Distance
320 km
Duration
3 days
Climb
5,200 m
Rating
4.9 / 5
1124 reviews
Ha Giang Loop — 3 Days.
The Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam's extreme north is the most dramatic 320 km circuit in Southeast Asia — narrow mountain roads clinging to limestone karst peaks, canyon viewpoints that seem computer-generated, and villages unchanged for centuries. Day 1 climbs to the UNESCO-listed Dong Van Rock Plateau via the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass and the Nho Que River canyon. Day 2 loops north to Lung Cu (Vietnam's northernmost point) and back through Meo Vac. Day 3 descends through the Du Gia valley on a completely different road back to Ha Giang. Ride a semi-automatic 110cc or 125cc — the roads are narrow, steep, and absolutely spectacular.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance320 km
Days3
Total climb5,200 m
Fuel stops1 along route
DifficultyChallenging
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3 days, 3 moods.
A suggested split across 3 days with 17 waypoints to discover along the way.
Hà Giang cityStart · Rent a semi-auto from any hostel in town. Fill up here — fuel is available en route but less reliable. The road north is QL4C.
Quan Ba Heaven GateScenic Point · The pass where the Rocky Plateau begins to reveal itself. Looking north, the valley drops away into a landscape that doesn't look real.
Núi Đôi — Fairy Bosom PeaksScenic Point · Twin conical limestone hills rising from the valley floor. Local legend is elaborate and worth asking about.
Yên MinhRestaurant · Lunch in the main market town of the plateau. Thắng cố (horse meat stew) is the local speciality. Pho is also excellent.
Mã Pí Lèng Pass (1,500 m)Scenic Point · The most spectacular road in Vietnam. The pass hangs on a cliff 1,000 m above the Nho Que River — carved by hand between 1959 and 1965. Stop often.
Nho Que River Canyon viewpointScenic Point · The turquoise-green ribbon of the Nho Que at the base of 1,000 m limestone walls — the defining image of the Ha Giang Loop.
Đồng VănOvernight · Ancient H'Mong market town. The Old Quarter (Pho Co) is walled and atmospheric. The weekly Sunday market is extraordinary.
Đồng Văn Rock Plateau (UNESCO Geopark)Scenic Point · The plateau at dawn — mist fills the valleys and limestone towers emerge above it. One of only 41 UNESCO Global Geoparks when designated.
Lũng Cú Flag Tower — northernmost pointScenic Point · The 33-metre flagpole on Dragon Mountain marks Vietnam's northernmost point. Climb 250 steps for views into China 3 km north.
Mèo Vạc marketRestaurant · Sunday market draws H'Mong, Dao, Lo Lo, and Giay people in traditional dress. Any day: great pho and local coffee.
Lũng Tám valley roadScenic Point · The back road between Meo Vac and Yen Minh — wide views over terraced fields and near-zero traffic.
Yên MinhOvernight · Simple guesthouses in the market town. Fill up before dark — morning fuel is uncertain in this area.
Du Già valley — canyon roadScenic Point · The western return route — dense forest, river crossings, near-zero traffic. Lower road quality; higher scenery.
Quản Bạ Twin Mountains — south approachScenic Point · The same Fairy Bosom Peaks seen from the other side. Different light, different angle — still extraordinary.
Tam SơnFuel Stop · Reliable petrol supply and a decent roadside restaurant before the final descent to Ha Giang.
Vị Xuyên — riverside stopRestaurant · Quiet town on the Lo River. Bún bò (beef noodle soup) is excellent at the market stalls by the bridge.
Hà Giang cityEnd · Loop complete. Return the bike, cold Hanoi beer. The Café Phố Cổ on the riverfront is where every Ha Giang rider ends up.
From riders.
1124 verified rides logged on this route.
4.9/ 5
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1124 verified rides
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