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Route Map Dong Van

Yen Minh

Nam Dam Meo Vac

AT A GLANCE
ROUTE: Ha Giang - Nam Dam - Yen Minh - Dong Van - Meo
Du Gia Vac - Du Gia - Ha Giang
TOTAL DISTANCE: 290km (Full Loop)
Ha Giang TERRAIN & SCENERY: limestone karsts, valleys, rivers, border-
lands, minority villages
ROAD CONDITIONS: paved and unpaved rural back-roads,
paved mountain roads, highways
 DAY 1 | HANOI - HA GIANG - NAM DAM
Catch the van to Ha Giang City at 6:45am, stop for lunch around 10:30, and arrive in
Ha Giang City around 1:30pm. Practice driving or meet your driver, then we will head
off to our Dao homestay in Nam Dam. Your journey is through beautiful valleys and
villages. During the ride, we will have plenty of stops for photos and to rest. After din-
ner at the homestay, spend a quiet mountain night in the heart of Nam Dam Village.

DAY 2 | NAM DAM - DONG VAN / MEO VAC

Have breakfast and coffee before continuing to Dong Van or Meo Vac. Stop in Lung
Tam, a Hemp Linen making village, and watch how it’s made from A-Z. Next, visit the
Opium King’s house and have lunch. Continue on to Lung Cu flag tower, from which
we can see across the border to China. Arrive in Meo Vac around 5pm. Dinner with
our host family—who love to share their rice wine (aka "happy water")—is at 6pm.

DAY 3 | DONG VAN / MEO VAC - HA GIANG

Wake up and eat breakfast while enjoying the view from our homestay. If we stayed
the night in Dong Van, get ready for one of the best parts of the ride: Ma Pi Leng Pass.
You’ll have seen this beautiful mountain pass yesterday if we stayed in Meo Vac. We’ll
take our time driving back to Ha Giang and we’ll stop to swim at a waterfall in Du Gia.
Arrive back in Ha Giang around 5pm and enjoy a free evening before dinner.

DAY 4 | HA GIANG - HANOI

Wake up and eat breakfast. The van leaves to go back to Hanoi by 7am and stops
around 10:30am for lunch. Arrive in Hanoi around 1:30pm. The van doesn’t stop in
the Old Quarter, but we’ll help you get back to your hotel.
Please fill in your information below for us to reference when needed during the trip. Please write
in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS.

PERSONAL INFORMATION:

Your full name

Date of birth Nationality

Passport number Entry VISA number

(leave blank if you don’t need a VISA to enter Vietnam)

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Emergency contact:
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TRAVEL PREFERENCES:

Are you a vegetarian or vegan? No Vegetarian Vegan

Do you have any food allergies? Yes No
If yes, please specify:
Do you suffer from any physical disabilities or ailments that could prevent you from riding a motor-
bike, hiking, or doing other physical activity? Yes No
If yes, please specify:

MOTORBIKE DRIVING EXPERIENCE QUESTIONS:

Do you have a travel insurance? Yes No

Do you have a motorbike driving license? Yes No
Do you want to drive your own bike in this trip? Yes No
If YES, please sign release form on the next page.
If NO, you will be on the back of the bike with an experienced driver. Please let us know if you prefer
other arrangements.

OTHER NOTES FOR THE TOUR GUIDE:

 DOCUMENT #1

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, COVENANT NOT TO SUE,

WAIVER AND AGREEMENT

By signing this agreement, I acknowledge that I understand that motorcycle/motorbike riding and touring is
hazardous and may result in serious injury or death. I understand that this activity in which I am voluntarily
participating has inherent risks (including death, loss of limb and permanent disability, and damage to or loss of
property) that I assume. I certify that I am duly licensed and competent to operate a motorcycle/motorbike in a
safe manner, and the vehicle I will be operating during the tour is in safe and legal operating condition. I am
solely responsible to determine the speed and operational characteristics of my motorcycle/motorbike and my
ability as a motorcycle/motorbike operator while participating in the tour. I hereby agree to expressly and
voluntarily accept and assume all risks involved in operating a motorcycle/motorbike or participating as
a motorcycle/motorbike passenger while participating in a tour with Positive Tours in Vietnam.

I hereby covenant, as a motorcycle/motorbike operator or motorcycle/motorbike passenger, not to sue Positive

Tours in Vietnam, their owners, agents, employees, officers, directors, managers and representatives for any and
all loss or damage including property damage or loss, personal injury, permanent disability and/or death, arising
out of my participation in this activity (including but not limited to riding, touring, transportation to and from
the activity, and at all lodging and stops). Positive Tours in Vietnam makes no warranty regarding conditions,
safety of roadways, weather, lodging or stops, and I assume all risk that the conditions, safety of roadways,
weather, lodging or stops are other than what is expected. I understand and agree that Positive Tours in Vietnam
is acting as my agent only to provide guidance as to routes, and to obtain meals along the route, and I hereby
release and hold harmless Positive Tours in Vietnam its owners, agents, assigns and heirs against any and all
claims, causes of action, or any other liability of any kind arising from my operation of a motorcycle/motorbike,
or as a motorcycle/motorbike passenger during my activity of motorcycle/motorbike touring.

By signing this agreement, I agree to abide by all tour requirements regarding safe and legal operation of
motorcycle/motorbikes, no use of alcohol or drugs and agree that any violation of these requirements will
result in the termination of my participation in the tour without recourse or refund. I certify that I have no
known physical or mental impairment that may affect my safety or the safety of the group. I understand that,
subsequent to local regulations, the choice of wearing a helmet or other protective gear is solely my own and
that Positive Tours in Vietnam most strongly recommends its tour participants to wear protective gear. Further,
I certify that I am not under the influence of alcohol, any narcotic, or other drug that may impair my
understanding or judgment.

By signing this agreement, I acknowledge that I have read this liability waiver and agreement and that I am
waiving any claim as set forth herein for myself, my spouse, personal representatives, assigns, heirs and next of
kin. In consideration of being permitted to participate in the tour, I hereby release, waive, hold harmless,
discharge, and agree to indemnify Positive Tours in Vietnam, their owners, agents, employees, officers,
directors, managers and representatives (“RELEASEES”), from any and all liability to me, my spouse, personal
representatives, assigns, heirs and next of kin for any and all claims, demands, liability, loss or damage
(including property damage or loss, personal injury, permanent disability and/or death), in any way resulting
from or arising in connection with this activity. I hereby agree to fully assume the risk and full responsibility of
bodily injury, permanent disability, death or property damage due to the negligence of those being released
herein, and on behalf of myself, my spouse, my personal representatives, assigns, heirs and next of kin.

I acknowledge and agree that there are inherent risks of serious bodily injury and/or death and the purpose of
this liability waiver and agreement is to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the law of the Socialist
Republic of Vietnam and that if any portion hereof be held invalid, I do expressly agree that the balance shall
notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.

I further agree to the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish photographs of me, or in which I may
be included, for editorial trade, advertising, and any other purpose and in any manner and medium.

The undersigned has read and voluntarily signs this Release of Liability, Covenant Not to Sue, Waiver
and Agreement.

[signature required on the next page]

Positive Tours in Vietnam, LLC 1 of 2

 DOCUMENT #1

Signature _________________________________________________________________
Date _________________________
Printed Name __________________________________________________________

Signature of Passenger _______________________________________________________

Date ________________________
Printed Name __________________________________________________________

FOR PARTICIPANTS OF MINORITY AGE

(UNDER AGE 18 AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION)

This is to certify that I, as parent/guardian with legal responsibility for this participant, do consent and agree to
his/her release as provided above of all the RELEASEES, and for myself, my heirs, assigns, and next of kin, I
release and agree to indemnify and hold harmless the RELEASEES from any and all liabilities incident to my
minor child's involvement or participation in these programs as provided above, EVEN IF ARISING FROM
THEIR NEGLIGENCE, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

____________________________________________ DATE SIGNED: _____________________

(Parent/Guardian Signature)

Emergency Contact & Phone Number: ________________________________ # (________)

_________________

Positive Tours in Vietnam, LLC 2 of 2

 About Experiences Testimonials FAQs Contact

F.A.Q.s

 
Please, have a look at some of our most frequently Jump to:

asked questions. If you have a question that is not General questions.

Eastern Loop questions.
listed below, you are welcome to write us here. Motorbike questions.

 
General Questions

What is your refund policy?

 
We have a 48-hour refund policy. If you do not cancel your experience within this time frame you will be held responsible for the total amount of your tour.
If your ight has been cancelled because of weather, please call us right away—no matter what time—and leave a message. We will try and reschedule
your tour for you and discuss other options.
 
We discourage people from booking their tour on the same day their ight is due to arrive, as we all know ights run late all the time. If your ight is
arriving on the same day as your tour, we suggest giving yourself at least 3 hours leeway between your ight arrival and your tour. Between ight delays,
tra c, and having to drop o your bags at your hotel, know that the risk of running late is high.
 
Please also know that it is YOUR responsibility to keep a check on 5-day weather forecast. We go out rain, snow, or shine and if you don't want to go out
because of inclement weather, once again, you must let us know 48 hours before your tour.
 

Do tours go out if the weather is bad?

 
Yes! Positive Tours goes out in rain, snow, or shine. We do have indoor sites for some tours we can visit on bad weather days. This will lessen (not eliminate)
the amount of outside time we spend in bad weather. Positive Tours reserves the option to cancel a tour if we think the weather could be hazardous. If you
want to cancel your tour because of bad weather, or for any other reason, we require 48-hour notice to receive a refund. Please keep a close watch on the
weather report for our area during the time of your planned visit.
 

What kind of attire should we wear?

 
Of course, this depends on the time of year, and on when and where you are going.
 
In general, Northern Vietnam weather is tropical, so make sure you are comfortable. If you go on a trip to the mountain areas like Sapa or Ha Giang in the
winter ( from November till the end of February), 3 layer rules are applied. A shirt, something warm and something water/wind-proof. in the summer, bring
bikinis. In the worse case , please let us know. We have winter clothing for you to borrow.
 
Some of the religious sites like churches or pagodas. It is a requirement to cover your shoulders and legs with T-shirts or pants. THE MOST IMPORTANT
THING IS TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE GOOD WALKING SHOES (sneakers or hiking shoes are best). Please do not show up in a pair of high heels. If you do,
we can almost guarantee that your feet will su er dearly. We know Vietnam is one of biggest textile and fashion manufacturers on earth but please save
your fashion statement for dinner or the theater. You can always buy raincoats or ponchos if it rains (and it rains often due Vietnam's tropical climate).
 
Is everything covered in the price? Like food and drink?

 
In general YES, our experiences cover all costs. Though some experiences you need to read the description clearly. Food is a big part of our tours, most
tours cover all the meals—in a country with so much great food, it would be crazy not to include meals. Please let us know if you have dietary restrictions
(e.g. vegetarian, vegan, or organic-only) and/or allergies.
 
We recommend you carry a 1,5 litter bottle of water. Bottled water or a can of pop can be bought everywhere here for about USD $1 each. Due to the
nature of some of our tours, we encourage travelers to stay alcohol-free during the experience, especially those who ride motorbike with us.
 

Where do the experiences begin? Can I start one place and ends somewhere else?

 
For experiences that begin in Hanoi, we will pick you up at and drop you o at your hotel. If you have another preferred pickup location besides your hotel,
this can be discussed with us.
 
For experiences outside of Hanoi, many of our customers do not actually start from Hanoi. You can write us to coordinate buses from many di erent
locations like Sapa, Ha Long, or elsewhere.
 
For those who want to continue traveling to other destinations but not via Hanoi, please write us, too. We have connection from Sapa – Ha Giang – Ha
Long. Be aware these are local communal buses, so they might not be as comfortable as our SUV transport vans.
 
 

What is the tipping culture in Vietnam?

 
Tipping is always optional, but if you have a great time and want to thank your tour guide or simply want to contribute to our cause, gratuities are very
much appreciated.
 
Since we create experiences that are often alternative to the industry, helping us to spread the word by writing a review or recommending us to other
travelers is also a great way to show your gratitude!
 

Are your experiences suitable for minors, kids, handicapped or other di erntly abled guests?

 
Yes! People of all ages and abilities can have a great time on our tours!
 
Our experiences are private tours where you can go at a pace that is comfortable for you and your group. We can stop whenever needed. We can also
customize each tour to be more suitable for all members of the group.
 
We do love children and nd that they truly enjoy the experience. It's just a matter of choosing the right experience and communicating about options for
them. The same goes for other minors. In our experience, we have had a courageous 7-year old or an exciting late 50-year old having a blast, loving every
bit of the adventure.
 
 
 
 
 

Eastern Loop Ha Giang Adventure Questions

What is Eastern Loop Ha Giang Adventure? Isn’t Ha Giang in the North?

 
Ha Giang is both a city and a province in Northern Vietnam.
Ha Giang City is located right in the center of Ha Giang Province.
 
The famous Ha Giang Loop is the route that goes in the shape of a
loop through Ha Giang City – Quan Ba – Yen Minh – Dong Van –
Meo Vac – Du Gia – Ha Giang City. This loop is on the east side of
the city, hence we call it Eastern Loop Ha Giang Adventure. The
further you are away from the city, the more beautiful and remote it
becomes. The furthest point in the loop, if starting from Ha Giang, is
Meo Vac City.
 

Can I go to Ha Giang for 1 or 2 days?

 
Locals who are familiar with the route and terrain can literally ride this loop in one day. However, for tourists, riding 280kms per day in the mountain road is
not that fun. To complete the loop with rest time, photo time and some hiking and other activities besides riding motorbike you need at least 3 days.
 
For many tourists who ride motorbikes, the 4-day schedule is advised. In our experience, this is a very fun and relaxed schedule that limits the stress from
riding motorbike for new bikers, as well as gives you some time to enjoy this stunning province rather than just passing through it.
 

How do we travel to and from Hanoi – Ha Giang City?

 
We use a small, 9-seat Limousine Dcar Van. We avoid taking the
night bus since many of our customers nd it is hard to sleep, it
takes longer to arrive, and when they arrive—usually early in the
morning around 3 or 4am—they ended up not being able to take a
proper rest before getting on a motorbike, which is dangerous.
 
The distance from Hanoi to Ha Giang City is more than 300km,
which takes about 6 hours by van. Included in the transfer time from
Hanoi to Ha Giang is a 30-minute lunch break. A stop for dinner is
included on the way back.
 
Our van is equipped with USB charging ports, free water, and free
wi . The van has big seats that recline and blankets. It is the most
comfortable seat for a current car.

Where do we stay during our trip?

 
Most nights we will stay at a homestay. These are the actual homes of minority locals who live in the villages where we will spend the night. You will get to
meet their families, eat dinner at the family dining table, and share shots of traditional rice or corn wine (aka "happy water") with the hosts. Meals are
typically fairly simple—but very tasty—and include rice, veggies (cooked and raw), a meat dish or two (usually pork or chicken), and sometimes egg.
 
Sleeping situations vary from homestay to homestay. Some have a common room with mattresses on the oor, blankets, pillows, and a mosquito net,
where each bed setup is separated by curtains for privacy. Other homestays have raised beds in rooms with walls and a door. Which type of homestay we
stay in depends on availability and the size of the village. Some larger villages and towns have hotels. We may stay in a hotel if there is limited availability
at the homestays. We are also happy to make arrangements to stay at the hotels if it would make you more comfortable—though there may be additional
fees. Just let us know, and we'll work with you to make the trip comfortable!
 
 
 
 
 
  

Motorbike & Motorbike-Related Questions

What is a motorbike, a scooter, and their hybrids?

 
A motorcycle, often called a bike, motorbike, or cycle, is a two- or three-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycle design varies greatly to suit a range of di erent
purposes: long distance travel, commuting, cruising, sport (including racing), and o -road riding. Most motorbikes in the West are fully manual and require
riders to be able to comprehend the gear system while using clutches.
 
A scooter is a type of motorbike and it is most often the easiest type to drive due to the fact that there is no gear system; there is only an acceleration
system. It is as simple as accelerate and go. It is also called an automatic motorbike.
 
In Asia, the most common motorbikes are semi-automatics. Semi-automatic motorbikes are the hybrids of a motorbike and a scooter. There is a simple
gear system and no complicated clutches, which makes it much easier for users to ride.
 
 

Which type of motorbikes do you use in your tours?

 
Even though scooter is the easiest type of motorbike you can ride, we do not use scooter in our tours. Scooters are only city-friendly, while riding in some
parts of our motorbike tours, they are not really convenient. They are gas-consuming and di cult to repair when something breaks due to its unpopularity
in mountainous areas.
 
For our tours, we use mainly semi-automatic motorbikes. To ensure safety rst, we have invested a lot of money into our Honda Wave Blades. This is avery
reliable model and is friendly to new riders. We have a limited number of simple, manual motorbikes. These are copies of “Honda Win," 110cc, Manual.
However, if you wanna ride a manual, please make sure you have a license to ride motorcycles.
 
We can also help you rent other types of fully manual motorbikes, though you have to pay for the rental (it is not covered in the cost of our tours).

HONDA BLADE 110CC WIN SUFAT 110CC

Is it safe to be on the back of the motorbike?

  
Yes! Motorbikes are the most common way people in Vietnam travel. Almost every adult has a motorbike and almost every kid grew up on a motorbike
here. We are no exception. Some parts of some tours we are traveling on motorbike. It depends on the tour how long we travel with the motorbikes.
 
We provide good helmets, trained drivers, and other safety gear. We also have a 1-day course you can take before hopping in the driver's seat. If you ride
on the back of a motorbike with one of our drivers, you are covered by our company's insurance.
 
The experience is private and you-centric, if you want to stop for a photo, just let us know! If you want to stop to take a breath in the nature, we're happy
to make that happen. We understand that Vietnam is overwhelming for many people from the West and we are here to make your trip safe and fun.
 

I don't have a license to ride a motorbike, will I get into trouble with the police?

 
In short, no. But it depends on who you are, how you want to travel, and the size of your budget.
 
Most tourists (young and wild backpackers with limited resources) take their own risk to ride motorbike. This is the largest group that makes up
Vietnamese tourism industry.
 
Due to lack of capacity in communicating by personnel, the police (and authorities in general) usually ignore or don't stop this group, though they also take
no responsibility if something happens. For example, if there is an accident, you will need to obtain some papers from the police or authorities for your
insurance company to make a claim, but will be very di cult to coordinate with the police. In other words, their slogan is something like "your fun, your
responsiblity". If nothing is wrong, it is totally okay, if something goes wrong, it's not my problem. Very often when something goes wrong, people don't
share it on the internet for future travelers' reference.
 
Positive Tours does not encourage any violation of laws, though a big part of our job is to maximize the fun and create an experience for you. By preparing
and having a few sessions with experienced motorbike instructor, we are able to assess your driving ability and awaress of the surroundings. We are
con dent that if you follow our instructions, you will be ne!
 

I don't have a license to ride a motorbike, but I want to ride a bike and avoid any possible risk. What is your advice?

 
When you don't have a motorbike driving license, if you are Program A (up Program B (up Program C (up Program D (up
Length
in an accident, foreign insurance companies often don't to USD 20000) to USD 30000) to USD 50000) to USD 100000)
cover it. You can buy some insurance from the Vietnamese <8 DAY 26 USD 32 USD 42 USD 66 USD

insurance companies that cover medical costs in case you <24 DAY 36 USD 46 USD 58 USD 92 USD

are in an accident riding your own bike. <31 DAY 42 USD 56 USD 72 USD 114 USD

 
We, however, strongly recommend you to take our 1-day
course that we designed to help tourists comprehend driving
motorbike in Vietnam. The experience focuses on your
knowledge of your motorbike, di erent motorbikes, as well
as tra c patterns, and lots of useful practice that our
instructors will guide you through. We are certi ed instructors
that can issue licenses. However, in accordance with Vietnam
laws, you must be a resident with working permit to get the
license.

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Date: Eastern Loop / Tonkin Adventure / Motorbike Course Date: Eastern Loop / Tonkin Adventure / Motorbike Course
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