The only true guide to "Ha Giang Loop"
Ha Giang, Motorbike, Best Routes, death, when to go OMG… you may heard all of these things as soon as you start planning your adventure through the ragged mountains of northern Vietnam. But one question, are all these even worth the hype?
The adventure Ha Giang loop has to offer, tie together with motorbike riding – travelers set to the extreme northern territories of Vietnam where rugged mountains, minority villages, lush landscapes and awe-inspiring beauty can all be seen. To Map the Ha Giang Loop, in particular, name comes after a series of 3-4-5-6 days (sometimes longer), motorbike trips that arranged and planned by motorbike and often takes travelers to the famous sights and view-points that Northern-Vietnam has to offer.
Let’s figure out where is Ha Giang and why travelers plan for the Loop adventure by motorbike and why not with car or even bus?
This adventure trip covers an areas of northwest Vietnam that is home to rugged, high-green mountains with expansive vistas and deep valleys, and to explore it your way, no more option better than a motorbike.
In addition, travelers choose to explore the famous Ha Giang on a trips that is planned from 3-5 days, the Loop often starts from Hanoi, and, will takes you all the way to visit Ha Giang, Quản Bạ, Yên Minh, Đồng Văn, Mèo Vạc valley & Mã Pí Lèng Pass, and the Lung Cu flag tower.
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What is Ha Giang Loop & where is it on the Map?
Conquered the high-mountains of north-west of Vietnam within 300km from Hanoi that often takes around 6 hours motorbike journey, the actual loop starts from Ha Giang town and covers almost 1000km (if starts from Hanoi), of an extraordinary natural landscapes, passing through some of the must exciting places in the region.
So, this motorbike trips has become famous and been called loop since it it circling around the area by motorbike.
The whole trip offers breathtaking views of karst formations, rice terraces, and serene river valleys along the way. Here is the Map for motorbike loop
Planning the map and route, it all depends on what type of rider are you, where would you be interested in to ride and what is your motorbike. I am not going to look down, but there are way too many 110cc motorbike tours run by guesthouses in Ha Giang town each carrying a tourist behind on a day or two to tour them the Loop. I don’t call this an experience, i call it “Wasting the time and money”, of course, we always get what we pay for.
How long for the Ha Giang?
A minimum of 3 days is required to ride through the loop. Those with more time in hand, could easily span the roads and spend u to a week or 10 days riding the side routes in addition to the main loop. However, the most-recommended time-frame to really enjoy the loop and get the most out of the region is 3-6 days motorbike tour.
A Quick overview of the Ha Giang trips by Motorbike
The routes and maps for the loop are all depends on what type of rider are you, where would you be interested in to ride and what is your motorbike. I am not going to look down, but there are way too many 110cc motorbike tours run by guesthouses in Ha Giang town each carrying a tourist behind on a day or two to show them the “Ha Giang Loop”. I don’t call this an experience, i call it “Wasting the time and money”, of course, we always get what we pay for.
The Real Ha Giang Loop tour is with aim to see the local tribes, ethnic life and ride through the mountain roads, all in a proper gear, a +500cc motorbike that handles the curves well, just like an actual rider, i’m now sure, you’ll are agreed on this.
However, the must see towns and routes to map for the loop include: Hà Giang→Tam Sơn→Yên Minh→Lũng Cú→Đồng Văn→Mèo Vạc→Hà Giang
How Many Days Are Recommended?
You will actually somehow get overwhelmed by so many options when it comes to do the Ha Giang Loop by motorbike, the offers and recommendations are varied from 3 days up to 6 days, and even 10 days (if you take the side routes).
To experience the real Ha Giang Loop, the 3 to 5 days options are by far the most taken by adventure seekers. Consider that for 100 people that do the 3 or 4 days, there’s maybe 1 that is interested in doing a longer tour. Here’s a breakdown of the key distinctions between the two options:
And let’s be direct to the point, the Loop tour is an adventure you should do it on a motorbike, and FROM HANOI – Not on a bus or car?
RECOMMENDATION: Spend a bit of more time, go for the 4-5 day loop tour, only from Hanoi. Surprisingly, most travelers who’ve taken the 2-3-days end up wishing they’d gone for the longer trip. On the other-hand, we’ve yet to hear anyone regretting having done the 5-day tour from Hanoi.
What's the best option?
The options seems endless, from the small cell-size agents in Hanoi old quarter, to the homestays and guest houses in the town of Ha Giang, every single one seems offer the “Loop Tour”, let’s start with a simple question: Are you more into seeing what everyone else see (being herded along the 110cc bikes), or you’d be more interested in to experience something UNSEEN? Both called “Ha Giang Loop”
However, here is what you need to consider before going to book yourself & your travel buddies a motorbike tour to experience Ha Giang Loop.
I was doing the +500cc motorbike Ha Giang loop tour from Hanoi in September with my group and I’ve seen a herds of 110cc motorbikes each holding a flag representing a backpacker hostels in Ha Giang town. Listen up, these aren’t showing you the real Vietnam and the real extreme Ha Giang tours. Backpackers yet choose them to only pay less and save money and yet “Ive seen the Ha Gian Loop”. So, DO A BIT OF RESEARCH …
Ha Giang Motorbike loop from Hanoi
Do a bit of research, stay away from cheap tours (saving money is good, but wasting money is the worst). Compare itineraries, where to go, what to see, check if Tu San Canyon included? What motorbikes are used for the loop, which routes are following and if you can’t or do not wish to ride, ask if the pillion passenger tour is an option.
Booking a Ha Giang motorbike tour from Hanoi, has its all benefits. An experienced rider who lead your own group, is intimately familiar with the Ha Giang region, ensuring a safe and secure ride through the challenging terrain of the Ha Giang Motorbike Loop. Instead of following the usual route, the rider guide know the best routes to map for you, taking you through the hidden gems, allowing you to experience the best of the northern region firsthand.
Best time for driving the Loop?
Northern Vietnam’s climate varies significantly based on altitude. Basically, the most favorable temperatures, averaging in the mid-20s, are experienced from September to November (to see rice terraces) and March to May. Riding during these months, the weather is generally ideal and considered the best time to ride the Loop of Ha Giang. And, July to August is the rainy / wet season.
Ha Giang is hot during the summer months with heat & high-humidity, with temperatures often exceeding 35. In addition, the winter season, from the month of December to February, brings chilly and overcast conditions to the region. There is no time to call as a worst time to do Ha Giang Loop
Ha Giang Loop Breakdown (Ins & outs)
Thinking about what to expect on your Ha Giang Loop motorbike adventure? Let’s breakdown and have a close look. I am sharing my own experiences and viewpoints based on my many years of riding throughout the northern regions.
Planning, tour booking & packing
Read up the when to go section of this chapter and please, prepare well for the Ha Giang extreme north Loop tour before leaving from Hanoi. Follow the essential guide and make sure you’re fully prepared. You can’t simply ride the bike through the mountains without any preparation.
I’m here writing this Ha Giang Adventure guide, to tell you that booking in advance is required (it’s the planning), arrange it from Hanoi & trust me, you will have a “Real Ha Giang Tours ” with a different itinerary, from the route, map, planning the how many days loop and much more.
In addition, keep in mind that at least 4 days is recommended for the loop, from Hanoi. The weather is unpredictable, try to pack light, but smart and if you’re lucky, you wont encounter the any rain.
What to pack for the loop?
Your bigger luggage or backpack, or anything you think of not using it during the Ha Giang motorbike tour from Hanoi, you could leave them in your hotel (yes, it’s safe) until your return.
If you decide to book a motorbike tour from Hanoi, you’ll receive essential items like a windproof and raincoat as part of the trip. However, make sure to pack warm clothes, especially if you’re traveling to Ha Giang between November and March. Additionally, don’t forget to bring boots, as they’re one of the key items to pack for the Ha Giang Loop.
Map of the Ha Giang Loop
Itinerary: 3-6 days from Hanoi
Day 1: Hanoi - Ha Giang
Start from Hanoi and ride through red river following by the lush countryside rice fields. Continue the routes through beautiful countryside area toward the Yen Bai. First stop is the Vu Linh, home to Dzao tribes, continue the ride through the lake, pass through Yen The & Luc Yen Chay River. Stop for lunch and refresh, Then to Ha Giang visa Viet Quang.
Day 2: Dong Vag
We are ready and set to ride the scenic National Highway 4c – stop at Dong Van Geological Park before tackling a challenging mountain pass with 15% curve and slopes. After reaching the top, we see a prime forest to our left and a vast valley of rice terraces to our right.
Stop for Quan Ba heaven Gate, where we can climb on foot or enjoy coffee with stunning views. Next, we head to Co Tien Twin Mountains, then visit Lung Tam Village of the H’Mong people, delighting in their daily life and flax weaving. We rode across flax fields to Yen Minh’s peak for the view, then stopped in Yen Minh town for lunch.
Day 3 Meo vac - Ma Pi Leng - Ba Be Lake
The ride is from Dong Van to Meo Vac and Ma pi leng, we stop here for some cool photos where the whole valley is under our eyes. We drive off-road to get on boat and have an hour or two spend on bat to enjoy the extreme beauty through the Nho Que river.
We then ride toward Bao Lac through the back roads & small hamlets toward the Ba Be lake.
Day 4 Drive back to Hanoi
Ride out of Ba Be toward the Red River Delta passing by villages that have been home to Hmong, Dao, Tay and Nung tribes for centuries.
6 Days Ha Giang Loop tour itinerary
Follow the first 4 days itinerary suggested above, then, change the day 5 and instead of driving to Hanoi, we ride all the way to Halong, here is the suggestion:
Day 5 Halong Bay
More off-road, means more fun, so for the 6 days, we farewell to Ba Be and drive through the winding roads to Halong. The ride is fun and the roads are absolutely challenges all bikers.
Day 6 Cruising
Get up early, a breakfast and fresh cup of Vietnamese coffee, head to Pier and board the day tour enjoy the nature’s wonder, the Halong. Seafood and kayaking and if weather permits, some swimming before head back to the land, for another 2-3 hours easy ride to Hanoi.
3 Days Ha Giang Loop itinerary 370km
Here is a typical Ha Giang motorbike tour, hat are followed by a majority of travelers choosing to ride. This itinerary starts & ends in Ha Giang town and include following destination:
Day 1 (105km/65mi ride): Ha Giang to Tam Son – Yen Minh
Day 2 (85km/52mi ride): Yen Minh to Lung Cu flag tower – Dong Van
Day 3 (180km/115mi ride): Dong Van to Meo Vac – Yen Minh – Tam Son – Ha Giang
4 Days Ha Giang Loop motorbike itinerary 400km
Another suggestion for the 4 days motorbike loop tour, start and ends in Ha Giang with slight changes in days. this plan includes the Du Gia stream and the famous viewpoint, must recommended for the summer days for the swimming.
Day 1 (105km/65mi ride): Ha Giang to Tam Son – Yen Minh
Ha Giang to Yen Minh
The Lung Tam Linen Cooperative
What a lovely place to experience the hospitality by the ethnic minority people. There’s a small shop with affordable wallets, bags, table cloths etc on offer. that are made by local tribes.
Here is where the interesting roads start to show-up slowly once you ride from Tam Son to Yen Minh for about 55km. This part of the Ha Giang route offers more stunning views and vistas, the more you ride, the more you witness the beauty of the granite mountains passes.
Đài Quan Sát Yên Minh viewpoint
Yen Minh town
Yen Minh is the first town after the Ha Giang, it’s a small little town with a bustling local market that sells fresh meat, veggies and other products from the mountains.
There isn’t many restaurants in Yen Minh, so, if you decide to eat out, i strongly recommend you to do it before 7 PM, this small town has nothing to do and local shops close almost before 8PM. You can order dinner and lunch at your homestay, but again, you need to inform them once you check in and they will prepare it for you.
The accommodations range in whole region, Ha Giang Loop tour are very basic, often homestay run by a local family withe basic amenities, most with showers. There are however newly build small lodge and or home-stays with better facilities in Dong Van, Meo Vac, Yen Minh, you just require to book them in advance. Ha Giang town however has better accommodation options including few 4 star hotels and a great range of home-stays.
What is the term Happy Water: Simply means the rice wine or other locally brewed alcohol made by the ethnic tribes. This term "Happy Water" is widely used in Southeast of Asia including Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and of course, Vietnam.
Yen Minh to Dong Van
This day would probably be the most interesting day in terms of viewpoints, routes, the scenery, and of course, the local villages you passing one by one. one of the most iconic spots of the Ha Giang Loop motorbike tour would be the Chín Khoanh viewpoint, or by it’s other name, the “Dốc Thẩm Mã“
Dốc Thẩm Mã viewpoint
Known by it’s alternative name, Chín Khoanh ramp, the Dốc Thẩm Mã viewpoint is one of the most impressive slopes in Ha Giang you cross once taking the famous Ha Giang Loop! It has many curves and it looks beautiful from above. Once stop at the viewpoint, you’ll come across local tribal kids selling flowers and some small items from their villages, some play float and if you’re happy, you may support them by buying from them.
As you continue the motorbike ride along the Ha Giang Loop, there will be more stops that allow you to admire the stunning views over the gigantic valleys. The scenery can take your breath away, imagine the towering mountains and lush valleys stretching out throughout the roads.
Ride along the Vietnam – China Border
On Day 2 of our Ha Giang Loop Tour, you will be driving along the border belt between Vietnam and China. This is a huge valley with beautiful vistas that separates the two countries, with small backroads, rice fields and a river that cross the two land.
Lung Cu Flag Point
Before the stop in Dong Van, there is a ring-road separating the routes along the Lo Lo Chai ethnic minority village taking you to a famous landmark, named Lung Cu Flagpole. This is an important spot located in the northernmost part of Vietnam, right at the border with China. It’s known for its towering flagpole flying the Vietnamese flag very high.
The area along with the few border villages offers amazing panoramic views over the mountains and valleys, showcasing the real beauty of the far northernmost region. Once at the flap point, you may climb the tower to reach the top from where you will have an amazing view, with breathtaking vistas with the flag of Vietnam waving in the background.
Additionally, if you are interested in to stay away from the touristy areas of Ha Giang loop, specially, Dong Van, consider to stay in Lo Lo Chai village. There are a few small homestay in this area. In 2025, you are still required a special “Permit” to stay in Lo Lo Chai and or anywhere within the Lung Cu flag point area, this is however very easy to obtain it, check it the home-stay and the owner will do it for you with extra 200k VND (~10 USD). This is worth the money since the area is absolutely unique, and NO TOURST.
Dong Van City
Dong Van is like a meeting point station that almost anyone taking the famous Ha Ging loop will somehow stop here for an overnight stay. This small yet charming town offers scenic countryside, a local tribal market and a few handful of homestay and some hotels. Things to do in Dong Van include trekking to nearby villages, check out some rice fields and meet the farmers working on the farm.
Alternatively, you may trek through the hill overlooking the town for a stunning view over the local villages and the Dong Van town. While in there, you may get some relaxing massages, seat in a cafe and or get a beer in one of the few little bars. The Dong Van old town offer them all in one place.
Dong Van to Du Gia
Du Gia is another small village that became popular among the backpackers and motorbike riders. The little village, some call it a town offers a more quite stay with a few things to do such as the Du Gia Viewpoint
Mã Pí Lèng Pass
Mã Pí Lèng Pass is an iconic, curved mountain pass located along the the Ha Giang Loop, right after leaving Dong Van. Ma Pi Leng passing through towering limestone mountains and winding roads offering one of the most (if not the best) amazing views of the surrounding mountains crossing the Nho Que River.
Mã Pí Lèng Pass is however, a part of the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, recognized by UNESCO for its beautiful diversity.
Boat ride on the Nho Que River
Lung Phin Valley
Another picture postcard valley that seriously worth to prepare to have some videos or photos from. The Lung Phin Valley is renowned for its magnificent natural attraction and vibrant cultural prospective, in same time, offers tourists a glance into the a tribal life in Ha Giang Province.
The valley is home to ethnic groups such as the Hmong and Dao who call the region home for centuries. The lush scenery offered by Lung Phin Valley is a dramatic scenes of terraced rice fields that reflects down the valley. The landscape is covered by towering mountains, creating an amazing backdrop for visitors. Check out Rice terraces of Vietnam
Don Cao French Fortress
The Old French Military Post Military Post, known as Di Tích Đồn Pháp, is a UNESCO-listed fortress located along the route between Du Gia and Dong Van. This historical place showcases the architectural style of the French colonial time, featuring well-preserved buildings and sorrounded structures.
For a fair amount of trekking activity and for a great view over the valleys, try the Dong Van Geopark & Don Cao French Fortress that should not be missed once you’re on a motorbike trip in Ha Giang.
Du Gia Village
The scenic landscapes surrounding the village of Du Gia considered as the main thing to do which offers few trekking, hiking and outdoor activities. One of the main attractions in Du Gia is its serene surroundings, which offer opportunities for hiking, trekking, and outdoor exploration. There are also several small homestay run by local farmers for an overnight stay.
Du Gia to Ha Giang
Thâm Luông Waterfall
I do believe tourists visiting Du Gia village just because of the serene Thâm Luông Waterfall (Du Gia Waterfall), this is truly a serene spot attracting tourists taking the motorbike tours along the famous Ha Giang Loop.
The viewpoint near the Du gia Village
Located along the route from Du Gia toward the Tam Son, the scenery is just beyond explanation, the viewpoint simply offers something way too beautiful than even Ma Pi Leng. I suggest you to stop, rest and refresh and go for some cool photography, you’ll love it.
Tam Son Viewpoint
It’s time to make another worthy stop before arrival to Ha Giang city, the Tam Son viewpoint overlooking the step of mountains is truly an iconic spot, favoured by young locals offering a towering karst limestones surrounding the rice fields.
Is the Ha Giang Loop worth the experience?
It’s Ha Giang bro, you gotta go, do the Ha Giang Loop with motorbike from Hanoi, he roads are amazing, the viewpoints are captivating… what else? well, pretty much anyone you come across in Hanoi, or even other part of Vietnam, is praising about the Loop tour experience in Ha Giang. So, now, the real question is “Is Ha Giang loop worth the hype and effort?”, let’s find out…
The landscapes, the terrains, the viewpoints, the villages, the roads and curves are just beyond the ordinary, they’re just jaw-dropping and they keep changing while you’re riding the roads. It’s kinda pity that we cant stop every 10 minutes to take photos, the roads are just mesmerizing from one view to another.
All things explained and this chapter deeply delve into different part, from homestay, roads, views, stops along the way, the loop map, different tour itinerary from 3 to 6 days, now, i can strongly say that the Ha Giang Loop is absolutely worth the hype.
Downsides of the " Typical Loop"
Fist of All, the typical Ha Giang tour is the one most backpackers are following, the large, crowded motorbike tours you often see in Ha Giang. I am talking about them.
Let’s now be frank and honest and allow me to share with the things that many travelers are not happy with, the things that we didn’t like about Ha Giang loop.
First and foremost, the Ha Giang Loop you experience today is way different than the one back to even 5 years ago. It’s already became super touristy and it likely continue to grow even worst. The reasons are very clear, this small hostels & guest houses offering Honda wave 110cc tour each depart with 100 tourists making it seriously look bad and not safe. I’ve seen tourist as a pillion wearing short and tank top, this making it look not safe to ride the mountain roads, the helmets aren’t even standard and this is not good at all. Imagine if an accident happen?
All these groups follow similar routes and plan, stay in same home-stay, resulting in crowded stops along the mountain roads.
The foods, and, accommodations are very basic, most with lack of basic amenities. I’ve seen online that 30 tourist stay in one dorm room.
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