Northern Vietnam: Ha Giang Loop Adventure

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam’s dynamic capital! Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by our local tour guide and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the Old Quarter. After check-in, take the chance to rest or head out for a leisurely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, explore hidden alleyways, and sample some of Vietnam’s most iconic dishes like pho or bun cha. 

After an early breakfast, our guide and driver will meet you at your hotel for the journey north to Ha Giang, the gateway to Vietnam’s wild frontier. As we leave the city behind, the scenery gradually shifts to lush hills, tea plantations, and terraced fields. We’ll make scenic and cultural stops along the way—perhaps at a tea village or a local market. Enjoy a traditional lunch en route. In the late afternoon, we arrive in Ha Giang City where you’ll settle into a comfortable homestay surrounded by peaceful mountains. After dinner, relax by the fire and get ready for tomorrow’s epic loop.

Today marks the start of our scenic drive along the legendary Ha Giang Loop. After breakfast, we begin climbing the twisting roads into the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark—one of Vietnam’s most stunning and geologically unique areas.

Our first stop is at Heaven’s Gate Pass, where you'll get panoramic views over Quan Ba Valley and the “Twin Mountains” (Fairy Bosom Hills). From there, we continue toward Yen Minh, passing through pine forests and ethnic villages. Along the way, visit the Lung Tam weaving village, where Hmong women still handmake hemp textiles using traditional methods.

After lunch in Yen Minh, we continue to Dong Van, stopping at the ancient Hmong King’s Palace, an atmospheric site surrounded by misty peaks. Arrive in Dong Van by late afternoon. You’ll check into a charming guesthouse and enjoy dinner with a view of the old town’s cobblestone alleys and rustic houses.

After breakfast, we’ll explore Dong Van Old Quarter, especially lively if today coincides with the weekly ethnic market (Sundays). Then, we embark on one of the most thrilling drives in Southeast Asia—Ma Pi Leng Pass.

Your camera won’t rest as we cruise along cliffsides overlooking the deep gorge of the Nho Que River. There’s time for a short trek to a panoramic viewpoint or an optional boat ride along the jade-green river below.

We continue to Meo Vac, a rugged town where you’ll meet members of the Red Hmong, Lo Lo, and Giay communities. Depending on the day, you might also witness a local livestock market. Check in at a rustic lodge or stilt-house homestay. After dinner, enjoy local rice wine and stories from your host family.

Today we leave the main route and explore the quieter, less-traveled paths of the Ha Giang region. After breakfast, we journey through dramatic mountain passes and green valleys toward Du Gia, a tranquil Tay minority village.

En route, we stop at roadside viewpoints and interact with locals working in their terraced fields. Upon arrival in Du Gia, you’ll settle into a stilt house homestay surrounded by rice paddies and karst cliffs.

In the afternoon, take a gentle hike or drive to a local waterfall, perfect for a refreshing swim. This is one of the most peaceful corners of northern Vietnam, and you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in authentic village life over dinner cooked by your host family.

After a relaxed breakfast in the countryside, we begin our return journey to Hanoi. The drive takes most of the day, with plenty of scenic stops for breaks, photos, and a farewell lunch in a mountain town. You’ll arrive back in Hanoi in the late afternoon or early evening. Check into your hotel and enjoy your final evening in the capital—perhaps with a sunset drink or a farewell dinner overlooking the Red River.

Enjoy your last breakfast in Vietnam. If time allows before your flight, you might take a final walk through the Old Quarter for souvenirs or one more cup of iconic egg coffee. Your private driver will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your incredible Ha Giang road adventure.