Ha Giang Loop, Vietnam: Itinerary, Map, and Tips!

If you’re looking for something that will take you off the beaten path and straight into the heart of Vietnam’s most stunning landscapes—Look no further than the Ha Giang Loop.

This 180+-mile road trip through the northernmost province of Vietnam is packed with jaw-dropping mountain views, winding roads, and a sense of rawness you won’t find anywhere else.

Here is everything you need to know about doing the Ha Giang Loop!

Tips for the Ha Giang Loop, Vietnam

First things first, the Ha Giang Loop is not your average motorbike ride.

This is an epic journey through some of the most stunning landscapes you’ll ever lay eyes on.

But with great views come great responsibilities—or something like that.

Here’s what you need to know before hitting the road!

• Can Your Ride?: Don’t be too bold. If you’ve never been on a motorbike, chill for a bit and learn before on this drive.
• Prep Your Gear: Riding gear is a must. Yes, it’s hot and humid, but trust me, one slip on those winding roads, and you’ll be grateful for every bit of padding. You’ll see people cruising in tank tops and shorts, but don’t let the heat tempt you into skimping on protection.

• Check Your Ride: Give your bike a thorough check before you set off. Look at the brakes, tires, and engine, and make sure everything’s in working order. It’s a long trip with some challenging roads, so your bike needs to be up for it.
• Map It Out: While the Ha Giang Loop is well-traveled, having a map or GPS is still a good idea. Signal can be spotty in the mountains, so download maps for offline use.
• Respect the Roads: The roads can be narrow, steep, and winding, often with sharp turns and unexpected obstacles (like livestock!). Take it slow and steady, and always be aware of your surroundings.
• Have a Permit: You’ll be stopped by police along the route. We did—twice! You’ll be good to go if you have an international motorbike driving permit.

What to Pack For the Ha Giang Loop

Packing for the Ha Giang Loop is about balancing being prepared and not overloading your bike. Here’s a basic list to get you started:

• Sturdy, protective riding gear (jacket, gloves, helmet)
• Lightweight, breathable clothing for the daytime
• Warm layers for the evenings depending on the time of year
• Rain gear or a poncho
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Snacks and water bottle
• Basic first aid kit
• Phone with offline maps and a power bank
• Cash (you won’t be using your card much.)
• Travel insurance! It’s an absolute must.

How to Get to Ha Giang, Vietnam

Getting to Ha Giang is the first leg of your adventure. Ha Giang town is the starting point of the loop!

The most common route is from Hanoi, which is about 180 miles (300 kilometers) away.

You can catch an overnight bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang, which takes around 7-8 hours. Alternatively, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can ride up from Hanoi yourself, but be prepared for a long day.

Starting in Ha Giang town makes the most sense because it’s where most rental shops, tour operators, and accommodations are located. It’s also a good spot to rest before starting your trip.

It’s not a fun drive from Hanoi, so rent a bike in Ha Giang instead.

If you’re wondering how I know, it’s because we did it! Only because Garrett has a friend he rents a certain bike from. So again, I recommend you rent a bike in Ha Giang.

Best Time to Visit Ha Giang?

Timing your trip to the Ha Giang Loop can make a big difference in your experience. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Best Time: The best time to visit is from September to November or March to May. During these months, the weather is more temperate, and you’ll avoid the extreme heat and rains. The landscapes are lush and green, making for some jaw-dropping views.
• What We Experienced: We did the loop at the beginning of June and just narrowly missed a flood by about a week. It was hot and humid, with a bit of rain, but nothing too crazy. If you’re visiting during this time, be prepared for some wet weather and pack accordingly.

How Much Does the Ha Giang Loop Cost?

Here’s a rough breakdown of what you can expect to spend on the Ha Giang Loop if you’re on a budget.

Of course, the prices will vary depending on what type of bike you get, how far you drive per day, what you’re eating, etc, but this will be a good low-cost base.

Don’t forget, if there are two of you and just one driver, $25/day is just for the first person, and you two can split the cost of the motorbike rental and accommodation, making this trip even cheaper.

Alternatively, you can spend a few more bucks and get much more. For example, we spent around $15-25/night at nicer hotels (I mention them below).

3-5 Day Ha Giang Loop Itinerary

Here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your Ha Giang Loop adventure. Something to keep in mind is that I won’t be telling you to stop in many specific places, mostly because it’s about the drive!

You’ll be cruising for hours each day and every.single.turn. will be STUNNING. I’m not exaggerating. There’s not an ugly spot on this trip.

Most “things to do” are a pretty stopping-off point. Each day, I have 1-2 specific things, but just know you’ll be driving, stopping, and snapping photos in about 100 other spots along the way.

The provided drive times below are literally just the drive times—there is no extra time for stopping and enjoying added in, so plan accordingly.

If you only have three days, I’d recommend doing days 1, 3, and 4 from this list.

Day 1: Ha Giang to Dong Van

4-hour drive time

Begin the journey by heading out of Ha Giang town. Fill up your gas and grab some snacks, and in about three seconds, you’ll be soaking in the views as you wind through the mountains.

Stop at Quán tạp hoá- điểm ngắm cảnh for a quick breather and some stunning panoramas with cutsy “Instagrammable” spots. It’s a quirky and fun stop before continuing.

Visit Dốc Thẩm Mã and take in the epic, twisty mountain road views. This is THE famous shot along this route.

WHERE TO STAY: Dong Van Cliffside House

Day 2: Detour to Lung Cu Flag Point

2-hour drive time – round trip

If you’ve got the time, detour to the Lung Cu Flag Point for some views of the northernmost point of Vietnam and over into China.

Today, you’ll have time to drive up to the border, enjoy the way, and stay in Dong Van again (or push on).

If you don’t have an extra day, skip this and head on to day 3.

WHERE TO STAY: Dong Van Cliffside House again!

Day 3: Dong Van to Du Gia

3.5-hour drive time

Don’t miss the Ma Pi Leng Skywalk for insanely beautiful views of the green mountains, deep valleys, jagged cliffs, and a river below.

It’s a short hike up to a rocky point to take in the view below.

Next you’ll take a short detour to Nho Que River for a cool boat ride in a canyon! It’s a beautiful one-hour-long casual cruise down the river. Do note the road to get down here is a big rough!

WHERE TO STAY: Chien’s Lodge Du Gia

Day 4: Du Gia to Ha Giang

3-hour drive time

After getting up and grabbing some breakfast at Chien’s Lodge (such an amazing spot by the way!) you’ll want to head to Thâm Luông Waterfall for a refreshing break.

Splash around on a hot day, have a drink or grab a snack. People love chilling here for hours jumping off the rocks (despite the sign saying not to?) and staying cool.

Get back on the road and head back to Ha Giang (don’t worry, you’ll still stop at plenty of other viewpoints)!

WHERE TO STAY: Wings Ha Giang Loop Bungalow

Day 5: Rest Day in Ha Giang

Phew! What a ride! Right? Ha Giang is a cool town, so while you start and stop here, don’t skip it! Take the day to chill out, or consider taking the Ha Giang Loop a little slower overall.

I’m not sure about you, but we were dying for a pizza and beer to celebrate tackling this loop. We loved Top Of The Loop for its great city views and food and beer!

WHERE TO STAY: Stay at Wings Ha Giang Loop Bungalow again, or take the night bus back to Hanoi or somewhere else and save on a night’s accommodation!

Ha Giang Loop Map

Here’s a quick map showing the route I outlined, including the detour to the border.

How to Ride the Ha Giang Loop

The Ha Giang Loop is an epic adventure, but how you choose to experience it can make all the difference. You have 3 options.

1. Do a Tour and Ride on the Back of a Motorbike

If you’re not up for riding yourself, you can join a tour where you ride as a passenger on the back of a motorbike.

This is a great option if you want to enjoy the scenery without worrying about navigating the roads (I don’t blame you; if it weren’t for Garrett, I’d probably choose this option because I’m a lousy motorbike driver).

You’ll have a local guide who knows the best spots to stop (and has been driving since they were probably 7). They can share insights about the area and have everything planned for you!

If you don’t have an international motorbike permit, this might be your best choice as well.

Book the BEST, most popular, and safest tour to tackle the Ha Giang Loop!

2. Ride It Yourself on a Motorbike

Feeling adventurous? Riding the Ha Giang Loop yourself is the way to go. You’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace, stop whenever you want, and take detours at your leisure.

Just make sure you’re comfortable on a motorbike. The roads can be tricky, with sharp turns, steep climbs, and the occasional livestock crossing.

If you’re up for it, this is the best way to experience the loop. An automatic 125cc motorbike will probably be your best bet, even though it will be slightly more expensive.

You’ll find about a zillion spots to rent from in Ha Giang. Book your accommodation for your first night in Ha Giang and let them help you.

3. Not Confident on a Motorbike? Rent a Car

While it’s not as common, and you’ll probably have to find something while on the ground, you could rent a car. You’ll definitely need a bigger budget for this option, like $60 USD+/day.

FAQ For The Ha Giang Loop

I hope this helped you plan your Ha Giang Loop trip!

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