Branching off the main highway (QL34) toward the remote village of Du Gia, this route transitions from wide riverside pavement to narrow, winding mountain tracks. It is widely considered one of the most scenic stretches of the Ha Giang Loop, taking you through deep canyons and high-altitude limestone “forests.”
This route blog is part of our Ha Giang Loop Planner, so if you are looking for further for ideas on routes and tips to help keep you safe. Check it out.
The BLACK ROUTE will take you on the QL34, which is busy with heavy traffic. Then, you turn North onto the smaller road which is now rebuilt but still has steep inclines and the occasional area of broken tarmac, before the steep descents into Du Gia Village.
Now, you are in Du Gia and as much as you might want to stay here, there are plenty of other places to explore in and around ‘The Loop’.
The obvious choices are: Yen Minh [future link], Meo Vac and Dong Van [future link]. Take a look and see what you fancy.
Driving in Vietnam is not for the faint-hearted and there is a steep learning curve. As such, here are a few tips that will help speed up your transition to vietnam road demon. Good luck.
Petrol stations are frequent along the main QL34 highway. However, once you turn off toward Du Gia, formal stations disappear. It is highly recommended to fill your tank completely at the junction before heading into the mountains. In an emergency, small local shops in villages may sell petrol by the bottle (often 1.5L), but these are more expensive and lower quality.
While major checkpoints are usually located in towns like Yen Minh or Meo Vac, mobile police patrols occasionally operate near the QL34 junction. Ensure you have your International Driving Permit (1968 Convention) and a valid home license. If you are riding without a legal license, your insurance will be voided, and you risk a fine or bike impoundment.
Yes, but the experience changes. The best time for swimming is the dry season (March to May and September to November), when the water is clear and the pools are accessible. During the peak rainy season (July-August), the waterfall is a powerful, muddy torrent and the rocks become dangerously slippery, making swimming unsafe.
This is one of the higher-risk areas during heavy rain. The steep slopes are prone to small landslides and falling rocks, and the “M” Road hairpins become incredibly slick due to runoff. If it is raining heavily, it is often wiser to wait a few hours in a local café on QL34 until the weather clears.
A semi-automatic (110cc+) or a manual bike (150cc) is highly recommended. Fully automatic scooters can struggle with the steep climbs and, more importantly, lack the “engine braking” needed for the long, steep descent into the Du Gia valley, which can lead to brake overheating and failure.
Descending into the emerald valley of Du Gia is the ultimate reward for navigating the rugged, high-altitude passes of the southern loop. While the road demands your full focus and respect, the village’s serene rice terraces and hidden waterfalls offer a peaceful sanctuary.
It remains the most authentic, off-the-beaten-path highlight for any rider seeking the “Real” Ha Giang.
Engine Type
air-cooled, single cylinder, SOHC
Displacement
411 cc
Bore X Stroke
78 mm x 86 mm
Ignition
TCI
Fuel System
fuel injection
Compression Ratio
9.5:1
Starter
electric
Gearbox
5-speed
Front Suspension
telescopic forks; stanchion diameter 41 mm
Rear Suspension
linkage-type monoshock
Front Brakes
single disc brake, diameter 300 mm, 2-piston floating caliper
Rear Brakes
single disc brake, diameter 240 mm, single-piston floating caliper
Front Tyres
90/90 – 21
Rear Tyres
120/90 – 17
Wheelbase
1465 mm
Seat Height
800 mm
Ground Clearance
220 mm
Kerb Weight
199 kg
Fuel Capacity
15 litres
Dimensions
2190 mm (L) x 840 mm (W) x 1360 mm (H)
Daily
Total
Rider (CRF 300)
$220
Pillion
$120
Damage Waiver
$20
Private Room
$40
Support Vehicle*
$150
* All prices given are in USD and apply per rider except for the support vehicle. The support vehicle is free for groups of 7 or more, otherwise the cost is shared across the group.
Daily
Total
Rider (XR 150)
Rider (CRF 300)
Rider (CB 500X)
Rider (Himalayan 400)
$220
Rider (GS 1250)
Pillion
$120
Damage Waiver
$20
Private Room
$40
Support Vehicle*
$150
* All prices given are in USD and apply per rider except for the support vehicle. The support vehicle is free for groups of 7 or more, otherwise the cost is shared across the group.
Daily
Total
Jeep (1 PAX)
$210
Jeep (2 PAX)
$120
Jeep (3 PAX)
$90
Jeep (4+ PAX)
$80
Rider (Easy Rider)
$115
Rider (Self-Drive)
$105
Private Room
$15
* Our jeep tour prices operate on a sliding scale. The larger your group, the less each person pays—each member of your group will pay the lowest daily rate shown. For example, if you have a group of 4 or more, you will each only pay $80/day. All prices are given in USD.
Engine Type
air-liquid cooled, twin cylinder, DOHC, boxer engine
Displacement
1255 cc
Bore X Stroke
102.5 mm x 76 mm
Ignition
FI
Fuel System
fuel injection
Compression Ratio
12.5:1
Starter
electric
Gearbox
6-speed
Front Suspension
BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm
Rear Suspension
single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Front Brakes
dual disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 305 mm, 4-piston radial calipers
Rear Brakes
single disc brake, diameter 276 mm, double-piston floating caliper
Front Tyres
120/70 R19
Rear Tyres
170/60 R17
Wheelbase
1514 mm
Seat Height
850 mm
Ground Clearance
790 mm
Kerb Weight
249 kg
Fuel Capacity
20 litres
Dimensions
2207 mm (L) x 952.5mm (W) x 1430 mm (H)
Engine Type
air cooled, OHC, single cylinder
Displacement
149 cc
Bore X Stroke
57.3 mm x 57.8 mm
Ignition
CDI
Fuel System
20 mm piston valve carburettor
Compression Ratio
9.5:1
Starter
electric with kick starter backup
Gearbox
5-speed
Front Suspension
telescopic fork, 180 mm axle travel
Rear Suspension
single shock swing arm, 150 mm axle travel
Front Brakes
dual piston caliper, 240 mm disc
Rear Brakes
mechanical drum
Front Tyres
90/90 19
Rear Tyres
110/90 17
Wheelbase
1362 mm
Seat Height
825 mm
Ground Clearance
243 mm
Kerb Weight
129 kg
Fuel Capacity
12 litres
Dimensions
2091 mm (L) x 811 mm (W) x 1125 mm (H)
Engine Type
liquid cooled parallel-twin four stroke
Displacement
470 cc
Bore X Stroke
67 mm x 66.8 mm
Ignition
PGMI – FI
Fuel System
fuel injection
Compression Ratio
10.7:1
Starter
electric
Gearbox
6-speed
Front Suspension
41 mm SFF-BP USD Forks
Rear Suspension
Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster
Front Brakes
dual 296 mm discs with 4 piston calipers; ABS
Rear Brakes
240 mm disc; ABS
Front Tyres
110/80R19M/C (59H)
Rear Tyres
160/60R17M/C
Wheelbase
1445 mm
Seat Height
830 mm
Ground Clearance
180 mm
Kerb Weight
199 kg
Fuel Capacity
17.7 litres
Dimensions
2,155 mm (L) x 830 mm (W) x 1,410 mm (H)
Engine Type
single cylinder, DOHC, liquid cooled
Displacement
286 cc
Bore X Stroke
76 mm x 63 mm
Ignition
Full Transistor Digital
Fuel System
PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Compression Ratio
10.7:1
Starter
electric
Gearbox
5-speed
Front Suspension
43 mm telescopic upside down
Rear Suspension
Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster
Front Brakes
Rear Brakes
220 mm disc, single piston caliper
Front Tyres
80/100 21
Rear Tyres
120/80 18
Wheelbase
1455 mm
Seat Height
880 mm
Ground Clearance
285 mm
Kerb Weight
142 kg
Fuel Capacity
7.8 litres
Dimensions
2230 mm (L) x 820 mm (W) x 1200 mm (H)
