The amazing Ha Giang Loop: full guide
‘The Ha Giang Loop in Northern Vietnam is the most beautiful place in all of South East Asia.’ – literally every traveller I spoke to in Asia.
Imagine this: you’re riding a motorbike through some of the most stunning geographical landscape you’ll ever have the good fortune to see. Mountainous peaks rise above you for hundreds of meters, and below you the valley floor is hundreds of meters below you.
The wind whips past you as you gaze at giant, mossy boulders the size of houses. At any one point, I could spot at least 80-100 different peaks in every single direction. And somehow, the peaks rise up in perfect, conical spheres.
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Quick Mini Guide To Ha Giang Loop
Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to Ha Giang Loop.
Where to stay in Ha Giang
Tours will cover your hotel stays. If you wish to stay longer in town, choose Hoang Su Phi Lodge or Sky Bay.
Which tour?
Both the 3 day and 4 day tour are good. Your behind will hurt a bit but it’s 100% worth it! Booking an easy rider (someone driving and you sitting behind) is much easier and much safer.
Police checks
The police will check whether you have an international driver’s license at road stops. Your bike can be confiscated if you don’t have one. Get an easy rider if you don’t have one.
How to get there
Catch a bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang or book this private transfer.
When to go?
November-April. It gets very hot from May onwards and riding in the heat is uncomfortable, but doable.
Stay connected
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You’ll see gigantic, brittle, volcanic rock that’s tumbled down from the tops of peaks and are scattered across the landscape like loose pebbles. In between the rough black volcanic boulders are the most vibrant pink flowers growing in magnificent contrast. You’ll pass through ethnic villages and meet locals farming in rice terraces or corn.
There are corn fields in the most unlikely places; on near sheer cliffs, you’ll find that people have found a way to harvest food. As it turns out, this is a UNESCO world heritage site and a UNESCO geopark – this is the most ethnically diverse region in the world; hosting up to 17 different ethnic groups in this area.
The path you’re on is cut into the side of the mountain, as you snake your way up and down valleys to see ginormous land formations dating back billions of years. You’ll get to drive above canyons with sparkling aqua blue water reservoirs and you’ll get a chance to dive into refreshingly cool waterfalls.
This is the ultimate Vietnam road trip!
Join a Ha Giang loop tour whilst it’s still raw and untouched by tourism! Head to North Vietnam for your next adventure, all the travel tips you need are right here!
You might be interested in some of my other Vietnam guides:
Everything you need to know: Ha Giang Loop motorbike tour
If you’re on the fence about a Ha Giang road trip… just do it! It’s incredible. You will not regret doing the Ha Giang Loop motorbike tour (or doing the Ha Giang Loop by car!).
It’s quite difficult to describe how mesmerising this place is, it’s unbelievably cinematic and as a photographer, I was doing my best to capture the angles at every turn. But frankly, photos don’t do it justice; photos and videos from even the most expensive equipment only give you a glimpse at what you should expect. Nothing can capture the feeling as the wind whips through your hair and arms, and you see deep valleys below you and peaks in every direction.
And lastly… Somehow, the Ha Giang loop is not very touristy – in fact, it seems like the only place I visited in Vietnam that was very raw and untouched. Sapa has become super popular with the backpacker trail and is becoming very touristy – expect market sellers to hassle you with wares. But, I would say that Sapa has some incredible viewpoints that are worth seeing.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Ha Giang Loop… What are you waiting for? Get booking!
Things to know BEFORE you do the Ha Giang Loop Vietnam
Reading travel guides in advance is so useful, so here’s everything you need to know before you do the loop!
- Learn a few key phrases in Vietnamese, or download the Google Translate app, and download offline Vietnamese translation.
- Download an offline version of Google Maps, or take a paper copy of Ha Giang Loop maps with you. IN some areas, there’s no signal whatsoever, but I would say in 80% of it there was.
- Buy an e-sim like Airalo – data for an entire month costs less than £6/7.50 USD. Use code A&M3 for $3 off your first order.
- Take enough cash with you – there are ATMs along the route in various towns, but just to be sure.
- It can get extremely hot I’m talking 40+ Celsius degrees (104 Fahrenheit +). Make sure you have water on you at all times, plus sun cream.
- I would recommend wearing clothes that cover up your body – I saw so many people with pretty horrendous sunburns!
- Free Wi-Fi is available almost everywhere – in all, tiny remote cafes in the middle of nowhere, to all the homestays, but this will only be in the evenings.
- There’s plenty of places to stop for food and drink – we ate in some places that looked very questionable but it’s all very fresh food and I had no issues at all.
- If you are vegetarian, you might be fine, but if you’re vegan, you might struggle in some restaurants that aren’t in the main towns along the route. I use the word ‘restaurant’ fairly loosely – people open up their front doors and invite you in for some food. It’s mostly common to have rice and noodles served on the menu.
- Get a helmet WITH a visor. Trust me on this one – the wind and grit can dry out your eyes pretty fast, even if you have sunglasses on.
- Get travel insurance – trust me on this. I’ve met plenty of travellers that had accidents with cuts and scrapes and had to fly home to get medical treatment which is costly!
Ha Giang Loop Map
Whichever route you take, I found this map to be a handy guide! We took a little detour to the extreme north and visited the Vietnam-China border, drove past Yen Minh, Meo Vac mountain pass, Mau Due and Du Gia.
Which Ha Giang Loop tour should I book onto?
So… You want to book onto a Ha Giang loop tour! It is, after all, the best circuit Vietnam has to offer!
A lot of people just turn up and ask their homestay / hotel / hostel to organise it. Lots of hostels and homestays will offer the Ha Giang Motorcycle Tour as part of their offer. No need to prebook.
This being said… it might be better to book a little in advance so you can make sure the group isn’t too big, or there’s enough room for you. It’ll give you a bit of time to plan ahead and check out what homestays or hostels you think might be best. We booked through Lila Inn – I go into further details below.
As I travelled through Vietnam, plenty of travellers were advising me to go to Ha Giang. We are frankly running out of time in Vietnam – our visa expires in the next few days and decided to take the plunge. Let’s go and do the Ha Giang Loop.
Ha Giang Loop Price
Have a look at some of the reviews; they say that this is the best tour in Vietnam. Or the best place they’ve visited. Compare prices below:
Ha Giang loop cost & prices
We found that pries started from £140 (175 USD) for 3 nights with Lila Inn. Prices change depending on how many days you tour for, the size motorbike and whether you self drive or get an easy rider. There’s also the above listed tours and you can check how much it costs to rent a bike per day.
Should I self drive, or use an Easy Rider tour guide?
Good question!
Self Driving
If you are a very confident driver, and have an international motorbike licence then, why not? Self drive! The roads, for the most part, are pretty well maintained, with the exception of a few off road sections. Be warned – the roads can be very winding and fairly steep in some sections.
Police Checks
TIP: Do not self drive without an international licence. They have started setting up police checkpoints and asking to see peoples’ licences. If you do not have an international motorbike licence, they will take your motorbike.
I met some travellers who said they were never checked and that this is a ‘scare tactic‘ to make people choose to go on an Easy Rider Tour (which is going to be more expensive as you have someone driving you around). This is not a scare tactic! I can confirm, this is not true – we were stopped almost immediately by the police as we left Ha Giang city to do the loop
Ha Giang Easy Rider – Sitting behind a tour guide
Doing the Ha Giang Loop with a driver… This is your easy and very safe option. No need to worry about treacherous roads, steep inclines, winding roads, getting lost, not knowing where to eat etc. Your Ha Giang Loop guide has it all sorted. They do The Ha Giang Loop by scooter/motorbike for you!
The tour guides have done the Ha Giang Loop plenty of times and know it like the back of their hands – the likelihood of getting into any accidents of having any crashes is extremely low. Our guides have done the Ha Giang Loop over 150 times, I felt super safe with them and never felt like it was dangerous.
How long do you need to complete the Ha Giang Loop?
The Ha Giang Loop: How many days?
You can take Ha Giang Loop tours that are 3 days, 4 days or 5 days.
The Ha Giang Loop 3 days is the minimum time you really need to do a circuit. The 4 and 5 day tour does a longer route, meaning you’ll get to see more.
Ha Giang 4 day tour
Frankly, my butt was getting a bit tired by the third day, and I felt like this was plenty of time but I also wonder what else I would’ve seen on the 4-5 days. There are also some tours that will take you on a Ha Giang 2 days tour, if you’re extremely limited for time, but I would recommend at least 3 if you can!
Where to stay in Ha Giang
There is plenty of Ha Giang Loop accommodation: take your pick from homestays, hotels and hostels in Ha Giang.
Have a look below for some of the best places to stay in Ha Giang. I’ve shared some of the reviews I had from other travellers on other stays. Most people tend to stay at the home stay for one night only and move on!
After getting some recommendations, we stayed with Lila Inn, it’s the perfect place to stay! They have private rooms and dorms available. There’s a lovely, friendly and relaxed vibe here.
They serve a great dinner and call everyone to the table; mix with other travellers that have just done the loop or are about to do the loop. When we arrived, we sat down and met 3 other travellers that had just completed the loop; they confirmed, it was the most beautiful place they’d been to in all of Vietnam, and Southeast Asia.
Hotels in Ha Giang town
Ha Giang Hostel – There’s tonnes of reviews for this one. They organise great tours and there’s an excellent social vibe.
Be’s Home & Tours – This one comes with a smashing rating of 9.9 out of 10 on Booking, I’m really not sure if you can go wrong with this stay. It offers both dorm rooms and private rooms.
Yen Bien Luxury Hotel – If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious then look no further than this little stay. Check out the pictures, they speak for themselves.
What do I do with my luggage during the Ha Giang Loop?
Take 3-5 days worth of clothes, put them in a small bag and leave the rest behind. Most homestays, hotels and hostels will hold your luggage for the duration of the trip. You will definitely no be able to take huge suitcases or huge backpacks with you.
What to bring
Don’t overpack! All you need:
- 3-5 days worth of clothes.
- A toothbrush, toothpaste and any toiletries.
- A swimsuit (for swimming in the waterfall!)
- Sun cream – it is extremely hot during the day! I’m talking 35 -45 degrees (95-113F).
- Sunglasses
- Any medication you might need – painkillers etc.
- Waterproof jacket – many tours actually provide you with a waterproof jacket, but I took one just in case!
- Camera, battery chargers
- Mobile phone + mobile phone charger
- Enough cash – there are ATMs along the route but you don’t want to be caught out in the afternoon heat without any way to purchase some water, or, if you get stranded without any petrol.
Where to stay along the Ha Giang Loop
Our tour was booked through Lila Inn and frankly it was brilliant, they organised all the best stays along the route. The homestays were amazing, and yes, we had private rooms and private bathrooms. Amusingly, many of the travellers told us they didn’t book anywhere. Whenever they wanted to stop, they’d just find somewhere to stay for the night. Most places will have ‘Homestay’ written on a sign outside. Knock on the door and they’ll welcome you in.
I was told some of the homestays were unreal – complete with a pool and ridiculous views that they had stumbled across.
We stayed at some of the most beautiful mountain lodges. Here’s my pick:
Homestays along the loop
Du Gia Panorama – I mean… views for days. And the bathroom is amazing, with its luscious stone basins and brass showers, with perfect peak views in all directions. This is right next to the waterfall – maybe just a 5-10 minute ride.
Bong Bang Homestay – Double rooms, triple rooms and dormitories available; there are plenty to choose from and the reviews come in high at 9.1.
Du Già Village Homestay – This homestay comes with a garden, terrace and bar, perfect for relaxing after a long day of motorbike riding in the hot, sweaty sun! It’s one of the best places for mountain views.
Diễn homestay – Rated super highly at 9.6, you can’t go wrong with this one. It’s got a picture perfect panorama balcony available with all the rooms – because in all directions, it’s scenic mountain views!
What bike should I get?
Depends how large an engine and how fast you want to go, and of course, the suspension. Here are some rough prices for motorbikes:
- 125cc Automatic – 200, 000 VND
- 110cc Semi-Automatic – 150,000 VND
- 125cc Manual – 250,000 VND
- 150cc Manual – 250,000 VND +
We hired a 150cc bike with Lila Inn and I highly recommend it – one of the larger bikes that have good inbuilt suspension. TRUST ME ON THIS ONE – you’re going to want a better suspension. Your bum really does take a lot of the impact going over any pot holes or uneven roads.
Your tour you all the accessories you need including helmets with visors. They look after you and sort you out with everything you need. They will provide free motorbike lessons for those who aren’t so confident on a bike, plus a ton of useful information and recommendations for along the way, including a detailed map of the loop. Keep in mind that purchasing insurance is necessary when you rent your bike, and it can amount to almost the same price as the motorbike rental itself. The tours offer discounted rates for renting the motorbikes for more than a couple days, so be sure to request a quote based on the duration of your trip.
Some people had bikes with additional seats that were a little more comfortable for your backside, it’s always worth asking about this!
TIP: It is advisable to consider using a semi-automatic or manual bike instead of a powerful automatic when undertaking the drive. This is because opting for a semi-automatic or manual bike has more control when challenging conditions of the mountain roads.
Things to see along the Ha Giang Loop
Keep a lookout for the following places, have a look at the full Ha Giang Loop Itinierary at the bottom of this blog for full details.
- The hundreds of cafes & viewpoints along the way
- Waterfalls
- Locals doing their thing – stop to chat!
- The Royal Palace: H’mong King’s Palace
- Canyons with rivers and reservoirs
- Hemp production farms
- Plenty of Rice Paddies
Do I need to travel the Ha Giang Loop by motobike?
No! You can do the Ha Giang Loop by car. My tour guide Anh said he did the loop by car once, and it wasn’t as good if you don’t have an open top convertible.
“When there’s a roof over your head, you don’t get a full view of the mountains that rise above you, in the same way when you’re on a motorbike.”
This being said, I saw some people doing the Ha Giang Loop by a safari jeep – with an open top or convertible. This is probably the ultimate comfort, and if you’re interested in doing the loop via car, have a look at some of the best car tours of Ha Giang here.
Ha Giang Loop Itinierary: 3 Day
So you want to do ha giang loop tour in 3 days…
This is the Ha Giang Loop 3 day itinerary we did with Lila Inn.
Embark on an unforgettable 3-day adventure that is still fairly unknown – The incredible Ha Giang Loop, Vietnam.
It’s not touristy, and perfect for a fun getaway. Immerse yourself in the captivating landscapes of majestic mountains adorned with limestone karsts, traverse challenging slopes and winding mountain roads, and delve into the local lifestyle, cuisine, and ethnic cultures at bustling markets and cosy homestays. This is the perfect Ha Giang Loop route.
Day 1
Kick off your day with a delicious breakfast at Lila Inn before hitting the road towards Bac Sum Pass. This stretch is no joke – it’s a thrilling, winding climb that snakes its way through four majestic rocky terraces. If you love dramatic roads with insane views, you’re in for a treat.
Take a break at Heaven Gate, and trust me, the name isn’t an exaggeration. Grab a coffee and soak in the panoramic views of Tam Son Town. The famous Twin Mountains, shaped like a fairy’s bosom (yes, that’s really what they’re called), add a bit of magic to the already breathtaking landscape.
Next stop: Quan Ba. A quick rest, and then it’s time to wander through the serene cypress forest, home to the rare golden cypress trees that somehow thrive on the limestone rocks. Nature is wild like that.
Lunch in Yen Minh? Yes, please. Tasty local food and a chance to recharge before the next leg of the adventure.
Onward to Pho Cao, where you’ll step into the otherworldly landscapes of the Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark. Think dramatic limestone formations, rugged cliffs, and a landscape that looks straight out of a fantasy movie. While you’re here, don’t miss the H’mong King’s Palace – an architectural gem packed with history about the H’mong people and their legacy in the region.
The last stretch takes you to Tham Ma Pass, a place with a pretty intense backstory. Back in the day, this is where horses were tested for their strength—if they made it up the pass carrying goods, they were kept and well cared for. If they didn’t… well, they ended up in Thang Co, a traditional dish of the region. Bit brutal, but that’s history for you.
Day 2
Start your day with a delicious breakfast before heading out to explore Dong Van Ancient Town. If it’s a Sunday morning, you’re in luck—make sure to check out the Dong Van Ethnic Market, where the energy is unreal. Picture this: locals in vibrant traditional attire, baskets overflowing with fresh veggies, fruits, poultry, and even livestock. It’s a full-on sensory experience, and the best way to soak up the local culture (and grab a bite of something traditional while you’re at it).
Next up: Ma Pi Leng Pass. If there’s one road in Vietnam that’ll leave you speechless, this is it. Known as the King of Passes, this stretch of winding road has some of the most jaw-dropping mountain and valley views in the country. Stop at the lookout point for photos (or just to let your brain process the beauty), then hit the Ma Pi Leng Sky Path—a short but epic 3km trek up a rocky mountain for insane panoramic views.
The drive itself is a wild ride—sharp curves, hairpin switchbacks, sheer drops. Think of it as Vietnam’s version of the Great Wall, stretching 20km of pure scenic madness. Near the top, you’ll spot a stone stele marking the pass’s construction history, a little reminder of the sheer effort it took to carve this road into the mountains. Keep an eye out for Tu San Chasm on the Nho Que River, officially the deepest canyon in South Asia—because why not add another breathtaking natural wonder to the mix?
From here, the road winds through endless green mountains, peaceful rice paddies, and the kind of landscapes that make you question if you’ve stepped into a dream. This is Ha Giang at its best—raw, untouched, and stunning.
Stop in Mau Due for lunch and a well-earned break before the final stretch.
As you get closer to Du Gia, prepare to be completely blown away. This area feels like something out of another world—colourful rock formations, towering peaks, and tiny, untouched villages where life moves at a slower pace. Du Gia itself is a small village with just a handful of guesthouses and restaurants, giving it a laid-back, authentic charm that hasn’t been touched by mass tourism.
Check-in at Du Gia Panorama , where the mountain views are straight-up unreal. Dinner’s a home-cooked feast at 7:30 pm, and the evening is all about chilling out—maybe on a hammock, maybe with a glass of their strong local rice wine. Either way, it’s the perfect way to end an unforgettable day. 🍃
Day 3: Du Gia
Start your morning right with a plate of fluffy banana pancakes (or a steaming bowl of fresh noodle soup) and a hot cup of coffee. The best part? Watching the golden hour sunrise over the breathtaking mountain views. Mornings don’t get much better than this.
Next up: a refreshing dip at Du Gia Waterfall. There’s nothing like plunging into the crystal-clear, invigorating waters to wake you up and shake off any road trip fatigue. Don’t forget your swimsuit—you’ll definitely want to jump in.
Then, it’s time to start the journey back to Ha Giang City, but not without a few more incredible stops along the way. First, swing by Lung Tam Linen Village, a place where tradition and artistry come alive. Here, Mong ethnic women, dressed in colourful traditional outfits, skillfully weave linen from flax—a craft that’s been passed down for generations. It’s fascinating to watch and even more special knowing it helps sustain their community.
Tucked at the foot of rolling hills, Lung Tam Village is a serene little spot that makes the long, winding journey totally worth it. The landscapes are stunning, but the real magic? The people. The warmth and kindness of the Mong locals—whether it’s the curious kids or the welcoming elders—make this place feel like a hidden gem.
Back on the road, you’ll pass through Yen Minh before arriving in Ha Giang. But before you call it a day, take a moment to explore Tha Village, home to the Tay ethnic group. It’s a chance to get a glimpse into their unique way of life, traditions, and culture—all set against a backdrop of lush rice paddies and traditional stilt houses. The perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable journey. 🍃
Weather in Ha Giang Vietnam
Have a look closer at the temperatures below for more information.
When is the best time to go to Ha Giang?
Bear in mind that these are estimates only, and the weather can fluctuate wildly in the mountains. When we went in July (in all honesty, probably not the best time to go), there were some points in the day where it was reaching or exceeding, 40°C . 104°F and it is extremely hot to be on the back of a motorbike at this time!
Ha Giang Weather in January
- Temperature: 10-18°C (50-64.4°F)
- Daylight Hours: Around 10-11 hours
- Rainy Days: 5-7 days
- Average Sunrise Time: 6:30 AM
- Average Sunset Time: 5:30 PM
Ha Giang Weather in February
- Temperature: 11-19°C (51.8-66.2°F)
- Daylight Hours: Around 10-11 hours
- Rainy Days: 4-7 days
- Average Sunrise Time: 6:15 AM
- Average Sunset Time: 5:45 PM
Ha Giang Weather in March
- Temperature: 14-21°C (57.2-69.8°F)
- Daylight Hours: Around 11-12 hours
- Rainy Days: 5-8 days
- Average Sunrise Time: 5:45 AM
- Average Sunset Time: 6:00 PM
Ha Giang Weather in April
- Temperature: 17-24°C (62.6-75.2°F)
- Daylight Hours: Around 12 hours
- Rainy Days: 9-12 days
- Average Sunrise Time: 5:30 AM
- Average Sunset Time: 6:15 PM
Ha Giang Weather in May
- Temperature: 19-26°C (66.2-78.8°F)
- Daylight Hours: Around 12-13 hours
- Rainy Days: 12-15 days
- Average Sunrise Time: 5:15 AM
- Average Sunset Time: 6:30 PM
Ha Giang Weather in June
- Temperature: 20-27°C (68-80.6°F)
- Daylight Hours: Around 13 hours
- Rainy Days: 14-18 days
- Average Sunrise Time: 5:00 AM
- Average Sunset Time: 6:45 PM
Ha Giang Weather in July
- Temperature: 21-28°C (69.8-82.4°F)
- Daylight Hours: Around 13 hours
- Rainy Days: 15-18 days
- Average Sunrise Time: 5:00 AM
- Average Sunset Time: 6:45 PM
Ha Giang Weather in August
- Temperature: 21-28°C (69.8-82.4°F)
- Daylight Hours: Around 12-13 hours
- Rainy Days: 14-17 days
- Average Sunrise Time: 5:15 AM
- Average Sunset Time: 6:30 PM
Ha Giang Weather in September
- Temperature: 20-27°C (68-80.6°F)
- Daylight Hours: Around 12-13 hours
- Rainy Days: 11-14 days
- Average Sunrise Time: 5:30 AM
- Average Sunset Time: 6:00 PM
Ha Giang Weather in October
- Temperature: 17-24°C (62.6-75.2°F)
- Daylight Hours: Around 11-12 hours
- Rainy Days: 7-9 days
- Average Sunrise Time: 5:45 AM
- Average Sunset Time: 5:30 PM
Ha Giang Weather in November
- Temperature: 14-21°C (57.2-69.8°F)
- Daylight Hours: Around 10-11 hours
- Rainy Days: 5-7 days
- Average Sunrise Time: 6:00 AM
- Average Sunset Time: 5:15 PM
Ha Giang Weather in December
- Temperature: 11-18°C (51.8-64.4°F)
- Daylight Hours: Around 10-11 hours
- Rainy Days: 5-7 days
- Average Sunrise Time: 6:15 AM
- Average Sunset Time: 5:15 PM
You might be interested in some of my other Vietnam guides:
- Best Cafes you need to try in Hanoi
- Hanoi Train Street Schedule
- Full guide to Hoi An
- Things to do in Danang
- Where to stay in Danang
- Ho Chi Minh City: Things to do
- The Ha Giang Loop
- Things to do in Hue Imperial City
- Hanoi’s Quang Phu Cau Incense Village
- Vietnamese Coffee
Quick links
| Here’s everything I use when I travel abroad: Tours – Compare tour prices on Viator and Get Your Guide Hotels – I always use Booking as the more hotels I book, I get a higher Genius discount. I also compare prices on Expedia. E-Sims – purchase an e-sim with Airalo on your phone so you can make calls and have mobile data abroad! There’s no need to remove your current sim card! Travel insurance – don’t ever go on vacation without travel insurance, you never know when you might need it! Travel essentials – have a look at a full list of travel essentials that I use, including the best power bank! |
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