According to the majority of the travellers exploring Southeast Asia, the Ha Giang Loop is the most incredible and wild experience you’ll bring home with you! When our friends ask us what our favourite adventure was during our seven months in Asia, our answer without hesitation is always “Ha Giang Loop!” as the top choice!
With a total distance of 500km, undertaking the Ha Giang Loop is no small feat. Yet, this adventurous journey promises to be the highlight of your Vietnam trip, and quite possibly one of the most exhilarating experiences of your life! The breathtaking scenery along the way is so astonishing that you’ll find yourself pinching to believe it. Nestled amidst remote villages and winding roads etched into the mountains like fine pencil strokes, the Ha Giang Loop grants you a profound sense of freedom and a rush of adrenaline!
How to book the Ha Giang Loop?
We booked the Ha Giang Loop with Jasmine tours, who have offices in central Hanoi at Hanoi Backpackers Hostel. You can book this directly through their website, or at the office in person. Booking in person is more flexible as you can organise it whilst you are in Hanoi, and can decide how many days to do without committing up front.
What time of year is best for Ha Giang Loop?
The best time of year to plan your Ha Giang loop trip is Spring, which runs in Vietnam from January to April. At this time of year the weather is most suitable, with dry conditions and reasonable temperatures. In March and April you can expect 15-20 Celsius in the day. In January and February this can drop to 10 Celsius so you will require some warm clothing. After spring temperatures are higher, but rainfall is considerably worse, so we recommend against this time of year.
How to get from Hanoi to Ha Giang?
Overnight busses are available as part of the tour package for an additional 300k VND, roughly equal to 15 euros. This bus is a sleeper bus that leaves about 10pm the day before your tour starts, arriving in Ha Giang at a hostel to sleep in around 4am. You can also make your own way to Ha Giang via public transport and book the tour directly in the town of Ha Giang. We found the bus ride with all our tour members to be quite a fun experience though and would recommend this option. You can check bus prices from Hanoi to Ha Giang on 12.go asia here.
Note: If you don’t wish to take all your luggage with you on the loop, you can leave your large bags with most motorcycle rental shops or tour booking offices.
Is the Ha Giang Loop Dangerous?
This is a rumour that puts some people off the Ha Giang loop. Whilst in places, it can be quite dangerous, if you are a semi-experienced and sensible bike rider, it is very safe.
Deaths and accidents are very rare, and in our group of almost 100 people, we heard of very few accidents. None of which were serious. When riding as part of a group tour you follow a designated leader the entire time you are riding, and being part of a large group of bikes means that you are relatively safe from other vehicles. As with all things like this, common sense is key.
Note: Travel insurance is a must for any motorbike rentals abroad, especially in south east asia. Although problems rarely arise, you want to be covered in the case that they do. We use SafetyWing and recommend it for anyone travelling around the world.
How long is the Ha Giang Loop?
Between 3-4 days, depending on the tour package you choose. We chose the 3 day, 2 night option, and whilst very fun, the last day of driving was very long. Expect to drive for 5-6 hours on the final day if you choose this option. In hindsight, choosing the 4 day, 3 night option would have been better, as the distance would have been spread over the last 2 days.
If you choose to drive the Ha Giang loop independently, you could easily spend a full week exploring the breathtaking scenery and landscapes of this province, taking it at your own pace.
Group tour or independently?
Although we had previously completed three different motorbike loops independently—the Mae Hong Son Loop in Thailand, and the Thakhek Loop, and Bolaven Plateau Loop both in Laos—we opted to join a group for the Ha Giang Loop. Our decision was influenced by the complexity and challenges of this particular loop, as we had a friend who had never ridden a motorbike before. Going with the group seemed like the safest choice. Additionally, the prospect of sharing our evenings with fellow travellers was a compelling factor. However, when we return to Vietnam in the future, we are eager to take on the Ha Giang Loop independently!
Pros
1. Safety and Support
The organised tour comes with experienced guides who are familiar with the terrain, local customs, and potential challenges. They provide valuable safety tips and support in case of emergencies. Everyone is required to test drive their bike first to ensure they have the confidence to drive the loop. Moreover, if you don’t feel confident in driving the motorbike by yourself, you can go with an “easy-rider”. This means that you can comfortably jump in the back of the motorbike of a local guide and be driven around the whole time.
In our specific case, one of our friends lacked confidence in riding a motorbike, experiencing two falls during the journey. For us it was fundamental to know that he received complete assistance and attentive care from our tour guides. Similarly, another girl encountered issues with her motorbike, which exhibited instability during turns. In a gesture of added security, our guide swapped motorcycles with her, ensuring her safety for the remainder of the tour.
2. Group Camaraderie
Travelling with the group enhances the social aspect of the journey, and if you are a social animal, you will enjoy the evenings organised for you. You’ll have the opportunity to meet like-minded travellers and share experiences along the way, singing karaoke and having a beer all together before going to bed.
Note: Numerous companies provide the Ha Giang Loop experience. We suggest considering booking with a smaller company to join a more intimate groups of around 6-7 people. This way, you can easily connect with fellow travellers without encountering complications that might slow down the journey during the day, as being in a larger group could lead to more potential issues.
3. Itinerary Planning
Organising the Ha Giang Loop requires a well-planned itinerary, ensuring you visit the most scenic spots and attractions. The group can save you time and effort in researching and organising your route. Furthermore, the guides are experts in the area, and at times, they can safely lead you off the main roads to explore unique areas that you might otherwise miss!
As an example, one day during the journey with our group, we ventured onto an off-road route, which turned out to be the most enjoyable segment of the entire loop. It provided us with immense fun and excitement, an experience we might have overlooked if we had been traveling independently.
4. Coverage from police fines at roadblocks
In Vietnam, to legally drive a motorbike, you typically need a Vietnamese driver’s license or an International Driving Permit (IDP) accompanied by your home country’s driver’s license. The rules and requirements may vary depending on the type of motorbike you wish to operate, your nationality, and the length of your stay in Vietnam. It’s important to note that despite the official regulations, there can be some ambiguity in enforcement, and at times, authorities may exploit this uncertainty to issue fines, which can be considerably high. Joining the group while driving helped us avoid fines!
At that time, a good number of us didn’t have international driver’s licenses, so our best option to avoid police stops was to join the group. We had a smooth experience because our guides were diligent about checking for potential roadblocks. When they suspected any issues, they would either change our route or find less conventional, potentially unofficial methods to ensure we could keep moving without encountering police checks.
Note: This should not be used as an excuse to avoid getting the necessary documentation.
In the event of an accident, your health insurance may not provide coverage if you don’t have your driving license in order. Therefore, it’s advisable to come prepared.
Cons
1. Less Freedom
The group has a fixed schedule and itinerary, limiting your flexibility to explore at your own pace. You may have less control over your daily activities.
There were indeed numerous moments when we wanted to pause and take some photos, but doing so meant getting left behind. It was frustrating at times not to have the freedom to stop whenever we pleased.
2. Cost
The organised tour is more expensive than doing it independently since you’re paying for the convenience, support, and expertise of the tour company.
We paid around 150 euros with everything included: tickets to cross the passes, motorbikes and gas, accommodations, bus from Hanoi and equipment that you might need. We estimated it would have cost around 15 EUR / 20 USD a day to do it independently.
3. Less Authenticity
Travelling with a group may result in a less authentic experience, as you may be following a predefined tourist path.
Travelling solo provides you with the opportunity to select your preferred home-stay without the presence of others, enhancing the authenticity of your local experience. Additionally, this sense of solitude can extend to your exploration, with increased opportunities to immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature while driving.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between joining an organized group or going independently on the Ha Giang Loop depends on your preferences, budget, and level of confidence and adventure. Some travelers prefer the convenience and safety of organized tours, while others relish the total freedom and authenticity of independent travel. Your decision should align with your travel style and goals for the trip!
Regardless of your choice, we wholeheartedly recommend embarking on this journey. It’s an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe throughout the entire adventure!
For more articles on motorbike loops in Asia, check out our guides for the Thakhek Loop and Bolaven Loop in Laos, and the Mae Hong Son Loop in Thailand. For more articles on Vietnam, click here.
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