Ha Giang Loop: Open Air Jeep Tour with Homestays & Waterfall

Summary

Ha Giang’s winding passes, village life & open air jeep adventure

You’ll ride an open air jeep through Ha Giang’s wild mountain roads with a local guide, stop at villages like Du Gia for home-cooked meals and private rooms, walk along Ma Pi Leng Pass above the Nho Que River, and cool off in a hidden waterfall. It’s not always comfortable but it’s real—and you’ll carry those views home with you.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Ha Giang just after sunrise, wind already curling around my face as we left the city behind. The open air jeep felt a bit like cheating—no helmet hair or sore back—but I didn’t mind. Our guide, Minh, pointed out the first rice paddies and villages as we climbed Bac Sum Pass. Somewhere near Heaven Gate, the air changed: sharper, cooler, full of pine and woodsmoke from a distant breakfast fire. We stopped for strong tea at a roadside shack where an old man laughed at my attempt to say “Xin chào.” The view over Quan Ba valley was so wide it made me quiet for a second.

The road twisted on—sometimes smooth, sometimes bone-shaking—and Minh told stories about the Hmong King’s Palace while we bumped along. I’d seen photos of Ma Pi Leng Pass before but nothing really prepares you for that drop down to Nho Que River. We walked the sky path for a bit; my legs were jelly but I kept going because Minh said “best view just ahead.” He was right. Lunch was in some small town (I never caught the name), noodles with chili oil and something pickled that I still think about when I’m hungry.

Later that day—maybe it was already afternoon?—we pulled into Du Gia village. Kids waved from doorways and someone was grilling corn by the road. After checking into our homestay (private room, thin mattress but clean sheets), we hiked down to the waterfall. Cold water on tired feet is honestly better than any spa. That night we ate with our hosts; rice wine went around and I tried to keep up but failed spectacularly. There was laughter about it though.

The last morning felt slower somehow—maybe everyone was tired or maybe no one wanted to leave yet. The drive back to Ha Giang cut through valleys where clouds hung low over terraces of green rice paddies. Minh stopped at one more viewpoint and said “take your time.” So I did.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ha Giang to Dong Van via key sites

• Pick up at hotel Ha Giang
• Breakfast and tour briefing at Mai Homestay
• Drive open air jeep to Bac Sum pass
• Visit Quan Ba Heaven Gate
• See Quan Ba Twin Mountains
• Visit Nam Dam village and Trang Kim Valley
• Drive to Can Ty pass for panorama view
• Stop for lunch in Yen Minh
• Drive and photograph Tham Ma slope
• Visit Hmong King Palace
• Arrive Dong Van and check in homestay
• Free time and dinner in Dong Van

Day 2 — Dong Van to Du Gia via Ma Pi Leng Pass

• Breakfast and check out in Dong Van
• Drive to Ma Pi Leng Pass and walk sky path
• Stop for panorama views of Nho Que River
• Drive to Meo Vac town and stop at viewpoints
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Drive to Du Gia village with 3 viewpoint stops
• Visit Du Gia waterfall and swim
• Check in traditional house in Du Gia

Day 3 — Du Gia to Ha Giang and return to Hanoi

• Breakfast and check out in Du Gia
• Drive through valley and visit local market or family
• Drive along Duong Thuong and Khe Mang roads
• See rice terraces and Gam River
• Lunch in Ha Giang city
• Drop off at hotel, office, or bus station

Top questions

How long is the Ha Giang Loop open air jeep tour?

The tour lasts 3 days and 2 nights, starting and ending in Ha Giang City.

Is accommodation included during the tour?

Yes, private rooms in traditional houses are provided each night along the route.

Are meals included on this Ha Giang jeep tour?

All meals are included: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners with local dishes.

What are the main stops on this Ha Giang Loop trip?

You’ll visit Bac Sum Pass, Heaven Gate, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Nho Que River viewpoints, Hmong King’s Palace, Dong Van ancient town, Du Gia village and waterfall.

Is there hotel pickup in Ha Giang?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or homestay in Ha Giang is included at the start of the tour.

Can you swim during this tour?

Yes—you can swim at Du Gia waterfall if you want (and if weather allows).

Are guides English-speaking?

The tour includes an English-speaking guide throughout all days.

How comfortable is riding in an open air jeep?

The jeeps are designed for comfort compared to motorbikes; seats are padded and there’s fresh air all around—but roads can be bumpy sometimes.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup in Ha Giang City each morning by open air jeep with a professional driver and English-speaking guide; all entrance fees; bottled water throughout; rain ponchos if needed; every meal (breakfasts, lunches and dinners) featuring local food; two nights’ accommodation in private rooms at traditional houses; plus transfers back to your hotel or bus station after lunch on the final day.