Conquer Ma Pi Leng Pass in Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang! Explore Dong Van’s UNESCO Geopark, costs, tips, and Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours. Book your adventure now!
Capture the dramatic beauty of Ha Giang’s geopark gem (Source: Internet)Ma Pi Leng Pass, a 20-km stretch in Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang Province, is a crown jewel of the UNESCO Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, attracting over 250,000 visitors annually. Located 145 km northeast of Tuyen Quang City and 300 km from Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, this iconic pass, at 1,600m elevation, winds through Pa Vi and Pai Lung communes, connecting Dong Van and Meo Vac. With no entry fee, it offers breathtaking views of the Nho Que River, limestone cliffs, and ethnic Hmong villages, set in a cool climate (dry season: November–April, 10–22°C or 50–71.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 18–28°C or 64.4–82.4°F). Known as Vietnam’s “Great Wall,” its nine serpentine bends challenge adventurers and photographers alike.
Rooted in Ha Giang’s rugged beauty, Ma Pi Leng blends eco-tourism with cultural immersion, featuring sustainable practices like local-guided treks, solar-powered homestays, and biodegradable market stalls, aligning with Tuyen Quang’s “Green Highlands” initiative. From Hmong weaving workshops to “thắng cố” (horse stew) at nearby markets, it’s a haven for thrill-seekers and culture lovers. Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours guide you through this highland masterpiece, ensuring a green, unforgettable journey. Book via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
Vietnam’s administrative restructuring merged Ha Giang Province into Tuyen Quang Province, reclassifying Ha Giang and Dong Van as wards under Tuyen Quang. Ma Pi Leng retains its fame under “Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang,” with updated maps simplifying navigation to this iconic pass.
Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering eco-friendly tours in Tuyen Quang tailored for adventurers and cultural explorers. Our low-impact tours use electric vans or bicycles, led by English-speaking local guides sharing Hmong traditions, geopark ecology, and green practices. Supporting ethnic communities, we align with Tuyen Quang’s sustainability goals. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, planning is seamless. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and conquer Ma Pi Leng responsibly
Start your Ha Giang Travel with tranquil vistas (Source: Internet)Part of the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Ma Pi Leng Pass, built from 1959–1965 by 16 ethnic groups, spans 20 km along National Highway 4C. Known as the “Happiness Road,” it features a historic stone inscription honoring its builders. The pass’s cliffs, some 800m high, frame the turquoise Nho Que River and Tu San Alley, creating a dramatic landscape. Sustainable initiatives, including waste recycling and Hmong-guided treks, preserve its pristine beauty, making Ma Pi Leng a thrilling yet eco-conscious destination 300 km from Hanoi.
These eco-friendly activities, costing $0–$10, blend adventure and culture:
Ride the 20-km pass, best at 7:00 AM, with motorcycle rentals at $8–$15/day (200,000–375,000 VND), marveling at Nho Que River views. No entry fee.
Cost: $8–$15; free entry.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use fuel-efficient bikes; stick to roads.
Tip: Stop at viewpoints; included in Legend Travel Group’s Ma Pi Leng Adventure Tour ($80–$120).
Hike to cliffside viewpoints, best at 8:00 AM, free or with guided treks at $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND), capturing the geopark’s grandeur.
Cost: Free; guided treks $3–$5.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Follow trails; avoid littering.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes; included in Legend Travel Group’s Ha Giang Nature Tour ($70–$100).
Kayak below the pass, best at 9:00 AM, with rentals at $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND), exploring Tu San Alley’s cliffs.
Cost: $5–$10.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use non-motorized kayaks; respect river ecology.
Tip: Book kayaks in Meo Vac; included in Legend Travel Group’s Ma Pi Leng Eco-Tour ($90–$130).
Explore nearby Hmong villages, best at 10:00 AM, free or with guided tours at $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND), learning weaving and tasting “rượu ngô” (corn wine, $1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND).
Cost: Free; tours/food $1–$5.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Support local artisans; use reusable bottles.
Tip: Buy textiles ($3–$10); included in Legend Travel Group’s Ha Giang Cultural Tour ($60–$90).
Capture buckwheat flower fields near the pass, best in November at 6:00 AM, free, with optional guided photo tours at $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND).
Cost: Free; photo tours $3–$5.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Stay on paths; avoid picking flowers.
Tip: Use a 50–200mm lens; included in Legend Travel Group’s Ha Giang Nature Tour ($70–$100).
Learn Ha Giang’s natural heritage with expert insights (Source: Internet)Visit from November to April for cool, dry weather (10–22°C or 50–71.6°F), ideal for riding, trekking, and photography, especially November’s buckwheat blooms. The rainy season (May–October) offers lush greenery but slippery roads, requiring caution. Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) see 200–500 visitors, while weekends peak at 1,000–2,000, particularly during Khau Vai Love Market (April/May). Early mornings (6:00–9:00 AM) provide clear skies for views, while afternoons (2:00–5:00 PM) suit relaxed exploration.
Ma Pi Leng Pass, in Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, is 300 km from Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, reachable in 6–7 hours:
By Private Car: Drive 6 hours via Highway 2, costing $80–$120 (2,000,000–3,000,000 VND) round-trip for 4 people. Book via Legend Travel Group.
By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): Eco-friendly VinFast taxis, 6–7 hours, $70–$100 (1,750,000–2,500,000 VND) one-way; $140–$200 (3,500,000–5,000,000 VND) round-trip. Use Xanh SM app.
By Private Motorcycle: Ride via Highway 2C, 6–7 hours, $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND) fuel; rental $8–$15/day (200,000–375,000 VND). Helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).
By Public Bus: Bus from My Dinh to Tuyen Quang City (3 hours, $5 or 125,000 VND), then Ha Giang to Meo Vac (3–4 hours, $7–$10 or 175,000–250,000 VND), totaling $24–$30 (600,000–750,000 VND) round-trip.
By Private Tour Bus (Legend Travel Group): Group bus from Hanoi, 6 hours, $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND)/person for 15+ people, including guide.
From Noi Bai Airport: Private car ($100–$140 or 2,500,000–3,500,000 VND, 7–8 hours, 320 km); Xanh SM taxi ($90–$120 or 2,250,000–3,000,000 VND); or Airport Bus No. 86 to Hanoi ($1.40 or 35,000 VND, 50–60 min) + private car ($80–$100 or 2,000,000–2,500,000 VND). Navigation Tip: Save “Ma Pi Leng Pass, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow signs from Dong Van or Meo Vac. Parking: $0.80–$1.50 (20,000–37,500 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Xanh SM taxis or group buses reduce emissions; avoid off-road biking.
Safety: Wear helmets on motorcycles; secure valuables. Confirm fares for taxis/buses.
Capture the sustainable charm of Ha Giang’s ecotourism (Source: Internet)Pack these essentials for a sustainable visit:
Clothing: Warm layers, sturdy trekking shoes; waterproof jacket ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND) for rainy season; helmet for biking.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses.
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), mosquito repellent ($0.50 or 12,500 VND), hand sanitizer ($0.50).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/Xanh SM apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).
Outdoor Gear: Small backpack, camera for pass views, binoculars for distant villages.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for snacks ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Snacks for rides; cash for small vendors.
Tip: Carry small VND notes for rentals ($3–$15), food ($1–$2), or souvenirs ($3–$10); secure valuables on treks.
Entry and Activity Fees
Entry: Free.
Motorcycle Rental: $8–$15/day (200,000–375,000 VND).
Guided Treks/Photo Tours: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND).
Kayak Rental: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Village Tours/Food: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Homestay (Nearby): $12–$20/night (300,000–500,000 VND).
Local Snacks (e.g., Corn Cakes): $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Drinks (Water, Corn Wine): $0.30–$2 (7,000–50,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., Hmong Textiles): $3–$10 (75,000–250,000 VND).
Guided Eco-Tour: $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND).
Transportation (Round-Trip, from Hanoi)
Private Car: $80–$120 (2,000,000–3,000,000 VND).
Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $140–$200 (3,500,000–5,000,000 VND).
Private Motorcycle: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND) fuel; rental $8–$15/day.
Public Bus: $24–$30 (600,000–750,000 VND).
Private Tour Bus: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND)/person.
Airport to Ma Pi Leng: $100–$140 (2,500,000–3,500,000 VND).
Parking: $0.80–$1.50 (20,000–37,500 VND).
SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $15–$25 (bus, snacks, free entry).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (motorcycle, activities, homestay).
Luxury: $100–$150 (Xanh SM taxi, guided tour, homestay).
Tip: Budget for rentals ($3–$15), activities ($1–$10), and transport ($20–$200); carry cash for vendors (no cards accepted).
Deo Ma Pi Leng Pass Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang Province (Source: Internet)Timing: Visit at 6:00–9:00 AM for clear views; November–April for dry roads. Weekdays for fewer crowds (200–500 vs. 1,000–2,000 on weekends). Avoid Tet for quieter visits.
Booking: No entry tickets needed; reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead for guided treks or homestays. Book rentals in Dong Van/Meo Vac.
Sustainability: Stay on roads/trails to protect geopark ecology; bring reusable bottles. Support Hmong vendors for snacks ($0.50–$2) or textiles ($3–$10).
Navigation: Save “Ma Pi Leng Pass, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang” in offline maps; ask locals in Dong Van for directions. Avoid night rides due to steep roads.
Safety: Wear helmets on motorcycles; secure valuables. Confirm fares for taxis/buses; carry a flashlight for dusk treks.
Weather: Dry season for safe riding; rainy season needs rain gear ($3–$7) and waterproof bags ($3–$7). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly in villages (cover shoulders/knees); say “xin chào” to locals. Respect wildlife; avoid loud talking at viewpoints.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50); carry mosquito repellent and hand sanitizer.
Our eco-friendly tours showcase Ma Pi Leng and Tuyen Quang’s wonders:
Ma Pi Leng Adventure Tour ($80–$120/person, 2 days): Private car to Ma Pi Leng for scenic rides, Nho Que kayaking, Hmong village visit, and homestay ($12–$20/night). Includes meals, guide.
Ha Giang Cultural Tour ($60–$90/person, 1 day): Dong Van market, Ma Pi Leng viewpoints, and Hmong weaving workshop, with local lunch ($2–$5). Includes guide, transport.
Tuyen Quang & Cao Bang Immersion ($300–$450/person, 4 days): Ma Pi Leng, Ban Gioc Waterfall, ethnic homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links
Ma Pi Leng Pass - Meo Vac Tuyen Quang Province (Source: Internet)Ma Pi Leng Pass in Ha Giang Region Tuyen Quang Province, a UNESCO Global Geopark marvel in Meo Vac Hamlet, enchants over 250,000 visitors yearly with free entry, located 300 km from Hanoi. Its winding cliffs, soaring 1,000 meters above the turquoise Nho Que River, and sustainable practices like local-guided treks and eco-friendly homestays preserve its wild beauty. Legend Travel Group’s Ha Giang Tours guide you through this highland legend, ensuring a sustainable Ha Giang Travel experience with thrilling activities like motorbiking its serpentine bends and kayaking below, plus visits to nearby Hmong villages and Dong Van Old Quarter. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to conquer Ma Pi Leng Pass in Ha Giang Province? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an epic adventure!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources:
Ma Pi Leng Pass Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, localhagiang.com, hagiangamazingtours.com, originvietnam.com
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