Views & viewpoints in Ha Giang
While some of Ha Giang’s most famous viewpoints are undoubtedly breathtaking, they can also become quite crowded, especially on weekends and national holidays when local Vietnamese tourists flock to the area.
But here’s the secret: some of the most captivating vistas in Ha Giang are not even from designated viewpoints; they’re found right along the road. As you traverse the Ha Giang Loop, you’ll be tempted to stop every 100 meters just to soak in the awe-inspiring landscapes or capture that perfect photo. The beauty of the Loop is the freedom to pull over virtually anywhere, sit by the roadside with a refreshing drink, and enjoy the scenery in solitude.
However, some viewpoints are iconic for a reason and should not be missed. To optimize your experience and avoid crowds, consider these two tips:
- Avoid Weekends and National Holidays: These are the busiest times, drawing a large local crowd. If you have flexibility in your travel dates, aim for weekdays to have a quieter experience.
- Visit Early in the Morning: Especially for the popular viewpoints along the Ma Pi Leng Pass, the early bird truly does catch the worm—or in this case, unobstructed views in peace. Consider staying the night in nearby towns like Dong Van or Meo Vac to make the early morning trek more feasible.
#1. Ma Pi Leng Skywalk
The views from the Ma Pi Leng Pass are unparalleled in Vietnam, offering a truly amazing experience. However, if there is only one specific point to choose, it would be the viewpoint at the Ma Pi Leng Sky Walk.
Here, you’ll find a rock jutting out over the cliff, creating the perfect opportunity to capture breathtaking photos. Additionally, the sky walk provides a unique vantage point from which you can admire the main road meandering through the pass from above.
#2 Eye of Ma Pi Leng
In the realm of Ha Giang’s viewpoints, the Eye of Ma Pi Leng stands as a less-explored treasure offering some of the region’s most spectacular vistas. This unique spot is essentially a round hole carved into the mountain, providing a framing window to the epic Ma Pi Leng Pass below.
What sets this viewpoint apart is its seclusion—here, you stand a good chance of enjoying one of Ha Giang’s finest views without the distraction of crowds. For those keen on capturing the full circle of the ‘eye’, a fisheye lens comes highly recommended.
It’s accessible via a path that starts from the Ma Pi Leng Skywalk. Though a bit challenging to locate, the hike is absolutely worth the effort, rewarding you with unparalleled views and solitude.
#3. Khe Lia Panorama
The road between Dong Van and Lung Cu is one of the most scenic drives in Ha Giang. The entire stretch of this road through Dong Van Karst Plateau is a visual delight. With breathtaking views awaiting you at every turn, you’ll find yourself compelled to stop, admire the scenery, and capture photographs every few meters you drive.
As it may be weird to classify a 25 km road as a single viewpoint, we named the Khe Lia Panorama on this route in our list of best viewpoints in Ha Giang. The viewpoint is around half way down this route and has a small parking area and stairs that bring you higher up for a 360 degree view.
#4. Quan Ba & Twin mountains
The Quan Ba Pass offers not just one, but two stunning viewpoints. As you approach from Ha Giang City, the first viewpoint awaits at the top of the pass. Here, you can find a quaint coffee shop where you can sit back, savor a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and admire the breathtaking scenery.
Continuing along the pass, halfway down, you’ll discover a convenient parking area. From there, a set of stairs leads you to the second viewpoint, offering a mesmerizing perspective of the Twin Mountains. These two nearly identical mountains, with their rounded shapes, stand side by side, earning the endearing nickname “Fairy Breast Mountain.”
#5. Tham Ma Pass
It comes as no surprise that another mountain pass features on our list of the best viewpoints in Ha Giang. While Tham Ma Pass may not be the largest pass, its viewpoint offers a magnificent sight. From the top of the pass, you can gaze upon the graceful s-shaped road winding its way up the mountainside. The viewpoint includes a small parking area, and you may often encounter local ethnic children carrying flowers during your visit.
Tham Ma Pass is situated between the towns of Yen Minh and Dong Van, adding to its allure as a must-visit destination in Ha Giang.
#6. Dong Van French fortress
Located in the town of Dong Van, the remnants of an old French colonial fort sit atop a mountain. While little remains of the fort itself, the mountain offers a breathtaking 360-degree viewpoint of Dong Van and its surrounding mountainous landscape. The best time to visit is during sunset when the temperature is cooler, and witnessing the sunset from this vantage point is a memorable experience.
To reach the viewpoint, there is a narrow and steep path that can be traversed by motorbike for the adventurous. Alternatively, you can opt for a safer route and hike up the mountain, enjoying the tranquility and serenity along the way.
#7. Lung Cu Flag Tower
Perched atop a mountain, the Lung Cu Flag Tower marks the northernmost point of Vietnam. From this viewpoint, you can enjoy a panoramic 360-degree vista of the surrounding mountains, countryside, and quaint villages belonging to the Lo Lo ethnic group. What sets this viewpoint apart is its distinct feature of offering a glimpse of both Vietnam and China in the distance.
#8. Lung Ho Viewpoint
Situated atop a pass on the route from Mau Due to Du Gia, Lung Ho offers a breathtaking viewpoint characterized by the presence of majestic conical mountains in the distance. These distinctively-shaped mountains are a hallmark of the karst landscape found in this region.
Adding to the charm, there is a small coffee shop at the pass where you can take a break and savor the view for a little longer. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this area of Ha Giang, as it boasts an abundance of picturesque rice fields that distinguish it from other locations along the loop.
#9. M shape turn viewpoint
Located along the road between Meo Vac and Mau Due, the M-Shaped Turn Viewpoint offers an amazing sight of a winding road that zigzags its way up the mountainside, eventually disappearing behind the majestic peak. The beauty of the surrounding mountains adds to the allure of this viewpoint, making it a must-stop destination.
