Exploring Ha Giang: A Journey Through Scenic Roads and Hidden Gems

After an unexpected but delightful free breakfast at our surpringly meay friendly homestay, Ha Giang Vegetarian Homestay and Restaurant, we were ready for the day ahead. Fueled by good food and anticipation, we hopped on our motorbikes, eager to dive deeper into the stunning landscapes of northern Vietnam.

Our first goal was to visit Kay’s favorite coffee spot, a hidden gem with a spectacular outlook. The journey there was nothing short of breathtaking. The roads were a dream to ride—twisting and turning through rugged mountains, each bend revealing a view more stunning than the last. We couldn’t resist stopping frequently to soak it all in.

Unfortunately, upon arriving at the café, we discovered it had fallen victim to the “Two-up gap year moped trains”—a horde of eager travelers swarming the spot. The tranquil vibe we were hoping for was lost amidst the buzz of scooters and chatter. No matter, we had other plans to chase quieter horizons.

Terry enjoyig the open nd train free road

On the back roads we came across many obstacles including this washed out bridge with makeshift bypass bridge!

Determined to find solitude, we ventured onto less-traveled roads, heading northwest toward Lung Cu Flag Point. This iconic landmark, known as the northernmost point of Vietnam, promised both cultural significance and incredible views. Getting there was an adventure in itself, but reaching the flagpole meant tackling a lot of steps. Just ask Tim—he’ll tell you exactly how many, probably with an exasperated grin.

From Lung Cu, we turned our sights toward Meo Vac, where our next hotel awaited. The route was a mix of quiet roads and sudden encounters with more “Two-up gap year moped trains”. The challenge became avoiding the clusters of riders as we sought the less-traveled paths.

On leaving Lung Cu, the weather closed in and so we had to get a bit of a scoot on, at least that was my excuse.  Terry, once he had warmed up, seemed to relish showing the youngsters just how to make quik progress!  

As we neared Meo Vac, an unexpected twist: Tim, ever the adventurous spirit, decided to scout part of tomorrow’s route on his own. While it briefly threw off our plans, it was classic Tim—always curious and ready to explore what’s just around the corner.

The day ended with us settling into Meo Vac, tired but exhilarated. Northern Vietnam’s landscapes had once again shown their magic, from bustling cafes to quiet roads and grand towers. Tomorrow promised new adventures—and maybe a few more unplanned detours, courtesy of Tim!