The Ha Giang Loop Tour: Everything You Need To Know

This post contains an in-depth guide to booking and completing a tour of the Ha Giang Loop.

I first heard about the loop when I began my travels in 2022.

Fellow backpackers described an incredible experience driving themselves through breathtaking Vietnamese landscapes.

They also added that each overnight stop was a delightful experience, being welcomed into local’s comfortable homestays and immersed in this wonderful country’s culture.

My newbie traveler brain had not yet driven a scooter in Southeast Asia and struggled to fathom driving myself around this area of North Vietnam. But I knew that I wanted to try, and I did.

Completing the Ha Giang Loop is hands-down one of the best experiences I’ve had during my travels across Southeast Asia so far, let alone the best in Vietnam.

And now it’s YOUR turn!

Although it can be confusing to know where to begin when looking to complete the route, this guide will help you make the best decisions for you.

(Spoiler alert, if you really don’t feel comfortable driving yourself around, there are other options you can do that don’t take away from the experience at all!)

If you’re looking for additional help in planning your trip around Vietnam or Southeast Asia, check out some of my other posts later on!

Additionally, if you have any questions or simply want to share your experience with the Ha Giang loop then please leave a comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Anyone who has done it raves about it. But what exactly is the Ha Giang Loop?

The Ha Giang Loop is located in northwest Vietnam, very close to the Chinese border (which you’ll get to see!).

It is approximately 364km of winding roads through largely mountains and countryside, making it the perfect trip if you’re looking to take in some extraordinary and unique views of Vietnam.

Many people choose to drive themselves along this route on semi-automatic bikes, making this quite a daring and adventurous activity to take part in!

Due to the immense length of the Ha Giang route, you’ll need 3 days minimum to complete it. However, many companies offer 4+ days, which I’d recommend if you’re not in a rush and have the budget to spare.

For the most part, the route is paved and enjoyable to drive along. However, there are some rough patches along the way that can be extremely unnerving to less confident drivers.

Many people haven’t driven a bike before doing the Ha Giang Loop and turn out. Equally, I have seen experienced motorcyclists have nasty accidents.

This is not to scare you, I just want you to be able to make an informed and fair judgment about whether you would be able to drive a semi-automatic bike for hours a day, over 3-4 days.

However, I will say that driving myself on a semi-automatic around Ha Giang is probably the coolest and most fun activity I’ve ever done- it’s just not without risk that’s all!

I’m not going to lie to you, it’s truly a potluck when it comes to what the weather conditions will be when it’s time to do your tour.

However, the warmest months that have on average less rainfall are March-May and Sept-November. This makes these periods the most ideal times to book a tour.

Saying this, I went in October, the first day and a half was miserable and we got soaked. The last few days however were gorgeous, so much so that was driving in just a vest top and shorts!

This hopefully demonstrates that when you’re going to do a Ha Giang Loop tour, it’s a good idea to be prepared for anything, including the weather conditions!

The easiest way to get to Ha Giang is from Hanoi or Sapa.

Both locations are around a 6-7 hour drive from Ha Giang, and the best (and most affordable) way to reach your destination is by sleeper bus.

You can use a local company to book the journey or use my favourite site 12Go Asia to book online!

At this point, you’ll want to decide on which company to book with if you haven’t already.

There’s a growing number of hostels and independent companies that offer tours at competitive rates in Ha Giang. This means the only challenge is finding a tour that guarantees a great time.

To help make your decision easier, here are some of the most popular hostels for backpackers that offer exceptional Ha Giang Loop tours:

• Ha Giang Loop Hostel
• Jasmine Hostel
• QT Motorbikes and Tours
• Green Hill Hostel
• Hong Hao Hostel

Top tip: Many of these hostels will include a free night’s accommodation as part of booking with them. This was the case with us when we booked a tour with QT Motorbikes and Tours!

Before we look at tour options, I’d like to mention that it is possible to complete the Ha Giang Loop on your own.

However, if you’re a backpacker looking to make friends, or would feel more comfortable having guides there to help, then booking a tour is the way to go.

Let’s take a look at the three main options you should consider…

This type of tour is what it says on the tin… you drive yourself!

As part of the tour, you’ll be given your semi-automatic bike for the trip and have fun driving across the mountain terrains of Ha Giang.

Many backpackers will have previous experience driving automatic bikes since they’re a common and easy mode of transport used across all of Southeast Asia.

However, due to some of the steep roads that are found along the route, an automatic bike simply would not be powerful enough.

But don’t worry, even if you haven’t driven an automatic bike before, you’ll be able to practice using these bikes before the tour to check if you’re comfortable driving the whole way!

If you don’t feel as confident driving a semi-automatic, then I highly recommend booking an easy-rider tour.

This involves sitting on the back of a guide’s bike and letting them whizz you around the loop.

There are huge benefits to this like not ever having to worry about keeping your eyes on the road. This means you’ll be able to take in the breathtaking views and be guaranteed to take incredible photos along the way!

Travelling with a group of friends? Don’t worry, easy-rider and self-drive tours go as one large group and will stay at the same hostels/homestays in the evenings. (Of course, this only applies if you book for the same day and company.)

So there’s absolutely no pressure to drive yourself since you won’t be missing out on anything with the group!

You can also immerse yourself in the Ha Giang lifestyle, and appreciate the beauty of this region, by car!

This tour is only 2 days, making it a great option if don’t have much time to spare or are completely uncomfortable travelling by motorbike.

Booking the tour in person when you arrive at a hostel is usually the best way to get the cheapest price for your trip.

However, for this post, I will include rough estimates so you can have an idea of how the Ha Giang Loop tour will fit into your budget!

It’s important to note that you’ll be required to have a Ha Giang Loop permit. This costs around VND 210,000 (£6.44) however this is usually included in the price if you book a tour with a reputable company.

If you are considering completing the loop on your own, you can get this permit from the Ha Giang Immigration Office located at 296 Đ. Trần Phú.

All you’ll need to bring is your passport and money to get the permit.

Depending upon how many days you book, self-drive tours can cost between VND 4 million/ £126 (3 days) and VND 5.4 million/ £168 (4 days).

This usually includes a free night stay, accommodation and food along the way, and of course, the bike.

Easy-rider tours are a little more expensive. For a 3-day tour, you’ll be looking to spend around VND 4.8 million/ £147, while 4 days would cost approximately VND 6.3 million/ £195.

For this 2-day overnight trip, you’ll be looking to spend around VND 6.1 million/ £189. However, this price may depend upon the size of your group.

Other expenses that are not included as part of the trip include:

• personal travel insurance
• expenses on any additional snacks or alcohol not served as part of the tour
• tips

Many tourists also choose to drive without an International Driving Permit. Tour companies are usually very relaxed about this, however, Ha Giang police have been known to stop tourists and fine them if they cannot provide this document.

Don’t worry too much though, once you’ve paid the fine you’re usually allowed to continue your trip!

The route is packed with amazing views, activities, and places to explore. You’ll discover a mix of cultural experiences, historic insights, and natural beauty. Here are some of the best stops to look out for along the way:

• Ha Giang Museum: discover the history and culture of the region.
• Local Markets: Experience the bustling atmosphere and local products.

• Quan Ba Heaven Gate: take in breathtaking views and the famous Fairy Bosom Mountains.
• Lung Tam Village: famous for its traditional Hmong weaving and textile production.

• Pine Forests: scenic pine forests creating a tranquil environment.
• Tham Ma Pass: known for its winding roads and stunning views.

• Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark: a UNESCO-recognised site with unique karst landscapes.
• Lung Ca Flag Tower: the northernmost point of Vietnam, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.

• Ma Pi Leng Pass: considered the most beautiful part of the loop, with stunning views of the Nho Que River and deep valleys.
• Nho Que River: a picturesque river that you can explore by boat.

• Meo Vac Market: a vibrant market, especially on Sundays, showcasing local life and products.
• Pa Vi Village: a traditional Hmong village offering cultural insights.

• Du Gia Waterfall: a beautiful spot for swimming and relaxing.

• Lung Khuy Cave: known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites, offering a unique underground experience.

You’ll only be taking a day bag (that’s tied to the back of your bike) with everything you need for the trip. Therefore, it’s crucial to only take the essentials with you!

Here’s a list of the most important items you’ll need:

• Layers!!! It gets cold in North Vietnam, especially when driving exposed to the air for a long time. Therefore you should bring leggings, joggers, and a hoodie on top of your usual gear.
• Waterproof jacket: as well as cold, it can get quite rainy. Companies usually provide a waterproof poncho but make sure you bring your waterproof jacket (and trousers if you have them!)
• Extra socks: in case your feet get cold or wet like mine did!
• Swimwear: for when you stop at the waterfall!
• Comfortable, closed-toe shoes: you want to be wearing practical footwear that’s also protective when driving these bikes.
• PJs: you’ll be sleeping in a different homestay each evening so you’ll definitely be needing these!
• Microfibre towel: for showering in the evening!
• Sunglasses: these are good to wear when driving since they keep dust and bugs out of your eyes
• Basic first aid: plasters, painkillers, and bite cream are the essentials
• Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, travel-size washing products, moisturiser, and a hairbrush
• Suncream: it’s easy to get burned even if it doesn’t feel hot when you’re driving!
• Bug spray: to avoid getting those nasty itchy bites
• Cash: you’ll want cash for any snacks, drinks, or other goods you’ll want to purchase along the way
• Camera (optional): if you’re a keen photographer then this may be essential for you. However, if you want to minimise the number of items you’re responsible for just take your phone!

✔️ Put cash everywhere!

If you’re pulled over by the police, they can fine you whatever they please. Therefore it’s a good idea to keep your cash stashed in various places so they don’t take all your money at once! Use a money belt, put some in your day bag and the rest in your purse or wherever else you can think. This is just a precautionary measure but may save you some Vietnamese dong!

✔️ Ensure your bag is fastened on well to your bike (with sturdy cables!)

My partner lost his bag due to the cables snapping. Ask a guide to do this for you for greater peace of mind.

✔️ It’s not a race!

Please don’t try to be the quickest driver in the group- this is how most accidents happen! Drive at a pace that’s comfortable for you. You won’t be left behind since there’s always a guide at the back of the group too. Besides, if you’re racing along you won’t be able to take in the incredible views!

✔️ Download offline maps and a translation tool!

It’s very common for there to be no signal for many parts of the route. Although the guides speak good English, it’s always best to be prepared if you ever need to communicate about complicated matters.

✔️ Take pictures of your bike!

Taking pictures of your bike before you head off may save you from being made to pay any money for damage you didn’t cause.

✔️ Check your insurance policy!

Many insurers do not cover motorbikes as a standard and if they do, they may only cover you for less powerful bikes. Double-check your policy beforehand so you know exactly what you’re covered for.

This post provided an in-depth guide to booking a tour for the Ha Giang Loop. Don’t forget to share or save for later!

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