Ha Giang Loop - 4 day itinerary

One of the most interesting experience in the north of Vietnam for adventure lovers is to explore Ha Giang loop. Traveling among the stunning landscapes, visit the villages, explore the local culture and their beauties. It will be an unforgettable trip in northern Vietnam.

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What are the destinations in Ha Giang Loop ?

The Ha Giang Loop is a road route in northern Vietnam, bordering China. Due to the beauty of landscapes and the local ethnic people, It is becoming more popular recently and is now considered a “must-do” trip in Vietnam.

Its name comes from the loop exploration, Ha Giang, and places on the route.  The “loop” describes the shape of the route, it’s almost a circular route. Starting from Ha Giang city and after some days exploring the places it will return to Ha Giang by other routes.

Tham Ma pass in the Ha Giang loop

For the Ha Giang loop, traveler will explore these destinations:

Ha Giang city - Quan Ba Pass – Lung Khuy Cave – Yen Minh town
Tham Ma Pass – Sa Phin – H’Mong King Palace – Lung Cu Flag Post – Dong Van town
Ma Pi Leng Pass – Meo Vac – Mau Due – Du Gia – Ha Giang City

Ha Giang Loop itinerary

Day 1: Ha Giang city - Quan Ba pass - Yen Minh Town ( 110 km)
Enjoy your breakfast and depart to Quan Ba valley. This area is well known as a stunning natural beauty among the green mountains. Arrive in Quan Ba pass which is called the Heaven Gate to admire the great panoramic views of the rice fields, the twin fairy mountains as well as the local town at the foot of the pass.

Twin mountain in Quan Ba

Lunch will be served at the Quan Ba town. After lunch, take a chance to explore Lung Tam village that should not be missed on this trip. You can learn about the H'mong traditional weaving and admire the skill and techniques they make the colorful brocade products.
Keep driving to Yen Minh town, check in a mini hotel or guest house, the rest of the evening is on your own leisure.

Day 2: Yen Minh town - Tham Ma pass - Hmong’s King Palace - Lung Cu flag tower - Dong Van town ( 90 Km)
Starting from your hotel in Yen Minh town, we will transfer to visit Lung Cu flag tower.  On the way, explore the Tham Ma pass. and  If the trip is on the market day of the week, we will stop to explore amazing local markets.

Visit a small beautiful village in Sung La valley, where a nice Vietnamese movie was filmed, then drive into the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. The next stop will be at the Hmong's King Palace and listening about the culture history from his grandchildren.

Lunch will be at the local restaurant on the way.

Lung Cu flag tower in Ha Giang loop route

The last stop today is a conquering 800 steps to Lung Cu flag tower and enjoy the panorama view in this northernmost point of Vietnam.

Travel to Dong Van in the afternoon. Check in your hotel and be free to relax or gently walk around this charming small town.

Day 3: Dong Van town - Ma Pi Leng pass - Meo Vac - Mau Due - Du Gia ( 100 km)
Breakfast at your hotel and enjoy a full amazing day trip. If your travel date is on Sunday, you can visit the Dong Van local market or Meo Vac local market. Take a drive across Ma Pi Leng pass.

Stop at the top of the pass to admire the gorgeous view of limestone mountain and Nho Que River and H'mong Villages nested by the steepness of the mountain.
Keep driving to Mau Due, home to Dao ethnic group.

Nho Que River from Ma Pi Leng Pass

The stretch between Mau Due and Du Gia is undeniably breathtaking to drive through. While it offers a truly spectacular experience.

One of the highlights of this journey is the presence of abundant rice terraces that transform into a captivating golden yellow hue during the appropriate season. These terraces dot the landscape, adding a touch of natural splendor to the already stunning scenery.
Overnight in Du Gia

Day 4: Du Gia - Ha Giang ( 70 km)
Starting from Du Gia, continue your drive towards Ha Giang, making sure to include some notable stops along the way. The highlights are the landscapes and the route along the way. Return to Ha Giang where you can take some time to relax after your Ha Giang loop adventure.

What is the best time to do a Ha Giang Loop trip ?

The best time to visit Ha Giang loop is from the middle of September to November and from March to May, when the region showcases its most captivating landscapes and enjoyable weather.

Beautiful locals in Ha Giang Loop during the Autumn

During these months, travelers are greeted with breathtaking vistas adorned with vibrant hues of lush greenery or golden rice terraces, depending on the specific time of year. This is an ideal period to explore Ha Giang's natural beauty and immerse yourself in its awe-inspiring scenery.

Travelers are suggested to avoid June to August as it is the rainy season.

Ha Giang Loop by motorbike or by car ?

Enjoying motorbike adventure through Ha Giang is an unparalleled and exhilarating experience that unveils the true essence of Vietnam's adventurous spirit. The rugged terrain and winding roads of Ha Giang provide a thrilling backdrop as you navigate through breathtaking landscapes and immerse yourself in the region's raw natural beauty. Whether it's cruising along the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass or venturing into remote ethnic minority villages, this motorbike journey offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the local culture, witness awe-inspiring vistas, and create lasting memories of an extraordinary adventure in Vietnam.

The motorbike trip will lead you to the places that the car could not. Therefore, Motorbike for Ha Giang Loop is the first choice.
You can only ride a motorbike in Ha Giang if you are confident and experienced enough to drive. Many tourists choose to ride motorbikes themselves for the best experience.

Ha Giang Loop - Great place for Motorbike adventure

Please be aware that in accordance with Vietnamese law, it is mandatory to possess a valid Vietnamese driver's license in order to operate a motorbike. It's important to note that driving without the appropriate license can result in fines imposed by the authorities. Additionally, it's worth considering that if you are involved in an accident while driving without a valid license, your insurance coverage may be compromised. To ensure a safe and hassle-free experience, it is recommended to obtain the necessary documentation and comply with local regulations before embarking on any motorbike adventures in Vietnam.

However, If you could not ride a motorbike, you can hire a motorbike with a driver, that is also a good option.
Or enjoying the Ha Giang loop by car would not disappoint you.

Where to stay in Ha Giang Loop ?

During your exhilarating Ha Giang Loop adventure, you will have the privilege of immersing ourselves in diverse towns and communities that dot the route. Drawing from our personal experience, we would like to offer some recommendations for accommodations in each destination:

Ha Giang City

This is the starting point of your Ha Giang loop. You can choose to stay at Homestay in Tha Village that is only 7 km from the city center. Mr Nghiem's homestay is a good choice with a nice traditional house and great food.
For hotel options, recommend staying at Yen Bien hotel, Hoa Cuong hotel.

Yen Minh

this serene town provides the perfect setting to unwind and rejuvenate after a day filled with thrilling adventures. Surrounded by breathtaking nature, you can immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance and find solace in the beauty that surrounds you.
Recommend staying at Kien Thao hotel, Thao Nguyen hotel, Phuong Dong hotel in Yen Minh town.

Dong Van

As you venture into the captivating Dong Van Karst Plateau, immerse yourself in the cultural richness and traditional Hmong architecture of this enchanting town. Experience the vibrant local culture, indulge in delicious cuisine, and witness the deep-rooted traditions that have shaped this remarkable destination.
Lam Tung Hotel is by the gate of Dong Van market ( new one) is recommended. The Dong Van new market is just opposite the old market by the road crossing.
For better accommodation, you can stay in Hoa Cuong Hotel - the best one in this remote region.

Du Gia

Du Gia Coc Pang homestay, this delightful homestay provides a truly idyllic retreat. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the surroundings as you unwind and rejuvenate in this slice of paradise. The warm and hospitable hosts go above and beyond to ensure your stay is memorable, and their delectable family dinner is a culinary delight that should not be missed. Experience the genuine warmth of the local community while indulging in the picturesque setting, making your stay an unforgettable highlight of your Ha Giang loop adventure.

Things should bring for Ha Giang Loop by motorbike

As you prepare for the Ha Giang Loop by motorbike, it's important to anticipate and be ready for diverse weather and road conditions. To ensure a smooth journey, here are some crucial items to include in your packing list:

Rain gear
Don't forget to include a waterproof jacket and pants or a rain poncho in your packing list. They can be a true lifesaver when unexpected rain showers occur during your Ha Giang Loop adventure. Most bike rental places typically provide these items, so be sure to inquire about their availability beforehand!

Protective gear
Ensure your safety by wearing essential protective gear, including a durable helmet, a reliable riding jacket, gloves, and sturdy boots. These items are crucial in providing protection in the event of any mishaps or accidents. Don't forget to inquire about the availability of these gears at your bike rental establishment!

Essentials gear
Remember to pack sunscreen, insect repellent, a well-stocked first aid kit, flashlight, lighter, and any essential medications. Additionally, it's a good idea to bring along a portable charger to keep your devices powered up and a basic toolkit for handling minor bike repairs. Some water and snacks on your pack is a must.

Ha Giang loop trip could be 1 day shorter or longer ?

Yes, if you have limited time, you can do a Ha Giang loop 3 day trip. this is the recommendation briefing itinerary:

Day 1: Ha Giang - Yen Minh - Dong Van
Day 2: Dong Van - Ma Pi Leng - Meo Vac - Du Gia
Day 3: Du Gia -  Ha Giang

Enjoy motorbike in Ha Giang Loop

If you have 1 more day, you can extend your trip to Meo Vac town for Ha Giang loop 5 day trip.

Day 1: Ha Giang - Yen Minh
Day 2: Yen Minh - Lung Cu -  Dong Van
Day 3: Dong Van - Ma Pi Leng - Meo Vac
Day 4: Meo Vac - Mau Due - Du Gia
Day 5: Du Gia -  Ha Giang

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