2-Day Ha Giang Dirt Bike Tour: Ma Pi Leng Pass & Dong Van Loop

Summary

Ha Giang Off-Road Motorbike Adventure: Hidden Villages & Epic Passes

If you want real adventure—not just pretty views—this two-day dirt bike tour through Ha Giang delivers: wild passes like Ma Pi Leng, hidden villages most tourists miss, and local guides who know every twist of these mountain roads.

What’s the experience like?

Early morning in Ha Giang City, the air’s got that cool edge—almost chilly if you’re coming from the south. I met our guide at a tucked-away homestay, where we checked out the bikes. They actually let us test-ride a few before picking one that fit just right. Once we rolled out, it took barely ten minutes to leave the city noise behind. Suddenly, it was just us, winding roads, and those crazy mountain shapes you only see in this part of Vietnam.

The first real stop was Pac Sum Pass. Up there, over 1000 meters high, I noticed my hands felt cold gripping the handlebars—should’ve packed thicker gloves! The view? Layers of green valleys and tiny villages far below. We pulled over at a little viewpoint; some local kids were selling boiled corn by the roadside, their laughter echoing around the bend. Next came Heaven Gate—honestly, you feel small looking out over that deep valley. Our guide pointed out Lung Tam Village off in the distance; he grew up nearby and knew half the folks we passed on the trail.

We dropped into Tam Son valley next, riding through backroads where water buffalo wander right onto the path. In Lung Tam Village, Dao women were weaving hemp cloth outside their homes—the smell of wood smoke hung in the air. After a quick walk through the village (and a cup of strong tea with one family), we rode on to Yen Minh for lunch at a spot overlooking rice terraces. The food was simple but filling—rice, pork stew, and greens picked that morning.

The afternoon ride took us along Tham Ma Pass—the famous “9-step” switchbacks everyone snaps photos of. It’s steeper than it looks online! We zigzagged past rocky fields where corn somehow grows between stones. By late afternoon we reached Dong Van Town and checked into a private room in a traditional house—wooden beams, thick blankets (it gets cold up here). Before dinner, we wandered down to see Hmong King Palace; our guide explained how it was built in 1902 for two Hmong rulers who controlled these mountains for decades.

Next day started with hot noodles for breakfast before loading up again. The ride out of Dong Van is something else—the Happy Road clings to cliffs above Nho Que River. At Ma Pi Leng Pass, wind whipping past your helmet, you can see all the way down to turquoise water snaking through the gorge. We stopped at a viewpoint; honestly, I just stood there for ages taking it all in while our guide chatted with some local vendors selling tea and dried fruit.

Onwards to Meo Vac town—if you hit market day (we did), expect crowds of people in bright clothes trading everything from chickens to handmade knives. Lunch was another local joint—nothing fancy but plenty tasty after hours on rough roads. The last stretch wound back through Mau Due valley and Yen Minh before rolling into Ha Giang City around sunset, dust on my boots and more photos than I know what to do with.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ha Giang Loop Highlights

• Test and ride dirt bike from Ha Giang City
• Visit Pac Sum Pass and Heaven Gate viewpoints
• Explore Lung Tam Village and local culture
• Drive through Trang Kim Valley and lunch in Yen Minh
• Ride Tham Ma Road and visit Dong Van Karst Plateau
• Tour Hmong King Palace
• Ride to Dong Van Town and check-in

Day 2 — Ma Pi Leng Pass & Return

• Jeep tour Ma Pi Leng Pass and panorama views
• Drive through Meo Vac and visit local market
• Lunch and return to Ha Giang City via Yen Minh

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

If you're comfortable riding a motorbike—even if you're not an expert—you'll be fine here. The guide helps pick a bike that fits your skill level and gives tips along the way.

What’s accommodation like?

You’ll stay overnight in a private room inside a traditional house in Dong Van Town—simple but cozy with thick blankets (it can get chilly at night).

Are meals included?

Yes—all meals are covered: two lunches, one dinner, two breakfasts. Expect local dishes made fresh each day.

What should I bring?

A windbreaker or light jacket is handy—it gets cool up high! Gloves help too. Everything else (helmet, raincoat) is provided.

What’s included

You get your own dirt bike (fuel included), English-speaking guide who knows these roads inside-out, all entrance tickets to villages and sites along the route, protective gear (helmet/raincoat), private room accommodation for one night in Dong Van Town, plus all meals and bottled water during your trip.