Ha Giang province’s dewy mountains, which preside over the foothills of northern Vietnam, play host to a famous 370-kilometre road trip, looping its way through the scenic Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. Whilst there is no set format to complete the Ha Giang Loop – with some completing it in as little as three days or as many as 10 – we’ve compiled a list of the must-see stops along the way.
QUAN BA HEAVEN GATE
Perched a staggering 1,500 metres above sea level, Quan Ba Heaven Gate (Quan Ba) marks the dramatic entrance to the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark – Vietnam’s first UNESCO Global Geopark.
Panoramic views provide sweeping vistas of the terraced rice fields below, overlooked by limestone peaks and distant highland villages peppered across the horizon.
Though popular with tour groups, the best way to experience Quan Ba is during the quieter moments in the early morning, when the mountains unfold in silent majesty.
As Ha Giang’s symbolic threshold, marking the beginning of a journey into rugged beauty and rich culture, Quan Ba makes for an ideal first stop.
LUNG TAM WEAVING VILLAGE
Amongst the rolling hills of Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Lung Tam, a weaving village, invites visitors to experience the centuries-old craft traditions of the Hmong people.
Here, artisans handmake hemp fibres, dye them with natural pigment, and weave them into richly textured cloths and textiles – each thread a living continuation of their sacred culture.
This immersive experience offers a rare glimpse into the rhythm of traditional Hmong life, where skill, patience, and heritage are woven into every aspect of society.
Whether visited en route towards Dong Van or on the return leg towards Ha Giang, this quaint village reveals the local people’s deep connection with the landscape and offers a cultural experience like no other.
LUNG KHUY CAVE
Nestled within the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Lung Khuy Cave is a hidden marvel easily reached via a short detour from the Ha Giang Loop.
Discovered in 2015, the cave is celebrated as one of the region’s most captivating limestone formations, accessible through a well-lit kilometre-long walkway where a dramatic subterranean landscape reveals intricate stalactites.
Though modest in scale, the cave’s natural beauty and proximity to the Ha Giang Loop make it an ideal stop for those seeking a quiet moment of wonder and an unexpected contrast from the expansive vistas encountered elsewhere along the trip.
DONG VAN
Set deep within rugged peaks, Dong Van emerges as a vibrant highland town and is a natural overnight stop along the Ha Giang Loop.
A lively atmosphere sets it apart, in stark contrast with the solitude of the surrounding mountains, offering travellers modern comforts alongside rich cultural experiences.
The old town, which echoes the historical charm of Hoi An in central Vietnam, reveals layers of Hmong and Chinese influence in its weathered façades.
On Sundays, the central market springs to life as traders gather to exchange goods and stories alike – a timeless ritual anchoring Dong Van in the annals of history and humanity.
MA PI LENG PASS
Carved high above the jade waters of the Nho Que River, Ma Pi Leng Pass offers one of Vietnam’s
most awe-inspiring panoramas.
Overlooking the vast Tu San Canyon – Southeast Asia’s deepest gorge – this legendary stretch of the
Ha Giang Loop rewards travellers with ever-shifting views of limestone peaks and plunging valleys.
The nearby Ma Pi Leng Skywalk, meanwhile, is a short but daring climb, offering even more exhilarating views of the valleys below as sheer cliffs drop away beneath you from the safety of a secure walkway.
NHO QUE RIVER
Winding beneath the towering cliffs of the Tu San Canyon, the Nho Que River offers travellers a rare and unforgettable experience in the form of a tranquil boat journey through one of Vietnam’s most dramatic landscapes.
Reached by a steep descent, the emerald ribbon of water flows in deep silence between vertical limestone walls.
The hour-long ride, often timed by golden sunset light, reveals the canyon’s sheer grandeur from below.
A brief stop at the riverside beach invites swimmers to dive into its cool, clear waters. Serene yet extraordinary, the Nho Que River is a soul-stirring highlight of the Ha Giang Loop.
DU GIA WATERFALL
Embedded in the verdant hills of the quiet village of Du Gia, the Du Gia Waterfall offers a final refreshing pause along the Ha Giang Loop.
Cascading into a clear natural pool, the falls invite travellers to swim, unwind, and reflect amidst the serene landscape.
Though often frequented by groups of tourists, arriving earlier or later in the day promises increased tranquillity and unspoiled views.
Surrounded by lush forest and the echoes of falling water, Du Gia Waterfall is both a cooling escape and a fitting farewell to the raw beauty of northern Vietnam’s Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark.
