Leaving the high plateau of the Ha Giang Loop behind, the ride to Bao Lac via the QL34 offers a change of pace and scenery. This route follows the winding path of the Gam River, trading the dizzying heights of the “Happiness Road” for lush, deep-cut valleys and turquoise waters. It is a must for riders looking to push further east to experience Ban Gioc waterfall and Cao Bang province.
If you have had enough of high hairpin roads, the QL34 allows the transition to smoother, straighter, faster riding. However, be aware that the countryside is very active, from local mining to bustling river markets, so stay alert.
This route blog is part of our Ha Giang Route Planner. 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 main road. It is an amazing drive, when the weather is clear but can be treachourous in mist / rain. Also, watch out for the many hazards. Slow and steady wins the game.
From Bao Lac the obvious is to keep moving East to get to Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang. If you are short on time, you might need to move towards Hanoi and the best way to do that would be to head to Ba Be Lake to overnight there. If you are coming from Cao Bang and you are now in Bao Lac, then your best bet would be to head towards Meo Vac and possibly Dong Van.
The QL34 can be a great road to ride. In parts it is like a race track. BUT you really need to be in control and experienced before attempting it due to the heavy vehicles. You should also be aware that there are plenty of speed cameras on the route.
If you are in any doubt then reel your head in and take an Easy Rider. It is all too easy to come a cropper on one of Vietnam’s most technical rides. For those of you confident enough in your skills here are a few tips that will help navigate the route. Good luck.
Absolutely. Bao Lac is the gateway to Cao Bang. From here, you can continue on QL34 toward Cao Bang City (another 120km) and then head to Ban Gioc.
However, that is a BIG day and most riders spend one night in Bao Lac before continuing east to either Cao Bang city or Ban Gioc.
Yes, Bao Lac is a district capital and has several ATMs (Agribank is usually the most reliable for foreign cards). However, it’s always wise to carry enough cash from Ha Giang City, as mountain ATMs can occasionally run out of bills or reject specific cards.
Mostly. As of 2026, the majority of QL34 is smooth asphalt. However, due to the region’s geography, small sections are constantly under repair due to landslides or heavy truck wear.
Always expect at least 5-10km of “work in progress” terrain.
From Ha Giang to Bao Lac food options are limited. Bac Me is the halfway point and the best place for a “Com Binh Dan” (worker’s lunch). Look for the busy spots near the river bridge—they usually serve fresh river fish and local seasonal vegetables.
Many riders ask about the road via Ly Bon. This is a spectacular, winding climb that connects QL34 to the Ma Pi Leng pass area. It is much steeper and more difficult than QL34 but offers some of the best views in Vietnam.
It is not a difficult road to ride so long as you pay attention and don’t stare at the views whilst driving.
This 120km riverside run along the QL34 offers a scenic, smoother transition from Ha Giang’s peaks to the rugged charm of Bao Lac. While the terrain is gentler, stay alert for heavy truck traffic and tropical humidity. It is the essential, soul-stirring bridge for riders pushing further into the wild landscapes of Cao Bang.
This route offers adventure and a change of Geography as you move into Ca Bang Province.
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)
