Ma Pi Leng Pass stands out as one of the most spectacular routes on the Ha Giang Loop. Gracefully winding around verdant mountain peaks, it offers views that are simply remarkable. Conquering Ma Pi Leng Pass is an exhilarating journey that promises to be an unforgettable highlight of your adventure.

Overview of Ma Pi Leng Pass

Ma Pi Leng Pass, an iconic section of National Highway 4C – famously known as the Happiness Road – carves its path through Pai Lung and Pa Vi Communes in Meo Vac District, and Ta Lung Commune in Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province. This dangerous yet breathtaking road spans approximately 20 kilometers, lying precariously at an altitude of 1,200 meters along the eastern slope of Ma Pi Leng Mountain.

Panorama of Ma Pi Leng Pass on Ha Giang mountains. — Ma Pi Leng Pass, Ha Giang.

Widely regarded as the most legendary pass on the Ha Giang Loop, Ma Pi Leng is ranked among the “four greatest mountain passes” of Vietnam’s northern region, along with O Quy Ho Pass (Ha Giang), Khau Pha Pass (Yen Bai), and Pha Din Pass (Dien Bien and Son La).

In 2009, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam officially designated the Ma Pi Leng area as a National Scenic Monument, including:

Ma Pi Leng Pass is considered a special heritage area in terms of geology and landscape.
Ma Pi Leng Summit Viewpoint is considered one of the most beautiful panoramic observation points in Vietnam.
Tu San Canyon is one of the unique tectonic valleys in Vietnam.

Ha Giang loop from above. — Ma Pi Leng Pass from above.

History of Ma Pi Leng Pass

Ma Pi Leng Pass, meaning “horse nose” in ethnic Mong language, was opened on Ma Pi Leng Mountain in the 1960s, taking its name from the nearby village in Pai Lung Commune.

This rugged landscape is part of the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, formed by numerous limestone and schist sediments, resulting in dramatic cliffs and deep abysses. Today, as you traverse the pass, you can admire the mesmerizing Nho Que River winding far below.

Panorama of Ma Pi Leng Pass and Nho Que River.

For Ha Giang generations before the 1960s, the only pathway they knew to cross Ma Pi Leng Mountain was by planting stakes and ropes on its cliffs to crawl through the nine brutally steep passes.

In 1959, driven by a vision to bridge the gap between this remote highland and the more developed areas, the Northern Vietnam Regional Party Committee decided to open the Ha Giang – Dong Van – Meo Vac road, now known as National Highway 4C. On September 10, 1959, this monumental undertaking began with over 2,300 volunteers and laborers from 16 ethnic groups across 8 Northern provinces. After 4 years, the 164-kilometer-long road was completed.

Bends of Ma Pi Leng Pass from above. — National Highway 4C.

The most challenging section of the road, only 21 kilometers from Dong Van to Meo Vac, took 2 more years of hard work to complete. This perilous stretch is the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass.

At the summit of Ma Pi Leng Mountain, the highest point of the Happiness Road, there is a rest stop where tourists can enjoy the incredible panorama of the Ha Giang landscape. In Pai Lung commune, the Youth Volunteer Memorial Stele serves as a permanent record of Ma Pi Leng’s construction.

Natural beauty of Ma Pi Leng Pass

Despite being incredibly challenging to conquer, Ma Pi Leng Pass’s wild, breathtaking beauty draws countless adventurous tourists from near and far.

Located on a high mountain, Ma Pi Leng Pass consists of 9 winding bends, where one side falls into a deep abyss and the other rises in a steep slope. From its heights, the incredible panorama of Ha Giang unfolds: lush green mountain ranges extending to the horizon, winding Nho Que River gleaming like a jade ribbon, and hidden flower valleys revealing the quiet charm of ethnic villages.

Ma Pi Leng Pass in Ha Giang. — View from Ma Pi Leng Pass.

Location & How to get to Ma Pi Leng Pass

As a section of National Highway 4C, finding the way to Ma Pi Leng Pass is simple enough. From Hanoi, visitors can travel by motorbike or car to Ha Giang City, and from there to Ma Pi Leng.

However, conquering this pass is not something everyone can do. Ma Pi Leng Pass is renowned for its narrow and steep stretches carved into the mountainside. The extended journey also demands good physical condition and resilience, or having multiple alternating drivers.

Ha Giang Loop beginning. — Guests prepare to conquer the Ha Giang Loop.

Fola Travel’s Ha Giang Loop tours eliminate these worries. In addition to food and accommodation, we provide transfer services from Hanoi to Ha Giang, and, crucially, professional easy-riders. This ensures a safe and comfortable exploration of the Ha Giang Loop, letting you focus solely on the incredible journey.

See more: Best Ha Giang Loop Tours for 2025.

The Best Time to Explore Ma Pi Leng Pass

Ma Pi Leng Pass serves as the ultimate vantage point, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the captivating beauty that Ha Giang offers in every season.

While each period holds its unique charm, the prime time to visit the Ha Giang Loop is undoubtedly from October to April of the following year. During these months, the dry, cool weather is perfect for extended outdoor adventures. This is also the spectacular blooming season of Ban flowers (October, November), painting Ha Giang’s hillsides in a delicate white.

Ma Pi Leng Pass on mountains in Ha Giang. — Ha Giang nature around Ma Pi Leng.

Infomation

Death Rock

Imagine sitting on a protruding rock, with the majestic nature of Ha Giang as your backdrop, this freeing sensation is not something you can easily find anywhere else.

Ma Pi Leng Pass Rest Stops

Along the Ma Pi Leng route, there are currently several rest stops, allowing visitors to take a break after a long journey and have time to admire the breathtaking natural vistas.

Among these stops, the most popular one is at Tu San Canyon, where the graceful Nho Que River tapers right at the foot of Ma Pi Leng Mountain. Looking down from here, the panoramic view will leave you speechless.

Panorama of Nho Que river and Tu San canyon. — Nho Que River and Tu San Canyon.

White Cliff

Right above Ma Pi Leng Pass, the White Cliff is the old mountain route used by Ha Giang locals before the National Highway 4C. Now, this is a camping spot sought by adventure lovers for a unique and thrilling experience.

Fairy mountain and White Peak in Meo Vac. — Fairy Mountain – White Cliff.

To get here, visitors must leave their motorbikes at the Youth Volunteer Memorial Stele, then walk along the small bridge up the cliff. This steep climb will make your heart skip a beat, and at the same time, grateful for the unreal natural beauty you get to witness.

Mong Ethnic Pa Vi Village

Nestled at the foot of the valley in Meo Vac, Pa Vi Village is a unique cultural complex. It serves as a great resting place on the Ha Giang Loop, offering travelers an opportunity to learn about the vibrant culture and traditional beauty of the local Mong people.

Houses in Pa Vi village. — Pa Vi Village.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should you prepare when going to Ma Pi Leng Pass?

You should bring long-sleeved clothes to protect against insects and cold, especially during autumn and winter. In winter, the temperatures in Ha Giang can drop significantly, so bring a coat, scarf, gloves, socks, and fur-lined shoes. However, make sure your clothing is comfortable and not too bulky for climbing.
Always keep water and some snacks on you for emergency energy pick-up.
Carry with you a basic first-aid kit with bandages, cold medicine, and a fever reducer. Insect repellent, wind oil, and insect bite medicine are also good to have.
If you ride a motorbike alone, some repair tools might be necessary, as there are no repair shops on Ma Pi Leng Pass.