The Ha Giang loop: a four-day journey

High in the north of Vietnam is a location where the road winds through jaw-dropping canyons and breathtaking hill passes. The Ha Giang loop is a desire happened for journeys travellers yearning the open roadway. Load your gear, charge your batteries, and also get ready for an experience.
This four-day course complies with the QL4C northeast from Hà Giang to Bảo Lâm, and also the QL34 southwest from Bảo Lâm back to Hà Giang.

Day 1: Ha Giang City to Yen Minh

Early morning

Obtain an early morning meal in Hà Giang city before hitting the road. As you head north on the QL4C, the landscape rapidly transforms right into a limestone range of mountains, covered with rich jungle. Quickly you’ll get to the Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO Global Geopark. The highlight of this section of the journey is Heaven’s Entrance Pass, where you’ll obtain your first taste of exciting views in addition to challenging, tight contours.

Cruising down from Paradise’s Gate Pass, you’ll show up in Tam Sơn– a community bordered by jutting, forested hillsides– in the nick of time for lunch. Below the dining establishments and also roadway delays serve timeless Northern Vietnamese fare. And also like anywhere else in the country, a great Vietnamese coffee is not hard to locate.

Mid-day

As soon as you’re refuelled, continue the QL4C in the direction of Yên Minh. The road complies with the stunning Deportment River prior to climbing up with a tall canyon. Cruise ship though karst plateaus and also hill passes before coming to Yên Minh, where you can work out in at a local resort for the night.

Day 2: The Vietnamese Boundary

Early morning

Take pleasure in a steaming bowl of pho for breakfast before you set off for Dong Van, taking the QL4C northeast. The high road promptly rises above the timberline, disclosing a transcendent landscape of eroded sedimentary rock karsts with extraordinary views every which way. Dốc Chín Khoanh (Nine Turn Pass), is a great location to stop and admire the collections of curved roads coming down into the valley listed below. Stop in the Sà Phìn area for food as well as gas.

Mid-day

A three-hour detour takes you to the Lũng Cú Flag Tower. The 360-degree sights over the boundary right into China are worth the effort. Back on the QL4C, you’ll have no lack of spectacular sights en route to Đồng Văn, where you’ll stay. Reserve time to visit a regional market, either during the night or in the morning, and also see the colourful ethnic minorities tackling their company.

Day 3: Đồng Văn as well as Mã Pí Lèng Passes

Early morning

Today you’ll encounter what is perhaps one of the most mind-blowing stretch of roadway in all of Vietnam. From Đồng Văn right to Mã Pí Lèng Pass, the valley floor drops far listed below as you wind your means via enormous tops as well as canyons. The only problem may be the variety of stops you feel forced to make, as every turn is full of picture-perfect views.

Mèo Vạc is only 24 kilometres from Đồng Văn, however it will take a lot of your morning to reach it, if you quit to value the breathtaking sights along the way. Once there, appreciate this enchanting town, which has vibrant personality and greater than a couple of options for lunch.

Mid-day

For a fast detour, take an ended of QL4C at the end of Mã Pí Lèng Pass onto side road 193A. It’s a short but enjoyable flight providing a closer check out the winding Nho Quế River below.

You’ll end up the day in Bảo Lâm, a tiny community with splendidly warm locals. Invest a few hours kicking back in this remote setting, readying on your own for the drive back to Hà Giang in the morning.

Day 4: Back to Hà Giang City

Early morning

Beginning the last day of your journey with a basic breakfast as well as stock up on stipulations to make the trip back to Ha Giang. From Bảo Lâm, take QL34 southwest towards Hà Giang. The roadway adheres to the Gâm River most of the moment, creating a pleasurable drive along the valley floor. There will still be lots of twists and a few passes however nothing as laborious as before.

Stop in Bắc Mê for bite at among the local food stalls. You’ll locate fewer communities in the last stretch prior to reaching the city.

Mid-day

Show up back in Hà Giang City and also treat on your own to some contemporary comforts after all the miles traversed the last four days.

Practical Tips

What to Anticipate

You’ll be taking a trip with the northernmost part of Vietnam, as well as there are restricted sources as soon as beyond Ha Giang. Make certain to bring enough money, as ATMs are scarce.

Exactly how to Arrive

Daytime and also over night buses depart from My Dinh bus terminal in Hanoi for Ha Giang consistently. Exclusive transfers as well as excursions can also be found online or through scenic tour firms in the resources.

Motorbike

You can easily find motorbikes for lease in Hà Giang City. Both Honda as well as Kawasaki Solution Centres are available in town.

Road Issues and Safety

The roads of on this path remain in good condition for the most part, however, challenges and building and construction can turn up anytime. For security, approach contours with caution, drive throughout daylight hrs and stop after dark.