Ha Giang, located in the far north of Vietnam, is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, winding mountain passes, and authentic ethnic culture. If you are planning a motorbike trip or a road adventure, understanding the Ha Giang route is essential to make the most of your journey.
HA GIANG LOOP: ROUTE MAP
Hà Giang Router: A Motorbike Journey through the Extreme North Vietnam
Blue Line: main loop | Red Lines: side routes
This guide is mainly written for independent motorbike riders, but it’s just as useful for cyclists, car travelers, or anyone planning to explore the Hà Giang Loop with a driver or tour company. The route map includes not only the main loop but also side roads and optional extensions for those who want to go further.
In the Overview & Details section, you’ll find all the essential information you need before hitting the road: weather conditions, where to rent a motorbike, how long the journey takes, distances, accommodation options, food and drink, permits, police checkpoints, and a general outline of the route.
Each part of the Hà Giang Loop is described in detail, with recommendations for where to stay and eat, must-see attractions, side trips, and plenty of practical tips along the way. There’s also a dedicated section on Hà Giang City, since this is where most travelers begin and end their adventure.
Road Safety & Disclaimer: Riding a motorbike in Vietnam—or anywhere in the world—carries inherent risks. Anyone choosing to undertake a self-drive trip using the information provided on this website should do so with caution, respect, and due diligence. I strongly encourage safe riding and compliance with traffic laws, but I cannot be held responsible for how you ride, the legality of your actions, or any negative outcomes resulting from your decision to ride a motorbike in Vietnam. You do so entirely at your own risk.
Overview & Details of the Ha Giang Route
The classic Ha Giang route starts and ends in Ha Giang city (Km0 Ha Giamg), forming a loop through some of the most scenic destinations in the region. The main route typically follows:
QUICK DETAILS:
- Route: Hà Giang → Quản Bạ (Tam Sơn) → Yên Minh → Lũng Cú → Đồng Văn → Mèo Vạc → Mậu Duệ → Du Già → Hà Giang
- Distance: Approximately 384 km (main loop)
- Duration: 3–10 days depending on side trips and stops
- Best Time to Travel: March–May and September–November
- Scenery: limestone karsts, dramatic gorges, remote borderlands, waterfalls, traditional villages
- Scenic-Highlights breathtaking landscapes, winding mountain passes, great riding, historic architecture, homestays, waterfalls, hiking, and boat trips
- Road Conditions: steep and winding paved roads, occasional rough patches, generally light traffic with some busier stretches
The route offers majestic limestone karsts, deep valleys, remote borderlands, and traditional villages, making it a must-do for adventure travelers.
What to Expect on the Ha Giang Route
About Route Map:
Main Loop & Side Routes: The main route (marked in blue) forms a complete loop, but I’ve also added several scenic detours, alternative roads, and extensions (shown in red). [View Map]
Distance: The main loop covers 384 km. If you include side trips and extensions—which are highly recommended—the total distance will naturally increase.
Duration: I’ve broken the loop into 8 sections, each representing the stretch between two major towns. These sections are not meant to indicate full or half-day rides, as most travelers cover up to three sections in a single day. Riding only the main loop requires a minimum of three days, but adding side trips could easily extend your journey to a week or more. For the best experience and enough time to explore, 4–7 days is an ideal timeframe.
Connecting Routes: While most travelers begin and end their journey in Hà Giang City, there are several ways to branch off from the main loop and link with other fantastic routes to the east, west, and south. One option is to ride southeast from Mèo Vạc to Bảo Lạc in Cao Bằng Province (Section 6b), where you can connect to the Northeast Loops & Routes.
Alternatively, you could head west of Hà Giang City to join the Borders & Back-Roads route. To the south, there are further options such as the Tuyên Quang Magic 8 Loop and the Trans-Northern Belt Road. (See Related Routes for links to more motorbike guides in the region.)
Road Conditions
- Mostly paved roads with some rough patches
- Very mountainous terrain with winding passes
- Generally light traffic, though some sections near towns can be busy
Although most of the routes are currently in fairly good condition, there are still some rough sections, areas under repair, or parts prone to frequent landslides. I’ve highlighted warnings about these rough patches throughout this guide and on my map. In addition, you can check the comments on my fanpage for the latest updates.
Highlights & Check-in Spots in Ha Giang
1. Ha Giang City
- Ha Giang Km 0 milestone – the symbolic starting point of every journey.
- Cam Mountain – panoramic view of Ha Giang City.
- Ha Giang Central Market – shopping and experiencing local life.
2. Quan Ba
- Quan Ba Heaven Gate – the gateway to the Dong Van Karst Plateau.
- Twin Mountains (Fairy Bosom) – the iconic symbol of Ha Giang.
- Can Ty Linen Weaving Village – learn about traditional handcrafts.
3. Yen Minh
- Yen Minh Pine Forest – often called the “mini Da Lat of the North.”
- Yen Minh Town – a resting point for food and accommodation.
4. Dong Van
- Sung La Valley – famous as the filming location of The Story of Pao.
- Ancient H’mong House in Lung Cam Village – unique traditional architecture.
- Pho Bang Ancient Town – a peaceful old town.
- Hmong King’s Palace (Vuong Family Mansion) – historic and architectural highlight.
- Dong Van Old Quarter – night market, coffee shops, ancient houses.
- Dong Van Sunday Market – the most vibrant ethnic market in the area.
5. Mèo Vạc
- Ma Pi Leng Pass – one of Vietnam’s most spectacular mountain passes.
- “Death Cliff” (Sky Path) – a daring photo spot for adventurers.
- Nho Que River & Tu San Canyon – boat ride through the deepest canyon in Southeast Asia.
- Meo Vac Sunday Market – a lively ethnic highland market.
6. Lung Cu
- Lung Cu Flag Tower – the northernmost point of Vietnam.
- Lo Lo Chai Village – cultural experience and authentic homestays.
- Then Pa Terraced Fields – breathtaking during rice harvest season.
7. Hoang Su Phì
- Hoang Su Phi Terraced Rice Fields – a national heritage site, best in September–October.
- Nam Ty, Thong Nguyen, Ban Luoc Villages – top photography spots for rice terraces.
- Hoang Su Phi Sunday Market – gathering of Dao, Nung, and Tay ethnic groups.
8. Bac Me – Na Hang
- Bac Me Waterfalls – pristine and less touristy.
- Na Hang Ecological Lake (Tuyen Quang) – often combined with Ha Giang tours.
9. Cultural Experiences & Festivals
- Highland weekly markets (Dong Van, Meo Vac, Quan Ba, Hoang Su Phi).
- Mong Khen Festival (Hmong flute festival).
- Traditional New Year of the Dao and Lo Lo ethnic groups.
As well as the riding, there’s a lot to see and do on the Hà Giang Loop. In my guide, I’ve included recommendations of sights and excursions along the way. These include historic buildings, hikes, viewpoints, waterfalls, gorges, villages, and much more. On the road, look out for the dozens of informative plaques, which give details about nearby areas of interest.
Activities Along the Route
- Hiking to viewpoints and waterfalls
- Visiting local markets and homestays
- Exploring historical forts and cultural landmarks
- Photography of dramatic landscapes and ethnic life
Planning Your Ha Giang Route Trip
Weather & Time of Year:
The best conditions are from March to May and from September to November, when the weather is warm and clear, the landscapes are vibrant, and rainfall is minimal. Winters (December to February) can be bitterly cold, while summers (June to August) bring heavy rains. Yet, the beauty of Hà Giang is so striking that even in less-than-ideal weather, most riders still find the loop enjoyable.
Motorbike Rentals
- Available in Ha Giang city, Yen Minh, and Dong Van
- Recommended bikes: Honda Win, Honda XR150, or modern scooters for comfort
There are lots of motorbike rental outlets in Hà Giang City, almost all of which are on the east side of the river on Nguyễn Thái Học Street and the blocks behind. Try to find a place with a printed price list (usually by the day), good helmets and staff that speak some English. You’ll need to leave some form of identification as deposit, but resist leaving your passport as you’ll need it for the journey. If there are no other options, take photos and/or photocopies.
Some recommendations: Top 10 Motorbike Rental Shops in Ha Giang
Accommodation
- Range from budget homestays to mid-range hotels
- Key stops for overnight stay: Ha Giang city, Yen Minh, Dong Van, Meo Vac, Du Gia
All towns on the loop now have a decent range of overnight options, including hotels, mini-resorts, boutiques, guest houses, hostels and, best of all, homestays. The latter are not just located in the towns; they’re dotted all around the countryside. In most cases, you can just turn up and find a bed, even at busy times (although that’s not always the case with food: see below). In this guide, I’ve included recommendations of places to stay in each section of the loop.
Food & Local Delicacies
If you want to stay in a homestay and you want to eat well, try to book at least one day in advance and tell them you want dinner. With Google chat, Facebook and Instagram, this has become easier than ever, even if you don’t speak a word of Vietnamese. If you don’t tell them you’re coming ahead of time, then you may have to settle for instant noodles for dinner. In the towns, there’s plenty of food available at mealtimes. I’ve included recommendations of places to eat in each section of this guide.
- Try local specialties: Thang Co (horse meat stew), corn wine, mèn mén(steamed corn powder) & Five-colored Sticky Rice, Egg Steamed Rice Rolls
- Small restaurants and street food available in main towns
See more: Ha Giang Food Guide
Safety Tips
- Check weather conditions, especially during rainy season
- Fuel stations are limited in remote areas; always refill in towns
- Keep ID and relevant permits handy at checkpoints
Optional Side Routes and Extensions
- Du Gia Detour: For eco-lodges, waterfalls, and jungle trails
- Ma Pi Leng Loop: Adds extra mountain passes and photo opportunities
- Lung Cu Extension: For ethnic village visits and the northernmost Vietnam marker
The Ha Giang route is more than just a travel itinerary – it’s an adventure through some of the most spectacular and untouched landscapes of Vietnam. Whether you’re riding a motorbike, driving a 4×4, or exploring by bicycle, planning your route carefully ensures a safe, memorable, and inspiring journey.
