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Ha Giang
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Getting into Ha Giang
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Ha Giang
Tuyên Quang · The Ha Giang Loop: high mountain passes, deep canyons and Hmong market towns.Places to visit
First stop on the stone plateau, overlooking the Tam Son valley and the twin mountains.
Good to know: Morning fog can hide the view.
Map ↗Early-20th-century stone-and-timber mansion of Hmong leader Vuong Chinh Duc, built in Chinese style.
Good to know: Busy 9–11am.
Map ↗Flag tower at Vietnam's northernmost point, about 300 steps up, overlooking terraces and the border.
Good to know: Cold wind at the top; about 25 km from Dong Van.
Map ↗ Find out more →A 20 km pass between Dong Van and Meo Vac above the Nho Que gorge; stop at Ma Pi Leng Panorama.
Good to know: Dangerous road in fog; stay away from the edge for photos.
Map ↗ Find out more →A zigzag slope winding through rock mountains; local children offer flower-basket photos.
Good to know: Children often ask for money for photos; ask first or politely decline.
Map ↗Row of old two-storey tiled houses around the old market, with cafés and grills at night.
Map ↗Show 8 more
Multi-ethnic Sunday market with thang co stew, corn wine, brocade and livestock.
Good to know: Sunday mornings only; mind your belongings in the crowd.
Map ↗Pink-purple flowers across the plateau (Sung La, Pho Cao, Lung Cu); many gardens charge a photo fee.
Good to know: Only around October–November, which is peak season.
Map ↗Small waterfall in the Du Gia valley, a swim after a long ride.
Good to know: Slippery rocks; strong flow in rainy season.
Map ↗Nationally listed terraces at Ban Luoc, Nam Hong and Thong Nguyen.
Good to know: Best May–June and Sept–Oct; far from the loop.
Map ↗Start marker of Highway 4C where riders take their photo before setting off on the loop.
Map ↗Pine forest beside the Quan Ba – Yen Minh road; a stop for photos and lunch.
Map ↗Rammed-earth house used in the film 'Story of Pao', in the Sung La valley.
Map ↗Dao village of rammed-earth houses and homestays near the Twin Mountains.
Map ↗Where to eat
Row of old two-storey tiled houses around the old market, with cafés and grills at night.
Map ↗Multi-ethnic Sunday market with thang co stew, corn wine, brocade and livestock.
Good to know: Sunday mornings only; mind your belongings in the crowd.
Map ↗Good to know before you go
Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?
It depends on your passport. Some nationalities can enter visa-free for a set number of days; everyone else can apply online for an e-visa, valid for up to 90 days. The list of visa-free countries changes, so check the official e-visa portal before you book. Apply only on the official government site: look-alike agency sites charge extra fees.
Official e-visa portal: https://evisa.gov.vn
What documents do I need at the airport when I arrive?
Your passport (valid for at least 6 months from entry, with blank pages), your printed or on-phone e-visa if you need one, and your onward or return ticket in case the officer asks. Keep your hotel address handy too.
Official e-visa portal: https://evisa.gov.vn
Should I bring cash or use cards in Vietnam?
Both. Hotels, malls, chain cafés and many restaurants take cards, but street food, markets, small shops and local buses are cash only. ATMs are everywhere in cities; each withdrawal usually carries a fee from the local bank, so take out larger amounts less often.
How do I avoid mixing up Vietnamese banknotes?
Prices have many zeros, and some notes look alike: the 20,000 and 500,000 notes are both blue. Count the zeros before handing money over, keep large and small notes in separate pockets, and read the amount aloud when paying.
Make it a longer trip
Travellers often combine these with Ha Giang.
