The Classic 3-Day Ha Giang Loop Adventure
Experience the "Big Three"—Heaven Gate, Tham Ma Pass, and Ma Pi Leng—at a pace that lets you soak it all in.
The perfect balance.
Why The 3 Day Loop - The Ultimate "Best of the North" Experience
If you only have time for one adventure in Vietnam, make it this one. Our 3-Day Classic Loop is the most popular choice for a reason: it covers 100% of the famous landmarks without the rush of the 2-day express.
Over three days and two nights, you will dive deep into the UNESCO Dong Van Karst Plateau. You’ll have time to stop for coffee above the clouds, hike down to the Nho Que River, and share authentic family dinners in local homestays. This itinerary strikes the perfect balance between adrenaline-pumping riding and cultural immersion.
Highlights
✅ The “Big Three” Passes: Conquer the winding Bac Sum, the “Nine-Turn” Tham Ma, and the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass.
✅ Nho Que River Boat Ride: Included in your tour—drift through the deepest canyon in Southeast Asia (Tu San Canyon).
✅ H’Mong King Palace: Explore the historic fortress of the Vuong family, rich with opium-era history.
✅ Lung Cu Flag Tower: Stand at the northernmost point of Vietnam and look across the border into China.
✅ Cultural Nights: Stay in Yen Minh and Dong Van, enjoying traditional “Happy Water” cheers with your hosts.
✅ Dong Van Old Quarter: Free time to explore the ancient lantern-lit streets and night market.
DAY 1
Every Ha Giang Loop tour begins with a free night’s stay at Ha Giang Safari Hostel the evening before your ride—so you can arrive, settle in, and start the trip feeling rested. You’ll wake up to a free breakfast with your choice of omelette, fried eggs, or pancakes, plus coffee or tea.
After breakfast, Thảo (Safari’s owner) will meet with your small group to brief the route and what to expect. Then it’s time to:
- Secure your bags in our lockers
- Complete payment/check-out
- Choose your helmet
- Meet your easy rider
- Head out on your unforgettable Ha Giang Loop adventure!
Don’t forget to tag @hagiangsafari so we can share your memories!
As you ride through Bac Sum Pass, you’ll notice the scenery change dramatically. The road begins to wind through the mountains, revealing wide open views, mist-covered valleys, and endless layers of green hills—your first real taste of Ha Giang’s raw, untouched beauty.
Along the way, we’ll stop at the best viewpoints so you can grab a coffee, take photos, stretch your legs, or use the restroom before continuing deeper into the Ha Giang Loop.
Arrive at Heaven Gate, the highest viewpoint of the region and admire the stunning panoramic views of terraced rice fields and deep valleys.You’ll also see Quan Ba’s Twin Mountains – a natural wonder with two perfectly shaped, symmetrical hills. Locals call them “Fairy Mountains”, believing they hold mystical legends of love and fertility.
Time for family style lunch! We’ll stop in Yen Minh town for a hearty traditional lunch. Enjoy the cuisine of Northern Vietnam including grilled meats, fresh veggies, fries, rice, spring rolls, and more prepared by local families.
Special dietary restrictions? No problem! There’s a meal for everyone sitting at the table to enjoy.
Located near Quan Ba Heaven Gate, Lung Khuy Cave is one of the most stunning natural spots on the Ha Giang Loop. The cave stretches over 300 meters with thousands of glittering stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years. A short trek through Hmong villages and green valleys leads you to the cave.
End the day in Yen Minh, where you’ll stay in a local homestay. Enjoy a family dinner, meet fellow travelers, and if you’re feeling festive—join in on some karaoke fun!
DAY 2
Start the day with an early breakfast at 8:30 AM before heading toward the famous Tham Ma Pass, a winding road where horses were once tested for their endurance before being sold.
After cutting along steep, treeless valleys, the road winds up to what has become known as the ‘Nine-Turn Pass’ and ends in Lao Sa village. This is one of the oldest villages in the valley.
The Dong Van Karst Plateau is a major geo heritage sight in Vietnam. You will see a lot of terraced rice fields, thousands of limestone rocks, magnificent views and hidden villages in the valley.
Visit the H’Mong King Palace, an ancient French-Chinese influenced residence of Vuong Duc Chinh and Vuong Chi Sinh, once rulers of the region.
Your easy riders will take you to the Lung Cu Flag Tower, standing at the northernmost point of Vietnam. From the top, enjoy an epic view over China and Vietnam’s borderlands.
Tip: This is the most famous Northern viewpoint of the country!
Arrive in Dong Van town, where you can explore the night market, taste local street food, and settle into your accommodation for the night. Tonight’s dinner is extra special with hotpot or Vietnamese food.
DAY 3
After breakfast at the homestay, ride the Ma Pi Leng Pass. This is the most famous and dramatic section of the loop. This pass, known as the “King of Passes,” offers stunning panoramic views of deep valleys and towering limestone cliffs.
Below, the emerald-green Nho Que River snakes through the mountains.
Tip: Most travelers call this the most “breathtaking” part of the loop!
Take a boat cruise or kayak on the breathtaking Nho Que River, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery. The calm, turquoise waters reflect the beauty of the surrounding mountains, making this one of the most peaceful and awe-inspiring experiences of the Ha Giang Loop.
The journey will go on more distant villages, where you will see how people live in remote parts of Vietnam. You will pass through Mau Due and Meo Vac, with a pit stop for lunch and a drink.
Meet the artisans from Lung Tam linen village who weave stunning fabrics by hand using centuries-old techniques. It’s a cultural moment that adds meaning to your adventure.
Tip: Take home a handcrafted souvenir with a story behind it!
The final stretch winds you back through quiet valleys and winding roads, giving you one last taste of the mountains. It’s a peaceful ride — a time to reflect, smile, and realize you’ve just completed one of Vietnam’s most unforgettable journeys.
Back in Ha Giang City, you’ll return with not just photos, but stories, new friends, and a feeling of pure freedom. You’ll say goodbye to your easy rider and tour group who now feel like family.
What Other Travelers Say About Us
Tour Inclusions & Options
TOUR INCLUSION
- Local english guide
- Motorbike with gas and insurance
- 3 meals a day with local flavors
- Unlimited water and happy water
- Cozy homestays
- All tickets included
- Visit real local life
- Lung Cu Flagpoint and Ma Pi Leng pass
- Boat ride on Nho Que River
TOUR OPTIONS
- Easy Rider: 3,800,000 VND (~$145) per person
- Self-Driving (1 person/bike): 3,000,000 VND (~$115) per person
- Self-Driving (2 people/bike): 2,500,000 VND (~$95) per person
*approximate prices in USD due to currency fluctuations
Our Ha Giang Loop Homestays
Dorm Room Night 1
Dorm Room Night 2
Dorm Room Night 3
Private Room Night 1
Private Room Night 2
Private Room Night 3
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your experience and comfort level. The roads are steep, winding, and unpredictable, with sharp mountain turns, fog, rain, and occasional rough conditions. We strongly recommend choosing an easy rider, so you can relax, stay safe, and enjoy the scenery without stress. Many travelers say riding with an easy rider is the best way to experience the loop.
The Ha Giang Loop can be safe, but it depends on weather and who you ride with. At Ha Giang Safari Hostel & Tour, we focus on safety by running small group tours, using experienced local guides and easy riders.
We recommend bringing a small backpack (15–25L) to carry with you on the loop, while leaving your larger luggage safely at the hostel. Essentials include comfortable clothes, a light jacket or warm layer, and rain protection (raincoat or poncho), plus closed-toe shoes for walking and riding. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and basic toiletries.
It’s also important to bring cash, since there are fewer ATMs along the route—cash is useful for coffees, snacks, souvenirs, and for tipping your amazing easy rider if you’d like to say thank you! Other helpful items include a power bank, and your passport or ID to keep everything smooth during the trip.
Yes! We run Ha Giang Loop tours every day, so you can join a trip no matter what day you arrive. Our group size can vary depending on the season. It may be larger during peak months and smaller during the quieter low season, but we always keep the experience fun, well-organized, and supported by our local team.
Yes! Solo travelers are absolutely welcome on our Ha Giang Loop tours. We welcome all group sizes—whether you’re traveling alone, with a partner, or with friends. Many solo travelers love joining Safari because we focus on small group tours, making it easy to connect.