Located in the north of Vietnam, Ha Giang attracts many travelers looking for adventure and thrills. It’s a destination known for its winding roads that wind through spectacular landscapes, with dizzying chasms on one side and towering cliffs on the other.
This unique driving experience, combined with the natural beauty of the area, makes Ha Giang a must-visit location for those looking to get off the beaten track and experience an unforgettable adventure.
1. Ma Pi Leng Pass
Missing the Ma Pi Leng Pass when you come to Ha Giang for the breathtaking scenery would be a mistake. Known as the “King of Passes“, the Ma Pi Leng pass is not only the most impressive in Ha Giang, but it is also among the four most beautiful passes in Vietnam.
Stretching for a distance of approximately 20 km, Ma Pi Leng Pass stands majestically at an altitude of approximately 1,200 meters on the rocky Dong Van plateau. It is known for its tortuous and delicate road, which winds along the sides of the mountain. On one side, you are faced with a sheer cliff, while on the other, your gaze plunges into a dizzyingly deep abyss.
The unrivaled natural beauty of Ma Pi Leng Pass, combined with its strategic location, makes it a must-stop for anyone visiting Ha Giang. The winding road, rugged cliffs and impressive panoramic views provide a unique and memorable experience for every visitor.
As one of the four most beautiful passes in Vietnam, Ma Pi Leng Pass is a site that cannot be ignored. Come discover this breathtaking landscape, where every turn reveals a new natural wonder. The Ma Pi Leng Pass experience is an adventure that will stay with you forever.
Additionally, Ma Pi Leng Pass offers another natural wonder: Tu San Alley. Located under the ravine and bordering the Nho Que River, the latter appears like a green thread which gently winds at the foot of the mountain. It is a breathtaking sight that adds to the irresistible appeal of this iconic road.
2. Gio Pass
The Gio Pass in Ha Giang, at the same altitude as Ma Pi Leng, offers a wild and majestic landscape, framed by virgin forests.
It is a steep road, carved out of the mountain, so narrow that it can only accommodate two pedestrians or a motorcycle at a time. Its winding trajectory requires extreme caution and mental preparation for the surprises along the way.
Gio Pass is also distinguished by the absence of guardrails on the cliff side. People prone to vertigo are therefore not advised to look down.
However, the reward is stunning scenery. The higher you go, the cooler the air becomes. The sounds of the stream and the wind intertwine, under a vast canopy of trees, separating Xin Man from the rest of the localities.
3. Ta Lang Pass
To reach Tu San Alley, passing through Ta Lang Pass is necessary. This 8 km pass, stretching from an altitude of 1500 m to the Nho Que River, takes you through 47 sharp turns, half of which are hairpin bends.
The road, narrow enough for only two motorbikes, is bordered by a cliff on one side and a deep precipice on the other, where mountain clouds mix.
Ta Lang Pass is peppered with steep inclines and tight turns, requiring riders to navigate in first and second gear while braking regularly. However, the spectacular landscape transports you into a magical world. Clouds shroud the mountains, revealing views of the Nho Que River, hidden roads, houses and rice terraces, all standing majestically against the wind.
If time permits, visit the peaceful village of Ta Lang. Situated under a canopy of flowering rice fields, this village offers unparalleled hospitality.
4. Tham Ma track
Located on a winding mountain pass on Highway 4C from Ha Giang to Meo Vac, the 5km-long Tham Ma Trail is one of the Most dangerous roads in Ha Giang, even from the North. Despite its modest height, its turns, steep slopes and narrow lanes are a challenge.
In the past, it was used to assess the strength of horses: those capable of carrying goods from foot to top were kept as production tools. Hence its name, Tham Ma, meaning “horsepower evaluation track”.
From the summit, Tham Ma looks like a strip of silk leaning against the mountain. On either side, vertical rock walls seem ready to collapse at any moment. Below, an abyss of a thousand meters highlights the altitude of Ha Giang. These 5 km of slope offer a captivating journey for adventure lovers.
5. Track Bac Sum
The Bac Sum trail is a pass on National Road 4C connecting Minh Tan commune (Vinh Xuyen, Ha Giang) to Quyet Tien commune (Quan Ba, Ha Giang). How long is the Bac Sum trail? It is the longest track in Ha Giang province with a length of 7 km and an altitude of over 450 m.
This place is associated with the heroic history of the Vietnamese people during the resistance against the French. Bac Sum was once an important communication route for the Vietnamese and a bridge for the exchange of human and material resources between the rugged and rocky plateaus.
Today, thanks to this pass, travel between municipalities is facilitated, thus helping to promote the distribution and consumption of agricultural products among populations in remote areas.
Not only does it have historical, economic and social significance, the Bac Sum Trail also brings tourism value to Ha Giang Province. Every year, this place attracts many visitors and backpackers who come to admire the majestic beauty of the mountains and forests.
In addition, Bac Sum Trail is also the path to many other scenic spots in Ha Giang such as Heaven’s Gate – Quan Ba Twin Mountains, Hanh Phuc Road,…
6. Track Chin Khoanh
The distinction between the Bac Sum track and the Chin Khoanh track is often blurred. In reality, Chin Khoanh is a section of Bac Sum, connecting Pho Cao to Sung La. It represents the highest point of Bac Sum.
As its name suggests, Chin Khoanh has 9 bends, 5 of which are particularly dangerous. These turns require an experienced driver, especially when it rains and the road becomes slippery.
From the summit, you’ll have panoramic views of cascading agricultural terraces and rooftops scattered across the hillsides.
If you are a fan of Ha Giang buckwheat flowers, Chin Khoanh is not to be missed. Many buckwheat flowers line the trail, particularly in November and December when they are in full bloom.
