In the past, Ha Giang belonged to Tan Hung, one of the 15 cantons of the Van Lang kingdom, and then led by the three leaders of the Thai ethnic group. Until early 15th century, Ha Giang was called Nguyen Binh and Nguyen Binh Chau in 1473.
At the end of the 17th century, the leader of the Thai ethnic people offered Ha Giang to the Chinese people who returned it to Vietnam in 1728. In 1895, the border between Ha Giang and China has been set as in the maps today.
After 1954, the Ha Giang province created Ha Giang city as its capital and four districts: Bac Quang, Dong Van, Hoang Su Phi and Vi Xuyen.
December 15th, 1962, Dong Van district was divided into three districts, namely Dong Van, Meo Vac and Yen Minh. Vi Xuyen district was divided into two districts, such as Vi Xuyen and Quan Ba. April 1, 1965, the district of Hoang Su Phi was divided into two districts, Hoang Su Phi and Xin Man.
After 1975, Ha Giang has adhered to the Tuyen Quang province to create the province of Ha Tuyen. November 18, 1983, Vi Xuyen district was divided into two districts which are Vi Xuyen and Bac Me.