Ha Giang Tours

Why visit Ha Giang

Ha Giang is the place to go for big mountain scenery and long, rewarding days on the road. The Loop climbs from Ha Giang city through Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van and Meo Vac, crossing passes with views over terraced corn fields, stone-walled Hmong houses and the Nho Que River far below. Much of the route lies within the Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark, home to Hmong, Dao, Lo Lo and Tay communities.

Top things to do in Ha Giang

• Ride the Loop with an easy rider: sit behind an experienced local driver who handles the steep bends while you watch the scenery, which is safer than riding yourself on unfamiliar mountain roads.
• Cross Ma Pi Leng Pass: the road between Dong Van and Meo Vac runs along the cliffs high above the Nho Que River and Tu San Canyon.
• Take a boat on the Nho Que River: a short boat ride at the foot of the pass shows you the canyon walls from below.
• Visit a Sunday market: Dong Van and Meo Vac hold busy markets where families come in from the hills to trade livestock, produce and clothing.
• See Lung Cu and the Hmong King's Palace: stand at the flag tower near Vietnam's northernmost point, then visit the Vuong family mansion in Sa Phin.

Best time to visit

September to November is the favourite season, with drier roads, clear views and pink and white buckwheat flowers from October into November. March to May is also pleasant, with warm days and green hillsides. June to August is the rainy season, when landslides can close roads for a time. December to February is cold and foggy, and temperatures on the high passes can drop close to freezing.

Getting there

Ha Giang city is about 300 km north of Hanoi, around 6 to 7 hours by road. Most travellers go by limousine van, sleeper bus or private car, by day or overnight. The Loop starts and ends in Ha Giang city, and three or four days on the road lets you cover the main passes without rushing.