Ha Giang is Vietnam's northernmost province, on the border with China. The Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO Global Geopark, rises in grey limestone peaks cut by deep valleys, and roads wind over passes such as Ma Pi Leng above the Nho Que River.
H'mong, Lo Lo, Dao and other communities live in the villages along the way, and the best way to see it all is the Ha Giang Loop by motorbike, riding yourself or with an easy rider.
Best time to go
October–November for buckwheat flowers and dry roads; March–May is mild and green. July–August is the rainy season, and winters are cold on the plateau.
What it feels like
- Riding switchback passes above deep canyons
- Cold mornings and markets on the karst plateau
- Nights in village homestays
A local's tip
Foreign visitors pay a local procedure fee for the border area. Bring warm layers in any season: the plateau gets cold at night.
