If you’re seeking an epic adventure, Vietnam’s Ha Giang Loop should be at the very top of your bucket list on a trip to Southeast Asia. This motorbike loop takes you across 400km of dizzying roads that wind their way through limestone mountains, dropping steeply off to deep turquoise rivers often concealed under a blanket of mist.
Located in the most northern section of Vietnam bordering China, Ha Giang province is the place to go to escape the heavily pounded Banana Pancake Trail, admire some of Vietnam’s finest landscapes, and bask in the kindness of the country’s ethnic minority groups.
The area is best explored by renting a motorbike in Ha Giang city and completing the 4 days and 3 night loop. The winding roads and spectacular views make this an adventurers paradise and the driving factor behind this trip’s exploding popularity. If you’re thinking about checking out the Ha Giang Loop, here is the complete guide on how to make it happen.
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Essentials for the Ha Giang Loop
Vietnam Visa
Visas for Vietnam require some advanced planning. Refer to this post on Visa on arrival/e-visas for Vietnam for all the details.
International Driving Permit
You need an International Driving Permit before starting your trip if you’re planning to drive a motorbike. Many renters will ask for proof of it in advance of renting to you.
Travel Insurance
You’ll be motorbiking or riding on the back of one across steep and windy roads! Comprehensive travel insurance is an absolute must. A friend of mine was medevaced to Bangkok from Cambodia and spent several weeks in the hospital there to the tune of $750,000. Fortunately, she had travel insurance!
If you don’t already have travel insurance, check out World Nomads* . Their coverage includes medical emergencies, luggage & gear and trip cancellation. Hopefully, you never need to make a claim, but if you do you’ll be beyond happy you were prepared!
*We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
How to long does it take to motorbike the Ha Giang Loop?
The length of the Ha Giang loop is up to your timeframe. You can cut off sections and complete it in 3 days or shorten your days on the bike to make it 5 days. Most travellers choose to do it in 4 days and 3 nights.
How to get to Ha Giang
From Hanoi, hop on a night bus to Ha Giang city to save precious travel time. The trip takes around 6-7 hours. Note that if you do take a night bus, you will often arrive in the very early morning, so it may be worth getting a bed to crash in when you arrive in Ha Giang.
You can also travel from Sapa to Ha Giang which will take between 7-8 hours.
How to rent a motorbike in Ha Giang
Ha Giang is well groomed for motorbike rental. Bong Hostel rents great, new motorbikes (plus helmets and padding to protect your elbows and knees!). The staff will also provide you with their phone number in case you have any issues with your bike on the road and need roadside assistance or repair. If you’re new to riding a semi-automatic bike, they’ll also give you a tutorial so you feel comfortable hitting the roads. Depending on where you rent your bike, it will cost around 150,000 Vietnamese dong per day.
What if I can't drive a motorbike? How can I do the Ha Giang Loop?
Not comfortable riding a motorbike? You have two options for taking this trip:
- Find a friend or new travel buddy who is and ride tandem.
- Hire an easy rider, a local pro versed in driving a motorbike on Ha Giang’s winding roads. They’ll drive, you enjoy the sites. Many hostels in Ha Giang can get you set up with this. I highly recommend booking a room with Bong Hostel in Ha Giang, they can help you plan the rest of your trip from there.
How much does it cost to do the Ha Giang Loop?
Motorbike rentals typically range from 180.000 vnd/ Day ($7 USD) to upwards of 500, 000 vnd / Day ($20 USD) depending on the type of bike and size of the engine.
If you’re looking for a plug and play option that is a great way to meet other travellers, Bong Hostel and many hostels in Ha Giang offers all inclusive tours which include:
- Local guide/driver
- Motorbike rental & Insurance
- Accommodation (typically in homestay (dorm in homestay)
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Support with your bike (in case of breakdown/issue)
These all inclusive trips typically cost 3 million VND($120 USD) for self drivers or 4 million VND ($160 USD) with an Easy Rider for 2 night/3 day trip. The 3 night/4 day trip typically costs 4 million VND($160 USD) for self drivers or 5 million VND ($200 USD) with an Easy Rider.
What to pack for motorbiking the Ha Giang loop
Leave your travel backpack at your Ha Giang hostel and bring only the essentials:
- A small day pack like our Kiri backpack
- A backpack cover or wet/dry bag for your valuables like Kiri’s No Sugar Kit – the rain can be torrential on this loop!
- Rain poncho for inevitable downpour days
- Sunscreen
- A small first aid kit(including antiseptic, bandages, and ibuprofen)
- Clothes for 4 days – be sure to bring a sweater for the evenings, long pants and long-sleeved shirts to protect your skin from the sun. A sun hoodie is a great option for this trip! We love the REI Sahara Sun Hoodie.
- Running shoes
- Toiletries
- Downloaded offline map app on your phone (google maps or maps.me)
- Phone charger/power bank this one by Zendure, is tiny and provides over 2 full charges on my Iphone 13.
- Bring your own bottle and use a Steripen to treat any water.
- Your hostel’s phone number in case you have any motorbike issues
What is the best season to motorbike Ha Giang?
Vietnam’s dry season, October-April, is usually the best time for the loop. I visited in April and the road was starting to get pretty slick with rain, which increases the danger of driving here.
Where to stay on the Ha Giang loop
Ha Giang used to be the domain of homestays only, but it’s increasing popularity has led to an influx of new hostels and hotels. Here’s a few great options to check out:
Where to stay in Ha Giang
Bong Hostel – This hostel has earned near perfect reviews (across nearly all platforms) for years and must be your first stop on your journey to Ha Giang! Stay here. The staff are lovely and they can help you sort out all the details for your trip! They can arrange fully inclusive Ha Giang Loop trips that include motorbike, accommodation and food with options for self-drivers and easy-rider hires. They also offer motorbike rentals for more self sufficient explorers.
The hostel beds themselves are incredibly soft compared to the rock hard ones you will find in most of Ha Giang province. As an added bonus, there is often an incredible family dinner under a beautiful paper-leaf tree in its adjacent restaurant.
Best Luxury Hotel in Ha Giang
For honeymooners, vacationers, or luxury travelers looking for an elevated experience in the Ha Giang region, look no further than the P’apiu Resort. This beautiful, new resort incorporates traditional architectural cues from Ha Giang’s Mong people across 5 unique suites. If you’re looking to experience this region and price is no object, this your spot of choice.
Where to stay in Yen Minh
Milk Milk Homestay is a fantastic new spot that has been earning top reviews (pictured above)!
Tom Homestay – Tom’s features large double mattresses on the floor, each with an individual mosquito net and warm blanket. The family dinner at Tom’s is delicious and, vegetarians rejoice, there are a lot of vegetable dishes to enjoy!
Where to stay in Meo Vac
Little Yen’s Homestay– This homestay earns the best reviews in Meo Vac.
Mr Hung Meo Vac Hotel – I stayed at Mr Hung Meo Vac Hotel, which had the hardest beds I have ever encountered on my travels, but the incredible view from the balcony really made up for the lack of sleep.
Where to stay in Du Gia
The town of Du Gia is a simple street cut into the striking landscape, fortunately it now offers substantially more accommodation options than three homestays that were available during my trip. Check out Chien’s Lodge Du Gia or Tom’s Du Gia Homestay.
Itinerary for the Ha Giang Loop / What to expect
Day 1 - Ha Giang to Yen Minh (~100km)
The city of Ha Giang is the logical starting point for the Extreme North Loop. After you rent your bike and fill up with gas, be sure to stop for a delicious raspberry smoothie in town at King’s Coffee before you hit the road. After a sugar kick, you should be ready to set out on the 100km journey to the town of Yen Minh. Only five minutes out of Ha Giang, the countryside unfolds in front of you and the incredible views of the next four days begin.
Stop for lunch in the town of Tam Son (also called Quan Ba) and once you reach Yen Minh, navigate your way to Tom Homestay.
Day 2 - Yen Minh to Meo Vac via Lung Cu (~120km)
After a night at Tom Homestay, set out from Yen Minh for the most northern point in Vietnam, Lung Cu. At the time we visited, the road to get to Lung Cu was undergoing significant construction and it was one of the dodgiest patches to navigate on a bike. Once you finally arrive here, you can stretch your legs by climbing to the top of a tower with a famous Vietnamese flag pole and lookout over both China and Vietnam. Be sure to stop along the way to look out over the incredible terraces.
After getting your view fix at Lung Cu, you can end your day in Dong Van or press on through the famous Ma Pi Leng Pass to reach Meo Vac. Meo Vac is a more scenic place to stay than Dong Van, although it has fewer food options.
The Ma Pi Leng pass itself is an epic 22km pass that stretches from Dong Van to Meo Vac. Cut precariously into the limestone karst mountains and dropping off to the river below, Ma Pi Leng provides some of the most breathtaking views in Ha Giang province and it’s the stretch of road most people go on the Loop to see. While it may not be called the Death Road, this road can be slick and dangerous when it rains, so do be careful here.
Day 3 - Meo Vac to Du Gia (~80km)
The journey from Meo Vac to the tiny village of Du Gia is easily the most beautiful day on the bike. With incredible views of rice terraces, ethnic minority villages, and old French hill station ruins, this is the day to take your time and experience Ha Giang at its finest.
The town itself is a simple street cut into the striking landscape. Be prepared for a lot of rice wine and karaoke on this final evening in tiny Du Gia.
Day 4 - Du Gia to Ha Giang (~80km)
In the morning, you’ll often find a market happening along the main street. With all sorts of fruit, traditional dresses, and animals for sale, it’s a fascinating experience. The final day of biking is a long haul back to Ha Giang. You’ll cross a number of rather precarious looking bridges on your way and can stop in Quan Ba for lunch once again. Once you reach Ha Giang, pat yourself on the back for making it safely (we hope!) and treat yourself to another smoothie.
Final Thoughts
The Ha Giang loop is likely to be a highlight of any trip to Vietnam. Be safe, plan ahead and enjoy the incredible scenery. Happy motorbiking!
Anika
