Ha Giang Loop Vietnam : A Scenic Route Not to Be Missed

Young people who are passionate about backpacking around the world have recently created a tourism trend stemming from the hashtag Ha Giang loops (#hagiangloop) spread on social networks. The road that winds through the four highland districts of Ha Giang with some jaw-dropping mountainous scenes is becoming more and more enchanting. For any nature enthusiast, including tourists who travel on motorcycles and 4-wheel cars, this road is among the must-do's in life. In particular, this awe-inspiring route was once honored as one of the most impressive backpacking routes in the world.

So what makes the Ha Giang loop so attractive?

1. Ha Giang Loops distance and highlights

Ha Giang Loops, also known as Happiness Road, follows QL4C, starting from the Gac Di bridge of Ha Giang City and passing through 4 highland districts including Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van and Meo Vac. The stretch of the road is 185 km from its first point in Ha Giang City to Meo Vac town. If you travel reverse from Meo Vac to Ha Giang City with a detour, the total length is around 350 km.

Photo: Nguyen Minh Tuan

This route winds through mountain hollows, high passes, deep abysses, geological faults and canyons. In particular, the road was built through Ma Pi Leng Pass - one of the four great passes of Vietnam, and the residence area of 19 ethnic groups rich in identity with great cuisine and attractive indigenous culture. Ha Giang Loop really showcases the quintessence and wonderful beauty of Northeast Vietnam.

The name Happiness Road (Con Duong Hanh Phuc) was given to Ha Giang Loop by Uncle Ho in 1965, with the desire to bring a positive change to the poor borderland in the northernmost part of Vietnam. And reality proves that convenient transportation has brought about a better life day by day for local people here.

View from Ma Pi Leng Pass to Nho Que River

Take a boat trip through Tu San Abyss Alley

Today, Ha Giang Loop is considered the most spectacular road in Vietnam when it is associated with famous tourist destinations such as Ma Pi Leng Pass, Bac Sum Slope, Tham Ma Pass, Quan Ba Heaven Gate, Chin Khoanh Ramp, White Cliff, and Ha Giang Ancient streets. Besides, the loop also connects many other heritage sites, monuments, and major landscapes of Ha Giang as you can see on the map below.

Ha Giang Loop Highlights

>> See more: Top things to do in Ha Giang

For adventure travellers, you can experience the feeling of driving through the pine forest, on the mountain's roads, and experience twists and turns. Along the way, there is no shortage of majestic mountainous scenery, abyss alleys, valleys and hills, which highly feature Northwest Vietnam.

Travelling through Happiness Road or Ha Giang Loop at different times, visitors will encounter different wonderful scenes such as peach forests blooming in spring, rice fields ripening in 2 seasons of the year, buckwheat flower fields.

>> See more: When to take Ha Giang Loops?

2. Suggestions for Ha Giang Loop itinerary

2.1. Ha Giang tour by motorbike

Tham Ma Pass - an impressive turn on Ha Giang loop

If you have 4 days to discover Ha Giang on a budget, it is possible to take a tour by motorbike. This route follows QL4C and starts from Ha Giang City. 

>> See more: How to get from Hanoi to Ha Giang?

Day 1: Arrive in Ha Giang city, start your journey. On the way, stop for stunning views at Bac Sum Slope, Quan Ba Heaven Gate, Yen Minh Pine Tree.

Day 2: Then ride through Tham Ma Pass, Chin Khoanh ramp descending a beautiful valley. Stop to visit Hmong King’s Place, Lung Cu Flag Tower.

Day 3: Spend your morning in the quaint town of Dong Van. From Dong Van to Meo Vac, you can appreciate the panoramic views of Ma Pi Leng Pass, Tu San Abyss Alley.

Day 4: Drive back to Ha Giang city 

Small notes:

• You absolutely should not go on the Ha Giang loop at night, because the pass at night lacks light as well as people, which is very dangerous.
• If you're riding a motorbike on your own, the steering wheel must be steady, don't go too fast, pay attention to the road signs and especially the bends.
• Before departure, make sure to prepare enough protective gear, food, water and carefully check that your tank is full of gasoline.

2.2. Ha Giang Loop by car

Photo: Nguyen Minh Tuan

Besides motorbikes, cars are a popular way to fulfill your dream of this mind-blowing road trip. Instead of travelling back to Ha Giang city, with car and driver, you can continue your trip from Meo Vac to Ba Be and finish your trip in Hanoi within 5 days.

Day 1: Arrive in Ha Giang City. Explore local villages where ethnic minorities reside.

Day 2: Today you will follow a winding but beautiful road, stop at Quan Ba Heaven Gate, Twin Fairy Mountains, Tham Ma Pass, Geological Plateau Park, H’mong King’s Palace

Day 3: Set aside time to visit Dong Van market, maybe enjoy breakfast there. Then continue to Ma Pi Leng pass, optional boat trip on Nho Que river. Explore some ethnic groups’ villages.

Day 4: Follow the road to Ba Be. Spend time in the tranquil setting of Ba Be lake and Pac Ngoi village, explore Hua Ma cave by bike.

Day 5: Once being refuelled, visit an impressive Dau Dang waterfall and a Puong cave. Back to Hanoi city, you can treat yourself to some comfort massage after an exciting Ha Giang journey.

Small note:

The local ethnic markets in Ha Giang are a unique cultural experience you shouldn’t miss. Therefore, set aside time to visit and do not forget to check about the exact time when the market happens to accordingly arrange your plan if possible.

Dong Van Market

>> Check details and price of the 5-day Ha Giang and Northeast Vietnam Tour

Ha Giang Loop Map

Hopefully, Vietnam’s breathtaking sceneries like the Ha Giang loops have inspired you to pack your luggage and discover the world. Vietnam also boasts plenty of other natural wonders waiting for you to discover. If you need any assistance or advice, please feel free to contact Izitour at sm@izitour.com or leave us a message here. We will contact you as soon as possible.