Here’s my personal perspective of levels of difficulties of the roads in Ha Giang Loop.

Ha Giang – Quan Ba (QL4C)
Easy – Probably the best and easiest of all.

Quan Ba – Yen Minh (QL4C)
Medium – Lots of steep up and down the hills.
Medium to hard – On the shorter route to Yen Minh

Shorter route to Yen Minh – Beware of construction

Dong Van – Ma Pi Leng Pass – Meo Vac (QL4C)
Medium to hard – Partly bumpy roads

Meo Vac – Yen Minh (DT182 & DT176)
Medium to hard – Partly bumpy roads

Meo Vac – Du Gia (DT182 & DT176)
Medium to hard – Partly bumpy roads

Du Gia – Quan Ba (DT176 & DT181)
Hard – Steep and the most bumpy roads

Typical road between Du Gia and Lung Tam

Driving in the loop can be a challenge for many of us and especially for those who are not or less experienced with driving. Once you’re in the loop, most of the roads are narrow for two cars to pass at the same time and sides of the roads are mostly broken, making it even more difficult when a big truck or a car is passing by (and they drive fast!).

It is always the best to be extra cautious and drive at a speed you can control. The views are stunning and you’ll be tempted to steal a glance while you’re driving. But always put the priority on concentrating on driving and take as many breaks as you’d like to take pictures and enjoy the breathtaking views of Ha Giang.

Here are the 10 Most Amazing Destinations you can visit in Northern Vietnam:

1. Ha Long Bay

   One of the best-known destinations in the entire country is Halong Bay. Its reputation is well deserved because it is truly beautiful. Halong means descending dragons, which is indicative of the silhouette of the limestone outcrops that poke out from the water. Day cruises or overnight boat trips are a spectacular way to experience the beauty of Halong Bay and to see as many of the islands as possible. In addition to Cat Ba, Quan Lan is a popular stop that is beginning to develop some tourism infrastructure to accommodate a longer stay. You can go swimming, look for caves to explore or find some of the more remote, uninhabited islands while cruising through Halong Bay.

2. Hanoi

   If you only visit one place in Northern Vietnam, it will likely be Hanoi. As the nation’s capital, Hanoi is an exhilarating blend of eastern and western cultures. French colonialism is visible through cuisine as well as architecture, particularly in the French Quarter in the Hoàn Kiếm District. Hanoi is packed with incredible temples, and a visit to the 11th century Temple of Literature is a must-do activity. The side-by-side Ho Chi Minh Museum and Mausoleum are also major attractions in Hanoi, and both are striking buildings from the exterior.

3. Sapa

   The mountainous town of Sapa is known for its culturally diverse population as well as its proximity to incredible scenery. Sapa itself is home to the members of many hill tribes, including the Hmong, the Dao, the Muong and the Tay. The town also overlooks the magnificent Muong Hoa Valley and its terraced rice fields, which are staggering to behold. If you want to get an inside look at the local residents and their cultures, then head to Sapa for an overnight trek or a homestay. You can hike out to the more remote villages and then spend the night, dining, and learning from the hill tribe residents.

4. Ha Giang Province (Ha Giang Loop)

   One of the most remote provinces in the country is Ha Giang. Close to the border with China, Ha Giang Province is known for its green forests and granite mountains. It is an incredible destination to explore ethnic diversity and to participate in outdoor activities like camping or hiking. As such a scenic province, Ha Giang to home to hundreds of spectacular vantage points. However, few can compare to Ma Pi Leng Pass. Outdoor markets are a regular occurrence in Ha Giang, with residents traveling to attend these weekly or monthly events. One of the most thrilling is the Dong Van Market, which is held on Sundays.

5. Tam Coc (Ninh Binh)

   On paper, Tam Coc can be described as rice paddies surrounded by limestone cliffs and rock formations. In reality, Tam Coc is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful destinations in the entire region. The best way to explore is by boat, and you can set off on a rowboat that takes you up alongside the lush green paddies and between striking limestone cliffs. You’ll even float through three tunnels that run through the mountains, which were carved over time by the river itself. From your boat, vendors may tempt (or deter) you with local souvenirs and handicrafts.

6. Bac Ha

   Just a few miles from the Chinese border is the town of Bac Ha. Bac Ha is very small, and during the week the best way to explore is to check out the town square. There are a handful of local eateries serving delicious, inexpensive cuisine, and there are several vendors selling handmade crafts. What truly makes Bac Ha worth a visit, however, is the Sunday Market. Every Sunday morning, residents from throughout the region gather in Bac Ha, and it becomes a cacophony of color, sound, and vibrancy. The members of the surrounding hill tribes come to the shop and sell, making it a fantastic opportunity to see a range of ethnicities in a single, scenic setting.

7. Ban Gioc WaterFall

   Right on the border between Vietnam and China is the breathtaking Ban Gioc Waterfall (also known as Detian). The whole area is known as the Detian Scenic Zone, although the waterfalls are certainly the main attraction. Ban Gioc Waterfall is made up of three stages, which makes the scene more dramatic as well as interesting, with small pools and minor cascades along the way. One of the more unique ways to see the Ban Gioc Waterfall is to hire a raft and a guide and get close to the river itself. At the 53rd merestone, it is possible to legally cross between China and Vietnam freely, so you might want to hop across the border just to see the falls from a new perspective.

8. Bai Tu Long Bay

   Halong Bay is, without question, one of the most popular destinations in Northern Vietnam. However, it is not the only beautiful bay worth exploring in the region. Bai Tu Long Bay is adjacent to Halong, and it also boasts a sinking limestone plateau, gorgeous blue waters, and an abundance of small islands. In fact, many people prefer Bai Tu Long Bay because it is far less crowded than its more popular neighbor to the south. The best way to tour Bai Tu Long Bay is by boat, and there is any number of cruises that can take you to the highlights throughout the bay.

9. Cat Ba Island

   In Vietnam’s Halong Bay is the Cat Ba Archipelago. While the archipelago boasts more than 360 islands, the largest is titled Cat Ba. Although there are many beautiful places to explore on the island, Cat Ba town is not among these, with its low-rise concrete hotels along a once-lovely bay. Fortunately, more than 50 percent of the island is a national park, which was created to protect the rare Cat Ba Langur, an adorable but difficult-to-spot primate. If you’re not able to spot any langurs, take a ferry over to Monkey Island. There, macaques are in abundance. Cat Ba Island is also home to the incredible Cannon Fort, which was constructed in 1942. You can tour the fort and take advantage of the elevation to snap some amazing pictures of the views below.

10. Mai Chau

    In the heart of the Hòa Bình Province is Mai Chau, a district with lush greenery, beautiful mountains, and vibrant culture. Mai Chau is a wonderful place to explore if you’re looking to get an authentic view of the many cultures that have found a home in Northern Vietnam. Mai Chau is a sort of melting pot, serving as the home to seven distinct ethnic groups: Hmong, Zao, Muong, Hoa, Viet, White Thai, and Tay. In addition to the verdant valleys, Mai Chau is noteworthy for its stilt houses. These houses are constructed 3 meters (10 feet) off the ground, and they often provide shelter to animals escaping inclement weather.