We spent 8 fantastic days in Ha Giang and, in addition to the standard route, also visited extra spots along the way, so instead of the usual 350km, we covered 800km. Now, we’re sharing all our first-hand tips so you can have the best possible adventure!
The Ha Giang Loop is a 3-day motorbike adventure covering 350km, taking you through stunning limestone cliffs, valleys, and charming villages in the northern Vietnam province of Ha Giang, located about 300km north of Hanoi.
In this guide, you can find our detailed Ha Giang Loop maps of the 350km loop, with clearly marked sections which include visits to all the main attractions on the way. These maps and driving directions will help you easily navigate between the different towns on the correct roads.
Interested in a guided Ha Giang Loop? Check our recommended tours.
- Self-drive tours (you drive, but a guide comes with you)
- Easy Rider tours (guide drives, you go as a passenger)
- Loop tour by Car (driver and guide)
Map of the whole Ha Giang Loop route
You can click here to see the detailed map or use our interactive map below.
⭐ Click or tap the star icon on the map to save it to your Google Maps, so you can easily access it later in the app.
Route details
The starting point of the Ha Giang Loop is in Ha Giang City, about 300km north of Hanoi. From there, the loop follows the road QL4C from Ha Giang through Tam Son, Yen Minh, to Dong Van, and Meo Vac.
Then, the DT182 and DT176 take you to Du Gia (Lang Cac) before heading back north on DT176 to reach DT181 for the return trip to Ha Giang City.
Ha Giang Loop finishes in Ha Giang City, where it also starts. While it’s not an exact loop (see our map), its starting and ending points are the same.
TRAVEL TIP
Always start the drive from one place to another early in the morning – the best way to see the most in each day and avoid crowds.
We suggest leaving at 9 am at the latest! You’ll be stopping a lot on the way, and you don’t want to be driving much in the dark, trust us.
Day by Day Itinerary with driving directions
The 4-day Ha Giang Loop itinerary includes 3 nights on the loop, giving you four full days to drive around and explore all the main spots.
We highly recommend following this itinerary, so you can have enough time and don’t need to rush the whole time. There are ways to speed it up, though, like driving all the way to Du Gia on day 2 instead of sleeping in Meo Vac.
Time needed: 4 days
Ha Giang Loop 350km Route
- Ha Giang
- Tam Son
- Yen Minh
- Dong Van
- Meo Vac
- Du Gia
- Ha Giang
Vietnam trip
MUST-HAVE ✔
💳 Save money when changing currencies or taking out cash by bringing a backup travel card. Oh, and in case an ATM swallows your card. Yes, it happened to us. 🤦♂️
🔌 Bring a Universal Travel Adapter with fast-charging capabilities (45W and Power Delivery).
📶 Stay online by getting an eSIM. You can get our favorite eSIM at a 10% discount.
Day 1
- Route: Ha Giang City – Tam Son – Dong Van, 150km, 4 to 5 hours of driving
- Accommodation: Quang Trung Guesthouse, Nha Co Lao Xa Hmong Homestay
- Places visited: Heaven’s Gate, Twin/Fairy Hills, Yen Minh, Tham Ma Pass
- Optional places to visit: Lung Khuy Cave, Lung Tam Village, Hmong King Palace, Lung Cu Flagpole (Northernmost Point of Vietnam)
The first day of the Ha Giang Loop usually involves the most driving, as you try to reach Dong Van, about 150km away.
Most travelers usually choose to stay in Dong Van for the first night of the Ha Giang Loop. However, Yen Minh is a better choice if you’re taking it slow. If you go straight to Dong Van, you can see a lot in one day. But if you’re short on time, it’s still definitely doable.
Day 2
- Route: Dong Van – Skywalk – Ma Pi Leng Pass – Tu San Canyon – Meo Vac, 25km, 1 hour of driving
- Accommodation: Lo Lo Homestay
- Places visited: Skywalk, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Tu San Canyon, Nho Que River Boat Trip, Meo Vac
- Optional places to visit: Dong Van Market (Sundays only)
Starting your second day of the Ha Giang Loop in Dong Van, you can begin with a drive to Lung Cu Flagpole if you didn’t manage on Day 1. Otherwise, if you’re there on a Sunday, check out the Dong Van Market.
Then, continue your journey towards Meo Vac, stopping by the famous Skywalk and finally crossing the stunning Ma Pi Leng Pass, which offers fabulous views of the Tu San Canyon.
Once across, go for a boat ride on the Nho Que River through the Tu San Canyon you saw from the road above.
Meo Vac is an excellent choice for the second night and offers a nice variety of accommodations. If you don’t plan to visit many things on this day, you might already be able to go to Du Gia. But we recommend taking your time in the area between Dong Van and Meo Vac, as it’s the most beautiful part of the loop.
Day 3
- Route: Meo Vac – Du Gia, 75km, 3 hours of driving
- Accommodation: Muong Tra Garden Homestay, Chien’s Lodge
- Places visited: Roadside viewpoints, Du Gia Waterfall
- Optional places to visit: Meo Vac Market (Sundays only)
On day 3, depart early from Meo Vac. If it’s a Sunday, check out the Meo Vac Market. Otherwise, start your journey towards Du Gia. On the way, pass by stunning roadside viewpoints like the “M shape turn Viewpoint” before reaching the village.
Day 4
- Route: Du Gia – Ha Giang, 115km, 3.5 hours of driving
- Accommodation: Odyssey Hostel, Be’s Home, or late sleeper bus to Hanoi
- Places visited: Viewpoints on the road
- Optional places to visit: Any places you missed around Tam Son on day 1, like Lung Khuy Cave or Lung Tam Village
- Important note: Do not take the road south out of Du Gia! It is badly damaged, muddy, and easy to get hurt on.
On your last day, leave Du Gia early for Ha Giang City and stop at some amazing viewpoints of valleys and mountains. This is also the time to visit some spots around Tam Son/Quan Ba, like Lung Khuy Cave, which you might not have had time for on the first day.
If you have extra time on the last day, we recommend going slow and not rushing back to Ha Giang. This means you’ll need to sleep in the city and continue your travel the next day, but it’s absolutely worth it. Go for a relaxed lunch, take in the views, and take it easy.
Otherwise, you can catch the night sleeper bus to Hanoi.
On the way back from Du Gia to Ha Giang, you can also take the alternative route through Thuan Hoa instead of Tam Son.
It’s shorter and very scenic, passing over a high mountain pass with several waterfalls, some right by the road.
Continue your Ha Giang Loop trip planning
- Must-read: Things to know before driving the loop (detailed guide)
- Organized trip: Best Guided Tours (self-drive or with driver)
- How-to: Different Ways To Do the Loop (easy riders – self-drive – car)
