Ha Giang Loop
A 3 To 4 Day Loop Through Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark (UNESCO Global Geopark, 2010), Over The Ma Pi Leng Pass Above The Nho Que River Gorge, Among Hmong, Lo Lo And Dao Villages. Ridden Mostly By Motorbike With An Easy Rider Or On A Guided Van Tour. · Ha Giang, Ha Giang
The Ha Giang Loop is a motorbike-and-van circuit of about 350 km through the far northern highlands, close to the Chinese border, inside Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. It runs 3 to 4 days from Ha Giang town through Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van and Meo Vac, over the Ma Pi Leng Pass above the Nho Que river canyon, past Hmong, Lo Lo and Dao villages and terraced limestone fields. It is one of the most dramatic road trips in Vietnam, and also one of the most dangerous: the road is steep, rough and wet, and serious accidents happen every year. Most travellers ride with an easy rider, a local driver, or take a guided van. The loop has become very popular and is busier and more littered than it was. Go for the scenery, choose your driver carefully, and respect the villages you pass. Fuel and cash machines are few, rain and fog change the plan, and homestays with shared meals and rice wine are the heart of the trip. Pick the season, book ahead, and ride only if you truly can. Expect crowds at the famous viewpoints in the busy months.
Circuit of about 350 km through the far northern highlands from Ha Giang town via Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van and Meo Vac, with the Ma Pi Leng Pass as its high point, Ha Giang, Ha Giang, Vietnam
The roads are open all year, but fog, rain and landslides can close sections, mostly from June to August. Sights and markets keep daytime hours, and the Sunday market at Dong Van runs in the morning. Plan to finish each day's riding well before dark. Confirm road conditions with your homestay.