There is a lot of hype surrounding this motorcycle loop in Northern Vietnam. When I first told an old friend about my trip to Southeast Asia she immediately said this was her favorite thing she did and I must do it. In Thailand and Laos travelers that had been to Vietnam said it was incredible. I must say even with incredible high expectations it did not disappoint one bit. Every few minutes you feel like pulling over to try and capture the view with a picture, but of course it’s near impossible. From the terraced rice fields to the green karsts rising out of the ground, there are immaculate views at every step of the Ha Giang Loop. By the end of this photo dump you’ll have a glimpse of the real experience, and I imagine shortly thereafter your travel arrangements to Northern Vietnam booked as well!
Ha Giang may seem like a sleepy small town from your first impression upon arrival, but there’s a bit more happening here than meets the eye. Take the time to check out the viewpoint on top of the hill right in the middle of the city Cam Mountain. There’s a coffee shop with seating in and on top of an old school bus.
The views are epic right from the start going through Bac Sum Pass toward Yen Minh and Tom San Town.
I was lucky to pass through this tiny village on a market day where many ethnic minorities converge. You can tell the difference between Tay, Dao, and Hmong people by their headwear.
And in the next village a stall more gauged for tourists.
A nigh in Dong Van: sunset over rice fields capped off by an invitation to join a party of Vietnamese police officers in town from Ho Chi Minh City.
Terraced rice fields and water features never get old.
Ma Pi Leng Canyon viewpoint – worthy of any and all selfies.
When your back road becomes too ‘off the beaten path,’ you can’t find yourself on any GPS map, and you’re just hoping your bike doesn’t break down in a remote village near China.
Slowing down and catching a glimpse of village life is a must. This is the sleepy village of Du Gia, even with the rise in popularity of the loop it’s managed to maintain it’s charm with only a few homestays, a school, and a market.
Waterfalls are nice, too.
One of the best views is saved for the last day, climbing up from Sang Pa toward Tam Son.
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