The Raw Loop

08:00: Have breakfast at office, have briefing about the map itinerary, prepare to go Ha Giang Loop.

Bac Sum Pass

Bac Sum Pass is a winding mountain road known for its long, graceful curves and misty scenery. As you ascend, the temperature cools and the landscape opens into layers of green hills and steep slopes. This pass provides one of the most scenic approaches into the highlands of Quan Ba and sets the tone for the adventure ahead.

Quan Ba Heaven Gate

Quan Ba Heaven Gate is the first major viewpoint of the Ha Giang Loop, offering sweeping panoramic views over terraced valleys, limestone mountains, and the famous Twin Mountains. At an altitude of 1,500 meters, this pass reveals the dramatic landscape that marks the gateway to Dong Van Karst Plateau. It’s a perfect stop for photos and understanding the geography of northern Vietnam.

Yen Minh

Have lunch in Yen Minh in local food store.

Tham Ma Pass is one of the most iconic zigzag roads on the Loop. Historically used as a route to test the strength of horses, today it is a favorite viewpoint for travelers. The dramatic S-shaped bends cut through deep valleys, creating some of the most photogenic scenes along the journey.

Dinh Vua Meo

The Hmong King Palace is a beautifully preserved heritage site dating back to the early 20th century. Built by the influential Vuong family, the palace combines local Hmong culture with Qing-style architecture. Visitors can explore its courtyards, stone walls, and wooden living quarters while learning about the political and cultural history of the Hmong people in Ha Giang.

Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark

The Dong Van Karst Plateau is recognized by UNESCO for its extraordinary geological formations, ancient limestone mountains, and rich cultural diversity. This region showcases millions of years of Earth’s history through its karst landscapes, deep canyons, and unique rock formations. It is also home to several ethnic minority communities whose traditions enrich the experience.

Dong Van Old Quarter is a charming historic town surrounded by dramatic limestone peaks. Its narrow lanes, clay-brick houses, and ancient market square showcase more than a century of Hmong and Chinese architectural influence. Travelers can stroll through the old streets, enjoy local coffee shops, and experience the vibrant weekend market that fills the square with colors and culture. In the evening, guests enjoy dinner right in the Old Quarter, where traditional hotpot is a popular choice after a full day on the road. You will stay overnight in Dong Van at a comfortable hotel, perfectly located for exploring the town’s peaceful early-morning atmosphere before continuing the Loop the next day.

Ma Pi Leng Pass

Ma Pi Leng Pass is often considered the most breathtaking section of the entire Ha Giang Loop. Stretching along steep cliffs at over 1,500 meters above sea level, the pass offers dramatic views of deep canyons, towering limestone peaks, and winding mountain roads carved into the rock. This is one of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes, known for its powerful sense of scale and untouched natural beauty. Travelers can stop at several viewpoints for photos and to fully appreciate the panoramic scenery.

Nho Que River

The Nho Que River is a turquoise ribbon flowing through the legendary Tu San Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in Southeast Asia. On this tour, a boat trip is included, allowing travelers to glide through calm emerald waters between towering cliffs. The experience is peaceful, scenic, and unforgettable—offering a rare perspective of the canyon’s dramatic vertical walls and the natural beauty surrounding the river. It is one of the must-do activities on the Ha Giang Loop.

Meo Vac

Have lunch in Meo Vac in local restaurant.

M Pass is a lesser-known but equally stunning mountain pass famous for its unique M-shaped curves. The winding road hugs the mountainside, opening into wide views of rice terraces, valleys, and local villages below. Fewer tourists visit this area, making it a serene and authentic stop along the journey. It’s a perfect viewpoint for photos and for observing daily life in the highlands as you ride through remote and peaceful landscapes.