The journey from Meo Vac to Bao Lac marks your exit from the high Karst Plateau as you push east towards Cao Bang. This leg offers two starkly different experiences: the reliable, sweeping highway via Bao Lam or the rugged, adventurous “backdoor” via the Khau Vai ferry and the dirt tracks of Duc Hanh. Your choice will define whether your day is about covering miles or conquering terrain.
The weather largely dictates your choice of routes on this day as the ferry road has steep, slippery mud routes down on both sides and it is a challenging ride. If it is raining, or has rained recently, it may not be the route for you. Heavy bikes are hard work on this route.
This route blog is part of our Ha Giang Route 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 main road3 4C and QL34. The 4C is an amazing drive, when the weather is clear but can be treachourous in mist / rain. Once on the QL34 there is more heavy traffic but running alongside the river is also a good drive.
The RED ROUTE 1 and the RED ROUTE 2takes you on the road past the Khau Vai Love Market and then through the dirt roads of Duc Hanh. There is a lot of road construction here nowadays.
If you are in Bao Lac, coming from Ha Giang or Meo Vac, then you really are heading towards either Ba Be Lake or Cao Bang.
If you are moving West then you have the immediate choice of Ha Giang City or Meo Vac, both of which via Bao Lam.
This is a tough decision day. Do you take the easy tarmac, short route or the tricky dirt that might take longer than you expect. Our advice, if you plan to take the dirt, have a guide with you to help out in case. You should also be aware that there are plenty of speed cameras on the Ql34 route.
Either way, with the right weather both of these aroutes are stunning and create memories for life. For those of you confident enough in your skills here are a few tips that will help navigate the route. Good luck.
The Ferry Route offers more “raw” and unique photos of the river and remote village life. The Main Road offers grander, sweeping canyon vistas but feels more “industrial” near Bao Lam.
Very little. Aside from tiny village kiosks selling water and crackers, there are no restaurants until you reach the outskirts of Bao Lac. Eat a big breakfast in Meo Vac.
Expect to pay between 20,000 and 50,000 VND per bike. There is no official ticket office; you pay the operator directly on the boat.
Anything is possible, BUT it is highly discouraged. The loose rocks and steep, unpaved inclines in Duc Hanh can easily bottom out a scooter or burn through the drive belt. ‘
Stick to the main road via Bao Lam if you are on an automatic.
Generally, yes, from dawn until dusk because the family that operate it live right there on the banks of the river.
However, during the height of the rainy season (July-August), the river can rise too high for the small ferry to operate safely. Always ask locals or your homestay in Meo Vac or Bao Lac for the current “Khau Vai ferry status” before heading out.
The ride to Bao Lac is a choose-your-own-adventure finale to the Ha Giang highlands. If you’re short on time or prefer a smooth cruise, the highway through Bao Lam offers a beautiful riverside run. But for the true explorer, the Khau Vai ferry and the dirt of Duc Hanh provide a gritty, unforgettable farewell to the mountains. Choose wisely based on the weather and your bike—both paths lead to the same destination, but only one will leave you covered in the dust of the “Real” Ha Giang.
These routes offer adventure and a massive change of Geography and pace as you move into Ca Bang Province. Good Luck!
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)
