Ha Giang Loop Tour – A 4 – Day Guide to Vietnam’s Pinnacle Scenic Route (2025)
Latest 2025 update – for DIY riders or travellers booking a fully custom tour with Asian Rainbow Travel (ART).
1. What Is the Ha Giang Loop?
The Ha Giang Loop is a 350 km circuit that starts and ends in Ha Giang City, running through Quan Ba → Yen Minh → Dong Van → Meo Vac → Du Gia. Trip icons include the Ma Pi Leng Pass, Dong Van Karst Plateau, Lung Cu Flag Tower and Tu San Canyon.
2. Best Time to Go
| Months | Landscape | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mar – Apr | Peach & plum blossom | Chilly dawns – pack layers |
| May – Jun | Emerald rice terraces & irrigation season | Scattered showers – light raincoat |
| Sep – Oct | Golden rice in Hoang Su Phi | Peak season – book rooms early |
| Nov – Dec | Buckwheat & wild mustard bloom | Cold & windy on passes |
3. Suggested 4-Day Itinerary
Day 1 | Ha Giang → Quan Ba → Yen Minh (100 km)
- Snap the Quan Ba Heaven Gate viewpoint, see Fairy Twin Mountains.
- Evening street food in Yen Minh – try sour beef noodles.
Day 2 | Yen Minh → Lung Cu → Dong Van (90 km)
- Climb the Lung Cu Flag Tower – Vietnam’s northern tip.
- Coffee in Dong Van Old Quarter, overnight in an earthen-walled homestay.
Day 3 | Dong Van → Ma Pi Leng → Meo Vac → Du Gia (120 km)
- Conquer the Ma Pi Leng “King of Passes”.
- Kayak the emerald Nho Que River through Tu San Canyon.
- Late-afternoon swim and BBQ in Du Gia village.
Day 4 | Du Gia → Bac Me → Ha Giang (80 km)
- Stop at Nam Tau Waterfall for a final dip.
- Return bikes, feast on thang co stew & corn liquor before departure.
4. Culture & Cuisine Highlights
- Dong Van Sunday Market – riot of hill-tribe colours.
- Hmong Khene Festival (Aug lunar) – traditional reed-pipe dancing.
- Must-try dishes: buckwheat cakes, cháo ấu tẩu detox porridge, hand-pulled phở tráng kìm, smoked pork sausage.
5. Where to Stay & Bike Rental
| Area | Suggested Accommodation | Price from* |
|---|---|---|
| Ha Giang City | Mama’s Homestay (private) • Phoenix Hotel 4⭐ | US$15 – US$50 |
| Dong Van | Bụi Homestay • Hoang Ngoc Hotel 2⭐ | US$7 – US$26 |
| Du Gia | Du Gia View Homestay • Tom’s Du Gia Homestay | US$10 – US$16 |
*Reference rates for 2025 high season; may vary with exchange fluctuations.
Motorbike rental: US$7 – US$10 per day (check brakes, tyres, indicators).
Foreign riders: International Driving Permit (IDP) required.
6. Safety & Responsibility
- Certified helmet, gloves and knee guards are mandatory.
- No speeding – narrow passes & blind corners.
- Respect local culture: ask before photos, no candy money to kids.
- Leave no trace – do not pick buckwheat flowers.
7. FAQ
Q: How long does the full Loop take?
A: Minimum 3 days; 4 days lets you enjoy the Nho Que River and Du Gia at ease.
Q: Can I self-drive a car?
A: Yes, but use a high-clearance vehicle and experienced driver – some hair-pin bends are just one lane wide.
8. Plan a Custom Tour with Asian Rainbow Travel
Want a made-to-order itinerary – choose bike or car, luxury lodge or authentic homestay, trekking add-ons or photo workshops? Asian Rainbow Travel (ART) will handle the details:
- 100 % personalised schedule (motorbike, car, trek, river cruise…)
- Permits, reservations & insurance sorted in advance
- Local guides fluent in ethnic culture & languages
Get Your Custom Quote •
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☎ Hotline: +84 97 902 23 02 •
✉ Sales@asianrainbowtravel.com
