Itinerary
Day 1 — Ha Giang, Quan Ba, Yen Minh (B/L/D)
A relaxed 10:00 briefing, because day one is short by design. Riding practice for anyone new to a semi-automatic, then out through the Sam Pun valley.
- Bac Sum Pass and Heaven Gate, the gateway to the karst plateau.
- Lunch in Tam Son, under the twin Fairy Mountains.
- Lung Khuy Cave, a limestone chamber above Quan Ba that most tours skip.
- 18:30 into the homestay at Yen Minh: dinner with the family, then cards and rice wine for anyone still standing.
Day 2 — Yen Minh, Dong Van, Ma Pi Leng (B/L/D)
- Tham Ma Pass and its stacked switchbacks, the classic Ha Giang photograph.
- Lao Sa village on the Chinese border and the Vuong family palace at Sa Phin.
- Dong Van Old Quarter for coffee among the clay-tiled roofs.
- The Ma Pi Leng Skywalk on foot, then the Happiness Road along the cliff.
- Sunset party at Pa Vi village — local music, games and a very long dinner.
Day 3 — Ma Pi Leng, Mau Due, Yen Minh, Ha Giang (B/L)
- Morning boat through Tu San Canyon on the Nho Que River, walls 700 metres high on both sides.
- Over M Pass, then lunch in Mau Due.
- The long, easy ride back down to Ha Giang city, arriving 17:00 to 18:00.
What is included
- Two nights in village homestays, dorm as standard.
- A free dorm bed in Ha Giang city the night before departure.
- Local guide with the group for all three days.
- Semi-automatic motorbike with fuel and damage cover.
- Three breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners.
- All entrance tickets on the route, Nho Que boat included.
- Private room for the whole trip if you book the private-tour option.
Not included
- Transport to and from Ha Giang city — we do not sell bus tickets, but we will tell you which service to book.
- Personal travel insurance, which we ask every rider to hold.
- Private room supplement: 400,000 ₫ per two people per night.
- Bike upgrades: Suzuki HJ 125cc at 220,000 ₫ a day, Honda XR 150cc at 550,000 ₫ a day.
- Drinks outside the meals listed and anything personal.
Why three days works
Day two is the reason. On the two-day trip you cross the plateau and Ma Pi Leng in a single push; here you get the whole afternoon for it, which is when the light does what you came to photograph. The short first day also gives nervous riders half a day of easy road before anything technical.
If you want to add Du Gia, its rice terraces and a waterfall you can swim in, step up to the four-day package.
To ride yourself you must carry a 1968-convention international driving permit endorsed A or A1 together with your national licence. If you do not hold one, book the easy rider option instead — it is legal, it costs a little more, and you see more of the scenery.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between self-riding and easy rider?
Self-riding means your own bike and your own licence. Easy rider means a local driver rides and you sit behind — no licence needed, hands free for photographs, and someone to answer questions at every stop.
How big are the groups?
Usually eight to twelve riders with a lead guide and a tail guide. Solo travellers join the daily group departure; if you want it just for your party, ask for the private option.
Can I upgrade the bike?
Yes — a Suzuki HJ 125cc for 220,000 ₫ a day or a Honda XR 150cc for 550,000 ₫ a day. Both are manual, so only take them if you ride a clutch confidently.
What should I pack for two nights?
Long trousers, a jacket that blocks wind, closed shoes, sun cream, a headtorch and a small towel. Helmet, knee pads, rain poncho and luggage straps come from us.
Are the homestays private?
The standard package uses dorm rooms. A private room costs 400,000 ₫ per two people per night and needs to be arranged before you leave Ha Giang city, not on the road.