Ha Giang Scenic Road Trip 5 Days 4 Nights from Hanoi: Dong Van & Ma Pi Leng
A five-day private road trip from Hanoi: Quan Ba Heaven Gate, Dong Van Ancient Town, Ma Pi Leng Pass and the Nho Que River.
Hanoi → Ha Giang → Quan Ba → Yen Minh → Dong Van → Ma Pi Leng → Meo Vac → Hanoi
Overview
This 5-day, 4-night private journey begins in Hanoi and follows the mountain route through Ha Giang, Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, Ma Pi Leng and Meo Vac. Along the way, the programme includes town visits, mountain scenery and overnight stays across the route.
From Hanoi streets to the Ma Pi Leng pass
The trip starts in Hanoi with time around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, then turns north towards Ha Giang and Quan Ba. Much of day 2 is on the road, with rest stops and mountain views.
From Quan Ba, the route goes through Yen Minh to Dong Van, past hills and terraced fields. Quan Ba Heaven Gate, the Twin Mountains, Dong Van Ancient Town and the Vuong family residence are the main stops before the night in Dong Van.
The next section covers Ma Pi Leng Pass and the viewpoints over the Nho Que River, ending in Meo Vac. The river boat trip depends on operating conditions, and the Dong Van or Meo Vac market is visited only if your dates fall on a market day.
You change accommodation every night: Hanoi, the Quan Ba or Ha Giang area, Dong Van and Meo Vac. Expect an overland route rather than time spent in one base.
Quan Ba, Dong Van and Ma Pi Leng along the road
Quan Ba Heaven Gate
Stop at Quan Ba Heaven Gate for views over the Twin Mountains, after the climb from Ha Giang.
Ma Pi Leng Pass and the Nho Que River
Stop at the viewpoints on Ma Pi Leng Pass above the Nho Que River. A boat trip on the river is included when conditions allow.
Dong Van Ancient Town
Walk the old stone-house streets of Dong Van and visit the Vuong family residence. The market runs only on market day.
Who this trip suits
This trip suits travellers who want to see Ha Giang by private vehicle with an English-speaking guide on sightseeing days. You change hotel each night, in Hanoi, the Quan Ba or Ha Giang area, Dong Van and Meo Vac.
It fits people who prefer mountain roads, viewpoints, small towns and village visits to staying in one base.
Route conditions and market visits
The Nho Que River boat trip is arranged only when operating conditions are suitable.
Dong Van or Meo Vac market visits are available only when the travel date coincides with a market day.
Highlights
From USD 716 per person.
Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout the Hanoi–Ha Giang–Dong Van–Meo Vac–Hanoi route.
English-speaking guide on sightseeing days.
Overnight accommodation in Hanoi, the Quan Ba or Ha Giang area, Dong Van and Meo Vac.
Visits include Quan Ba Heaven Gate, Dong Van Ancient Town and the Vuong family residence.
A Nho Que River boat trip is included, subject to operating conditions.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Hanoi Departure
- Hotel check-in
- Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake
- Explore the Old Quarter
- Welcome dinner
Day 2
Hanoi – Ha Giang – Quan Ba
- Travel by private vehicle to Ha Giang and Quan Ba
- Rest stops and mountain viewing
- Visit Quan Ba Heaven Gate
- Visit the Twin Mountains
- Meet the host family
- Enjoy local cuisine
Day 3
Quan Ba – Yen Minh – Dong Van
- Travel through Yen Minh to Dong Van
- View hills and terraced fields
- Visit Dong Van Ancient Town
- Visit the Vuong family residence
- Explore Dong Van market if it is market day
Day 4
Dong Van – Ma Pi Leng – Meo Vac
- Travel to Ma Pi Leng
- Stop at Nho Que River viewpoints
- Take a boat trip on the Nho Que River if operating conditions are suitable
- Visit Meo Vac market
- Visit Hmong villages
Day 5
Meo Vac – Hanoi
- Check out
- Travel by private vehicle to Hanoi
- Rest stops on the road
- Lunch at a local restaurant
Included / Not Included
Included
- 04 nights of accommodation: 01 night in Hanoi, 01 night in Ha Giang/Quan Ba, 01 night in Dong Van, 01 night in Meo Vac
- Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout: Hanoi – Ha Giang – Dong Van – Meo Vac – Hanoi
- English-speaking guide on sightseeing days
- Meals as scheduled: breakfast at the accommodation, lunch and dinner according to the itinerary
- Entrance fees to itinerary sites and a Nho Que River boat trip
- Bottled water in the vehicle and operational support throughout the programme
Not included
- International and domestic flights, visas and immigration documents
- Noi Bai Airport pick-up/drop-off unless specifically stated
- Border-area permit fees, if incurred
- Personal drinks, minibar, laundry and personal expenses
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Single-room supplement, room upgrades and holiday/Tet surcharges
- Personal travel insurance