Ha Giang Loop

The Ha Giang Loop circles through Vietnam's far north, near the Chinese border, across the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. Limestone peaks, terraced valleys and switchback roads carved into cliff faces make it one of the most spectacular rides in Southeast Asia.

Most riders take three or four days, staying in homestays run by H'Mong, Dao and other ethnic minority families in the villages along the way.

Highlights

• Heaven's Gate at Quan Ba and the "twin mountains"
• The market town of Dong Van and its old quarter
• The Ma Pi Leng Pass above the Nho Que River canyon
• Meo Vac and its weekend market
• The quieter valleys around Du Gia

Best time to ride

September to November is the favorite: dry roads, harvest-gold rice terraces and buckwheat flowers in October–November. March–May is also good. Summer brings heavy rain and landslides.

The road

Mostly paved but narrow, steep and twisty, with trucks, buses, livestock and occasional landslide damage. Many visitors ride with a local "easy rider" driver.

Riding tips

• Foreign riders need a permit for the border province — homestays and rental shops can arrange it.
• Check current Vietnamese license rules and that your travel insurance covers motorcycles.
• Fuel is easy to find in towns; carry cash for homestays and small stations.