how to do ha giang: vietnam's epic motorbike loop
everything you need to know before taking on the hà giang loop 🏍️
So, you’re thinking about embarking on the adrenaline-fueled motorbike tour through the northernmost region of Vietnam? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
what is it?
A motorbike loop in the northern region of Vietnam that climbs through dramatic misty mountains, luscious green rice paddies, and around hairpin turns overlooking deep river valleys.
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Along the way, you’ll get the chance to stop in rural towns, explore caves, and soak in viewpoints like the country’s highest peak overlooking the Chinese border.
Tour providers: the most popular being Jasmine Tours, however, if you want smaller groups you could opt for Ha Giang Motorbike Tour, Road Kings and Buffalo Hostel.
the highlights ⭐
Lung Khuy Cave - Deep caves filled with stalactites
H'mong King Palace - Traditional wooden palace built in the early 20th century
Lung Cu Flag Tower - Climb the giant flag in the northernmost village of Vietnam, overlooking the border with China
Tu San Canyon & Boat Ride - Descend into the deepest valley in Southeast Asia before hopping on a boat tour down the valley
how to get there 🗺️
The tours all start and end in the town of Ha Giang - I booked an evening bus transfer to and from the town as part of the package, this included accommodation and breakfast at their hostel on arrival before the first day.
You can organise bus and taxi transfers to the town independently through 12Go Asia.
to drive or not to drive? 🏍️
Before you set out on your adventure, you’ll have to decide which of the following options is best for you:
Self-Driven: Ride your motorbike as part of a chaperoned group
Easy Rider: Riding as a passenger while the bike is driven by a local expert
I went with the latter and was part of a mixed group. In our discussion, we agreed that while both had pros and cons, the easy rider option allowed you to fully immerse yourself and soak up the views along the way while driving yourself on some of the world’s most dangerous roads transformed the experience into a mission to complete.
If you’re a very confident driver already, then there are options to rent a bike and complete it independently, however, I would advise against this as sections of the road are incredibly dangerous.
the important stuff!
It’s dangerous. Like really dangerous. People die from being reckless and inexperienced drivers on these roads so please follow the safety guidelines of your tour provider. And make sure you’ve got decent travel insurance.
The weather: Nov-April = The cool and misty winter season. May-October = The hot and humid summer with tropical rain. I visited in the coldest winter month of February and the cloud coverage sometimes left us with 0% visibility, regardless I still thought it was worthwhile.
Accommodation: Tour providers organise all of the meals and accommodation during the tour. Jasmine Tour organised amazing rural homestays where we would all sleep with our group in communal rooms. The food was incredible and catered for all and we’d spend the evening drinking around the firepit, singing karaoke, and drinking ‘happy water’.
Respect Local Communities: I was conscious of being part of the swarms of tourists on motorbikes flying through these rural communities every day now. So don’t act like a prat. There are also spots where Hmong & Dao children will try to sell you flowers or goods. I encourage you not to take nonconsensual photos with or of these children and also not to buy wares from them.
There are signs in the region reinforcing that if you provide a revenue stream for children, then (or their parents) will opt for them to work instead of going to school which not only affects their education and career opportunities in adulthood but leaves them vulnerable to dangerous situations every day. Instead, I’d focus on spending your money on food, drinks, and other wares from working adults in the community. For example, I had a great coffee from a van outside H'mong King Palace.
what to pack 🎒
I visited in February, the middle of the winter season meaning full-body waterproofs were essential. I invested in a warm jumper in Hanoi, fellow riders were even smarter and bought knockoff North Face puffers which are sold on every corner in the capital.
Here’s an example packing list:
Small Backpack, these will be tied to the back of the bike (You can store your main backpack in their hostel in Ha Giang while on the road)
Plenty of clothes! Warm jumpers and layers if you’re visiting in the winter season (Nov-Feb) and a good raincoat as you’ll probably get damp in the rain and mist. Or very dusty in the summer. You can also buy waterproof overalls in their Ha Giang office.
Protective shoes. Trainers or hiking shoes while on the bike and a pair of sandals or flip-flops for when you’re at the homestay in the evening
Swimwear if you’re doing the 4-day tour or one that includes waterfall stops
Microfibre Towel & basic toiletries
Comfy clothes for nights and evenings at the homestay, either warm leggings and hoodie if you’re visiting in winter or something loose and cool in the summer.
Accessories: Sunglasses & Suncream (summer) gloves and beanie (winter) I also loved having my Uniqlo sling bag on me at all times for easy access to my camera and phone on the back of the bike
Cash: In case you want to buy soft drinks, alcohol, coffee, or extra food along the loop
bur how much does it cost?
This will vary but the 3 day, 2 night option, with an easy rider plus transfers between Ha Giang and Hanoi with Jasmine Tours costs 5,232,000 Vietnamese Dong, roughly £163 per person. Please tip your drivers and tour guides.
In the words of Charli xcx, vroom vroom, let's ride.
by becca mae x
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This sounds like an incredible way to explore the Vietnamese countryside. An informative read here!