stays in Hmong rammed-earth houses
Itinerary
Stop 01
Day 1 — Ha Giang to Quan Ba
Climb Bac Sum slope onto the plateau. Evening session on the equipment and telescope alignment.
Stop 02
Day 2 — Dong Van
Through Yen Minh and Sung La. The first night under a properly dark sky, focused on star clusters and nebulae.
Stop 03
Day 3 — Ma Pi Leng
Afternoon down to the Nho Que river. The main night on the pass, photographing the Milky Way as the core reaches its highest.
Stop 04
Day 4 — Return
A late morning to rest, leaving the plateau after lunch.
Included
- Off-road vehicle and a driver who knows the passes
- Three nights in homestays
- Meals and hot drinks during observing nights
- Telescope and a tracking mount for cameras
- Border-area permits
Reviews
5.0 · 1
Ngọc Lan
★★★★★
Clear skies, warm tea and a guide who knew every constellation by its Vietnamese name.
04/11/2026