Hà Giang Backpacking Itinerary: 3 Days on the Hà Giang Loop

#backpacking Day 1: Hà Giang City to Dong Van (Approx. 145 km) • Morning: • Start your journey early in Hà Giang City. Pick up your motorbike and check all gear. • Begin your ride through the winding mountain roads, passing through Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate, where you’ll find a panoramic view of the terraced hills and valleys below. • Stop at Quan Ba Twin Mountains, a unique natural formation surrounded by lush greenery. • Afternoon: • Continue to Yen Minh, a great place for a lunch stop. Enjoy local dishes like pho or bun cha at a small roadside restaurant. • Ride further to Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO Global Geopark, with stunning limestone formations and unique rock landscapes. • Arrive in Dong Van by late afternoon. Check into a homestay or budget hotel. • Explore Dong Van Old Town and its ancient architecture, and relax at a café or local eatery. • Accommodation: • Stay in a local homestay in Dong Van, like Dong Van H’Mong Homestay. Day 2: Dong Van to Meo Vac via Ma Pi Leng Pass (Approx. 70 km) • Morning: • Visit Dong Van Market if it’s a weekend to experience the vibrant local culture. • After breakfast, ride towards the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of the most breathtaking passes in Vietnam, offering epic views of the Nho Que River far below. Take your time to stop and capture photos along the way. • Afternoon: • Reach Meo Vac, where you can explore the local markets and interact with the ethnic minority groups. • For a more adventurous option, take a boat ride or hike down to the Nho Que River for a different perspective of the Ma Pi Leng Pass. • After exploring, head back to Meo Vac and relax. Enjoy a hearty meal of Thang Co (a traditional soup made from horse meat and innards) or try a simpler local meal. • Accommodation: • Stay in Meo Vac, either in a guesthouse or homestay. Consider Meo Vac Clay House for a unique experience. Day 3: Meo Vac to Hà Giang City (Approx. 160 km) • Morning: • Head back towards Hà Giang City. Take it slow as you wind your way back through the picturesque mountain roads. • Stop at Du Gia Village for a break. This off-the-beaten-path village is a peaceful spot to explore or grab a quick lunch. • Afternoon: • After lunch, continue your ride back to Hà Giang, making occasional stops to enjoy the view and stretch your legs. • Arrive in Hà Giang City in the late afternoon. Return your motorbike and relax after the adventurous loop. • Accommodation (Optional): • If you have time to spare, spend another night in Hà Giang City before catching a bus back to Hanoi. Must-Try Food 1. Pho Chua – Sour pho, a local variation found in Dong Van. 2. Au Tau Porridge – A warming rice porridge with medicinal roots. 3. Mèn mén – Steamed ground corn, a staple for the Hmong people.