Quan Ba Heaven Gate and the twin mountains
The Heaven Gate (Cổng trời) is the first pass viewpoint after you leave Ha Giang on the Ha Giang Loop. The road climbs through terraced slopes and bends, and from the top you look down on the Quan Ba (Quản Bạ) valley. The twin mountains (Núi đôi) sit in the same valley and are the shape most people photograph from the roadside.
Quan Ba is a stop of one to two hours, not a full day. If you ride with a driver, the stop is usually part of the first day. If you want a guide for the whole route, see the Ha Giang Loop tours.
Our pick: a tour through Quan Ba
This jeep route passes Quan Ba and continues to Dong Van, Ma Pi Leng and Meo Vac.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Ha Giang Loop tours via Quan Ba
Easy Rider, car and small-group tours that pass the Heaven Gate and overnight in Yen Minh or Dong Van, with live prices and availability.
What to see around Quan Ba
Four stops, in the order you reach them.
The Heaven Gate viewpoint
The route runs over the Heaven Gate and on to Tam Son and Yen Minh. This is a roadside viewpoint, so plan around the weather rather than an opening time. In cloud or fog the valley can disappear, so keep some time in hand and look again on the way back if your route allows it.
The twin mountains
The twin mountains stand in the same valley as the Heaven Gate and are seen from the road. If you stop for photos, park well off the carriageway, because buses and bikes share the same bends.
Lung Tam and traditional weaving
Lung Tam (Lùng Tám) is known for Hmong hemp and linen weaving and for embroidery. The commune now combines the former Lung Tam, Thai An and Dong Ha. There is no fixed demonstration time, so treat a visit as a chance to see the craft, and ask before you photograph people or their work. Hmong linen is a local fibre cloth and not the same material as European flax linen.
Yen Minh and its pine forest
Yen Minh (Yên Minh) is a common overnight stop on the way to Dong Van. The pine forest lies around Na Khe, Lao Va Chai and Bach Dich, at roughly 1,000 to 1,300 m, and the air is cooler than in the valley. Rooms in Yen Minh are a simple base for the next morning's ride to Dong Van.
Quan Ba on the Ha Giang Loop
Where this stretch fits.
The usual order is Ha Giang, Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, the Ma Pi Leng Pass, Meo Vac and Du Gia. There is no single fixed route, and another return road exists. That is why distances on this page are approximate and why you should ask your driver or rental shop which road they use.
Quan Ba is also a good place to learn how the day will go. The road is paved here, but after heavy rain landslides can close short sections, mostly in the rainy season. Ask at your accommodation about the road ahead before you set out, and carry warm and rain layers, because the plateau is colder than Ha Giang town.
If you ride yourself, you need a valid licence for a motorbike in Vietnam. The rules are on the motorbike page. A driver on the back seat or a car with driver are the alternatives, covered under Easy Rider.
| Leg | Distance | Riding time |
|---|---|---|
| Ha Giang to Quan Ba | About 45 km | About 1.5 hours |
| Quan Ba to Yen Minh | About 50 km | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Yen Minh to Dong Van | About 50 km | About 2 hours |
For most travellers, a short stop at the Heaven Gate and the twin mountains, then lunch or an overnight stay in Yen Minh, suits the first day. Add Lung Tam only if you start early.
Plan the rest of the route
Where to go next.
Quan Ba: frequently asked questions
What is the Heaven Gate in Quan Ba?
It is the pass viewpoint above the Quan Ba valley, the first big viewpoint after Ha Giang on the loop. From there you see the valley and the twin mountains below.
How long should I stay at Quan Ba?
One to two hours is enough for the viewpoint and the twin mountains. Add time if you visit Lung Tam for the weaving.
How far is Quan Ba from Ha Giang?
About 45 km, roughly 1.5 hours of riding without stops.
Where do most people sleep after Quan Ba?
Many travellers overnight in Yen Minh, about 50 km further, or continue to Dong Van. Both are common stage towns on the loop.
Can I visit Lung Tam for the weaving?
Yes, as a stop on your own timing. There is no fixed demonstration time or entry rule, so ask locally and ask permission before you take photos.