Ha Giang - Meo Vac permits and guide
 

Veteran of probably several hundred rides in VN, but never ridden the far north frontier. By all accounts officially you need a permit to get up to Dong Van, Lung Cu, Meo Vac etc, to be purchased in Ha Giang itself. No dramas. However a few things i've read suggest need for a guide. I'm sure that probably is the official 'law'. Not planning to engage one, but just wondering if anyone has ever paid for/taken/ditched a guide out of Ha Giang in recent times?

Cheers

I had a week or so riding from Ha Giang to Bao Loc 7 or 8 months ago. It was absolutely fantastic! It's my favourite part of Vietnam.

You'll definitely need a permit as you'll be asked for it at every hotel you stay at and I think you can only get it in Ha Giang. I got it at the Immigration office in town (sorry I can't exactly remember where it is and was a bit of a pain to find) but a very easy process.

I was riding around on my own but met some other foreigners so we rode together. We didn't take a guide and you certainly won't need one. Didn't see any other foreigners till I got back to Hanoi. Good times.

The scenery is stunning! Have fun