The Ha Giang Loop is a circular route that begins and ends in Ha Giang city, a must-do adventure that takes you through the rocky northern highlands of Ha Giang Province.
To make the most of this journey, a detailed Ha Giang Loop map is essential.
In this Ha Giang loop map guide, Lila Inn & Tour, as a local tour operator with 8 years of experience in guiding small-group Ha Giang Loop tours, will provide you with the most up-to-date map, including the exact loop location, 6 must-see stops, ideal time to explore, and practical traveling tips.
Let’s get started!
Where is the Ha Giang Loop?
To understand the map, you need both a big-picture and detailed view of the Ha Giang Loop: from where it’s located, how long it is, and how to conquer it.
The Ha Giang Loop is located in the northern rocky mountains of Ha Giang Province (the rest of the province is the western range with earthy hills and the southern range with lower hills).
Sitting at an altitude of 1,000–1,600 meters and spanning over 2,300 square kilometers, the loop winds through most of the province’s highland districts: Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, and Meo Vac. In 2010, this area was honored by UNESCO as Vietnam’s first Global Geopark, thanks to its exceptional geological and cultural value.
You can take a look at the map above to get a clearer idea of Ha Giang Province, especially the Ha Giang Loop route that you’re about to take.
Here comes the most important notes about the Ha Giang Loop on the map
- Location: In the northern rocky highlands of Ha Giang Province.
- Total distance: Roughly 350–400 km
- Main stops: Ha Giang City → Quan Ba → Yen Minh → Dong Van → Meo Vac → Du Gia → back to Ha Giang
- Recommended duration: At Lila, we usually recommend 3-day or 5-day trips, which are also our most popular tours.
- What you’ll see: Quan Ba Heaven Gate, Twin Mountains, Tham Ma Pass, Sủng Là Valley, Hmong King’s Palace, Lung Cu Flag Tower, Dong Van Old Quarter, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Tu San Canyon, Nho Que River,…
- Transportation: Riding with an Easy Rider ensures a safe, hassle-free journey, or you can book a car tour if you need more comfort.
- The best time to go: September to April is the perfect time to visit the Ha Giang Loop, with pleasant weather and stunning landscapes.
Lila has prepared a Ha Giang Loop map, which is ready to use, and you just need to print it out.
If you prefer a real-time version, we’ve also designed an online map below.
To understand the map, you need both a big-picture and detailed view of the Ha Giang Loop: from where it’s located, how long it is, and how to conquer it.
Ha Giang Loop Map (with 6 highlight routes)
You probably already know that the Ha Giang Loop is home to countless stunning and unmissable spots. Don’t worry. Our Ha Giang Loop journey is designed to take you through all of them with the most convenient and enjoyable route.
Now, let’s take a look at the key highlights along the Ha Giang Loop map!
1. Ha Giang City → Tam Son Town (48km)
Your journey begins in Ha Giang City, heading north towards Tam Son, Quan Ba. This 48-kilometer stretch gradually introduces you to the dramatic landscapes of the province.
Along the way, you’ll pass the famous Heaven’s Gate, a scenic viewpoint offering a sweeping view of the valley below. Other favorite destinations are Nam Dam Village and Khau Lan Waterfall. There, you can dive into not only the stunning scenery but also the rich ethnic diversity in Ha Giang.
Not far after, you’ll see the iconic Twin Mountains (Fairy Bosom Hills), a natural formation steeped in local legend.
2. Tam Son → Yen Minh (50km)
This scenic ride is about 50 km long, connecting Quan Ba to Yen Minh through winding hills. (But with Lila’s shortcut, the distance is only 30 km). A quick stop at Can Ty Viewpoint offers sweeping views of the valleys below, perfect for a photo break.
As you descend toward Yen Minh, the landscape softens into lush pine forests and the beautiful Lao Va Chai rice terraces, especially stunning during harvest season.
3. Yen Minh → Dong Van (45km)
From Yen Minh, the road leads deeper into the heart of the Dong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark, a region recognized by UNESCO.
Shortly after leaving Yen Minh, you’ll reach the iconic Tham Ma Pass, known for its dramatic S-shaped curves and breathtaking mountain views, a must-stop for photos.
The road then winds through the sharp turns of Nine-turn Pass, before leading onto the Phố Bảng – Lao Xa trail, a quiet border route connecting two remote villages. It is home to many different ethnic groups, but the most well-known are the H’mong and the Han.
As you continue, the landscape becomes more rugged, passing Hmong villages and the historic Hmong King’s Palace. From here, you can take a worthwhile detour to the Lung Cu Flag Tower before heading down to Dong Van town.
Dong Van Ancient Town is the liveliest spot at night, rich with over 100 years of history. It’s home to vibrant markets, unique local dishes like thắng cố, and a charming old quarter full of stories.
4. Dong Van → Meo Vac (22km)
Though only 22 kilometers long, this is often considered the most breathtaking section of the loop. The ride from Dong Van to Meo Vac takes you across the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass, a winding cliffside road carved into towering limestone mountains.
Far below, the emerald-green Nho Que River snakes through deep gorges, one of the most dramatic views in Vietnam. If time permits, consider hiking down or taking a boat trip on the river.
5. Meo Vac → Du Gia (75km)
This section of the journey takes you slightly off the main tourist route, offering a more peaceful and authentic experience.
Along this 75-kilometer ride, you’ll first conquer the iconic M-shaped Pass, one of the most scenic and photographed roads in the region, with tight curves winding down the mountains. Not far from the pass lies Ban An, where you can take a bamboo boat trip on the Ngoc Long River to explore a hidden cave. The route then continues through Mau Due, a small town perfect for a rest stop before reaching Du Gia.
6. Du Gia → Ha Giang City (80km)
The final stretch brings you full circle, returning from Du Gia to Ha Giang City.
It spans about 80 kilometers, featuring rolling hills, small farms, and peaceful valleys. Along the way, you’ll ride through Lung Ho, a quiet highland commune with sweeping views of terraced fields, and Duong Thuong, known for its serene rural charm.
One more highlight on this stretch is A Boong Waterfall, a serene spot ideal for a quick swim or a quiet break surrounded by nature.
As you can see, the Ha Giang Loop map becomes much easier to grasp when divided into the six sections above. Each section is filled with many must-see stops that carry their charm and story. Just follow the route we’ve marked for you on the map, and you’ll experience every highlight the Ha Giang Loop has to offer.
Ideal duration for the Ha Giang Loop
Based on years of tour-leading experience, Lila has found that the 3-day itinerary works best for most travelers. It strikes the perfect balance between time, cost, and physical energy, making it the most popular option among our international guests exploring the Ha Giang Loop.
Below are our suggested stops for a 3-day, 2-night itinerary option.
- Day 1: Ha Giang city – Bac Sum Pass – Khau Lan Waterfall – Quan Ba Heaven Gate – Nam Dam Village – Linen Weaving Village – Can Ty Viewpoint – Lao Va Chai – Yen Minh town.
- Day 2: Tham Ma Pass – Pho Cao Valley – Nine-turn Pass – Pho Bang Valley – Lao Xa Village – Hmong King’s Palace – Sa Phin, Lo Lo Chai Village – Vietnam-China Border – Northernmost Point of Vietnam – Ma Le Village – Khe Lia Viewpoint – Thien Huong Village – Dong Van Ancient Town.
- Day 3: Dong Van Ethnic Market – Ma Pi Leng Pass – White Cliff – Nho Que River, M-shaped Pass – Mau Due Village – Duong Thuong Valley – A Boong Waterfall.
However, we also offer customized tours ranging from 2 to 7 days to suit different travel needs and preferences. You can explore all our tour options here: https://lilainn.tours/
Tips & Warnings for Ha Giang Loop Map
To make the most of the Ha Giang loop map, you’ll need to know how to use it effectively. Some handy tips below will help you navigate the route more smoothly and safely.
- Avoid shortcuts: Don’t rely on risky GPS shortcuts; stick to main roads or routes recommended by locals.
- Backup maps: Carry both a paper map and Google Maps; make sure they’re updated before your trip.
- Download route: Save or print your entire route in advance to avoid signal issues.
- Valid documents: Ensure you have a valid driver’s license and the required border permit.
- Drive safely: Obey speed limits and road signs; be extra cautious on sharp curves.
- Check the weather: Look up the weather forecast beforehand; rainy conditions can make roads dangerously slippery.
- Refuel often: Fill up whenever you pass a gas station ( not necessary if you’re joining a guided tour).
- Slow on slopes: Reduce speed on steep, winding, or under-construction roads.
Experience Ha Giang Loop Map with Lila
At Lila Inn & Tours, we believe that a good map is only part of the journey; the rest comes from local knowledge, safe guidance, and the freedom to truly experience the land beyond the lines on the screen.
As a local tour company with 8 years of experience, we focus on three key priorities to support your journey:
- Safety first with Easy Riders who have over 5 years of riding experience, are professionally trained, and strictly follow safety rules—no overtaking on bends, no riding side-by-side, and never exceeding speed limits.
- Small group tours with fewer than 10 travelers, allowing us to better care for each guest’s experience while ensuring the privacy and personal space you deserve.
- Off-the-beaten-path adventures that take you to lesser-known places most tourists never reach.
If you’re looking for a trusted local guide to help you navigate the Ha Giang Loop, Lila is here for you.
Conclusion
We know that reading about the Ha Giang Loop map probably got you excited. But no matter how detailed our guide is, it still can’t capture the full beauty of Ha Giang. You have to be here, standing in front of those towering mountains and winding roads, to truly feel it.
That’s why we often say Ha Giang is like stepping into another world: a dreamlike place that feels too stunning to be real.
If you want to see it for yourself, come join us at Lila and experience what it means to “get lost in the middle of unreal beauty”.
FAQs
What are the differences between 3D2N and 4D3N? Which tour is better?
I’d like to provide you with the comparison as follows:
- The 4D3N: Includes an extra day to explore more villages and hidden gems along the Ha Giang Loop, especially in Du Gia on the last day. This option offers a slightly more relaxed pace and deeper cultural experiences. We received the best reviews from customers who chose this tour.
- The 3D2N: Covers the same route but in a shorter time frame, making it more compact and intense. If you choose this option, you will miss out on the bamboo boat ride on Ban An Stream, Tham Linh Cave, the serene Du Gia Village, Du Gia Waterfall, and the towering mountain range in Lung Ho Valley.
Is it worth doing the 5D4N Ha Giang & Cao Bang tour instead of the 4D3N complete Ha Giang tour?
I’d like to provide you with the comparison as follows:
- The 4D3N: Includes an extra day to explore more villages and hidden gems along the Ha Giang Loop, especially in Du Gia on the last day. This option offers a slightly more relaxed pace and deeper cultural experiences. We received the best reviews from customers who chose this tour.
- The 3D2N: Covers the same route but in a shorter time frame, making it more compact and intense. If you choose this option, you will miss out on the bamboo boat ride on Ban An Stream, Tham Linh Cave, the serene Du Gia Village, Du Gia Waterfall, and the towering mountain range in Lung Ho Valley.
What are the differences between a 4D3N and a 5D4N tour combining Ha Giang and Cao Bang? Which tour is better?
Here’s a quick side-by-side so you can choose the trip that feels right for you:
- 4-Day Tour (4D3N): See the very best of Ha Giang in just four days. You’ll ride through its most iconic passes, visit peaceful villages, and uncover hidden gems that show the soul of the Loop. Perfect if you want the full Ha Giang experience.
- 5-Day Tour (5D4N): A traveler favorite! Along with Ha Giang’s breathtaking views and charming villages, this trip takes you off the beaten path to Cao Bang – a true hidden gem of Northern Vietnam. Instead of exploring around Du Gia, you’ll spend your last 2.5 days in Cao Bang, marveling at Ngoc Con valley, Khau Coc Cha Pass, Ban Gioc Waterfall, and Nguom Ngao Cave.
You can compare and pick the adventure that speaks to your heart at Lila Inn & Tours.
- Address: 08 Mai Hac De Street, Nguyen Trai Ward, Ha Giang City
- Hotline/ Whatsapp: +84 968 321 715
- Website: https://lilainn.tours/
- Email: lilainntours@gmail.com
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