High in the north of Vietnam is a place where the road winds through jaw-dropping canyons and breathtaking mountain passes. The Ha Giang loop is a dream come true for adventures travellers craving the open road. Pack your gear, charge your batteries, and prepare for an adventure.
This Ha Giang tour 4 days follows the QL4C northeast from Ha Giang to Bao Lam, and the QL34 southwest from Bao Lam back to Ha Giang.
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| Photo by trungydang |
Day 1: Ha Giang City to Yen Minh
Morning
Get an early breakfast in Ha Giang city before hitting the road. As you head north on the QL4C, the landscape quickly transforms into a limestone mountain range, covered with lush jungle. Soon you’ll reach the Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO Global Geopark. The highlight of this section of the trip is Heaven’s Gate Pass, where you’ll get your first taste of exhilarating views along with challenging, tight curves.
Cruising down from Heaven’s Gate Pass, you’ll arrive in Tam Sơn -- a town surrounded by jutting, forested hills -- just in time for lunch. Here the restaurants and road stalls serve classic Northern Vietnamese fare. And like anywhere else in the country, a great Vietnamese coffee is not hard to find.
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| Photo by pxhere |
Afternoon
Once you’re refuelled, continue on the QL4C towards Yên Minh. The road follows the beautiful Mien River before climbing through a tall canyon. Cruise though karst plateaus and mountain passes before arriving at Yen Minh, where you can settle in at a local hotel for the evening.
Day 2: The Vietnamese Border
Morning
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| Photo by collect on the internet |
Enjoy a steaming bowl of pho for breakfast before you set off for Dong Van, taking the QL4C northeast. The steep road quickly rises above the tree line, revealing an otherworldly landscape of eroded limestone karsts with incredible views at every turn. Doc Chin Khoanh (Nine Turn Pass), is a great place to stop and admire the sets of curved roads descending into the valley below. Stop in the Sà Phìn area for food and fuel.
Afternoon
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| Photo by Vietnam Typical Tours |
A three-hour detour takes you to the Lung Cu Flag Tower. The 360-degree views over the border into China are worth the effort. Back on the QL4C, you’ll have no shortage of stunning views on the way to Đong Van, where you’ll stay. Set aside time to visit a local market, either at night or in the early morning, and see the colourful ethnic minorities going about their business.
Day 3: Đồng Văn and Mã Pí Lèng Passes
Morning
Today you’ll encounter what is arguably the most mind-blowing stretch of road in all of Vietnam. From Đong Van all the way to Ma Pi Leng Pass, the valley floor drops far below as you wind your way through massive peaks and canyons. The only problem may be the number of stops you feel compelled to make, as every turn is full of picture-perfect views.
Meo Vac is only 24 kilometres from Đong Van, but it will take most of your morning to reach it, if you stop to appreciate the panoramic views along the way. Once there, enjoy this quaint town, which has colourful character and more than a few options for lunch.
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| Photo by Hoach Le Dinh |
Afternoon
For a quick detour, take a left off of QL4C at the bottom of Ma Pi Leng Pass onto side road 193A. It’s a short but fun ride offering a closer look at the winding Nho Que River below.
You’ll finish the day in Bao Lam, a small hamlet with wonderfully warm locals. Spend a few hours relaxing in this remote setting, readying yourself for the drive back to Ha Giang in the morning.
Day 4: Back to Ha Giang City
Morning
Start the last day of your trip with a simple breakfast and stock up on provisions to make the journey back to Ha Giang. From Bao Lam, take QL34 southwest towards Hà Giang. The road follows the Gam River most of the time, making for an enjoyable drive along the valley floor. There will still be plenty of twists and a few passes but nothing as strenuous as before.
Stop in Bac Me for bite at one of the local food stalls. You’ll find fewer towns in the last stretch before reaching the city.
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| Photo by collect on the internet |
Afternoon
Arrive back in Ha Giang City and treat yourself to some modern comforts after all the miles travelled over the last four days.
Departing daily to Ha Giang from Hanoi, this tour has been chosen by many visitors, so there is no reason for you to refuse it. See detail at: vietnamtypicaltours.com/tour/ha-giang-group-tour-4-days-daily-tour/