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Vietnam Travel Guide
Ha Giang Loop Tour by Jeep or Car - Highlights in 3 Days
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Check out the short video of our tour!
Overview
Experience the Ha Giang Loop by jeep or private car on this 3-day highlights tour — a comfortable and fully private way to explore Vietnam’s most spectacular mountain route. You follow the same iconic Loop as the Easy Rider tours, but travel in a closed or semi-open vehicle instead of riding a motorbike.
This tour is ideal if you want to see the best of Ha Giang without riding on the back of a motorbike. Expect impressive mountain passes, ethnic villages, cultural stops, and a short trek away from the tourist routes. A well-balanced Ha Giang Loop by car or jeep experience combining comfort, nature, and local culture.
Highlights
- Ha Giang Loop by jeep or car - private and comfortable, following the same route as Easy Rider tours without riding a motorbike
- Overnight at Ha Giang Aya Lodge by Local Vietnam –mountain views, modern comfort, and warm Hmong hospitality at a unique location along the Loop
- Redesigned route away from the crowds – a mix of key highlights and quieter mountain roads, viewpoints, and photo stops
- Cultural experiences – visits to Hmong and Tay villages, traditional houses, and local markets
- Spectacular mountain scenery – steep passes, deep valleys, and winding roads showcase the wild beauty of Ha Giang
Vehicle Options for the Ha Giang Loop by Car or Jeep
This Ha Giang Loop tour by car or jeep can be operated with different vehicle types, depending on your comfort preferences and travel style. Below are the three available options.
Car (Sedan or SUV)
Suitable for up to 5 passengers, but most comfortable with 3 travelers. Spacious, stable, and equipped with large windows, making this the most relaxed way to enjoy the mountain scenery along the Loop.
Modern Jeep
An adventurous jeep option for up to 3 passengers. Some models have a sunroof, others a partially open top — depending on availability. Rain protection is always possible, without losing the rugged jeep experience.
Classic Jeep Model
A robust, old-school jeep like the one shown in the photos. This model does not have an open roof, but offers a very authentic jeep experience. Suitable for 3 passengers. As the vehicle is fully enclosed, you are well protected from rain and wind. Luggage space is limited.
Please note: American military jeeps are no longer permitted in Ha Giang. For this reason, we work with modern jeeps and a classic closed jeep model. Both jeep options are limited and confirmed upon request. Not sure which car or jeep suits your trip best? Just ask us here — we’re happy to advise.
Welcome to
Ha Giang Aya Lodge – by Local Vietnam
During our tours, you stay at our own mountain lodge, designed by a Dutch–Vietnamese team combining Western comfort standards with authentic local culture. This is the most unique place to stay along the Ha Giang Loop — offering views, atmosphere, and quality you won’t find elsewhere.
- A truly local experience – Located in a Hmong mountain village, fully surrounded by nature and far from other hotels
- 100% Hmong team – Hosted by our own local staff from the village: warm, welcoming, and genuinely authentic
- Modern comfort & quality – High-quality mattresses, air conditioning (hot/cold), a stylish restaurant, and a cozy bar
- Wood-fired hot baths – Exclusive wood-fired hot water baths with mountain views
- Epic panoramic scenery – Uninterrupted views over valleys, rice fields, and mountain peaks
- Activities & local workshops – Weaving demonstrations, short village walks, longer treks, and cultural encounters
Route overview
What to expect (the route)
Travel Options to and from Ha Giang
Option 1
Homestay Experience + 1 Extra Day
[Most Recommended]
Want to start your Ha Giang Loop by jeep or car in a relaxed way? Travel from Hanoi to Ha Giang by luxury limousine bus on the day before your tour. The journey is comfortable, direct, and you arrive in the afternoon.
You’ll stay in an authentic village just outside Ha Giang City, surrounded by rice fields and traditional stilt houses of the Tay minority. There is time to explore the village before starting your 3-day jeep or car tour the next morning. Your journey begins straight in local culture — no city noise, just nature and village life.
Cay Homestay
Authentic Tay homestay in Thôn Thả Village, Ha Giang, surrounded by water, nature, and traditional stilt houses.
- Unique stay in a beautiful ethnic minority village
- Scenic surroundings with rice fields
- Private bungalow-style room for the comfort option
- Clean and spacious dormitory for the standard option
Option 2
VIP Limousine Sleeper Bus
The easiest way to start your Ha Giang Loop early in the morning. You travel overnight in a VIP sleeper cabin, much more spacious than a standard sleeper bus. You arrive in Ha Giang early and rested enough to begin your jeep or car tour immediately.
We can fully arrange this bus for you.
Option 3
Private Transfer
Prefer to travel directly from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, or another city without taking a bus? We can arrange a private car with driver. This option is especially suitable for families or travelers who want maximum flexibility.
From Sapa
Also visiting Sapa during your trip? Consider our Sapa + Ha Giang Loop tour — a popular combination that takes you directly to Ha Giang to continue the Loop by car or jeep.
If you already planned Sapa separately, that’s no problem. We can also arrange a direct Sapa → Ha Giang transfer, allowing you to join your tour easily.
Other Destinations
Traveling from Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba, Cao Bang, Hue, or another destination? Let us know. In most cases, we can arrange a suitable connection or transfer — or you can travel independently to Ha Giang and start the 3-day Ha Giang Loop by jeep or car from there.
Dag 1: Ha Giang → Quan Ba → Yen Minh → Aya Lodge
Stop 1
Ha Giang City – Start of the Road Trip
Your Ha Giang Loop by jeep or car begins in the morning with pickup by your private driver in Ha Giang City. You settle into your comfortable car or rugged jeep, luggage goes in the back, seatbelt on, and you’re ready for three days through Vietnam’s most impressive mountain landscapes. The first kilometers already take you past rivers, rocky cliffs, and green valleys.
Stop2
Bac Sum Pass
Bac Sum Pass is your first real climb. The curves and views are already impressive, but this is only a warm-up for what the Ha Giang Loop in 3 days has in store.
Stop 3
Quan Ba Heaven Gate – Two Viewpoints
At the first viewpoint at Quan Ba Heaven Gate, you enjoy a warm drink while taking in the mountain scenery.
You then continue to a higher viewpoint overlooking the famous Twin Mountains — two almost perfectly shaped hills set among dramatic karst peaks.
Stop 4
Yen Minh Pass, Lonely Tree & Lunch in Yen Minh
The route continues over a quiet mountain pass toward Yen Minh, passing the iconic Lonely Tree along the way. In Yen Minh village, you stop for lunch before continuing deeper into the mountains.
After lunch, you turn onto a lesser-known road toward Mau Due — an alternative route followed by very few Ha Giang Loop car or jeep tours.
Stop 5
M-Shape Turn Viewpoint
After a series of sharp hairpin bends, you reach the viewpoint overlooking the M-shaped road you just climbed. A perfect spot to stop the jeep or car for photos.
Lunch
Arrival at Ha Giang Aya Lodge
In the afternoon, you arrive at Ha Giang Aya Lodge by Local Vietnam, our own mountain lodge with panoramic views.
Stop 6
Afternoon Trekking (Unique Local Route – 4 km / ±3 hours)
Later in the afternoon, you take a relaxed trek through quiet mountain villages and open landscapes rarely visited by tourists. The walk is accessible, not too steep, and ideal for experiencing local life and nature up close.
Stop 7
Sunset at Aya Lodge
At the end of the day, you return to the lodge. From the terrace, you enjoy a beautiful sunset over the mountains with a drink, followed by dinner.
Optional Extra Day
Want to extend your 3-day Ha Giang Loop by jeep or car? Our exclusive 12 km trekking route is an excellent addition. Starting directly from Aya Lodge, the trail leads through untouched mountains, authentic villages, and panoramic viewpoints not found on the standard Ha Giang Loop. A full day of quiet nature and scenery, available only through Local Vietnam.
Interested? Simply mention it in your request, and we’ll arrange the extra trekking day for you.
Dag 2: Aya Lodge → Meo Vac → Ma Pi Leng Pass → Dong Van → Aya Lodge
(If Day 2 falls on a Tuesday, you can visit a local market in the morning.)
Stop 1
Aya Lodge → Meo Vac (Market Options)
After breakfast, your 3-day Ha Giang Loop by jeep or car continues. The route toward Meo Vac is among the most scenic in northern Vietnam.
- Sunday: visit the large ethnic market in Meo Vac
- Tuesday: visit the local market near the lodge in the morning
Stop 2
Ma Pi Leng Pass + Skywalk
You then drive along the iconic Ma Pi Leng Pass. Your driver knows the best spots along the cliffs where you can stop safely for photos.
A short walk along the Ma Pi Leng Skywalk leads to an incredible viewpoint overlooking the deep canyon below.
Stop 3
Canyon Boat Trip
Down in the valley, you board a boat for a ride through the narrow canyon beneath Ma Pi Leng. Steep rock walls, calm water, and deep silence make this one of the absolute highlights of the Ha Giang Loop.
Stop 4
Dong Van – Lunch & Old Quarter
You arrive in Dong Van for lunch. Afterwards, there is time to walk through the historic Old Quarter and enjoy a coffee in one of the old houses.
Stop 5
Hmong Palace (Vuong Family Palace)
You visit the former palace of the Hmong royal family. The architecture combines Chinese, French, and Hmong influences and offers insight into the region’s history.
Stop 6
Sung La Valley & Pao’s House
Continue to Sung La Valley, one of the most beautiful valleys in Ha Giang. Along the way, your driver stops at small villages and at Pao’s House — a traditional Hmong home more than a century old.
Stop 7
Tham Ma Pass
The iconic S-shaped curve of Tham Ma Pass remains one of the best photo spots on the Ha Giang Loop — especially when explored by jeep or car.
Stop 8
Back at Aya Lodge – Hot Tubs & Dinner
By late afternoon, you return to Aya Lodge. Time to relax, enjoy a drink with mountain views, or soak in the wood-fired hot tubs. In the evening, our team serves dinner.
Dag 3: Aya Lodge → Off-the-Beaten-Path Routes → Lung Tam → Ha Giang City
Stop 1
Nham La Pass & Terraced Rice Fields
The final day of your Ha Giang Loop by jeep or car focuses on quiet backroads away from the classic Loop route. You start with Nham La Pass, a scenic mountain road featuring some of the few terraced rice fields found along the Loop.
Stop 2
French Watchtower Ruins
A short stop at the remains of a former French military watchtower. The surroundings are unexpectedly beautiful and make a great photo stop.
Stop 3
Alternative Backroads
You continue along silent mountain roads and through small villages rarely visited by travelers. This is what makes a Ha Giang Loop by jeep or car special — the freedom to stop anywhere and really take in the landscape.
Stop 4
Lung Tam Village (Hmong Weaving)
In Lung Tam, you visit a traditional Hmong weaving village where women use centuries-old techniques to produce and dye linen by hand.
Stop 5
A Boong Waterfall (Weather Permitting)
Along a quiet side road lies A Boong Waterfall. If water levels allow, there is time for a refreshing swim — a hidden spot far from the crowds.
Stop 6
Arrival in Ha Giang City – End of Tour
In the afternoon, you arrive back in Ha Giang City. This marks the end of your 3-day Ha Giang Loop by car or jeep. From here, you continue your journey back to Hanoi or onward to your next destination.
From
$300
Inclusive / Exclusive
- Car or jeep with private driver
- Fuel & vehicle maintenance
- 2 nights at Ha Giang Aya Lodge
- All meals during the Loop
- All transfers as described in the itinerary
- Short trekking exclusive to our tour
- Local contact & on-trip support
- Meals and services not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks during meals
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Tour information
Best time to do the Ha Giang Loop
The 3-day Ha Giang Loop by car or jeep is possible year-round. The most popular months for clear views are September–November and March–May, but traveling by jeep or car also offers comfort and protection during rainy or misty periods.
Because you travel in a sturdy vehicle, we can almost always operate the tour. In case of extreme weather, we adjust the route or reschedule the tour.
Luggage
You don’t need to worry about luggage on this car or jeep tour:
- Car (sedan or SUV): large suitcases and backpacks easily fit in the trunk
- Jeep: usually enough space for one large suitcase and one backpack per traveler; with multiple large suitcases it can become tight — please inform us in advance so we can assign the right vehicle
You can always leave extra luggage at our office in Ha Giang.
If you return to the same hotel in Hanoi later, luggage storage there is usually possible as well.
Distances & Driving Time
Approximate daily driving times:
- Day 1: ± 3.5 hours
- Day 2: ± 3.5 hours
- Day 3: ± 4 hours
Please note: these are pure driving times. In reality, you are on the road all day, with frequent stops at viewpoints, villages, markets, short walks, and photo locations. This tour is about sightseeing, not long uninterrupted drives.
Trekking
The tour includes a short trek of around 4 km, suitable for almost everyone.
- Duration: 2.5–3 hours
- Level: easy
- Trails: wide and well-maintained, even after rain
- Location: villages and valleys without vehicles or tourists
This trek is one of the most special elements of the tour.
Dietary Requirements
Vegetarian, vegan, or specific allergies?
Our restaurants and partners can accommodate this — please inform us in advance so everything can be arranged properly.
Safety
The 3-day Ha Giang Loop by car or jeep is a safe way to explore the mountains:
- You travel in a stable, well-maintained vehicle
- Your driver is local and highly experienced on these roads
- The pace is relaxed, with stops whenever you wish
- We avoid routes that are unsuitable in rain or poor conditions
- In case of extreme weather, the tour is rescheduled or fully refunded
Weather & Conditions
Cars and jeeps are ideal for changing mountain weather:
- Protection from rain and wind
- Many jeeps have roofs that can be opened in good weather
- Tours operate in almost all conditions, except in very rare severe storms
What to Wear
- Light wind or rain jacket
- Comfortable layered clothing
- Closed shoes for stops and walks
What to Bring
- Camera or phone + power bank
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Cash for personal expenses
- Clothing and toiletries for 3 days
- Small daypack for daily use
Optional Extra Day – Full-Day Trekking
Want to extend your Ha Giang Loop with a full day of nature and culture? Add our exclusive 12 km trekking route — a hike you won’t find anywhere else in Ha Giang and offered only by Local Vietnam.
Starting from Aya Lodge, you walk along quiet mountain paths, remote Hmong and Tay villages, and panoramic viewpoints far from the tourist route.
As this trek takes a full day, you stay one extra night at the lodge, allowing you to enjoy the scenery, local encounters, and mountain life without rushing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How safe is the 3-day Ha Giang Loop by car or jeep?
The 3-day Loop is safe and operated by local drivers who drive these mountains daily. They know the roads, seasons, and risks better than anyone. The pace is relaxed — this trip is about enjoying the scenery, not rushing.
In case of heavy rain or storms, we adjust the route or cancel the tour entirely, with a 100% refund or a new travel date.
Other Ha Giang Loop tours stay somewhere else every night. Do I miss out by staying two nights at your lodge?
No — quite the opposite.
Many car and jeep tours change accommodation every night, which mainly means more packing, more moving around, and less rest. Our 3-day itinerary is designed with two nights at our own Ha Giang Aya Lodge, so you can:
- see all major Ha Giang Loop highlights (Ma Pi Leng Pass, Dong Van, Lung Tam, Tham Ma, etc.)
- enjoy a much more comfortable experience without daily check-outs
You don’t miss any important viewpoints or mountain passes. We follow the same Loop route as other tours, but with a better balance of comfort, culture, and adventure.
The lodge itself is one of the biggest upgrades of this tour: modern comfort, epic views, and a truly local Hmong setting you won’t find elsewhere.
In short: you see everything — but sleep much better.
The tour does not visit Lung Cu. Is that a problem?
Not really. Lung Cu is mainly known as “the northernmost point,” but the area has become quite touristy and is less impressive than many travelers expect.
Our 3-day route focuses on the most beautiful mountain passes, quiet villages, and unique stops that offer more value overall.
If you really want to visit Lung Cu, it can be added since this is a private tour — but it requires a long extra drive and is often not missed.
Which vehicles can I choose for the 3-day Ha Giang Loop?
For this tour, you can choose between:
- modern jeeps
- Russian Lada-style jeeps (rugged, retro)
- modern private cars for extra comfort
Former American military jeeps are no longer permitted on official mountain roads in Ha Giang.
Are the jeeps fully open or partially closed?
Some jeeps have a partially open roof, others a large panoramic sunroof.
This means you can drive open in good weather and close the roof when it rains.
Thanks to this flexibility, the tour is possible year-round, including during the rainy season.
Is the route the same as the Easy Rider tour?
Yes. The 3-day car or jeep tour follows exactly the same route as our Easy Rider tour — including viewpoints, Tham Ma Pass, Sung La Valley, Dong Van, and Ma Pi Leng Pass.
The difference is how you travel, not what you see.
Can I start the tour directly from Hanoi?
You can, but for most travelers the Hanoi–Ha Giang limousine bus is more comfortable and more affordable.
You are picked up in Ha Giang in the morning and start the Ha Giang Loop by car or jeep from there.
If you prefer everything private and without buses, a private transfer from Hanoi can be arranged.
What makes this 3-day car/jeep Ha Giang Loop different from other tours?
This tour combines:
- iconic highlights (Ma Pi Leng, Dong Van, Tham Ma Pass)
- alternative quiet routes that other operators don’t use
- a cultural, accessible trekking experience
- two nights at our own lodge (comfort, food, views)
- full flexibility thanks to the private setup
Most operators focus on speed. We focus on experience and variety.
How demanding is the trekking during the tour?
The trek is around 4 km, easy to moderate, and mostly on solid paths. It passes through local villages and quiet mountain areas without tourists.
It is suitable for beginners and travelers with a normal fitness level.
I’m worried about motion sickness or mountain roads. Is this tour suitable?
Yes. Our drivers drive calmly and take mountain roads at a sightseeing pace.
The roads are winding, but thanks to the relaxed speed and frequent stops, most travelers do not experience motion sickness. As a local operator, we know which routes to avoid when conditions are less favorable.
Can I do the 3-day Ha Giang Loop by car or jeep in any season?
Yes. The tour is possible year-round.
Jeeps can be open or closed depending on the weather, and cars are fully protected from rain. Only in case of extreme storms do we cancel the tour — with an immediate refund or a new date.
Is the 3-day tour private or shared?
Our car and jeep tours are always private.
You travel with your own driver, have full flexibility in pace and stops, and can adjust the plan along the way. Shared tours are only available for Easy Rider groups — never for car or jeep tours.
More questions?
Use this form for:
- Enquiries about the tour
- Customization Request
- Questions about booking
Or contact us through:
+84 32 801 9395
@localvietnamtravel
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