The Ha Giang Loop is often heralded as the most breathtaking motorbike route in Vietnam (even better than the famous Hai Van Pass).
With lush green rice paddies, hidden valleys, and winding roads, it's easy to see why travelers from around the world flock to Ha Giang to embark on this incredible adventure.
Central to the Ha Giang Loop landscape are the mountain passes that carve their way through the rugged terrain, offering riders spectacular views at every turn.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best mountain passes on the Ha Giang Loop and unveil two secret mountain passes on the extended Cao Bang route that you won’t want to miss.
1. Ma Pi Leng Pass: The "King" of Mountain Passes
Considered by many as the most awe-inspiring mountain pass in Vietnam, Ma Pi Leng Pass sits at an altitude of 1,500 meters and stretches between Dong Van and Meo Vac.
This pass is not only the most famous in Ha Giang but is regarded as the "King" of all Vietnamese passes due to its sheer magnificence and the rugged landscape it traverses.
The Ma Pi Leng Pass offers jaw-dropping views over the Nho Que River, winding far below through a canyon so deep that it feels otherworldly.
Must Read: Most Scenic Locations on the Ha Giang Loop.
The steep cliffs, narrow roads, and plunging drops make this pass an exhilarating ride, but it is the ethereal beauty of the region that leaves the deepest impression.
The pass is part of National Road 4C, also known as the "Happiness Road," which was built in the 1960s by ethnic minorities who carved this road into the mountains over the course of 11 years.
2. Tham Ma Pass: The Serpent's Tail
While not as towering or treacherous as Ma Pi Leng, Tham Ma Pass is no less spectacular.
Located between Ha Giang City and Dong Van, this 5 km stretch at an altitude of 1,500 meters is famous for its sinuous, S-shaped road.
The pass serves as a gateway to the higher peaks and is often the first significant mountain pass travelers encounter after setting off from Ha Giang City.
One of the highlights near the Tham Ma Pass is the impressive geosites—cliffs and rocks that tell the story of Ha Giang’s geological history.
Along the road, which features dramatic switchbacks and cliffs along the way, you’ll often see ethnic Hmong children carrying baskets of flowers. When you stop at the Tham Ma Pass viewpoint you’ll have the chance to say hello to them!
Psst! Historically, this pass was used to test the strength of horses. Local villagers would load their horses with heavy goods and make them climb the pass to see if they were fit for labor. Horses that could not complete the climb were slaughtered for Thang Co, a traditional Hmong dish.
3. Quan Ba Pass: The Gateway to Heaven
Nicknamed “Heaven’s Gate,” Quan Ba Pass is often the first major ascent for those tackling the Ha Giang Loop.
About 40 kilometers from Ha Giang City, this pass offers sweeping views of the limestone mountains as they rise majestically from the valleys below.
The main attraction of the Quan Ba Pass is the Quan Ba Twin Mountains, also known as the "Fairy Breast Mountains," due to their symmetrical, rounded shape.
Legend has it that these mountains were formed from a fairy’s breast, left behind to nourish her son, making them a mystical feature of the landscape.
At the top of Quan Ba Pass, there’s a small café where you can relax with a hot cup of coffee or chocolate, taking in the panoramic views.
Halfway down the pass, you can stop at a lookout for a closer view of the Twin Mountains and the surrounding valleys.
4. Me Pia Pass: The 14-Storey Secret in Cao Bang
Now, for the first secret pass in Ha Giang that few travelrs know about: Me Pia Pass, also known as Khau Coc Cha Pass. With its steep turns and sweeping views, this road feels like it’s been carved right out of the mountainside.
Known as the "14-Storey Mountain Pass" due to its 14 hairpin turns, Me Pia Pass is part of National Road 4A in the Bao Lac District and connects the Ha Giang loop to the Cao Bang province in the northeast.
While most tourists visiting Cao Bang head directly for Ban Gioc Waterfall, this winding road in the Bao Lac District, is less trafficked than the main Ha Giang routes, providing a quieter and more isolated experience for those in the know.
The road was completed in 2011, and though only 2.5 kilometers long, its sharp curves and steep inclines make it one of the more challenging drives in the area.
While the road may not be in perfect condition, the scenery makes it well worth the effort—expect breathtaking vistas over terraced rice fields, dense forests, and the occasional local farmer tending to their crops.
5. Chin Khoanh Pass: The Nine Turns
Chin Khoanh Pass, also known as the "Nine Ramps" or "9 Turns Pass," offers an impressive series of sharp hairpin bends that snake their way through Ha Giang’s iconic karst landscape.
Located between Yen Minh and Dong Van, this pass offers sweeping views of the Sung La Valley, a stunning flower-filled region that blooms brightly during certain seasons.
The road’s sharp twists and elevation changes make it a thrilling drive for motorbike enthusiasts, but the real beauty lies in the serenity of Sung La Valley below.
This region is dotted with old Hmong villages, traditional stilt houses, and fields of blooming flowers, making it a picturesque spot for photography and exploration.
At the top of the pass, there is a viewpoint where you can gaze back at the winding road you’ve just traversed, with the deep valley stretching out in the distance.
6. Lung Ho Pass: A Hidden Gem
Lung Ho Pass, snaking between Mau Due and Du Gia, is another breathtaking route on the Ha Giang Loop.
The pass itself is steep, narrow, and winding, making it an exciting and scenic drive for motorbike adventurers.
If you’re tackling the loop in three days, this pass will typically be part of your final day’s journey as you make your way back to Ha Giang City.
Must Read: 3-Day Ha Giang Loop Tour Vs. 4-Day Ha Giang Loop Tour. (URL coming soon)
Lung Ho Pass is notable for its panoramic views of cone-shaped karst mountains, which are characteristic of this northern region.
The area is also renowned for its picturesque rice terraces, which stretch out in every direction as far as the eye can see.
Halfway along Lung Ho Pass, you’ll find a small coffee shop where you can stop for a well-deserved break, give your legs a stretch, and enjoy the surroundings.
7. Ta Lang Pass: The Road Less Traveled
Ta Lang Pass is one of the most difficult mountain passes on the Ha Giang Loop.
This narrow, twisting road takes you steeply down to the banks of the Nho Que River, where you can take a boat tour through the Ma Pi Leng Canyon.
Only accessible by motorbike, Ta Lang Pass is recommended for experienced riders due to its sharp, hairpin turns and treacherous conditions.
However, for those who want to experience this exhilarating ride without the risk, why not book an easy rider Ha Giang Loop tour with Bong Hostel, where our local drivers will take you through each of incredible mountain passes, with you sitting care-free on the back.
The pass may be less well-known than some others, but it offers one of the most unique perspectives of the Ma Pi Leng Canyon, with the river winding far below.
8. Bac Sum Pass: The Gateway to Adventure
Bac Sum Pass is the first major climb you’ll face after leaving Ha Giang City, and it provides an introduction to the rugged terrain that lies ahead.
As you wind your way up this mountain road, you’ll pass through lush greenery and mist-shrouded peaks that hint at the adventure to come.
At the top, there’s a viewpoint where you can stop for a photo op, with props set up specifically for travelers looking to capture the moment.
The views become more impressive as you continue towards Quan Ba Pass, where the landscape opens up into wide valleys and jagged limestone peaks.
9. Ma Phuc Pass: The Second Secret Pass in Cao Bang
Ma Phuc Pass, is the second secret mountain pass and is a lesser-known gem located on National Road 3 between Cao Bang and the Ban Gioc Waterfall.
As one of the best mountain passes on the Ha Giang Loop, this road provides a remote and peaceful journey through unspoiled landscapes that few travelers have the chance to explore.
Winding through dense forests and alongside pristine rivers, this pass offers a glimpse into the untamed beauty of Cao Bang.
Though it’s relatively short—just 3.5 kilometers—the pass is steep and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, with rolling hills and distant peaks stretching out before you.
One of the highlights of Ma Phuc Pass is its remote location. With fewer tourists making the journey this far north, this secret pass offers the perfect opportunity to explore a quieter, more remote part of northern Vietnam.
How to Get to the Secret Mountain Passes
To reach the two secret mountain passes on the Ha Giang Loop, you need to book an extended Ha Giang Loop tour that goes beyond the standard route and takes you deep into the remote regions of Cao Bang and Bac Kan provinces.
These areas, nestled between towering limestone karsts and emerald rivers, are home to some of the most secluded and awe-inspiring passes. Exploring these hidden gems requires navigating the steep, winding roads that few travelers venture onto.
Bong Hostel’s 7-Day, 6-Night Extended Ha Giang Loop Tour
Tour: 7 Days, 6 Nights
Itinerary: Ha Giang Loop, Ban Gioc Waterfall & Ba Be Lake (900-1000 km)
This extended route links the three mountain provinces of Ha Giang, Cao Bang, and Bac Kan, taking you through the most remote and spectacular regions of Vietnam, including:
Dong Van Karst Plateau (Ha Giang loop)
Ban Gioc Waterfall (One of the largest transnational waterfalls, straddling Vietnam and China)
Ba Be Lake (Vietnam's largest natural lake)
This journey through the northern highlands is widely considered one of the most extraordinary travel experiences in Southeast Asia.
Tour Highlights:
Along the way you’ll also discover incredible sites like the Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the largest transnational waterfalls in the world, straddling the border between Vietnam and China.
Other highlights include the mysterious Nguom Ngao Cave (Tiger Cave), where visitors can explore a hidden underground world of magnificent natural stone formations and Ba Be Lake, one of Vietnam’s largest natural lakes.
An extended Ha Giang Loop tour gives you access to these secret passes and locations that are otherwise difficult to reach, ensuring you experience the full grandeur of northern Vietnam’s dramatic landscape.
Final Thoughts on Ha Giang’s Best Moutain Passes
The Ha Giang Loop is renowned for its epic mountain passes, each offering its own unique challenges and rewards.
And for those who crave even more, the less well-known mountain passes in Cao Bang are a secluded and tranquil escape from the more well-traveled routes.
If you’re planning a trip to Ha Giang, be sure to add these mountain passes to your itinerary—and don’t forget to seek out the secret passes that few know about for a truly unique adventure.
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