Let’s break down all the possible questions you may have as this is truly a bucket list moment that you should do too.
Table of contents
- What is the famous Ha Giang Loop?
- How to do the Loop?
- How many days should you dedicate to the Ha Giang Loop?
- Which tour company should you book with?
- What should you pack for the trip?
- Day by day sightseeing and specifics
- After Loop Expectations
- Ha Giang Loop vs. Cao Bang Loop which loop is better?
- Helpful Tips for Planning your Trip to Vietnam
What is the famous Ha Giang Loop?
The Ha Giang Loop is a famous motorcycle route in northern Vietnam. Where? It’s the Ha Giang Province more specifically. The official loop is about 350 km. The roads wind through beautiful limestone mountains, deep valleys, rice terraces, and remote villages along the Chinese border.
How to do the Loop?
- Do the loop with an “easy rider” or a local driver with a company
- Self-drive the loop while with a company
- Completely do it yourself without a company
Do the loop with an “easy rider” or a local driver with a company
This is the most popular option when it comes to doing the Loop. Most travelers start and end in Ha Giang City, taking anywhere between 3 to 4 days to complete the loop with a company. The Loop is known to have rough, steep and windy roads which can be intimidating to do yourself. I booked through a company and had an easy rider where essentially, I was the ultimate passenger princess. This allowed me to enjoy the Loop by focusing on the views and not the road.
Self-drive the loop while with a company
If you are comfortable driving a motorcycle, then a lot of companies offer an option of self-drive. You would still travel with the travelers who booked the Loop with an easy driver. Make sure you have the appropriate paperwork like an international driver’s license and so on.
Completely do the loop yourself without a company
Motorcycles are very easy to rent in Vietnam. This requires a little bit more planning, but it’s also a very doable way to do the Ha Giang Loop. It will allow you to start early and avoid the traffic that comes with the H Giang loop turning touristy.
How many days should you dedicate to the Ha Giang Loop?
I did the Loop in 3 nights and 4 days and I think that this is the best timeline. A lot of travelers do 2 nights and 3 days because of time constraints.
Which tour company should you book with?
Whichever tour company you choose will ultimately shape your experience, as each organizes the route, stops, and accommodations a little differently. Each tour group also attracts different types of travelers.
If you want a party feel then I suggest booking with the following groups: Jasmines or Mamas Homestay
I didn’t want to do the Loop as a party route, but I still wanted a social experience without being in a huge group. I chose a tour company that caters to travelers 25+ years old and keeps groups to a maximum of 12 people. Their communication was excellent both before and after the trip, and I highly recommend booking with Road Kings. I felt like all the easy drivers drove safely which was also a very important part of me making the decision that I did.
Make sure you have travel insurance while you are traveling. No matter how safe you think you are accidents unfortunately do happen.
What should you pack for the trip?
You’ll leave your main luggage at the starting hostel and only take a daypack on the Loop. Your daypack will be strapped to the motorbike, so be sure to pack all your essentials into it the night before.
Here’s a checklist:
✔️ Bring cash!!!! ATMs in Ha Giang City often run out of cash, and all Loop companies require full payment in cash. The small deposit you pay beforehand is usually the only part you can do by card. Along the Loop, shops and stalls also only accept cash, so bring plenty of small bills — you’ll even need them for restroom stops.
✔️Sunscreen
✔️ Sunglasses
✔️ Headphones (if you want to listen to music while on the motorcycle)
✔️ Fanny Pack
✔️ Power bank
✔️ Flip flops/Sandals
✔️ Swimsuit
✔️ Microfiber towel
✔️ Long Pants
✔️ Shorts
✔️ Shirts
Check if the company that you booked with provides raincoats otherwise, I recommend one. Rain or shine the motorcycle trip always keeps going.
Day by day sightseeing and specifics
Each day starts with breakfast at your accommodation. Each day includes various viewpoint stops where you can buy the infamous Vietnamese coffee. I was never on the motorcycle for more than one hour hence the multiple viewpoint stops. I was sore by day four, but a lot less than I expected. Each day has a different schedule and of course this is designed by the company you book with. I saw multiple waterfalls, caves, and a few other surprises along the way.
Road Kings Schedule
Pre Day 1: Meet at the bus office in Hanoi (or any other destination) to commute to Ha Giang City. The bus drops you off directly in front of the company’s accommodation. You check in and are told what time to meet in the morning.
Day 1: You start with an overview of the whole tour in the morning meeting where you meet your group, guide and easy riders. You are provided breakfast before you hit the road. You arrive to your homestay and then you go to a nearby waterfall. The evening is followed by non-other than karaoke and a good time.
Day 2: The roads were rough! Today you will go off the beaten path literally. Viewpoints, bamboo boat rides and a cave swimming spot. Dinner will be a delicious hot pot and afterwards you can go karaoke.
Day 3: Today you will see (weather permitting) China! There will be many more viewpoint stops. My favorite stop today was seeing a seventh-generation silversmith workshop. I bought the most beautiful silver ring for only $7 USD.
Day 4: Shorter drive day as you slowly head back to Ha Giang City. Today there’s multiple viewpoints and a beautiful, secluded waterfall. After the waterfall you head back to the starting point.
After Loop Expectations
At the end of the trip, you will return to your starting point accommodation around 4-5 p.m. It is expected to tip. Your guide and drivers are with you 24/7. I’d say there’s an expectation to tip anywhere from $20 USD and up.
There typically is a small window after you finish the Loop. During this time, you can take a shower and reorganize your bags. Usually, the company that you book the Loop with assists you in the night bus logistics. Don’t forget to grab dinner or snacks as the commute on the night bus will be long and without stops.
Ha Giang Loop vs. Cao Bang Loop which loop is better?
Ha Giang Loop is very touristy, but the views are gorgeous. It is a pinch me bucket list moment.
Cao Bang Loop is significantly less touristy. A lot of people compared the Cao Bang Loop to what the Ha Giang Loop was five years ago. Here I saw a lot more locals going about their everyday life. If you are interested in more information, then read about my experience here.
DO NOT DO the combined Ha Giang Loop with Cao Bang Loop tour package. It will be a very very rushed itinerary, and you will not get the feel of either side. I met three different travelers who did the combined tour and regretted it. If you are short on time, then I suggest doing one Loop only.
Helpful Tips for Planning your Trip to Vietnam
Book your Flight
Start by comparing airfare early to get the best deals.
Use tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights to track price trends and flexible travel dates.
Book your Accommodation
Whether you’re looking for hostels or boutique hotels the Vietnam has a wide range of options.
Booking.com is great for hotels and guesthouses across the country.
Hostelworld is ideal for backpackers and budget travelers.
Travel Insurance for the unexpected
Always, always have travel insurance! Travel insurance is essential. It protects you from unexpected events like flight delays, illness, theft, or accidents.
I recommend SafetyWing, which offers flexible and affordable plans perfect for long-term travelers and digital nomads.
Best Resources to book Tours and Activities
GetYourGuide is great for booking everything from city tours and museum tickets to outdoor adventures. It’s easy to use, has tons of reviews, clear pricing, and offers free cancellation on most bookings.
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