Eastern Loop Ha Giang Adventure by Motorbike

Eastern Loop Ha Giang Adventure by Motorbike

In the northernmost region of Vietnam, Ha Giang is a remote destination that has been open to tourism for only a few years. With a population of just over 700,000 people, this is one of Vietnam’s poorest places, and it shows—not because it is decrepit or run-down, but just the opposite—not being reliant on a strong economy has kept the area pristine and preserved, virtually untouched by the harmful effects of mass tourism and big industries.

The region boasts nature as you have probably never seen it. Massive limestone walls, granite outcrops everywhere, hanging valleys, rice terraces climbing to the clouds, and winding roads carved into the mountainsides.

This alone sounds like a great adventure, but combined with the ubiquitous presence of the local hill tribes—mostly proud Black Hmong—this experience is a "must-do" on any Vietnam itinerary.

Fun fact: Ha Giang is both a city and a province that shares a border with China’s Yunnan province.

Itinerary

Day 1: Ha Giang – Nam Dam: Start the motorbike trip.

Stop At: Hà Giang, Yên Ninh, Yên Bái, Vietnam
Explore the magical Ha Giang province by motorbike. See the picturesque rice terraces ribboning across the mountainside. Drive the winding highway carved into the sides of mountains. Interact with locals who have been isolated from Westerners until a few years ago. Ha Giang is an adventure you won't soon forget.

Our guide will meet you around 10am. For the rest of the morning, we will help you work on your motorbike driving skills. Around 1pm, we will catch up with others to start the trip. During lunch we give you a motorbike briefing before you set off to Nam Dam village. You will be accompanied by a local who will show you the way.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Quan Ba Heaven Gate, Tam Son Town, Quan Ba 310000 Vietnam
The 45km drive is stunning, passing through traditional villages, beautiful valleys, and climbing mountains. Along the journey, we will make plenty of stops to take pictures and give your bum a rest. :) Among the stops we make is the Fairy Bosom hills in Quan Ba and a geopark recognized by UNESCO.

We will spend the night in Nam Dam village with a host family. You will have the afternoon and evening explore the village, go for a hike, help our host family prepare dinner, or just relax. Dinner includes local rice or corn wine, also called "happy water."

The rest of your journey starts the next day after breakfast
Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Lunch: Family-style rice lunch at a local restaurant in Ha Giang City
• Dinner: Dinner is prepared by your host family and includes local rice or corn wine, also called "happy water."
Accommodation included: Overnight at a Dao minority family homestay

Day 2: Nam Dam – Dong Van: Visit a Hemp Linen making village and drive the epic Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark

Stop At: Lung Khuy Cave, National Route 4C, Quan Ba 310000 Vietnam
After breakfast at our homestay, we'll pack up the bikes then set off for the next part of our adventure.

Climb to Lung Khuy cave at the top of a mountain for an amazing view and some cave exploring.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Lung Cu Flag Tower, Dragon Mountain Lung Cu Peak, Ha Giang 29000 Vietnam
A three-hour detour takes you to the Lũng Cú Flag Tower. The 360-degree views over the border into China are worth the effort.

Or

Visiting Hmong Opium King's palace. One of the oldest attractions in the area.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Sa Phin, Ha Giang 310000 Vietnam
After lunch, we'll continue on to a guest favorite—Dong Van. We highly recommend planning your trip to pass through Dong Van on Sunday, when the villagers host their weekly highland market. It's not only a chance for locals to buy and sell goods and livestock, but it's highly anticipated as a weekly social gathering.

After a hot steam and a massage, dinner will again include lots of happy water if you are of drinking age and wish to partake.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Lung Tam Linen Cooperative, Lùng Tám, Quản Bạ District, Ha Giang, Vietnam
We'll stop in one of the many picturesque villages we pass through today, called Lung Tam. It's a Hemp Linen making village where we will watch how it’s made from A-Z. Try your hand a rolling out the cloth—you'll be surprised how much balance and strength it takes!
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast with our host.
• Lunch: Lunch is family-style in Yen Minh
• Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant or with a Hmong family.
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Dong Van.

Day 3: Dong Van - Meo Vac – Du Gia – Ha Giang: Stop in Du Gia for a waterfall swim on our way back to Ha Giang

Stop At: Dong Van Market, Đồng Văn, Đồng Văn District, Ha Giang, Vietnam
Be sure to check with us about dates and times for the local markets. It’s a cultural experience you won’t want to miss.

Our Friday departures always get the Sunday market experience in either Dong Van or Meo Vac
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Ma Pi Leng Pass, Meo Vac, Ha Giang 310000 Vietnam
Arguably one of the most epic and picturesque roads in all of Vietnam, you'll want to have your camera ready and be prepared to make lots of stops for photos.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Du gia waterfall 2, Du Già, Yên Minh District, Ha Giang, Vietnam
We'll stop in Mau Due for a coffee. This is the start of something we called the "road of children." You'll see many of the minority children playing by the side of the road while their parents are working alongside the rocks.

We'll have lunch in a tiny village called Du Gia, and (weather depending) have a swim in a hidden waterfall.

After the swim, it's time to return to Ha Giang city to enjoy a farewell dinner of some local specialties.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast in Dong Van or Meo Vac before heading off
• Lunch: Family-style lunch in Du Gia
• Dinner: Dinner upon our return to Ha Giang City.
No accommodation included on this day.