TIP: Be sure to ask your hostel or homestay host in Dong Van about the dates and times of local markets. It’s a cultural experience you won’t want to miss.
Day 3: Dong Van Pass and Ma Pi Leng
Morning
This is the time when you will travel on what is considered the most spectacular road in Vietnam. From Dong Van to Ma Pi Leng Pass, the valley floor seems to disappear below as you pass through majestic peaks and canyons. The only problem is that you have to consider how many times you stop to take photos because there are so many poetic scenes at every turn.
Ma Pi Leng
Meo Vac is only 24 km from Dong Van, but it will take you most of the morning to get there if you stop for panoramic views along the way. Once there, enjoy this quaint town with its many colors. Not only that, Meo Vac town also has many options for your lunch.
Noon
For a quick detour, turn left from QL4C at the end of Ma Pi Leng Pass onto secondary road 193A. Although this distance is short, it is extremely interesting because you can get a closer look at the winding Nho Que River below.
At the end of the day in Bao Lam, you will stay in a small village with a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the people here. Spend a few hours relaxing in this remote setting and get ready for the drive back to Ha Giang the next morning.
Day 4: Return to Ha Giang city
Morning
Start the last day of the trip with a simple breakfast and prepare food to return to Ha Giang. From Bao Lam, follow Highway 34 southwest toward Ha Giang. The road mostly follows the Gam River, making for a pleasant ride along the valley floor. The journey back to Ha Giang will still have many curves and a few passes but will not be as zigzag and dangerous as the trip.
Stop in Bac Me to enjoy food at one of the local eateries. Gradually towards the end of the road before reaching the city, you will find it less and less likely to see towns.
Noon
Return to Ha Giang City and enjoy modern amenities after the journey over the past four days.
Useful tips
What will you get on this journey?
You will travel through the northernmost region of Vietnam and experience the lack of modern conveniences once out of Ha Giang. Remember to bring enough cash as ATMs are scarce.
How to experience this journey?
Day and night passenger buses regularly depart from My Dinh bus station in Hanoi to Ha Giang. Tours and private/contract buses can also be found online or through travel agencies in the capital.
You can refer to tours and private/contract buses on travel websites or through travel companies in Hanoi.
Rent Motorcycles
When coming to Ha Giang by bus, you may need a motorbike if you want to visit many different places. You can easily find motorbike rental in Ha Giang city. Both Honda and Kawasaki Service Centers are present in the town.
Road conditions and safety
The roads on this route are mostly in good condition, but obstacles and construction can appear at any time. To be safe, use caution when approaching curves, drive during the day and stop after dark.