The ride from Meo Vac to Du Gia via the DT176 is often cited as the most beautiful yet most demanding day on the Ha Giang Loop. This 80km stretch takes you away from the jagged “Rock Desert” of the north and into the lush, emerald-green valleys of the south. It is a route of extremes—featuring the most famous hairpins in Vietnam and some of the most technical, broken pavement you’ll encounter.
You are probably on your way back to Ha Giang city so running the Ha Giang to Du Gia Route Map in reverse on your next day is quickly likely.
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
The Black Route follows the DT176 which is a tricky drive in that there is still some gravel on it and some steep inclines and swithcbacks.
Du Gia sits slap bang in the middle of the loop and as such you have options for continuing your journey. You could be heading to Quan Ba, if you are taking the popular, more scenic route back to Ha Giang. You may be heading to Yen Minh [future link] because you want to go further North but take it slow and explore.
From Du Gia you might want to get directly back to Ha Giang and take the fastest route. That would be along the QL34.
You do You 🙂
There is a lot of climbing on this route which means a wide range of temperatures. Make sure to be prepared for this. The riding is a little challenging at times but traffic is low and the views are amazing.
Fill up completely in Meo Vac. There is a small station in Mau Due (the halfway point), but it occasionally runs out of fuel. In Du Gia village, you can find petrol sold in bottles, but it’s best to arrive with enough in your tank.
It is not recommended for absolute beginners. The combination of steep gradients and poor road quality between Mau Due and Du Gia makes it one of the most technical sections of the loop. If you aren’t confident, consider an Easy Rider.
Most riders spend one night, but many end up staying two. It is the most “chill” village on the loop, and having a full day to enjoy the waterfall and the Tay culture is highly recommended.
Yes. You can take the QL4C via Yen Minh, which is much better paved and faster. It is longer and looks longer but it is an easier route and faster.
Only take the DT176 if your goal is to visit Du Gia specifically.
Yes, but less safe than before 4:00pm. The shadows in the deep valleys near Du Gia make it almost impossible to see the deep potholes. Aim to arrive at your homestay by 3:30 PM to avoid riding in the “gray light.”
The ride from Meo Vac to Du Gia is a bit tricky but manageable and it is worth every second. It captures the transition from the harsh limestone peaks to the lush serenity of the southern valleys. Take your time through the broken roads of Mau Due, stop for the views at Lung Ho, and let the cool waters of the Du Gia waterfall be your trophy for finishing the hardest leg of the loop.
Adventure Awaits
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)
