On this first day we drive just over 150 kilometers to the town of Dong Van. The first stop is Heaven’s Gate at 1500 meters high with beautiful views over the mountains. A little bit lower down the pass there is another stop at a viewpoint with a view on the famous twin mountains. One of the places where you definitely want to stop during this part of the loop is the photogenic Tham Ma Pass. Before you are at Dong Van there is at least one more stop and that is at the HMong King Palace (Vuong Palace). This palace was built for the king of the Hmong minority. Depending on the amount of stops you will be at Dong Van at around 17:00 (5 PM). Check in to your homestay or hotel. After dinner you could visit the small but beautiful looking Old Quarter of this town.