The road goes through spectacular mountain passes and jaw-dropping canyons high in the north of Vietnam. For adventurers yearning for the open road, the Ha Giang circle is a dream come true. Prepare for an excursion by packing your belongings and charging your devices.
From Hà Giang to Bảo Lâm, this four-day route takes the QL4C to the northeast, and from Bo Lâm to Hà Giang, it takes the QL34 to the southwest.
Day 1: Ha Giang City to Yen Minh
Morning
Before starting out on the journey, get breakfast early in Hà Giang. As you travel along the QL4C in the direction of the north, the scenery immediately changes into a limestone mountain range covered in a verdant jungle. The Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO Global Geopark, will be at your fingertips shortly. Heaven's Gate Pass, which is the centerpiece of this part of the journey, is where you'll experience your first thrilling vistas and difficult, tight curves.
You'll get to Tam Sơn, a town surrounded by protruding, forested hills, just in time for lunch as you cruise down from Heaven's Gate Pass. Here, traditional Northern Vietnamese cuisine is served at restaurants and roadside booths. A wonderful Vietnamese coffee is easy to find, just like anywhere else in the nation.
Afternoon
Continue on the QL4C toward Yên Minh after refueling. The route ascends through a towering canyon after following the lovely Mien River. Before reaching Yên Minh, travel over mountain passes and karst plateaus. Once there, check into a nearby hotel for the night.
TIP: When visiting smaller towns, it's recommended to make hotel or homestay reservations in advance because the best places to stay fill up quickly, especially during the high season.
Day 2: The Vietnamese Border
Morning
Before boarding the QL4C northeast bound for Dong Van, have a warm bowl of pho for breakfast. As the road climbs steeply beyond the tree line, a surreal scene of crumbled limestone karsts with breathtaking views emerges. A nice site to pause and take in the series of curved roads that fall into the valley below is Dốc Chín Khoanh (Nine Turn Pass). Stop for food and petrol in the Sà Phìn region.
Afternoon
The Lũng Cú Flag Tower is a three-hour diversion away. The 360-degree vistas of China over the border make the effort worthwhile. As you go back down the QL4C to Đồng Văn, where you will stay, you won't be short on breath-taking scenery. Make time to visit a neighborhood market, perhaps late at night or early in the morning, and observe the diverse ethnic minority at work.
TIP: Make sure to ask your host in Dong Van about the days and hours of the neighborhood markets. You won't want to miss this opportunity for cultural immersion.
Day 3: Đồng Văn and Mã Pí Lèng Passes
Morning
You'll probably come through what is regarded as Vietnam's most amazing section of the road today. The valley floor drops far below as you make your way through enormous peaks and canyons from Ng Văn all the way to Mã Pí Lèng Pass. The only issue might be how many stops you feel driven to make because every bend offers breathtaking scenery.
Even though Mèo Vạc is only 24 kilometers from ng Văn, getting there will take the majority of the morning if you stop to take in the expansive vistas along the route. Enjoy this charming town when you arrive because it has a lot of lunch options and a colorful personality.
Afternoon
At the base of Mã Pí Lèng Pass, turn left off of QL4C onto side road 193A for a short detour. The brief but enjoyable ride provides a closer view of the meandering Nho Quế River below.
The day will come to a close at Bo Lâm, a tiny village with incredibly friendly residents. Prepare yourself for the morning's travel return to Hà Giang by relaxing for a few hours in this isolated location.
Day 4: Back to Hà Giang City
Morning
Begin the final day of your tour with a straightforward breakfast and pick up on supplies for the travel back to Hà Giang. Take QL34 southwest towards Hà Giang from Bảo Lam. The majority of the time, the road parallels the Gâm River, making for a pleasant drive down the valley level. There will still be several turns and a few passes, but they won't be as difficult as they once were.
Visit a local food booth in Bắc Mê to get a snack. In the final stretch leading up to the city, there are fewer towns to be found.
Afternoon
After traveling so many miles over the previous four days, return to Hà Giang City and reward yourself with some contemporary amenities.
Practice Pointers
How to Prepare
There are few resources as you leave Ha Giang as you go across the far northern region of Vietnam. Because there aren't many ATMs, be careful to bring enough cash.
Getting There
Regular daytime and nighttime bus trips to Ha Giang leave from My Dinh bus terminal in Hanoi. Additionally, you can find private transportation and tours online or through tour operators in the city.
Motorbike
Renting a motorcycle is simple to do in Hà Giang City. In the town, there are service centers for both Honda and Kawasaki.
Condition of the Road and Safety
Although the majority of the roads along this route are in decent shape, construction and obstructions can appear at any time. Drive safely by taking it slow around curves, going during the day, and stopping at night.