Ma Pi Leng Pass – A Magnificent Masterpiece in the Heart of Ha Giang

Ma Pi Leng Pass – A Magnificent Masterpiece in the Heart of Ha Giang

Ha Giang – the northernmost land of the country, famous for its pristine natural landscapes and challenging mountain passes. Among them, Ma Pi Leng Pass is known as the “king of Vietnamese passes” with its majestic, magnificent beauty and thrilling winding curves. Ma Pi Leng Pass is not only a wonder of nature but also a symbol of human will and perseverance in conquering the Northwestern mountains and forests. The journey to explore Ma Pi Leng Pass not only brings unforgettable experiences but also allows visitors to deeply appreciate the beauty of Vietnam’s borderlands.

Nho Que River – Tu San Canyon

Introduction to Ma Pi Leng Pass

Ma Pi Leng Pass is one of the most dangerous and beautiful mountain passes in Vietnam, located in Ha Giang province. It is a crucial part of the Happiness Road, connecting Ha Giang City with Dong Van and Meo Vac districts. The pass is about 20 kilometers long, winding through steep cliffs and sharp, challenging curves.

The name “Ma Pi Leng” originates from the Quan Hoa language, meaning “horse’s nose,” implying the pass’s treacherous nature with steep slopes resembling a horse’s nose. The road was built between 1959 and 1965, with the participation of thousands of workers from 16 different ethnic groups. Particularly, the Ma Pi Leng section is considered a miracle as workers had to hang themselves on ropes to carve the road from the rocks for nearly a year.

Today, Ma Pi Leng Pass is not only a destination attracting adventurous drivers but also a symbol of human strength against the majestic nature.

Ma Pi Leng Pass

Best Time to Conquer Ma Pi Leng Pass

The ideal time to travel to Ma Pi Leng Pass is from September to April of the following year. This period offers cool weather, less rain, and the most vibrant natural scenery:

• September – November: The rice fields along the way are ripe, creating a golden, picturesque landscape.
• December – February: The season for buckwheat flowers and peach blossoms, covering hills and valleys in pink and purple hues.
• March – April: When the red flowers of the kapok trees bloom along the roads, combined with the cool weather, creating a poetic scene.

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However, it is advisable to avoid the rainy season (May-August) as the mountain pass can become slippery and dangerous.

Winter in Ha Giang – Warm and Dreamy with Snowy Hues

Moving from Ha Giang to Ma Pi Leng Pass

The distance from Ha Giang City to Ma Pi Leng Pass is about 160 km. You can choose from several popular means of transportation:

• Motorbike: This is the preferred mode of transportation for many adventurers. You can rent a motorbike in Ha Giang for about 150,000 – 250,000 VND/day. It’s best to choose a manual or semi-automatic bike to easily navigate the steep mountain roads.
• Bus: If you are not used to long-distance motorbike rides, you can take a bus from Ha Giang to Dong Van, then hire a motorbike taxi or taxi to reach Ma Pi Leng.
• Car rental with driver: Suitable for large travel groups or families, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey.

To reach Ma Pi Leng Pass, you should follow National Highway 4C, also known as the “Happiness Road” – the shortest route with the most beautiful scenery.

What Makes Traveling to Ma Pi Leng Pass Fascinating?

Ma Pi Leng Pass enchants visitors with its majestic scenery, the emerald-green Nho Que River, and the magnificent Tu San Gorge. Conquering the pass, boating on the river, and exploring local culture are experiences not to be missed.

Tu San Gorge

Conquering the Challenging Mountain Road

The journey to conquer Ma Pi Leng Pass is a memorable experience. The pass has 9 winding curves, with steep cliffs on one side and deep abysses on the other. Driving on this road will bring excitement mixed with thrill, and a sense of exhilaration as you admire the majestic natural scenery.

Admiring the Nho Que River and Tu San Gorge

One of the most impressive highlights when visiting Ma Pi Leng Pass is admiring the emerald-green Nho Que River winding through the unique Tu San Gorge – a one-of-a-kind wonder of the Dong Van rock plateau.

Visitors can rent a boat to cruise along the river, meandering through the Tu San Gorge, feeling the smallness of humans amid the magnificent nature. Ticket prices range from 100,000 – 150,000 VND per person.

Check-in at the Best Scenic Spots

Ma Pi Leng Pass has many beautiful stopover points to check in and enjoy the natural scenery:

• Death Cliff: A famous check-in point with a majestic view of the Nho Que River below.

• Chin Khoanh Slope: A renowned slope with winding curves challenging drivers.

Chin Khoanh Slope

• The peak of Ma Pi Leng Pass: Offers a panoramic view of the overlapping mountains and the deep blue river.
  

  The peak of Ma Pi Leng Pass

   

  Panorama Ha Giang Café: A great spot to sip a warm cup of coffee while gazing at the magnificent mountains and the emerald-green Nho Que River winding below the pass. The café has a unique open design, allowing you to fully enjoy the natural beauty of Ma Pi Leng.

Experiences the Highland Cultural 

Besides the natural beauty, visitors also have the opportunity to explore the culture of the Mong, Dao, Tay, and other ethnic groups through highland markets in Dong Van and Meo Vac. Especially during festivals, you can participate in unique cultural activities such as “khèn” dancing and the Khau Vai love market.

Enjoying Ha Giang Specialties

After a long journey, don’t forget to enjoy Ha Giang’s specialties such as:

• Thang ca: A traditional dish of the Mong people, made from horse meat and innards.
• Buckwheat cake: A type of cake made from buckwheat seeds, sweet and delicious.
• Smoked buffalo meat: A savory, chewy dish that is perfect for bringing back as a gift.

Conclusion

Ma Pi Leng Pass is not only a challenging mountain road but also a fantastic destination for nature lovers and explorers. If you are planning a trip to Ha Giang, don’t miss the chance to conquer one of Vietnam’s “four great passes” and enjoy the pristine, majestic beauty of the region. For a smooth and fulfilling journey, refer to detailed itineraries and travel experiences at Valor Ha Giang Loop, where you can find useful information and attractive suggestions to explore Ha Giang in the best way possible!