Ma Pi Leng Pass is located on Highway 4C connecting Ha Giang city with Dong Van, quite dangerous with a length of about 20km. The pass is located at an altitude of about 1200m above sea level and is a famous dangerous pass in the backpacking enthusiast community. Ma Pi Leng Road has a 9-pass section that has become a miracle that many people compare to a Great Wall of Vietnam.
On November 16, 2009, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism classified the Ma Pi Leng area as a national scenic relic. Accordingly, Ma Pi Leng scenic spots include: Ma Pi Leng pass is considered a unique heritage area in terms of geology and landscape, the top of the pass is considered one of the panoramic observation points of the type. The most beautiful in Vietnam, Nho Que river canyon is one of the unique tectonic valleys in Vietnam.
Best Time to Visit
Each season in Ha Giang has its own attraction, we can freely choose to explore at any time the schedule suits. From January to March is the season of plum and peach blossoms, April has the attractive Khau Vai love market, September is the golden rice season of Hoang Su Phi, October to November is the season of buckwheat flowers blooming. In full bloom, in December there is mustard flower season.
However, due to the terrain being quite dangerous, we need to avoid traveling from June to August. Because at this time the weather is quite harsh, it often rains, making the road slippery and dangerous. Even early in the morning and late in the evening, there is quite thick fog, making it inconvenient to move around, easily causing accidents
Attractive spots on Ma Pi Leng pass
Admire the scenery from above
On the road to Ma Pi Leng, there are always beautiful stops to admire the scenery. These are rocky outcrops located between cliffs that are very popular with young people. Because they make us feel like we are standing in front of a vast landscape of mountains, forests, and rivers.
At the top of the pass, which is also the highest point of the Happiness Road, there is a stop for you to admire the scenery. A stone stele was also placed here to record the imprints during the construction of the pass.
Experience boating on Nho Que river
Nho Que River is located right below the dangerous cat-ear cliffs of Ha Giang. Those who visit can try taking a boat trip on the river, through Tu San Alley. This canyon is the deepest canyon in Southeast Asia located right at the foot of Ma Pi Leng Pass. It is quite unique with a cliff height of up to 700-800m, a length of up to 1.7km, and a depth of nearly 1 kilometer. This can be considered the most unique and magnificent landscape of the Dong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark area. In recent years, many people have chosen to explore the Nho Que river by rowing their own boats
Conquer Chin Khoanh slope
Doc Chin Khoanh - Ha Giang is a steep mountain road connecting Pho Cao commune with Sung La commune, Dong Van district of Ha Giang. This place has consecutive curves, quite steep and winding. The experience of conquering Ma Pi Leng Pass of many young people recorded that around Sung La slope, many buckwheat flowers were planted. If you are passionate about this flower, you should not miss it.
Because the steep slope ahead is quite difficult to conquer, we need to equip a strong motorbike before going uphill. Besides Chin Khoanh slope, this place also has Pai Lung slope, Tham Ma slope, Sam Pun slope... which are equally worth experiencing.
Some notes on what to bring to make the journey more convenient
- If we go in the summer, we should choose cool, stretchy clothes to work comfortably. You should bring long pants because there are quite a lot of insects in the mountains. In Ha Giang winter, the temperature is quite low, so bring warm clothes, wool scarves, and gloves to keep warm.
- Experience in conquering Ma Pi Leng Pass shows that we need to climb a lot, so we need to prepare high-friction sports shoes to avoid slipping.
- Because there are not many restaurants on the pass, remember to bring lots of snacks and drinks in case you get hungry. Don't forget to clean up trash after eating to maintain hygiene.
- Bring some fever reducers, medicines for common diseases and some medical bandages in case you need them as there are quite a few pharmacies here.
- If you plan to travel to Ha Giang by motorbike, you must prepare vehicle repair tools and gasoline in case the vehicle breaks down. On the way to conquer the pass, there are many bad parts, high passes without car repair shops.
