Ha Giang Loop
Ha Giang Loop. Photo: Khánh Hmoong, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Road trip guide

Ha Giang Loop: the drive, the stops and where to sleep

Distance
About 220 miles (354 km)
Time
3–4 days
Best time
September–November

Karst mountains and the Ma Pi Leng Pass in Vietnam's far north. That is what Ha Giang Loop promises, and it delivers. At about 220 miles (354 km), it is a drive best taken slowly, over 3–4 days, with time to pull over whenever the view demands it on the way from Ha Giang to Meo Vac.

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Setting out from Ha Giang

Start early, with a full tank and a loose plan. Ha Giang is where the road begins, and the first miles set the rhythm for everything that follows.

The first big moment is Ma Pi Leng Pass. Give it the time it deserves; it is why many people make this trip at all.

Along the way

The road strings together Dong Van. It is the natural place to stop, eat well and stretch your legs.

Do not miss Heaven's Gate.

Arriving in Meo Vac

Save energy for the final stretch: Lung Cu flag tower is still ahead.

By the end you will have seen Ma Pi Leng Pass, Heaven's Gate and Lung Cu flag tower, and you will understand why Ha Giang Loop belongs on any list of great drives.

When to go and how to pace it

The best time to drive it is September–November. Plan on 3–4 days so the drive never feels rushed.

Check route weather and fuel stops on the Plan tab before you go.

XCRSN prices fuel for every leg in the local currency, finds stops along the way and books overnights near each town.

The route

  1. Ha Giang, Vietnam
  2. Dong Van, Vietnam
  3. Meo Vac, Vietnam

Road trip tips

Open this route in XCRSN
XCRSN planner: plan the whole drive before you leave. Live corridor fuel, overnight stops, Apple and Google Maps export.

More planning help