Ha Giang route - a challenging and exciting adventure. That is the name that many adventure-loving tourists cannot ignore when coming to the northern highlands of Vietnam.
The northern highlands of Vietnam are home to winding roads through majestic canyons and breathtaking mountain passes. The Ha Giang route is a dream come true for adventurous travelers craving the open road. To conquer this route, travelers need to carefully prepare their vehicles, charge their batteries, and be ready for unforgettable experiences.
This 4-day route follows QL4C northeast from Ha Giang to Bao Lam and QL34 southwest from Bao Lam to Ha Giang.
Day 1: Ha Giang City to Yen Minh
Morning
Have an early breakfast in Ha Giang city before hitting the road. As you head north on Highway 4C, the landscape takes on a new look with limestone mountains covered in lush jungle. Soon you’ll reach the Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Heaven's Gate Pass
An adventure to Heaven's Gate Pass - where you can admire the majestic scenery and challenge yourself with the dangerous roads. This is a unique opportunity for visitors to the Ha Giang Route for the first time.
Bon bon from Cong Troi Pass to Tam Son, you will reach a town surrounded by jutting forest hills. Just in time for lunch. Here restaurants and roadside stalls serve traditional northern Vietnamese dishes. As anywhere in Vietnam, you can always find a cup of delicious Vietnamese coffee.
Noon
After refuelling, continue on QL4C towards Yen Minh. The road follows the beautiful Mien River before crossing a high gorge. Speed through limestone plateaus and mountain passes before reaching Yen Minh, where you can rest at a local hotel for the evening.
Yen Minh
TIP: It's a good idea to book hotels or hostels in advance when staying in small towns; the best accommodations fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
Day 2: Vietnam Border
Morning
Enjoy a hot bowl of pho for breakfast before setting off for Dong Van, following QL4C northeast. The steep road quickly rises above the tree line, revealing an otherworldly landscape of eroded limestone mountains and incredible views at every turn.
Nine Bends Pass
Doc Chin Khoanh (Nine-bend Pass) is a great place to stop and admire the winding roads that gradually descend into the valley below. Stop in the Sa Phin area to buy food and refuel.
Noon
After 3 hours you will arrive at Lung Cu Flag Tower. The 360-degree views of the Vietnam-China border are worth a visit. Returning to QL4C, there are many beautiful scenes on the way to Dong Van that you can enjoy.
Lung Cu Flagpole
Dong Van is also where you will stop to rest on the first day of the journey. In the evening or early morning, take the time to visit the local market here and see the ethnic minorities in colorful costumes doing business.
TIP: Be sure to check with your host or homestay in Dong Van about the dates and times of the local markets. It’s a cultural experience you won’t want to miss.
Day 3: Dong Van Pass and Ma Pi Leng
Morning
This is the time when you will be driving on what is arguably the most spectacular stretch of road in Vietnam. From Dong Van to Ma Pi Leng Pass, the valley floor seems to disappear below you as you pass through majestic peaks and gorges. The only thing you have to consider is how often you will stop to take photos, as there are so many picturesque views at every turn.
Ma Pi Leng Pass
Meo Vac is only 24 km from Dong Van, but it will take you most of the morning to get there if you stop to take in the views along the way. Once there, enjoy this quaint town with its many different colours. Meo Vac also has plenty of options for lunch.
Noon
For a quick detour, turn left from QL4C at the end of Ma Pi Leng Pass onto secondary road 193A. This is a short but interesting drive, as you can get a closer look at the winding Nho Que River below.
End your day in Bao Lam with a stay in a small village where you will be greeted by the warm and friendly locals. Spend a few hours relaxing in this remote setting and get ready for the drive back to Ha Giang the following morning.
Day 4: Return to Ha Giang city
Morning
Start the last day of the trip with a simple breakfast and pack for the return trip to Ha Giang. From Bao Lam, follow Highway 34 southwest towards Ha Giang. The road mostly follows the Gam River, making for an interesting ride along the valley floor. The return trip to Ha Giang will still have many twists and turns and a few mountain passes, but not as winding and dangerous as the outbound trip.
Stop in Bac Me for a bite to eat at one of the local eateries. As you get closer to the city, you’ll see fewer and fewer towns.
Noon
Return to Ha Giang City and enjoy modern amenities after the journey of the past four days.
Useful tips
What will you get on this journey?
You will travel through the far north of Vietnam and experience the lack of modern conveniences as you leave Ha Giang. Be sure to bring enough cash as ATMs are scarce.
How to experience this journey?
Regular day and night buses depart from My Dinh bus station in Hanoi to Ha Giang. Private/contracted tours and buses can also be found online or through travel agencies in the capital.
You can check out tours and private/contracted buses on travel websites or through travel agencies in Hanoi.
Motorbike rental
When you arrive in Ha Giang by bus, you may need a motorbike if you want to visit different places. You can easily find motorbikes for rent in Ha Giang city. Both Honda and Kawasaki Service Centers are located in the town.
Road conditions and safety
The roads on this route are mostly in good condition, but obstacles and construction can appear at any time. To be safe, use caution around curves, drive during the day, and stop after dark.
(According to 24h, March 5, 2024)
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