The ride from Quan Ba to Du Gia (typically via the DT181/DT176) is a favorite for those looking to bypass the busier northern highway and dive straight into the heart of the limestone wilderness. This 70km stretch transitions from the famous “Fairy Bosom” hills into deep, prehistoric valleys where the road narrows and the scenery becomes raw and untouched.
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 up out of the Thai An Valley and to Duong Thuong. It is quite high at points so be ready for mist and low viz. Another climb out of Lung Ho also sees you gain altitude but you drop into Du Gia which is usually much warmer.
Du Gia is deep in the centre of the loop and you are likely heading northwards. The options would be to head for Yen Minh [future post] or Meo Vac even if you were ultimately aimed at getting to the tippy top of Vietnam, Lung Cu.
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.
It is very weak in the deep valleys. Download offline maps for the entire Ha Giang province. Look for the “Du Gia” signs at the major forks in the road; they are small but usually present.
It is doable, but the extra weight makes the steep descents and narrow corners much more difficult. If you are riding two-up, ensure the driver is highly experienced with mountain terrain.
Our easy riders are well accustomed to this and have no trouble at all.
Options are limited compared to the main loop. Thai An village has a few basic “Com Binh Dan” (rice and meat) stalls. Duong Thuong has a small restaurant but it may be closed when you arrive.
It’s best to pack some high-energy snacks and stop for water frequently on route.
The road is mostly paved, but “pavement” in Ha Giang often means cracked asphalt and potholes. Expect construction near the Thai An area and some loose gravel on the hairpins.
Aside from the main Du Gia waterfall at the end, keep an eye out for small roadside cascades in the Thai An valley during the rainy season, though these often dry up in winter.
The journey from Quan Ba to Du Gia is a transition into the true, rugged soul of Northern Vietnam. It trades the tourist-heavy landmarks for silent valleys and challenging mountain passes. Drive with patience, respect the steep descents, and you’ll be rewarded with one of the most immersive rides on the entire loop.
Ready for the next climb? Ensure your bike is fueled and your brakes are sharp for the ascent toward your ultimate goal of Dong Van.
If you prefer to head all the way to the tippy tip of Vietnam then check out our route map from Yen Minh to Lung Cu. If you are looking to wind your way through the small concrete paths that cling to the hillside then you should follow the route map above to Meo Vac.
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)
