Ha Giang
The far north, on the Chinese border: the Dong Van Karst Plateau is a UNESCO Global Geopark of grey stone, deep gorges and villages where H’Mong, Lo Lo, Tay and Dao families farm maize between the rocks. The loop road through it is one of the great drives in Asia.
Highlights
- Ma Pi Leng Pass, cut into the cliff above the Nho Que River gorge
- A boat into Tu San Canyon, the deepest canyon in Southeast Asia
- Quan Ba Heaven Gate and the Twin Mountains above the Tam Son valley
- Tham Ma Pass, the Vuong family mansion at Sa Phin and the old quarter of Dong Van
- Nights in family homestays in Yen Minh, Dong Van or Du Gia
Best time to visit
September to November for clear air and buckwheat flowers; March and April for peach and plum blossom. Roads are harder in the heavy rains of July and August.
Getting there
About 6–7 hours from Hanoi, usually on an overnight sleeper bus. The loop itself is ridden pillion with an experienced easy rider, or by jeep or private car.
How long to stay
Three days on the loop, plus travel nights either side.
Where to stay
Nights on the loop are spent in family homestays in Yen Minh, Dong Van, Du Gia or Meo Vac, usually a stilt house or a family home with simple rooms and shared meals. Ha Giang city has ordinary hotels for the night before or after.
What to eat
Thang co, au tau porridge, five-colour sticky rice and men men, steamed corn meal. Buckwheat cakes appear in autumn, and corn wine is poured at almost every homestay dinner.
Good to know
- Roads are generally in good condition, but landslides and roadworks happen; travel insurance is worth having.
- The Khau Vai love market at Meo Vac is held on the 26th and 27th days of the third lunar month.
- Bring warm layers: mornings on the plateau are cold even in spring.
Combine with
Tours that visit Ha Giang
Questions about Ha Giang? Message us on WhatsApp +84 345 827 501 or email booking@hynatravel.com.