Ha Giang Loop
Photo: Sabourock, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Hà Giang Loop is a driving route in Ha Giang Province of Northern Vietnam near the border with China, through the mountainous Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. It is a round trip of about 350 km, typically covered in three or four days on motorbikes.
UnderstandThe route, one of the most beautiful panoramic roads in the world, became popular around 2015.
PrepareThe best time to travel is during the warm months of the dry season, September–October or March–April. In winter, temperatures at higher elevations can drop to freezing.
Get inHa Giang city, the most common start and end point for the loop, is well-connected to Hanoi and other popular tourism destinations in Northern Vietnam.
DriveAlmost all drivers travel clockwise from Ha Giang – Tam Son – Yen Minh – Dong Van – Meo Vac – Du Già – (Bao Lac) – Ha Giang, as described here.
SleepThanks to rapid development, obtaining food or fuel is no longer a problem. Guesthouses and homestays are so numerous along the entire route that you'll never have to worry about overnight accommodations.
Stay safeRiding a motorcycle at high speeds in remote areas of developing countries is inherently dangerous. Several deaths are reported every year, usually from collisions with trucks or falling off the mountainside.
Go nextThe far north of Vietnam has many more mountain towns and landscapes:
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Ha Giang Loop" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Sabourock, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons