Located in northern Vietnam, this mountainous region has steep limestone peaks and terraced rice fields. Local Hmong villages dot the winding mountain roads known as the Happiness Highway.
Ha Giang, Vietnam's northernmost province, stretches from the Nho Quế River valley to the 2,419-meter peak of Tây Côn Lĩnh mountain. The region's limestone mountains create deep valleys and narrow passes, including Ma Pi Leng Pass where the road winds 1,500 meters above the river. In the town of Dong Van, H'Mông vendors sell embroidered clothing at the Sunday market, while at Lung Cu Flag Tower, you can climb 200 steps to reach Vietnam's northernmost point.
Getting to Ha Giang
The journey to Ha Giang city takes about six hours from Hanoi by bus or private car. Buses leave My Dinh station in Hanoi every two hours between 6:00 and 22:00. The mountain roads require careful driving, especially during the rainy season from July to August when landslides can occur.
Weather and When to Visit
Ha Giang has four distinct seasons. September through November brings temperatures around 20°C and clear skies, ideal for motorcycle trips and hiking. March to May sees warm days around 25°C with occasional rain. July and August bring heavy rain, while December and January temperatures can drop to 5°C in the mountains.
The Ha Giang Loop
The Ha Giang Loop stretches 350 kilometers through mountain passes and valleys. A typical three-day route starts in Ha Giang city and continues through Quan Ba Pass, Dong Van, and Meo Vac. You can climb to Lung Cu Flag Tower at Vietnam's northernmost point, and stop at Ma Pi Leng Pass where the road cuts through canyon walls rising 800 meters above the Nho Que River.
Local Markets and Daily Life
The Dong Van Market runs every Sunday from 5:00 to 14:00, with H'Mông vendors selling embroidered clothing, medicinal herbs, and corn wine. In Meo Vac, farmers gather at dawn for the Sunday livestock market to trade cattle and pigs. The Khau Vai Love Market happens once yearly on the 27th day of the third lunar month, when hundreds of people from surrounding villages gather following an old matchmaking tradition.
Mountain Passes and Viewpoints
From Quan Ba Pass at 1,500 meters, you'll see the twin mountains known as Fairy Bosoms rising from the valley floor. The 20-kilometer Ma Pi Leng Pass road follows the edge of a limestone gorge, with several platforms overlooking the Nho Que River. At the bottom of the gorge, local boats take you along the river between steep canyon walls.
Practical Information
You can rent motorcycles in Ha Giang city, with helmets, maps, and basic maintenance tools included. If you prefer not to ride, motorcycle guides can take you around the loop. Most towns along the loop have basic hotels, while village homestays typically include dinner and breakfast.
