The full loop at a pace you can actually enjoy

The full classic loop at a comfortable pace. Everything in the Express, plus the climb to Lung Cu Flagpole at Vietnam’s northernmost tip and a second homestay night with a H’mong family in Meo Vac — so you ride the great passes without rushing back the same day.

What Essential means: the same roads, passes and viewpoints as our higher tiers — run with shared-dorm homestays and a joined small group, so the price stays low. Nothing is cut from the route; only the comfort level changes. Want a private en-suite room, a slower pace and extra stops? Ask us about the Classic tier.

What makes this trip

• Climb the 286 steps to Lung Cu Flagpole, the northernmost point of Vietnam
• Two homestay nights — Dong Van, then a H’Mong family in Meo Vac
• The full Ma Pi Leng Pass with time to stop at the Tu San Canyon viewpoint
• A dip at Ngoc Long Stream on the ride back

Day by day

Arrival Night (Night 0): Ha Noi → Ha Giang

Board the overnight cabin bus from Ha Noi (approx. 20:00–21:00). Arrive Ha Giang City around 04:00–05:00 and check in to rest at Ali Hostel.

Day 1: Ha Giang — Quan Ba — Lung Tam — H'Mong King's Palace — Dong Van

08:00 wake up, breakfast at Ali Hostel, and complete any remaining paperwork. 08:30 guide trip briefing (route, safety, gear). 09:00 departure north on National Road 4C. Stop at Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate for the view over the Fairy Bosom Hills, then drop into the valley to Lung Tam Village to watch H’mong women hand-weave hemp fabric on traditional looms. Lunch en route — a hearty local Vietnamese meal (rice with meat, fresh vegetables and soup). Ride the Tham Ma Pass switchbacks and visit the H’mong King’s Palace (Dinh Vua Mèo) in Sa Phin — a 1928 mansion of H’mong, Chinese and French influences, built by H’mong king Vuong Chinh Duc, seat of the Vuong dynasty. Arrive Dong Van Ancient Town, check in to your homestay, and explore the century-old stone quarter at dusk. Enjoy a home-cooked local Vietnamese dinner with the host family.

Day 2: Dong Van — Lung Cu Flagpole — Lolo Chai — Ma Pi Leng — Meo Vac

After breakfast, ride north to Lung Cu — Vietnam’s northernmost point (latitude 23°22’59″N). Climb the 286 stone steps to the Lung Cu Flagpole (~1,700 m) and look out over the borderlands — China to the north, Vietnam’s karst highlands rolling south. On the way down, pass through Lolo Chai Village, home of the Black Lolo, one of Vietnam’s smallest ethnic groups, with mud-wall houses right beneath the flagpole. Lunch in the Dong Van area, then begin the ride toward the day’s high point. Ascend the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass — the cliff road above the Nho Que River Gorge, the deepest canyon in Southeast Asia. Stop at the Tu San Canyon viewpoint to take in the turquoise river far below the grey limestone walls. Descend into Meo Vac and check in to your homestay at the foot of the peaks. Enjoy a home-cooked local Vietnamese dinner with the host family — a relaxed highland evening.

Day 3: Meo Vac — Ngoc Long Stream — Ha Giang

After breakfast, set off on the scenic ride back toward Ha Giang through the pine-clad highlands, with plenty of photo stops along the ridgelines. Lunch en route. Midway between Meo Vac and Ha Giang, stop at Ngoc Long Stream — a clear, emerald-green mountain stream where you can dip your feet, swim or simply relax in the shade after the long passes. Continue over the Bac Sum Pass with a final view of the Fairy Bosom Hills, then arrive Ha Giang City. Board the overnight sleeper bus to Ha Noi (approx. 17:00–18:00), arriving around 05:00 (bus ticket sold separately — we can book it for you). End of program.

What’s included

• Night 0 dorm bed at Ali Hostel (free) — early check-in & rest before the ride · pick-up/drop-off within Ha Giang City
• 2 nights homestay — shared dorm (private room on request, see surcharge)
• Meals as per itinerary: 3× breakfast | 3× lunch | 2× dinner (lunches & dinners are home-cooked local Vietnamese meals) — Day 1 breakfast is served at Ali Hostel before departure.
• Drinking water: 1.5 L per person per day
• English-speaking local guide throughout
• Motorbike + fuel for the whole in-province route (Easy Rider option)
• Protective gear for self-drive guests (helmet, body/knee protectors)
• Entrance fees for all scheduled attractions
• Travel insurance INCLUDED for every guest (BIC, up to 50,000,000 VND/incident)
• Bus ticket Hanoi – Ha Giang (bookable with us: sleeper bus 250,000 VND/way, luxury/limousine from 300,000 VND, VIP cabin from 350,000 VND – contact us to book)
• Ha Giang border-area permit — $10 per person, paid directly by the guest (government regulation)
• Personal expenses, drinks other than the included water, shopping
• Tips for guide / driver / homestay hosts
• VAT invoice if requested (+8%)
• Any service not listed in the itinerary

Not included

• Bus ticket Hanoi – Ha Giang (bookable with us: sleeper bus 250,000 VND/way, luxury/limousine from 300,000 VND, VIP cabin from 350,000 VND – contact us to book)
• Ha Giang border-area permit — $10 per person, paid directly by the guest (government regulation)
• Personal expenses, drinks other than the included water, shopping
• Tips for guide / driver / homestay hosts
• VAT invoice if requested (+8%)
• Any service not listed in the itinerary

Good to know

How is this different from the 2-day Express?

Same great Day 1, but instead of rushing back you climb Lung Cu Flagpole and spend a second night with a H’mong family in Meo Vac — a much more relaxed loop.

What does the 4-day add over this?

A third homestay night out at Du Gia — a remote riverside village with a waterfall and natural swimming pool — plus a more relaxed pace. On this 3-day loop you admire the Tu San gorge from the Ma Pi Leng Pass above.

Dorm or private room?

Price includes a clean shared dorm; private room +300,000 VND/room/night.

Booking: a $20 deposit per person (500,000 VND) confirms your seat — that is all you pay online. The balance is settled on departure day. We keep the online deposit small so you pay less in card fees. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure — 100% refund. WhatsApp / Zalo (+84) 787 652 333 · info@hagiangalitravel.com