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Writer's pictureFaye Hilling

What Route Does the Ha Giang Loop Take?

If you’re here, you’re probably dreaming of epic mountain roads, breathtaking views, and the thrill of exploring Vietnam’s legendary Ha Giang Loop


Lucky for you, Bong Hostel has not only mapped out the perfect Ha Giang Loop route but also packed it with adventure, good food, and, of course, plenty of “happy water” (Vietnamese rice wine, to loosen those dancing legs!). 


Whether you're up for a 4-day or a 3-day ride, (or an extended adventure!) this guide will take you through the stops, the scenery, and the fun on Bong Hostel’s unforgettable Ha Giang Loop tour.


Ha Giang Loop route through the mountains

Ha Giang Loop Route: 4-Day 3-Night Tour


Day 1: Ha Giang to Yen Minh (90km)


Rise and Shine at Bong Hostel


8:00 – 9:30 am – Breakfast time! Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Bong Hostel because it’s going to be a big day.


10:00 am – Hit the road with your Bong Hostel crew, ready to conquer the Ha Giang Loop.


Scenic Highlights:


  • Bac Sum Pass – Start off with stunning views, with winding roads setting the tone for the next few days.

  • Quan Ba Heaven Gate – Stop here to catch your breath and take in the panoramic views of Ha Giang’s rugged landscape.

  • Lung Tam Village – A village known for traditional brocade weaving, where you can pick up a locally-made souvenir.



5:30 pm – Check into your cozy homestay in Yen Minh town, where your hosts are waiting with a warm welcome.


7:00 pm – Time for a family-style dinner with traditional vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, followed by some local entertainment. Whether it’s karaoke, card games, or the infamous “happy water,” your first night is sure to be a hit!


Fun on the Ha Giang Loop route through the mountains

Day 2: Yen Minh to Meo Vac (110km)


Fuel Up and Roll Out


8:00 am – After breakfast, you’re off to Meo Vac!


Scenic Highlights:


  • Tham Ma Pass – Twist and turn through this winding pass with unreal views of the mountain ranges.

  • China Border – You’re riding close to the edge of Vietnam here – wave over to China!



1:00 pm – Lunch break in the historic Dong Van, known for its ancient, stone architecture.


The Main Event: Ma Pi Leng Pass and Tu San Canyon


2:00 pm – Welcome to the king of mountain passes: Ma Pi Leng. With skywalks and views of the Tu San Canyon, this is one of the most impressive sights along the loop. Have your cameras ready – it’s mind-blowing!


5:30 pm – Settle in for the night at your homestay in Meo Vac.


7:00 pm – Dinner’s served! Enjoy more traditional food and swap stories from the day’s adventure. Relax with pool games and even more “happy water” if you’re up for it!



Ha Giang Loop route through the mountains

Day 3: Meo Vac to Du Gia (100km)


Start the Day Right


8:00 am – Breakfast time, then onward to Du Gia.


Scenic Highlights:


  • Nho Que River Boat Tour – Take a break from biking and enjoy the incredible views of Tu San Canyon from the river.

  • Tu San Canyon Views – If you missed any photo ops yesterday, now’s your chance to capture this natural marvel.


12:30 pm – Lunch in Mau Due before riding onward.


5:30 pm – Check into CN Homestay in the quaint Du Gia Village (if you want to know how to pronounce Du Gia here’s a phonetic spelling: Zoo–Zah).


7:00 pm – Another family dinner awaits, with more local dishes and entertainment. Karaoke, anyone?


People relaxing on a boat tour

Day 4: Du Gia to Ha Giang (100km)


Final Day: Take a Swim and Say ‘Goodbye Mountains’


8:00 am – Breakfast (if you haven’t already tried it yet, the noodle soup hits different on a Happy Water induced hangover—trust me!).


9:00 am – Make a quick stop at Du Gia waterfall for some morning swimming and jumping, then it’s time to make your way back to Ha Giang.


Scenic Highlight:


  • Little Ma Pi Leng Canyon – One last gorgeous canyon before heading back.


12:30 pm – Lunch at Tam Son Town.


5:30 pm – Arrive back at Bong Ha Giang Hostel, where you’ll finish the loop. 


Book a bus to your next adventure – whether it’s Hanoi, Cat Ba, Sapa, Ha Long, or Ninh Binh, Bong Hostel has you covered!


Man diving into a waterfall

Ha Giang Loop Route: 3-Day 2-Night Tour 


Pressed for time? Bong Hostel’s 3-day Ha Giang Loop route lets you experience the highlights without skimping on the fun. It follows the same route as the 4-day tour, but finishes the adventure one night early! 


On the final day (day three), you’ll wrap up the loop—sad times!—taking in views at M Pass and Little Ma Pi Leng Canyon. After lunch in Mau Due, you’ll ride back to Bong Hostel, completing the loop by early evening.


P.S. If you’re especially sad to be leaving early, why not give us a message and extend your tour to the 4-day one?! We don’t mind!


To discover which tour is right for you, click here: 3-Day vs. 4-Day Ha Giang Loop Tour: A Complete Breakdown

Girls posing on a ledge jutting out of the mountain

The 7-Day Extended Ha Giang Loop Route to Cao Bang


Oh hey… what's this, an extended 7-day Ha Giang Loop tour?


For those who want to take their Ha Giang Loop adventure to the next level, Bong Hostel’s 7-day tour extends the loop to include Cao Bang and beyond. 


This epic adventure takes you further through northern Vietnam’s awe-inspiring landscapes, iconic waterfalls, historic sites, and more.


Trip Details:


  • Duration: 7 days

  • Transportation: Semi-automatic motorbike

  • Accommodation: Homestay/Hostel

  • Inclusions: Guided tour with a local driver, meals, homestays, sightseeing tickets, motorbike support, Ha Giang permit (additional cost)


People posing by a loop of winding roads

Day 1 – Day 2: Same Same!


The first two days follow the same route as the 3-day and 4-day tours. It’s only on the third day that you’ll notice any difference in the Ha Giang Loop route!


Day 3: Dong Van - Meo Vac - Bao Lac (100km)


Take on the Ma Pi Leng Pass and the thrilling Tu San Canyon. After a trek down to the Nho Que River, hop on a boat tour before continuing to Bao Lac for the night.


Day 4: Bao Lac - Ban Gioc (178km)


This day is packed with highlights as you cross the Me Pia Pass, visit the Pac Bo National Historic Site, and witness the stunning Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the world’s largest transnational waterfalls along the Vietnam-China border.


Day 5: Ban Gioc Waterfall - Cao Bang City (96km)


After enjoying the breathtaking Ban Gioc Waterfall, visit Nguom Ngao Cave, known for its impressive natural stone formations. End the day in Cao Bang City, where you can unwind and take in the local culture.


Day 6: Cao Bang - Ba Be Lake (120km)


Head to Ba Be National Park, home to one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes, where you can kayak or explore the area’s caves, limestone islands, and lush landscape.


Day 7: Ba Be Lake - Ha Giang (176km)


Conclude the journey with a scenic return to Ha Giang, reliving the highlights of the loop and the memories made.


For more information about this extended route, click here: Discover the Extended Ha Giang Loop Tour: A 7-Day Adventure to Cao Bang.

Two people pose in front of a huge blue lake

Tips for the Bong Hostel Ha Giang Loop Tour


  • Pack Smart: Bring layers – it can get chilly up in the mountains, especially at night.

  • Go Easy on the Happy Water: Fun as it may be, the next day’s drive won’t feel too happy if you go overboard!

  • Have Your Camera Ready: The views are phenomenal, so you’ll want to capture every turn of the loop.

  • Bring Cash: Remote areas along the loop do not accept card payments, so bring enough cash for small purchases.



A group of motorbikers smile at the camera

Book Your Adventure!


Depending on your preference, whether you’re up for the full 4 days or just a quick 3-day Ha Giang Loop route, Bong Hostel has the itinerary to make it memorable. 


So, what are you waiting for? Grab your helmet, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready for one epic ride through Vietnam’s stunning Ha Giang region! 


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