The final frontier for adventurous travellers in Vietnam, the incredible 320-kilometre Ha Giang Loop is not for the faint-hearted. Spectacular blue-green mountains reach as far as the eye can see; jagged black rocks jut out of the hazy landscape, and sheer cliffs descend dramatically from the edge of narrow mountain roads ⛰️.
The best way to tackle this bucket list road trip is by motorbike, either by riding for yourself or on the back of an experienced guide’s machine (easy rider). But if motorbikes don’t appeal to you, 4×4 truck tours are available – so you don’t need to miss out on this epic voyage!
Choose the trip that’s best for you and you’ll be rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and the most stunning scenery that Vietnam has to offer…
Ha Giang Loop Map & Resources
MORE INFO: (links open in a new tab)
- 🇻🇳 Vietnam Backpacking Guide
- 🗺️ Vietnam Itinerary
- 🚐 Best Tours in Vietnam
- 🏍️ Top Motorbike Routes in Southeast Asia
- 🛵 Riding A Motorcycle in Vietnam
- 📍 Nearby Places: Ha Giang | Hanoi | Yên Minh
Riding Vietnam’s Ha Giang Loop 🏍️
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. We always write our articles before checking if affiliate links are available.
How to Do the Ha Giang Loop:
1. Motorbike Tour – Self Ride 🏍️
Much like almost every road in Vietnam, the Ha Giang Loop was made for motorcycles! If you’re a confident driver, riding the Ha Giang Loop on a motorbike is the way to go! Group tours leave daily from Hanoi, allowing you to tackle the loop with your fellow travellers.
2. Motorbike Tour – Easy Rider 🪖
If you’re not a confident driver, you can still join a motorcycle tour. Instead of riding the bike yourself, you’ll ride on the back (pillion) with an ‘easy rider’ as they are known in ‘Nam (essentially, a local driver who knows the roads like the back of their hand!). This way, you can relax and enjoy the scenery!
“If you aren’t super confident on a motorbike, and you have the budget, I would HIGHLY recommend an easy rider tour! You’ll ride on the back of a local tour guide’s bike and get to enjoy practically 360-degree views the entire way instead of having your eyes glued to the road hoping you don’t crash!”
Erika, South East Asia Backpacker Community Member
3. Four Wheel-Drive Truck Tour 🛻
For families, or groups that prefer four wheels to two, there are private 4×4 tours around the loop too. These allow you to experience the amazing scenery in more comfort!
4. Hire Your Own Motorbike – DIY Adventure 🤙
If you prefer your independence, you can tackle the Ha Giang Loop without a tour. While more logistically challenging, as you’ll need to arrange bike hire, food and accommodation yourself, a self-guided tour of the Ha Giang Loop gives you the freedom to go at your own pace and stop whenever and wherever you want along the route.
Ha Giang Loop Group Tours
- The Original Ha Giang Loop Tour!
- Easy rider or self-drive.
- Sustainable Tourism
- Big Group Tour
- Easy Rider or Self-Drive
- Popular and Budget-Friendly
- Private Tour
- 4x4, Self-Ride and Easy Rider Options
- Sustainable Tourism
Ha Giang Loop Group Tours have become hugely popular in recent years and there are many options to choose from. It seems like every hostel in Hanoi is offering one – but be aware that the quality and safety of these Ha Giang Loop tours vary dramatically. Do your research before parting with your Dong!
Assuming you’ve already checked reviews of tour providers and established they have a good safety record, the next most important consideration is group size. Large group tours tend to be cheaper, offering backpacker dorm-style accommodation. Smaller group tours have a better track record when it comes to safety and overall guest experience. It’s worth spending a little extra for nicer accommodation and most importantly, well-maintained motorcycles!
✋🚦Bike Tests:
If you want to ride the Ha Giang Loop yourself, the tour company may require you to take a short motorbike test to demonstrate your skill level. In our opinion, it’s a red flag if the company you are booking with does not ask you to do a short proficiency test like this! It means that they are letting backpackers loose on the roads who may not have the proper skill to ride a motorbike… 🙈 Now what would your mum say?!
Our Pick of the TOP 5 Ha Giang Loop Tours
1. Best Overall Tour – 👌 True North Tour by Flipside Adventures
Kiwi founder of Flipside, Tom Stone, was one of the first intrepid backpackers to explore Ha Giang by bike. He witnessed the incredible scenery in this part of Vietnam and paved the way for future bikers! (Fun fact: Tom actually coined the phrase ‘The Ha Giang Loop’!) The True North Tour was the first and original Ha Giang Loop tour and stands today as the benchmark for motorcycle tourism in Vietnam.
Tom and his wife Linh, are passionate about the Ha Giang community and work with locals to ensure the development of sustainable tourism in the area. On every tour, they do food drops in remote mountain villages and work with the heads of the communities to provide support to ethnic minority families in need.
The True North Tours are famous for getting travellers off the beaten track and into places where other tours don’t go! Flipside’s small group tours run with a maximum of 15 people, so you get camaraderie without feeling overwhelmed on the roads! Shared accommodation is standard but you can get private rooms for a small additional fee.
- The First: The Original Ha Giang Loop Tour!
- Take Your Pick: Easy rider or self-drive.
- Sustainable Tourism: Each tour has a positive impact on the local area by delivering amenities to those most in need along the loop.
True North Tour by Flipside Adventures Reviews
2. Best Budget Tour 💰 – Buffalo Tour by Central Backpackers Hostel
Much like their legendary Halong Hideaway Boat Trip, the Buffalo Tour by Central Backpackers Hostel is a budget-friendly blast! It’s a fun-crammed adventure with a social vibe aimed at the budget-savvy traveller. The groups are large (15-25 backpackers a day) and the hostels are basic, but all in all, it’s an excellent value-for-money adventure. With experienced local guides and a strong emphasis on safety, it’s a fantastic choice for travellers. The tour leaves daily from Central Backpackers’ Hostel.
Two Tours in One!
Central Backpackers also offer this combined Ha Giang Loop and Halong Bay tour, so you can tackle two of Vietnam’s most epic adventures in one! This combo tour is great value for money for the young budget traveller and perfect for those wanting to meet people, see incredible scenery and make unforgettable memories!
- Camaraderie Guaranteed: Big group tours with plenty of fun and revelry along the way!
- Your Choice: Easy rider or self-drive options available.
- Popular & Budget Friendly: Tours depart twice a day.
Buffalo Tour by Central Backpackers Hostel Reviews
3. Best Cultural Tour 💰 – Ha Giang Loop Tour by Safari Hostel
Organised by Safari Hostel, these medium-sized group tours (8-15 people) depart daily from Ha Giang. Pick-up can be arranged from Hanoi for an additional fee. The tour is filled with fun activities, from a boat trip on the Nho Que River to hiking to the impressive Lung Khuy Cave, not to mention the nighttime karaoke! The tour is a fantastic option for budget travellers who are more interested in culture and adventure than partying.
- Social Vibe: Medium size groups (8-15 people).
- Your Choice: Self-drive and easy rider options.
- Great for Nature Lovers: Includes extra activities such as boat trips, cave explorations and hiking.
We did the Ha Giang Loop Tour with Safari Hostel and it was great! Beautiful homestays, amazing group and less party-focused than other hostels which is why we chose it! That and a smaller group size – we had about 12 people for the first two days and eight on the last night. The food each night was also amazing!”
Ash, South East Asia Backpacker Community Member
4. Best Easy Rider Tour 🪖 – Ha Giang Epic Tour
The Ha Giang Epic Easy Rider Tour created by Cheers Hostel gives adventurous travellers a thrilling experience with safety being the top priority. They have small groups (between 7 and 9 people) and experienced local drivers. The tour departs every day at 7.30 pm and you can start from either Hanoi, Sapa or Ha Giang City.
You can choose either a three-day or a four-day tour and the price includes all accommodation along the loop (local ethnic minority homestays), meals, transport by sleeper bus (if you are coming from Hanoi), quality motorbike with easy rider, all fuel, all permits and entry fees.
- Small Groups: Maximum of 9 people per tour for an intimate experience.
- Only Easy Riders: Perfect for less confident riders.
- Support Local Business: Locally owned and operated tour company.
“We booked an Easy Rider Tour with Ha Giang Epic Tour (associated with a Cheers Hostel). It was the best experience we have had so far in our journey. As in a stand-out experience. The views were incredible, people amazing and even as two overweight people we were welcome and they accommodated us. I’d never been on a bike before so easy rider was a no-brainer. One tip – Expect to be broken afterwards and relax with a cruise on Halong Bay! Oh and take warm clothing. I was freezing after being in warm temperatures elsewhere in Vietnam.”
Kayleigh, South East Asia Backpacker Community Member
5. Best Tour for Families 👨👩👧👦 – Ha Giang Loop Private Tour by Flipside – Motorbike or 4×4
If you want to experience the majesty of the Ha Giang Loop but don’t fancy being part of a tour group, consider a private tour. While these are more expensive, you get more time with your guide and the experience can be tailored exactly how you want. Often accommodation is nicer with private tours too. Expect private, ensuite rooms.
Our friends over at Flipside Adventures offer travellers the chance to do their famous ‘True North’ tour as a private experience. Anywhere from 2-15 people can be accommodated on a private tour with Flipside, so gather up your travel buddies and prepare to be immersed in Vietnamese culture!
This tour can be done in several ways: Easy rider, self-drive or in a 4×4!
The 4×4 option is in Flipside’s open-back truck. This allows you to enjoy the epic views in a more relaxed manner. The truck is a double cab, 6-seater with fold-down seating on the back, so you don’t miss any of that jaw-dropping scenery! Tours leave every day from Flipside Hostel in Hanoi.
- Private tour: Just you and your friends or family.
- Choose how to travel: Self-drive, easy rider and 4x4 options available.
- Sustainable tourism: Help out the local population by donating items to those in need along the route.
DIY – Riding the Ha Giang Loop Independently
Only for experienced motorbike riders!
If you choose to ride independently (by motorbike), you first need to get yourself some wheels! 🏍️
You have two options:
1) You can hire a bike in Vietnam’s capital Hanoi.
2) Journey to the town of Hà Giang (by bus or private car) and hire a bike there.
Of course, if you start your adventure in Hanoi, you will have to get yourself from the capital to Ha Giang City, which is the starting point of the trip and where all that delicious scenery begins…
For this reason, many riders say they prefer taking the bus to Ha Giang and hiring a bike from there, as it can be lengthy and stressful getting out of the city and onward to Ha Giang. And, the views only really start once you hit Ha Giang Province…
To meet recent demand (the Vietnamese never miss a business opportunity!), many hostels, guesthouse options and bike rental services have sprung up in Hà Giang, so you’ll have no problem getting yourself a bike for your adventure. Being a capital city, however, Hanoi does have more variety of motorbikes and, some would say, better quality bike shops.
When it comes to deciding which type of bike to hire, remember that it is possible to do the loop with an automatic bike (no gears) but experienced riders will tell you that it’s much safer with a semi-automatic. With a semi-automatic, you will have much more control when it comes to handling sharp corners and steep hills. Surprisingly, the hostel rental bikes are generally good quality and serviced regularly. That said, it’s always a good idea to take the bike for a short test drive before you commit to make sure that everything is in working order.
Another good tip is to take photos of the bike so that you can show the rental shop any marks or damage before you take it for a spin. 📸 (Oh, and it goes without saying, you should always bag a helmet as part of the deal.)
Renting a scooter is likely to cost somewhere between $5-10USD a day, making it by far the cheapest way to experience the loop. Bear in mind that you will be responsible for filling up the bike (at additional cost) and you’ll need to pay for all of your food and accommodation on top.
Tips for Motorbike Rental Shops 👇
If you plan to rent from Hanoi, we’ve heard good things about Flamingo Travel and also Cuong’s Motorbike Adventure. If you’re in Ha Giang City, QT Motorbikes and Tours is a good option. (These companies have been mentioned in our Facebook community by regular road trippers.)
Onward adventure… If you’re an experienced rider doing the Ha Giang Loop independently, there are plenty of surrounding routes that you can link up with to enhance your riding experience. Big thanks to Rory Emond for sharing his favourite Vietnam motorcycle routes below!
- Go north of Ha Noi via Lang Son, Cao Bang, Ba Be, Bao Lac, Meo Vac, Dong Van and Ha Giang
- Go southwest of Ha Noi via Mai Chau, Son La, Sa Pa, Ha Giang
- Alternatively, you can merge them for a two-week adventure!
Ha Giang Loop Practical Information
What’s the Best Time of Year to Do the Ha Giang Loop?
The consensus is that it’s best to ride the Ha Giang Loop when it is Autumn (September-October-November) or Spring (March-April-May) in Northern Vietnam. However, overall, all of the months between October to May (including the winter) are a fine time to do it because the climate is cooler and the whole area is generally a little drier. This makes the roads safer, however, clouds can obscure vistas.
- Spring (March, April, May) 🌷 One of the best times to ride the Ha Giang loop! Cool weather, sunny days and the best chance of amazing views!
- Summer (The Rainy Season) (June, July, August, September) 🌦️ Rain is most common between June and September so while the loop is doable, you might get wet and those roads might be slippy! A waterproof jacket and a waterproof bag or backpack cover are essential during these months.
- Autumn (September, October, November) 🍂 Another amazing time to do the Ha Giang loop with perfect weather and the best chance of clear skies.
- Winter (December, January, February) ❄️ If you’re planning to do the Ha Giang Loop in the winter time then make sure you take some warm clothing (scarves, hats, puffer jacket). It can get freezing high up in those mountain passes!
Due to the unpredictability of the weather in this mountainous region, we advise planning for all seasons and always check the weather forecast before setting off on your adventure. Read more about the climate in Vietnam here.
How Long Does the Ha Giang Loop Take?
The Ha Giang Loop can take anywhere from 2 to 5 days – 3 days is generally a comfortable amount of time for a fairly experienced driver. Some people prefer to do the route as a long, slow travel adventure, stopping at the many sights and attractions along the way and sometimes taking as long as a week… It’s up to you!
Ha Giang Loop Suggested 3-Day Itinerary
DAY 1 – START: Hà Giang – Yên Minh
Recommended accommodation in Ha Giang:
Start your adventure in Ha Giang City. From Hà Giang City, the path leads gently up into the mountains toward the town of Tam Son. After lunch in Tam Son, you can veer from the main road along a five-kilometre path to Lung Khuy Cave.
There is a circular path running through the cave that offers great views of the immense structure, albeit with poor lighting. When you enter to the left, there is a more adventurous path with plenty of low-hanging rocks; you can duck underneath and descend steeply down into the mountain toward a still, dark pool of water.
After Tam Som, it’s about 50 kilometres further to Yên Minh where you can sleep for the night. This picturesque route is particularly beautiful during the last hour, as it guides you through dense pine forests with yellow, early sunset light peeking through the trees.
Recommended accommodation in Yên Minh:
DAY 2: Yên Minh – Mèo Vạc
Day two is the most spectacular, offering jaw-dropping views from start to finish. Drive a gentle 70 kilometres through Đồng Văn to Mèo Vạc or continue on an additional 50-kilometre loop to the far north, next to the Chinese border.
The route from Yên Minh towards the town of Lũng Táo offers spectacular views of rolling hills that stretch far into the distance, becoming bluer and hazier with their remoteness. After around two hours of riding, just before the H’mong King’s Palace, you must veer from the path and head North towards the iconic Lung Cu Flag Tower, an impressively tall structure flying the red and yellow Vietnamese flag proudly ahead of the Chinese border.
Through gaps in the mountains, you can see China in the distance, although there is nothing of note to mark the change of nations on the Chinese side. Far more interesting than the unfinished flag tower is an illegal border crossing, located about 10 minutes back on the path from Lung Cu, and signalled only by a ripped barbed wire fence and stones bearing Chinese inscriptions. You can easily duck under the fence—there are no buildings or people around—and faithfully claim that you have been to China.
Be Safe Here! ☠️
We received a comment from one of our readers clarifying the situation referred to in the above statement. Might be a good idea to read what he said and ignore the suggestion of ducking under the fence. He wrote: “That stone bearing Chinese inscriptions has a skull and crossbones on it. In Chinese, it is written: Minefield. Entry forbidden. Malipo county.” You have been warned…
The road leads around towards Đồng Văn, another pleasant small town with an impressive mountainous backdrop. From there, you will quickly find yourself on the Mã Pí Lèng Pass, one of the most impressive stretches of roads along the whole loop. At an altitude of 1500 metres, the road meanders along a cliff edge, with impressive views that captivate your attention and tight turns that remind you of the task at hand.
The Mã Pí Lèng Pass is what the Hà Giang loop is all about – dangerous roads, breathtaking views and adrenaline-fueled adventure. It ends with a gentle decline into the town of Mèo Vạc.
Recommended accommodation in Mèo Vạc:
DAY 3: Mèo Vạc – Hà Giang
The third day of the loop is a long one — 150 kilometres west from Mèo Vạc, back to Yên Minh where day two begins and, from there, retracing the route back to Hà Giang. This drive is particularly nice with hours of gentle meandering declines that are relaxing and fun to cruise.
The path back to Hà Giang takes about seven hours of constant driving so you’ll have to set off at a reasonable hour. It’s possible to make it back to Hà Giang before sunset, with plenty of time to catch a night bus to Hanoi.
Recommended accommodation in Hanoi:
See more great recommendations for hostels in Hanoi and thanks to Anna Stringer for the route breakdown!
Rules, Roads & Safety on the Ha Giang Loop 👮♀️
Ha Giang Loop Roads
Over recent years, riding the Ha Giang Loop has become more popular. This means that the roads are generally in good condition, however, there are sketchy sections. Road conditions can change rapidly so it is best to check with travellers on the ground for the most up-to-date information. We recommend asking your questions about the Ha Giang Loop in our Facebook group!
Safety on the Ha Giang Loop
The safest way to experience the Ha Giang Loop if you are not an experienced motorcycle rider is to visit on an organised tour. Driving in Vietnam can be dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing. Make sure that you book with a reputable tour agency who have a good safety record.
Be wary of very cheap tours as they are often poorly managed, hosting large group sizes and cutting corners on safety. Irresponsible tour providers are the main contributor to the increased police presence along the Ha Giang Loop.
For travellers embarking on an ‘easy rider’ tour, make sure to ask to see the licence of your driver before you head off. Travelling pillion with someone who doesn’t hold the correct licence could stop your travel insurance company from paying out if you have an accident.
👉 Check out the awesome Ha Giang Loop companies that we work with here!
Legalities of Riding the Ha Giang Loop
If you’re thinking of doing the Ha Giang Loop by yourself, it goes without saying that you must be experienced and able to handle a motorbike. Unlike other Southeast Asian countries (where you are road-legal as long as you have an International Driving Permit and the appropriate motorbike license at home), in Vietnam, it is actually illegal to drive without a specific driving permit – and it’s impossible for a traveller to acquire!
This means that practically every foreigner you see driving a motorbike in Vietnam is actually doing so illegally, and therefore not insured. However, some travel insurance companies will insure you to ride a motorcycle, as long as you have the proper license back home.
Police checkpoints have increased along the route over recent years and the locations change daily. Speeding is the main reason that people are stopped so make sure you are riding carefully if you are seeking a trouble-free journey. In built-up areas, do not exceed 40kmph. Due to winding narrow roads, 60kmph is likely to be plenty once you get out of the towns.
Plenty of backpackers do the Ha Giang Loop without the correct permits or licences. Remember that this is at your own risk. If you’re involved in an accident, you likely won’t be able to claim on your travel insurance, may have your motorbike impounded and be hit with a very hefty fine.
Ha Giang Loop Packing List
- Daypack
- Packable waterproof jacket
- Rainproof cover for backpack
- Closed toe shoes
- Camera/ action cam
- Long trousers
- Spare shoes for relaxing
- Quick-dry long-sleeved t-shirts
- Microfibre towel
- Sunglasses
- Suncream
- Cash
- Electronics
- Toiletries
- Swimsuit
- Map (if self-guided)
- Helmet – make sure you have one!
How to Get to Ha Giang, Vietnam
Most people travel to Ha Giang from the capital Hanoi. The best way to get there on a budget is to take one of the overnight buses. The journey time is around six and a half hours and a ticket costs around $12USD.
If you are an experienced rider, you can always rent a motorbike in the capital and then ride yourself to Ha Giang to start the loop.
Tips for Riding the Ha Giang Loop
Check Your Bike
When it comes to renting a bike in Vietnam, you are responsible for checking that it is in good condition. Check reviews of different rental companies and make sure you check the bike fully before agreeing to rent it.
Wear Sensible Gear
Try to blend in with the locals and wear the right stuff. While there is a more lackadaisical attitude to road safety in Vietnam, a well-fitting helmet is a must-have item, as are sturdy boots and long-sleeved pants and tops.
Ride to Your Ability
This is a challenging route for many bikers. Don’t let your ambition outweigh your talent, take it easy and be extra careful on the stone and dirt sections of the road.
Consider Tour Group Size
When it comes to booking a tour of the Ha Giang Loop, one of the main differentiators is the group size. While it may be tempting to book the cheapest tour out there, there will likely be way more people on these tours, helping to keep costs down. Tours that run with smaller groups are generally more enjoyable and also safer, with a better guide-to-traveller ratio.
Make Sure You’re Covered by Travel Insurance
We always recommend that backpackers hold valid travel insurance. This only becomes more important when you’re road-tripping along narrow, winding mountain roads in a country where accidents are common.
Riding the Ha Giang Loop boasts some of the most impressive scenery in the whole of Vietnam. It’s a great way to escape the well-trodden tourist path in Southeast Asia and meet different kinds of people, both in the local communities and in your tour group (if you choose to have one). Put simply, this epic Vietnamese road trip is a no-brainer!
Have you tackled Vietnam’s epic Ha Giang Loop? Let us know about your experience in our Facebook Community!
Contributors:
South East Asia Backpacker is a ‘travel diary for everyone’. This article has been written with the help of backpackers and local experts. We would like to thank…
🙏 Rory, South East Asia Backpacker Community Member
🙏 Anna, South East Asia Backpacker Community Member
🙏 Erika, South East Asia Backpacker Community Member
🙏 Ash, South East Asia Backpacker Community Member
🙏 Kayleigh, South East Asia Backpacker Community Member
🙏 Nikki, Founder of South East Asia Backpacker
Tim Ashdown | Gear Specialist
After a life-changing motorcycle accident, Tim decided life was too short to stay cooped up in his home county of Norfolk, UK. Since then, he has travelled Southeast Asia, walked the Camino de Santiago and backpacked South America. His first book, From Paralysis to Santiago, chronicles his struggle to recover from the motorcycle accident and will be released later this year.
Hi. Do you remember your exact budget expenses during these 3 days?
You wrote: Far more interesting than the unfinished flag tower is an illegal border crossing, located about 10 minutes back on the path from Lung Cu, and signalled only by a ripped barbed wire fence and stones bearing Chinese inscriptions. You can easily duck under the fence—there are no buildings or people around—and faithfully claim that you have been to China.
That stone bearing Chinese inscriptions has a skull and crossbones on it. In Chinese it is written: Mine field. Entry forbidden. Malipo county.
Please add this info to your text as a warning to others.
Thank you very much for contacting us, Alain. We have added this information to the guide. You never know… you may just have saved some lives!