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The Ha Giang loop in Vietnam is a popular destination for adventurous travellers who want to experience the raw beauty of Vietnam’s northern landscapes and cultures.
I’d heard fantastic reviews from travellers that have taken this trip, so I had to go and experience it for myself.
I have compiled a comprehensive guide to the Ha Giang Loop, Vietnam, based on my personal experience.
This complete guide includes detailed information on how to reach Ha Giang, how to book a tour, how and where to rent a motorbike, the top accommodations along the route, what to expect on the loop, and many other valuable tips and insights.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time visitor to Vietnam, this helpful guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip to this breathtaking region.
Let’s begin! Everything you need to know about the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam!
Table of Contents
Ha Giang is a mountainous province in the extreme North of Vietnam in which the Vietnam-China border extends more than 274km long. This region of Vietnam is often compared to the town of SaPa from a decade ago, as it has yet to be inundated with mass tourism.
However, after experiencing this region’s natural beauty firsthand, I imagine that it won’t take long.
While its popularity is growing yearly with the rise of bus and car tours, the best way to experience Ha Giang is on two wheels.
I’ll cover all available options to explore the Ha Giang Loop in this post, in addition to detailed information and prices to help you plan the ultimate trip!
The best time to plan your Ha Giang loop in Vietnam is from September to November and March to May. During these periods, the weather is usually dry and cool, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the region’s stunning landscapes.
Additionally, the rice terraces are at their most beautiful in September and October when the paddies turn a golden yellow colour, while the springtime from March to May offers lush greenery and blooming flowers.
However, it’s important to note that Ha Giang can experience sudden changes in weather, so it’s always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip and pack accordingly.
During my 3-Day Ha Giang Loop Tour, the weather on our first day of the trip was fantastic; the following two days, we experienced rain. Of course, I would have preferred amazing weather for the duration, but mother nature will do as she pleases.
But even with low visibility due to clouds, fog, and rain, the Ha Giang Loop Vietnam was an incredible experience.
My guide gave us a complete poncho outfit, including a waterproof raincoat and trousers, to protect us from the weather.
In addition, my small backpack with personal belongings is wrapped in plastic and strapped to the motorbike for protection from the wet weather.
The Ha Giang Motorbike Loop is approximately 300 km north of Hanoi in the Ha Giang region, Vietnam.
The best way to get to Ha Giang from Hanoi is to take a sleeper bus (pictured above) or limousine bus. The journey time is approximately 6-7 hours, and the price ranges between 300,000 – 400,000 VND (13 – 17 USD).
You can travel on the bus during the day or take an overnight bus. I took the overnight Sleeper Bus that departed Hanoi at 8 pm and arrived in Ha Giang at 2 am.
RESERVE BUS TICKET: HANOI TO HA GIANG
A well-maintained motorbike is crucial for a successful and safe trip on the Ha Giang Loop. The route features numerous curves, steep hills, and damaged roads, making renting a bike from a reputable and reliable company essential to ensure your safety.
The challenging nature of the journey makes it all the more important to minimise any potential problems. For example, the last thing you want is for your motorbike to break down in the middle of the road, or be riding a motorbike with terrible brakes.
So, investing in a reliable rental company is crucial and ensuring that the bike is in good working condition before embarking on the trip.
By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the stunning scenery and exhilarating adventure of the Ha Giang Loop with peace of mind.
Upon arrival, you will see that many hostels and providers in Ha Giang have different models of motorbikes for rent.
My 3D/2N Ha Giang Tour began at Hong Hao Hostel (it was great; I recommend this hostel), and this was also where the motorbikes for our tour were from.
The motorbikes appeared to be well looked after, serviced, and relatively new models to choose from.
I recommend hiring from here if you plan to rent a motorcycle from Ha Giang. I’ve listed the rates for all motorbike models further down in this post.
Selecting the right motorbike for the Ha Giang Loop is a vital decision that can affect your overall experience on the trip.
While the roads in Ha Giang are fantastic for the most part (I’d say 90% are in excellent condition, with 10% still being built so that it can be pretty rugged terrain), it’s still essential to choose a suitable bike.
The route features many sharp bends, twists, and high mountain passes, making it important to select a motorbike to handle these challenges.
When choosing a motorbike, consider engine power, durability, and maneuverability. A bike with a strong engine and sturdy frame can help you easily conquer rugged terrain, while a lightweight and maneuverable model can provide more control on sharp bends and turns.
You must also consider how your motorbike will handle when the weather changes for the worst. A manual motorbike can provide greater control, especially in slippery or unstable conditions.
With the right bike and a good understanding of braking techniques, you can confidently navigate the Ha Giang Loop and minimise the risk of accidents.
And, if you’re travelling as two people on one bike, consider the additional weight and luggage.
Ultimately, the right motorbike can make all the difference in your ability to enjoy the stunning scenery and thrilling adventure of the Ha Giang Loop.
Semi-Automatic – Recommended for Most Riders
A semi-automatic motorbike is an excellent option for anyone planning to tackle the Ha Giang Loop. All of the riders/easy riders in our group had a semi-automatic motorbike and we had no issues at all.
The ability to change gears and stay in gear when stopped provides greater control and maneuverability on challenging terrain.
The semi-automatic feature can also reduce the need for constant braking, especially in wet conditions, minimising the risk of over-braking and slipping.
Moreover, with a semi-automatic bike, you’re less likely to experience brake failure due to overheating (this often occurs with fully automatic bikes, which are not highly recommended for Ha Giang Loop).
Technically, you do not need a motorbike license to rent a motorbike in Ha Giang, but please read below for more context to this.
Personally, I think you should have some experience riding a motorbike before you hire one and hit the road.
And the rental company may request your international motorcycle license before renting the bike to you.
Remember, if the Police pull you over on the road and you cannot produce a valid motorcycle license, you can expect a fine. Locals told me the penalty is approximately 1,000,000 VND or around 43 USD.
Important: There are multiple Police checkpoints within the first 2 hours driving away from Ha Giang, I have seen them, and the only foreigner in our group tour riding his motorbike as part of our group tour had his driving license checked multiple times.
Some rental companies will still rent the motorbike to you, regardless if you have no experience or have never ridden a motorcycle before.
They will show you a route out of town that is less likely to avoid the Police checkpoints or even have a local driver take you as a passenger past all the checkpoints, then let you ride away into the sunset (or impending storms) on your motorbike, and he’ll hitch a ride back to Ha Giang.
If this sounds like something you’re happy to do, then yes, it’s possible.
If you prefer to embark on the Ha Giang Loop independently, you can certainly do so without a guide, but you’ll need to handle all the arrangements upon arrival in Ha Giang yourself.
This includes securing a motorbike rental, arranging accommodations for the trip, buying food and water, and filling up on petrol.
Your motorbike rental provider should supply a map outlining the Ha Giang Loop route, including clear directions, recommendations for accommodations, and must-see stops along the way.
If you travel with a large backpack or small suitcase, you should ask to store your baggage at your accommodation and only take a small daypack on your Ha-Giang Loop adventure with the essentials.
Below is a list of motorbikes that are typically available for rent. Prices noted here are based on Hong Hao Hostel in Ha Giang, which offers motorbike rentals and accommodation in Ha Giang.
Insurance for Motorbikes is Additional (Approx Prices Listed Below)
Hong Hao Hostel offers reliable scooters and motorbike rentals. I recommend staying here before the trip and renting a motorbike from them too.
Many organised tours can take you on the Ha Giang Loop by motorbike.
You will see hundreds of packages advertised online, or in Hanoi and other cities in Vietnam.
Please take caution about what tour or tour company you choose in the end. These tours can go either way (in terms of the quality of the inclusions on tour) regarding what you will get for the money you have paid.
It’s challenging to know what standard of accommodation, the experience of guides/drivers, the safety and servicing standard of motorbikes used on tours and included meals that you will receive for the tour that you ultimately choose.
Many Ha Giang Group Tour packages do follow the same route and offer similar inclusions – but it’s always good to know that the level of accommodation is of a good standard and that your group size won’t be too large, as it will make the experience much less personal and enjoyable.
I booked this 3D/2N Ha Giang Loop Motorbike Tour with GetYourGuide, and I highly recommend it. I was impressed with the standard of accommodation, the skills of my driver, the food, and the overall itinerary was well organised.
Not Included
I recommend booking your experience online in advance on the GetYourGuide website to be guaranteed the best rates for your Ha Giang Loop Vietnam Tour.
Booking with GetYourGuide is convenient because you can read past customer reviews, the full itinerary, and precisely what is and isn’t included on the tour, so there are no surprises.
In summary, the Ha Giang Loop Tour includes a 3-day, 2-night loop on motorbikes with a safe and experienced guide/driver, accommodation, 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners, water, full poncho/rain-suit if required, return sleeper bus from Hanoi (you can change the return ticket to go to another city such as Sapa or elsewhere, rather than returning to Hanoi if you wish) and so much more.
Especially for solo travellers, I recommend the 3-Day Ha Giang Loop Group Tour as you get to share the experience with other travellers.
BOOK NOW: 3 DAY HA GIANG LOOP TOUR
While the Ha Giang Loop is traditionally done by motorbike, it is also possible to explore the area by car.
If you choose to do the Ha Giang Loop by car, I recommend hiring a local driver familiar with the terrain and road conditions.
You can rent a vehicle and an experienced driver to take you around the loop. Most vehicles have 5 seats, so if you’re a group of friends or even a family, this could be a convenient option.
To book this experience, view details here on the Viator website to see customer reviews, the full itinerary, rates, and availability.
BOOK NOW: HA GIANG LOOP TOUR BY CAR
The duration of the Ha Giang Loop can vary depending on your travel style, pace, and interests. Most people complete the loop in 3-4 days, although some travellers prefer to take longer to explore the area more thoroughly.
A 3-day trip provides a fantastic overview of the region’s highlights. However, remember that this means spending long hours on the motorbike daily to cover the distance.
Your bottom will feel it at the end of the 2nd and 3rd days of riding.
If you have more time to spare, extending your trip to 4-5 days or even a week can allow you to take more frequent breaks, visit additional attractions, and immerse yourself more deeply in the local culture.
Ultimately, the length of your trip will depend on your personal preferences and how much time you have available.
When packing for the Ha Giang motorbike loop, it’s important to remember the changing weather conditions and the rugged terrain.
Here are some essential items to consider packing:
By packing these essential items, you’ll be better prepared for your Ha Giang motorbike loop.
Ha Giang has many accommodation options, so I have selected a few of the best places to stay to suit budget, mid-range, and luxury travellers.
Budget: Hong Hao Hostel
Hong Hao Hostel runs like a well-oiled machine. They’ve got very comfortable (and semi-private) dorm beds available from $6 per night, or private rooms here start from around $14. The rates include a filling buffet breakfast, just perfect for a long day of exploring the Ha Giang loop on your first day.
This is the hostel where I stayed before my Ha Giang tour began. I was impressed with the friendly staff and fantastic organisation in helping you get prepared for your trip.
Mid-Range: Phúc Lâm Hotel
Phúc Lâm Hotel has a garden, a shared lounge, a terrace, and a bar in Ha Giang. The rooms are clean, comfortable and offer good value. Rooms start from around $24 per night.
Luxury: Yen Bien Luxury Hotel
This hotel offers 4-star accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar.
This is a very comfortable hotel in an excellent location in Ha Giang, offering guests a great buffet breakfast in the morning.
There are plenty of accommodation options on the route these days, so finding a comfortable place to rest for the night shouldn’t be an issue.
And from my experience, the options for homestays and hotels are very cosy.
The most popular question is whether to book your accommodation in advance or arrive and hope they have availability. Again, this is likely to come down to personal preference.
The more popular homestays and places to stay along the route tend to book out first, so if you plan your Ha Giang Loop and consider how many kms to drive each day and have a general idea of your arrival time in each place, then I’d recommend booking your accommodation in advance.
Expect to pay approximately 200,000 – 400,000 VND (8-16 USD) per night for a clean, comfortable place to stay.
VIEW ALL OPTIONS ON BOOKING.COM
After a long day of riding and exploring the Ha Giang Loop, I recommend you book with an accommodation provider that offers comfortable beds or rooms, hot showers, wifi, and the option for breakfast in the morning is always a good idea.
Here are my recommendations for accommodation on the Ha Giang loop.
There are some decent restaurants in the main cities on the loop, but once you enter the small villages, choices are limited. It’s best to eat dinner/breakfast at your accommodation, and most places will give you this choice.
Expect lots of rice, noodles, steamed or stir-fried vegetables, tofu (which is fantastic), omelettes, bread, and meat dishes too. I was very happy with all meals included on my tour.
As I mentioned earlier in this post, the roads on the Ha Giang loop are mostly in excellent condition. But there are unpaved and dangerous parts along the route too.
If you plan to ride the loop independently, paying full attention to the road and other motorists is essential. And taking it slow and steady is vital.
No matter your skill level as a motorbike rider, ensure you have a good travel insurance policy.
Here are a Few Other Tips:
As mentioned, I booked this 3D/2N Ha Giang Loop Motorbike Tour with GetYourGuide.
Initially, I booked the Self-drive option as I am a confident and experienced motorbike rider. However, upon check-in at the hostel where our group departs on the morning of departure, they requested to see my International Motorbike License.
As I don’t have one, they advised me that we are likely to be stopped multiple times by Police on the way and unless I have a license, I would receive a hefty fine and ultimately not be able to continue with the group tour.
If I hadn’t been travelling with a group tour and would have been self-driving the Ha Giang loop independently, there were ways to avoid the Police checkpoints by taking an alternative route, or the staff could make it happen.
But, as I was booked on a group tour and didn’t have a motorbike license, I was happy enough to pay a little more to upgrade to the ‘easy-rider’ option.
They organised an experienced local driver for me immediately, and I wasn’t too fussed that I couldn’t drive myself. There had been reports that we would receive a fair bit of rain too, so maybe it was meant to be.
At least now, with both hands free from steering the motorbike, I could capture some great photos along the way.
Day 1 – Ha Giang Loop Vietnam
Ha Giang – Yen Minh – Dong Van (155km)
After a hearty breakfast at the hostel, we met our guide, drivers, and group participants to prepare for our adventure. We set off from Ha Giang around 09:00, and it was a beautiful, sunny day.
Within 20 minutes, stunning views were everywhere. We drove up over the majestic Bac Sum Pass to reach Quan Ba Heavens Gate, which is 1200m above sea level. Here we admired the beautiful scenery of the twin mountains, and Tam Son town.
Back on the road and enjoying more fantastic views, we stopped for lunch in a restaurant in Yen Minh Town. The menu items included rice with various vegetable dishes, tofu in tomato sauce, spring rolls, and several meat dishes.
It was also a chance to chat with some of the other members of my group, of which were ten people in total.
We continued on our scenic drive through the picturesque Chin Khoanh Pass.
Indeed, the Dong Van UNESCO Geopark we are exploring is fascinating, with 17 ethnic groups living inside its 2.345 km2 territory.
The landscape we pass through this afternoon comprises unlimited rice fields, thousands of limestone rocks, and breathtaking views. I especially loved passing by small hill-tribe villages and seeing the local people go about their day.
This afternoon we visited a Hmong King’s Palace in Sa Phin Valley. The palace is a unique and rare architectural work in this region, taking eight years to build during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Most construction workers were local Hmong and Hui people from Yunnan in China.
Seeing the meticulous designs of the phoenix, dragon, and bat was interesting; these animals represent a high-ranking family’s prosperity and longevity.
We continued on to reach the bustling city of Dong Van in the late afternoon.
We checked into our hotel with incredible views of rice paddies from the windows, and had some free time before enjoying another excellent meal at a local restaurant.
I spent the evening wandering around the city of Dong Van and having a few drinks with others in my group before returning to my comfortable hotel room. Others in the group went out for more beers and karaoke, so it’s entirely up to you.
I wanted to get a good sleep in preparation for what was to come on our second day of the spectacular Ha Giang Loop.
Day 2 – Ha Giang Loop Tour
Dong Van – Ma Pi Leng Pass – Du Gia Village (100km)
We woke up to rain and grey skies. I had a rain poncho ready to go, but my driver handed me a full poncho rain-resistant outfit, which included trousers and a rain jacket. After that, I felt better prepared for a day of getting hammered with rain.
We drove around the corner to a cute little restaurant in Dong Van Old Town.
Choices are traditional ‘Pho’, Vietnamese noodle soup, or an omelette with baguette. It was a good breakfast, accompanied by some steaming black coffee.
We left Dong Van Town to enter the highlight of the journey, the Ma Pi Leng Pass. It’s the part of the journey I most looked forward to.
It is well known for its steep cliffs and sensational views, usually referred to as the “king” of the passes in Vietnam, with its highest point at 2,000m above sea level.
The weather could have been better as we drove over this spectacular pass; however, we still managed to capture the epic views.
We stopped at the Sky Path to look closer at the valley and Nho Que River below.
From the views at the top, the picturesque 360° panorama of Ma Pi Leng Pass is mesmerizing.
From here, we cruised to Nho Que River and took a relaxing boat cruise. The weather was kind to us for a few hours.
We continued driving through the villages of Meo Vac, Mau Due and Lung Ho, where we took our lunch break.
This afternoon, we passed through the mountainous rural area of Ha Giang province to Du Gia town, a small village nestled in a valley.
Our homestay in the middle of vibrant green rice fields this evening is impressive, with new beds, comfortable bedding, wifi, hot showers, towels, and slippers.
Another group dinner this evening includes some ‘happy water’ (Vietnamese rice wine) and free time.
Day 3 – Ha Giang Loop, Vietnam
Du Gia Village – Quan Ba – Ha Giang (80km)
The last day of our journey is already here; how time flies when you’re having fun!
After another tasty breakfast at our homestay (choice of noodle soup or pancakes), we set off to visit a waterfall only 5 minutes drive from our homestay. We could dip or explore the surrounding area for the next hour.
The weather was quite moody again today, but as we continued on our drive, the views were simply amazing.
It reminded me of the set of an Avatar movie; at times, it just didn’t seem real.
We passed by Lung Tam – a village occupied by Hmong ethnic minorities, and then crossed Quan Ba town to look at the Nui Doi Mountain.
We ate our final meal together at a busy restaurant at the top of some gorgeous mountain pass before waving goodbye to a few travellers in our group.
They were to continue for one more night and a day of touring around the region as they had booked the 4D/3N Ha Giang Loop Group Tour with an Easy-Rider Option or the 4D/3N Motorbike Group Tour with a Self-Drive Option.
After crossing Sky Gate, we passed by Bac SumPass again and arrived at the hostel in Ha Giang around 3.30 pm.
I collected my large bag from the luggage storage room at the hostel, took a quick shower, and ate in Ha Giang town before being picked up at 7.30 pm for my overnight bus to SaPa.
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If you made it here in this post, you may have guessed I loved my experience on the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam.
Ha Giang province is a stunning region of the world, and I would be keen to return and do it all again!
If you’re travelling to Vietnam, I would 100% recommend experiencing the Ha Giang loop for yourself.
Whether you decide to drive it on your own, book a group tour, or even tour the loop in a car with a local driver, I encourage you to put it on your bucket list!
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