Why to visit Motorbiking Ha Giang Loop
Regarded as perhaps the most beautiful and adventurous motorbike tour in Vietnam, the Ha Giang Loop, about 300-350 km, will take one through some breathtaking mountains, deep valleys, and ethnic minority villages. These serpentine roads, coupled with sharp curves, make for an exciting journey for adventurous travellers.
Motorbiking usually takes 3 to 5 days, depending on how many stops one makes. This journey offers amazing mountain scenery, limestone karst, and famous terraced rice fields, not forgetting the iconic Ma Pi Leng Pass. The roads here are steep and full of sharp turns with breathtaking viewpoints. The main highlights of the area are:
- Dong Van Karst Plateau: A UNESCO Global Geopark with unique formations in limestone.
- Ma Pi Leng Pass: Probably the most beautiful mountain pass in Vietnam, with an amazing panorama down the Nho Que River.
- Lung Cu Flag Tower: It marks the far northern point in Vietnam, right on the border with China. Quan Ba Heaven's Gate: A mountain pass offering good views over the "Twin Mountains."
The Ha Giang Loop gives you a good chance to be surrounded by ethnic minority cultures: the H'mong, the Tay, and the Dao.
Get prepared for this adventure
- Motorbike Rentals: These are easily found around Ha Giang City. Go for semi-automatic or manual bikes.
- Road Conditions: Some are perfectly paved, while others are full of bumps and challenges.
- Best Time to Visit: September to November of the dry season and from March to May for the green rice fields.
Other Things to Do on the Ha Giang Loop
- Try Local Food: Thang co, horse meat soup, and corn wine in Dong Van.
- Interact with Locals: Traditional markets and ethnic minority groups.
- Photo shoots: Landscapes for photography and mountain passes are ideal.
Places to Visit Nearby
- Dong Van Old Town: 50 km away
- Nho Que River Boat Ride: 10 km away
- Lung Cam Cultural Village: 30 km away
Visitor Information
- Motorbike Rental Cost: 150,000 - 300,000 VND/day
- Permit Required: Yes, a travel permit is required for border areas. It can be obtained in Ha Giang City for ~230,000 VND.
- Average Duration: 3 to 5 days
Distance
Ha Giang City to Ma Pi Leng Pass: 150 km (~5 hours by motorbike)
