“Vietnam 🇻🇳 ~Ha Giang Loop 4-Day Motorcycle Trip ~WOW!”
We had the most amazing time, touring the Ha Giang Province of North Vietnam 🇻🇳 on motorcycles!
The Ha Giang loop is arguably the most beautiful destination in all of Vietnam. I would even go as far to say, it’s one of the most beautiful places in all of Southeast Asia. This, from somebody who spent time sailing in Bui Tu Long Bay of Vietnam, which is known for its incredible beauty!
Bordering China to the north of the country, this extraordinary province beholds some truly awe-inspiring scenery, ranging from colossal limestone mountains, lush rice paddies, majestical flowing rivers, and kindred mountain villages, to create an ethereal landscape, sure to leave you mesmerized.
“Why Take a Motorcycle Trip Through Ha Giang Province?
I Say, Why Not?”
Ha Giang province was a place I had never heard of. (pronounced Ha ZAHNG). In fact, I HAD heard of Sapa; another region of the north, where the sights I heard, are mind-blowing. Sapa is where I thought we would go, but after further research, I became convinced that sometimes a good thing can go bad, once the tourists start going into the (once) untouched regions by the bus loads, and soon it is no longer as “untouched.” Most travelers, looking for an adventure in the high north of Vietnam, usually get their sights set on Sapa. But, unlike Sapa, the Ha-Giang loop has stayed under the radar, and hidden from the millions of tourists who visit the country every year. We wanted to go where most people don’t go.
As a result, we saw few other travelers on this trip. What we did see were locals, going about their every day lives. We got exactly what we were looking for; a raw, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path adventure.
In an ever-shrinking world, Ha Giang, with its uniquely preserved tribal culture (nearly 90 percent of the population is ethnic minorities), is one of those rare places that hasn’t been corralled by modernity or prepackaged for visitors. (at least, not yet). During the past two decades, as Vietnam’s lowlands and urban centers have teetered on tracks of globalization and economic development, much of this distant 5,000 square mile province has remained detached and frozen in the past.
That isolation has been reinforced by strained politics, but in recent years, border tensions stemming from a 1979 Chinese invasion have thawed.
The government has poured money into improving the province’s roads and other infrastructure, and new, albeit modest, hotels have arrived. Middle-class Vietnamese already appear in throngs, and foreign visitors have begun trickling in, as well. Last year some 3,500 foreign tourists visited the region. That figure seems poised to grow, since the Dong Van plateau, at the province’s northernmost edge, was previously named the country’s first UNESCO-designated Global Geopark. A status that the organization bestows on places of significant geological and cultural heritage.
The 900-square-mile plateau is studded with ethereal karst formations, evidence of tectonic events that started molding the area over 400 million years ago.
The photos speak volumes for what there is to see on this most incredible, 4-day motorcycle tour we chose, but our souls were also filled for what we learned and experienced, while visiting. Not only were we enchanted by the scenic beauty of the Ha Giang motorbike loop surroundings, but also the indigenous people and Vietnamese culture in this region.
This trip was another chance for us to step back in time, and see people live life, just as their ancestors did. The Hmong people are unaffected by western ways.
Itinerary for our 4-Day Motorcycle Adventure in Vietnam
Day 1:
Ha Giang – Tam Son – Bac Sum Pass – Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate – Nam Dam Village – Lung Khuv Cave
Bac Sum Slope is a long pass and starts from Minh Tan and extends to the end of Quyet Tien commune. Viewed from the top of the mountain, the Bac Sum slope is the image of a giant snake, which comes from legends.
When we rolled through some small towns, stopping for hot Cocoa coffee was a lifesaver. Riding on the motorcycles, was chilly.
This cave was only discovered, in 2015, and opened to the public in recent years.
Our first Homestay. Highly recommend. Wonderful hosts
Such hospitality and good food!
We walked down the road to a “coming of age” celebration, going on in the village. Notice the different dress. Some are cultural Chinese and some are Vietnamese.
Hog heads to be made into a version of head cheese, perhaps
See All the photos of Day 1, by clicking this link:
Day 2:
Nam Dam Village – Yen Minh – Sa Phin Village -Dong Van
From this monument, we could see China 🇨🇳, not far away.
Yummy lunch!
My handsome traveling man
Ancient Vuong Palace
Built in 1914, the Palace survived two major wars: the French War and the American War. As such, Vuong Palace is also treated as a symbol of the past glory of the Hmong people. In fact, the Palace was also called Vua Meo in honor of the king of the Hmong ethnic people.
The Vuong family was led by Vuong Chinh Duc. He ruled from 1865-1947 in an empire stretching as far as from the province’s Dong Van Plateau, to Meo Vac Town.
The massive production and cross-border trade of opium back then, made him the richest and most powerful man in the area. And to protect his reign, that’s when he built the Vuong Palace.
The Palace was designed with Chinese architecture and interior and surrounded by 700 century-old trees, to keep it hidden and protected from enemies.
Off the bikes for a rest, we wandered over to where a fence no longer exists, between China and Vietnam. ….just some posts remain.
We may, or may not have crossed on over to China for a few minutes, on this day.
The Twin mountains of Tam Son are said to display a woman’s’ perfect breasts.
On this day, the weather was too foggy to see Co Tien Twin Mountain, but at the end of our tour, Opi was awesome and took us by, a second time; just for us, where we could see this magical place. We really appreciate that gesture.
Co Tien Twin Mountain, is said to be the masterpiece of creation, with clouds spreading all over, to create a poetic setting. Many people liken this location to a grand fairy-tale place, where the clouds, the sun, the mountains and forests blend.
Behind the Twin Mountains, is the legendary “Happiness Road”
See All the photos of Day 2, by clicking this link:
Day 3:
Dong Van – Ma Pi Leng Pass – Meo Vac – Du Gia – Tay Village
Located over 3,281 feet above sea level, Dong Van Karst Plateau consists of narrow valleys, alternating with rocky mountain ranges in the north of Vietnam. Over 80 percent of the surface is covered with limestone, including a high concentration of rocky peaks sitting over 6,561 feet above sea level.
The rock of Dong Van is believed to contain fossils from 400 million to 600 million years ago.
Enjoy the ride!
Dong Van plateau, at the province’s northernmost edge, was previously named the country’s first UNESCO-designated Global Geopark.
Ma Pi Leng Pass is one of the “four great mountain peaks” of the northern mountainous region of Vietnam. The pass is in Ha Giang province, about 10 miles long.
Ma Pi Leng Peak, is a mountain peak of about 4,000 feet above sea level, in Dong Van Plateau; on the road named Hanh Phuc connecting Ha Giang, Dong Van city and Meo Vac town.
The 115 mile long “Happiness Road” starts from Ha Giang City through the Dong Van UNESCO Global Geopark to Meo Vac Town.
This road was built by the literal shedding of blood, sweat and tears of 1,200 local people and more than 1,000 youth volunteers, from 16 ethnic groups, in eight provinces, in the North, including: Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Lang Son, Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang, Ha Giang, Nam Dinh and Hai Duong.
They worked over five years (10/9/1959-6/15/1065), with more than 2 million working days, digging, and moving rock. The section of 15 miles over Ma Pi Leng Pass, was where most of the blood was shed.
By the time, the road was complete, there were 14 youth volunteers, who are forever entombed on the mountains of what is now, a UNESCO Geopark.
So why the name “Happiness Road,” over such tragedy?
When the road was completed, the immense happiness of thousands of ethnic compatriots who had lived in isolation for generations in the Plateau, now had access to a world they had never known. For this, it truly was a joyous occasion.
Starting from that time, a rigorous network of branch roads gradually provide access to villages, bringing along electricity, schools, health care, and basic improvement of life for the local people, and brightening the future of children.
In commemoration and appreciation for the youth volunteers who died, constructing the “Happiness Road” (Sky Way), a monument has been erected in their honor.
See All the photos of Day 3, by clicking this link:
Day 4:
Du Gia – Duong Thuong – Lung Tam Village – Tam Son -Ha Giang
Lung Tam village in Lung Tam Commune is tucked away under the foothills in Quan Ba District, in Ha Giang Province.
This village is known for its long-standing traditional craft of brocade weaving. The art of making linen fabric has been passing from generations to generations in Lung Tam.
Visiting the village was so fun. We got to see a young gal show us many steps to the hemp weaving technique.
More great information about Hmong weaving:
https://hagianglooptours.com/lung-tam-village-traditional-hmong-linen-weaving/
After leaving the weaving village, we were heading the direction, of the final part of the loop, back to Ha Giang; for our last night on tour.
See All the photos of Day 4, by clicking this link:
We felt so fortunate to have found Opi through Trip Advisor. He did a fantastic job of touring us around, safely by motorcycle, on the steep, narrow, and sometimes rough mountain roads. We loved every bit of it!
Traveling through this region, felt like we had stepped back in time; getting to observe the daily life traditions, and old-world ways of terraced-rice farming. The food was the very best and the home-stays were all very nice, too, with very accommodating owners.
Aside from the incredible scenic tour in the mountains, we especially enjoyed the cultural aspect of our 4-day motorcycle tour. The Hmong people are friendly, and welcoming at their home-stays, and the food was the very best! Opi spoke hood English and though nobody else did on our trip, including Opi’s father who drove the bike I was on, it didn’t matter. As world travelers, we have long since relied on have gestures, and single-word exclamations, with facial expressions.
We hired Opi, and had the motorcycles driven by him and his father. This was right for us, so we did not have to keep our eyes on the road, but instead look at the mind-blowing scenery, watch for the locals living their everyday life, and take photos. The option of renting a bike to be driven by you, is also an option. We did pay extra for Daryls motorcycle, since he is a big guy, and he and Opi needed more room, and power, for this mountain trip.
We packed light, with each of us having our dry bags, warm clothes, rain gear, and of course our cameras. We left some bags in the city of Ha Giang, at the hotel we stayed at, the night before our trip began. We would return there, again, to rest up, before taking the long bus-ride, back out of this northern territory.
The weaving Village was so great to visit, and our most favorite visit. Wow, amazing traditional craft of weaving Hemp! We bought purses and day packs!
We had rain, we had had fog, and we had sunshine. It was cold, every day, but it didn’t matter, as it was all so beautiful! Vietnam is a very rainy country; year-around, so expecting a lot of sunny skies, might disappoint. This was our second visit to Vietnam, and it rained much of our first visit, too.
The easiest way to access Ha-Giang is to take a bus from Hanoi. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hours and there are morning or evening buses, available. As a guideline, we paid 150,000 VND for this service. (roughly 6 US dollars).
We spent one night in Ha Giang hotel, then took off the next morning on motorcycles to have the time of our lives!
After the motorcycle trip, we returned to the same Ha Giang hotel and spent two nights, then got back on that bus, returning to Hanoi; also to the same hotel, there, where we stored the majority of our luggage.
From Hanoi we got ready to fly to our next country.
For tour costs and planning. If interested, here are some text notes from arranging dates and payments with Opi.
VIETNAM
4-Day Ha Giang Motorcycle Trip
Opi:
I want to confirm with you again the price for the tour: It’s 65$/ day/ person.
65$ × 4 days: 260$/ person
*Tour Includes:
+ English speaking guide
+ Easy rider
+ Accommodation:
Hotel room and
Homestays
+ Meals: lunch, dinner,
breakfast.
+ Drinking water
+ Visitor tickets for some stops
+ Petrol
+ Motorbikes 120cc
~If you want on the Dirt bike XR 150cc, you must pay extra 18$/ day.
4 days 3 nights: it will be 2 nights in the homestays, one night in the hotel.
Hotel will have WiFi, hot water, private bathroom, and double bed in hotel😊
Opi:
Ok, so that would be 260$ for you and 332$ for your husband. You can make the deposit for me by PayPal, and the rest, please be in cash, because I can’t take credit card. Thank you
Me:
Great! $592 total. Can I pay $300 deposit next month, then?
Opi:
Ok great, when you ready I will send you my Paypal link
Opi:
Hi Pen I will pick you up from your hotel in Ha Giang, and we will do the full-day trekking first. After the trekking day, will stay one night in the homestay in Thon Tha village, and the next day we start the 4-day motorbike loop. Because the first day of the tour with motorbike will not be so long, only drive for 40 miles or so, and hiking to the cave, it will be a relaxing day, after the trekking tour, số will not make you tired.
Me:
That will work for us, too! Thx for the info. We appreciate your time. So we will add $100 to $592 to make $692. I will pay $400 deposit by PayPal, end of next month
Here is Opi’s Website: http://hagiangroadtrip.com/?
There was only one snag on our last night of the trip; not Opi’s fault or our homestay hosts’ fault:
The End of Day 4:
We were back in Ha Giang, but we passed right through the city, and back out to the country, where we were staying our final night, in a beautiful little old-world village.
We were surrounded by freshly planted rice patties, water buffalo and farmers working hard in the fields. It was so ideal! We were staying at “Mr Thien’s Homestay,” a place we were very excited about with more delicious food being served to us by lovely hosts.
Sadly, there was a neighboring home with a loudspeaker, singing Karaoke; bad Karaoke. Mark my word, it will be the fall of tourism in this country. It is not tourists singing, but it is tourists, they are annoying. Perhaps this is by design, but we met many friendly locals, everywhere we traveled in Vietnam, and felt very welcome. Nothing ruins the beautiful old-world villages zen, that these places have to offer, than their Karaoke. On one other night (again a mountain village) it was the same thing, till midnight. At least it was further away on that stop, so we could eventually fall asleep. It’s not singing, but more like full-on screaming into a microphones, something “they” call Karaoke.
I actually went to the home, on this final night, to ask nicely, if they might turn the speaker down. They were all drunk, and some passed out. There is never, ever reasoning with drunks. I used to be a cop. I know these things. I also knew something was seriously wrong with those people! So rude!
We were in a room, very near the farm room with that awful noise. Our room was built from bamboo with open-air walls, windows, and ceilings. There was no place to go, to escape the racket.
If we had a vehicle, we would have left, but our reservations was not until the next night, at the hotel in Ha Giang city, we started at.
Daryl turned on his iTunes to try to combat the irritation. We were going to take a walk before dark, but it was no longer fun with this noise, as it ruined the ambiance.
Twice now, in a row, as soon as we have a chance to relax, after a tiring day of many miles on the road. THIS screaming Karaoke. I lay in bed, praying now, for the amp to break.
Long after dark, and by 11PM, the Karaoke blaring continued. We were beyond exhausted. We spoke with our sweet hosts, and they said they could do nothing about the noise. No, they did not like it, either, but obviously, they felt powerless.
We finally called Opi and he contacted our hotel in Ha Giang, and arranged for our late night arrival, earlier than planned, for that final hotel stay. It was great to get out of that village, so we could get some sleep.
It’s sad when these things happen, but they do. There are bad apples in the bunch, all over the world.
BUT, we loved our Motorcycle trip so much and we highly recommend Opi!
Archive Blog Posts of Our Country Visits
About Us
About Us
Hello and Welcome to our Travel Blog Website, We enjoy writing about our experiences and taking photos of our adventuring along the way. Our names are: Daryl and Pen, but Daryl calls me “Bunny.” We met, quite randomly, whilst both… Read More