When people talk about the Ha Giang Loop, Ma Pi Leng Pass is always the star. It is one of the Four Great Mountain Passes of Northern Vietnam.
The pass is about 20 km long and sits at 1,600 meters above sea level. With sharp turns and high cliffs, it gives riders a mix of challenge, excitement, and amazing views.
But Ma Pi Leng is more than just a tough road. It is full of stunning scenery, local stories, and experiences you will remember forever.
In this guide, Lila Inn and Tour will walk you through everything you need to know, from its location and history to the best viewpoints and useful tips for your trip.
Overview of Ma Pi Leng Pass
Ma Pi Leng Pass is part of the famous Ha Giang Loop, about 150 km from Ha Giang City. It connects the remote towns of Dong Van and Meo Vac.
The top of the pass sits around 1,200 to 1,600 meters high and is often called the roof of the Dong Van Karst Plateau. From here, you can enjoy one of the most stunning views in all of Vietnam, with endless limestone mountains stretching far into the horizon.
Looking to the east, you will see Tu San Canyon, the deepest canyon in Southeast Asia. Below the pass flows the emerald Nho Que River, winding gently between steep cliffs and creating a peaceful, majestic scene.
Ma Pi Leng Pass has some of the most dramatic terrain in Vietnam. The road stretches for 20 km with steep slopes, sharp curves, and high cliffs. Its name, “Ma Pi Leng,” means “horse’s nose bridge” in the local language, describing how steep and narrow the mountains are.
The rough terrain can be challenging and will test any rider’s skills, but it also brings a huge sense of excitement and achievement once you make it through.
The history of the pass is just as impressive. It was built from 1963 to 1965 by thousands of young volunteers using only ropes and simple tools. Today, it stands as a symbol of bravery and determination. In 2009, Ma Pi Leng Pass was officially recognized as a National Scenic Monument.
Check out our guide to
Bac Sum Pass for more Ha Giang Loop adventures 
Best time to do the Ma Pi Leng Pass
Based on our local experience, the best time to explore Ma Pi Leng Pass is from September to April, the dry season in Ha Giang.
During these months, the weather is pleasant, with daytime temperatures around (15°C – 25°C). The days are usually sunny and clear, while mornings and evenings are cool, making the ride easier and safer.
Ha Giang also shows its best scenery at this time, and Ma Pi Leng becomes the perfect viewpoint to enjoy it all.
- From September to October, the rice terraces turn golden under the sun. In November, the buckwheat flowers bloom in soft pink and purple.
- By March and April, peach and plum blossoms cover the highlands, giving the valleys a dreamy and romantic look.
From July to August, Ha Giang enters the rainy season. It often rains at night and clears up during the day, so make sure you are well prepared if you plan to conquer the pass.
How to get to Ma Pi Leng Pass?
Firstly, you’ll need to reach Ha Giang City to get to Ma Pi Leng Pass.
No matter where you’re traveling from in Northern Vietnam, it’s easy to catch a bus to Ha Giang. Most buses are comfortable sleeper coaches that take around 8–10 hours and usually travel overnight.
If you need help booking your bus ticket, don’t hesitate to contact Lila. We’ll be happy to assist you!
Second, from Ha Giang city, you will follow National Highway 2 towards Milestone 0km, then continue along National Highway 4C, also known as the Happiness Road. The route runs through Quan Ba and Dong Van before leading you to Ma Pi Leng Pass.
To get there, you have two main ways to travel, depending on how you want to enjoy the journey:
- Join a guided tour: You can ride as a passenger with an Easy Rider, an experienced local driver who handles everything for you. If you want more freedom, you can drive your own motorbike while following a local guide, but an IDP is required. For families or small groups who want a comfortable trip, a private car tour is a great choice.
- Rent a motorbike: If you are a confident rider and have an IDP, this is the most adventurous way to explore the pass.
To make your trip easier, whether you join a tour or ride on your own, it’s helpful to know the full Ha Giang Loop route. You can see the complete Ha Giang Loop map in our detailed guide.
Top things to do on your journey to Ma Pi Leng Pass
After 8 years of guiding travelers on the Ha Giang Loop, we’ve picked out the 5 experiences that make Ma Pi Leng truly unforgettable. Here are the must do moments you shouldn’t miss on your journey.
1. Enjoy the view and take photos
Nothing compares to standing on Ma Pi Leng Pass, breathing in the cool mountain air, and watching the vast landscape open up in front of you. From here, you can see the sharp limestone peaks, the green Nho Que River flowing below, and the deep Tu San Canyon cutting through the mountains.
Along the way, you’ll find many beautiful photo stops, like the Ma Pi Leng Skywalk with its wide panoramic view, or the Eye of Ma Pi Leng, a natural rock window looking straight down to the river. Take your time to enjoy the scenery and capture your check-in at this iconic pass on the Ha Giang Loop.
For more thrilling mountain passes nearby, check out our guides to
Tham Ma Pass to plan the full adventure
2. Hunting cloud
Sitting at 1,200 to 1,600 meters high, the top of Ma Pi Leng Pass is one of the best places for cloud hunting. The tall mountains and deep valleys often hold thick layers of mist, especially in the early morning. The best time to see the clouds is from 6 to 9 AM, with August and September offering the most beautiful views.
You can spot the “sea of clouds” from many points along the winding road, but the Ma Pi Leng Skywalk is the most popular place for a perfect view.
3. Take a boat trip in Tu San Canyon
At the bottom of Ma Pi Leng Pass is Tu San Canyon, the deepest canyon in Southeast Asia. The best way to see its beauty is by taking a boat ride on the emerald Nho Que River. As the boat moves quietly between towering cliffs, you get a completely new view that you can’t see from the top of the pass.
Boat trips are operated by local cooperatives, and you can easily buy tickets at the pier or through your homestay or tour operator. Prices are affordable, usually around 100,000 to 150,000 VND per person for a shared boat.
4. Visit a local market
One of the most enjoyable things about traveling in Ha Giang is visiting a local mountain market. These markets are not only places to buy and sell goods but also where people meet, talk, and share their daily life.
Near Ma Pi Leng, you can visit Dong Van Market before the pass or Meo Vac Market after the pass. Both take place every Sunday and are full of colorful traditional clothes, handwoven fabrics, silver jewelry, and many handmade crafts which make great souvenirs to bring home.
5. Taste the local food
As you might guess, Ha Giang has many unique local dishes you will not find anywhere else in Vietnam. You can try thang co, men men, smoked buffalo meat, or corn wine, all made with traditional recipes passed down for generations.
Around Ma Pi Leng, the easiest places to enjoy these dishes are in Dong Van Town before the pass or Meo Vac Town after the pass. Both towns have plenty of restaurants and small eateries serving the true flavors of the highlands.
Nearby Attractions of Ma Pi Leng Pass
1. Dong Van Old Quarter
Dong Van Old Quarter sits 1,000 to 1,600 meters above sea level, tucked among tall mountains. Built by Tay, Mong and Hoa families and later settled by Nung and Dao people, it has kept its quiet, timeless charm. From Ha Giang City, you travel nearly 100 km along winding roads with steep cliffs to reach it.
Around 40 traditional houses still stand, with narrow tube designs, yin yang tile roofs, and walls aged by moss and sunlight. Red lanterns hang outside many homes, adding a warm and peaceful touch to this unique stop on the Ha Giang Loop.
Check out our guide to
Quan Ba Heaven Gate for more Ha Giang Loop adventures
2. Hmong King’s Palace
The Hmong Kings Palace (Dinh Vua Meo) sits in Sa Phin Valley, 15 km from Dong Van Town on the way to Ma Pi Leng. Built in the early 20th century, it combines French, Chinese, and Hmong architecture, offering a glimpse into the highlands history and culture.
Constructed entirely by hand over five years, the mansion is protected by surrounding hills in a turtle shell formation. Preserved for over a century, it was recognized as a national heritage site in 1993 and remains a must visit landmark in Ha Giang.
Lung Cu Flag Point
Lung Cu Flat Tower is Vietnam’s northernmost point, 24 km from Dong Van Town, at 1,600 to 1,800 meters above sea level. The main attraction is the Lung Cu Flag Tower, a sacred landmark at the northern tip of Vietnam. Visitors climb 839 stone steps and 140 spiral steps inside the tower, enjoying stunning mountain views along the way.
At the top, the 54 square meter red flag with a golden star represents Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups, overlooking the Dong Van Karst Plateau, villages, and fields. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon for soft light and a peaceful atmosphere.
Mau Due Village
Mau Due Commune, about 90 km from Ha Giang City and 35 km south of Ma Pi Leng Pass, lies in a serene valley at the foot of the mountains. Along the journey, visitors follow the peaceful Mien River and see traditional stilt houses scattered across green hills and farmland.
The combination of rugged limestone peaks, lush forests, and vibrant fields of corn and rice creates a stunning, tranquil landscape that feels almost like stepping into another world.
5 highly rated homestays near Ma Pi Leng Pass
Ma Pi Leng Pass is a steep and winding 20 kilometer mountain route so there are very few places to stay directly on the pass. Most travelers choose to stay in Dong Van or Meo Vac the nearest towns offering plenty of homestays and full services.
Here are five highly rated homestays near Ma Pi Leng Pass recommended by Lila.
Meo Vac Beehive House
Located in Meo Vac, this homestay offers family rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and views of the garden or mountains. Guests can enjoy a shared lounge, outdoor seating areas, free parking, free WiFi, and an on-site restaurant serving Vietnamese dishes. It’s highly rated for cleanliness, comfort, and its scenic location.
The average price starts from 1,200,000 VND to 1,500,000 VND per night.
Little Yen’s Homestay
Little Yen’s Homestay offers a peaceful stay with a garden, sun terrace, and convenient amenities such as free WiFi, a shared lounge, wellness services, a tour desk, and free parking. Guests can choose from double, triple, quadruple, or dorm rooms. The on-site restaurant serves Vietnamese dishes with vegetarian options, along with breakfasts featuring pancakes and fresh fruit.
The average price starts from 200,000 VND to 1,350,000 VND per night.
Meo Vac Sky Homestay
The homestay sits right on National Road 4C, making it easy to travel and explore nearby attractions. It offers double, king, and quadruple rooms, all with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and views of the mountains or garden. Guests can enjoy free WiFi, a lounge, a coffee corner, outdoor seating, a shared kitchen, evening activities, and a kid-friendly buffet.
The average price starts from 500,000 VND to 1,000,000 VND per night.
Dong Van Cliffside House
Dong Van Cliffside House is a cozy lodge offering quadruple rooms and family bungalows, all with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and balconies overlooking the mountains or town. Each room includes basic comforts like a work desk and q tea/coffee maker. Guests can enjoy a daily buffet breakfast, an on-site restaurant, a bar, a shared kitchen, free WiFi, and free parking.
The average price starts from 1,120,000 VND to 2,150,000 VND per night.
Khoi Panorama
Khoi Panorama is a cozy mountain lodge offering Double Rooms and Family Rooms with private bathrooms, fireplaces, electric kettles, and balconies overlooking the garden or nearby peaks. Guests can enjoy free WiFi, a coffee shop, outdoor seating, 24-hour front desk service, daily à la carte breakfast, and free private parking.
The average price starts from 1,300,000 VND to 2,300,000 VND per night.
Note: Prices for each homestay are updated based on Booking.com as of December 2025
Experience of exploring Ma Pi Leng Pass
To make your trip to Ma Pi Leng Pass safer, smoother, and more enjoyable, Lila has gathered a few practical tips based on our 8 years of experience guiding tours on the Ha Giang Loop.
- Check the weather in advance: Roads can be slippery during the rainy season (July-August), so plan and pack carefully based on the weather forecast.
- Don’t overpack: Only bring essentials; keep your bag light and smartly packed, following our Ha Giang Loop Packing Guide.
- Dress in layers: The weather can change quickly at Heaven’s Gate, from warm sunshine to chilly winds. Layering helps you stay comfortable in any condition.
- Start early each day: Riding after sunset is risky due to poor visibility, winding mountain roads, and the lack of streetlights.
- Always wear protective gear: A proper helmet, long sleeves, and sturdy shoes help protect you from the sun, wind, and unexpected road conditions.
- Download offline maps: As phone signal can be weak in many areas, we recommend downloading apps like Maps.me or Google Maps (offline mode) to help with navigation.
- Carry enough cash: There are no ATMs in smaller towns like rural villages, and some places don’t accept cards.
Explore Quan Ma Pi Leng Pass with Lila Inn & Tours
No trip on the Ha Giang Loop is complete without Ma Pi Leng Pass. Towering cliffs, winding roads, and the Nho Que River below make it an unforgettable experience.
With over 8 years of guiding more than 24,000 travelers, Lila Inn & Tour offers worry-free Easy Rider tours. We focus on three priorities: safety with experienced riders, small groups for personal care, and off-the-beaten-path adventures to hidden gems.
- Safety first: Our Easy Riders each have over 5 years of experience. They are professionally trained and always follow safe riding rules such as no overtaking on bends, no riding side by side, and no speeding.
- Small groups: We keep our tours under 10 travelers so you receive more attention, comfort, and personal space.
- Off the beaten path experiences: We bring you to both famous sights and hidden places that most visitors never see.
Whether you are planning a shorter adventure with our Ha Giang 3 day tour or a more immersive journey on the Ha Giang Loop 5 days, Lila Inn & Tour ensures every trip is safe, comfortable, and full of unforgettable experiences.
Conclusion
At Lila Inn & Tours, we take pride in sharing the most breathtaking corners of Ha Giang, and Ma Pi Leng Pass is one spot that truly captures the spirit of Northern Vietnam. Its winding roads, towering cliffs, and sweeping views make it an unforgettable highlight of the journey.
Join our Ha Giang Loop tours to explore this legendary pass, discover hidden gems, and experience the adventure, beauty, and culture of Ha Giang like never before.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to ride Ma Pi Leng Pass if I am not experienced on mountain roads?
Lila does not recommend it. Ma Pi Leng is a steep and narrow pass, and the road is hard to control for new riders. If you are not confident, it is safer to join an Easy Rider tour with local drivers who know the road well.
Can you still travel to Ma Pi Leng Pass in the rainy season?
Yes, you can. But the road is more slippery and needs extra care. Check your bike, wear good rain gear, and follow the weather forecast. Going with a local guide is the safest choice when the weather changes.
What is the best type of vehicle for Ma Pi Leng Pass?
Because the slopes are high and the road is rough, Lila recommends a 150cc bike for stronger power and better balance. All Lila Easy Rider tours use 150cc or more. If you want to ride by yourself, we can help you choose a suitable bike.
How can I reach the Nho Que River from Ma Pi Leng Pass?
From the top of the pass, you can go down about 4 to 5 km to Ta Lang or Xin Cai, where the boat station is. The road is steep, so drive slowly or ask a local driver to bring you down. From there, you can take a boat to see the green Nho Que River and the Tu San Canyon.
Can I enjoy Ma Pi Leng Pass if I am afraid of heights?
Yes. You can still enjoy the view if you go with a local guide who knows the safe spots. Travel in daylight, move slowly, and bring any medicine you need. With the right support, you can enjoy the pass without stress.
