Ha Giang Loop
By Evi Goossens, a travel storyteller, certified tour guide, and photographer from The Netherlands. Updated November 2024
Reading time: 8 min
Three days on the Ha Giang Loop
The Ha Giang Loop is not only the highlight of Vietnam for many people but often also the highlight of their entire journey through Southeast Asia! This motorbike route takes you through the mountains of Northern Vietnam to waterfalls, viewpoints, mountain villages, and local communities. It's a unique experience that you definitely shouldn't miss on your Vietnam trip! In this blog, you'll learn what to bring, what to expect, and much more.
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| TABLE OF CONTENTS
What organization should you go with
What to bring
Driving yourself or an easy driver?
The food on the Ha Giang Loop
Accommodation
3 day tour or 4 day tour
want to know more?
What organization should you go with
There are many organizations that offer the Ha Giang Loop. You have more well-known ones like Mama’s or Jasmine Tours, and some lesser-known ones. Personally, I went with Buffalo, and it was well-organized they arranged my hostel in Hanoi, the Ha Giang Loop, my transportation to the next destination, and my next hostel through them. What's nice about having multiple organizations is that you have more options to choose from. Essentially, they all offer the same tour, and many of them provide excellent service. I haven't heard of any organization where things weren't well arranged. When you're in Vietnam, look for the organization that gives you the best feeling. Perhaps you'll meet people along the way who already know of an organization that you can joint too.
What to bring
It somewhat depends on the time of year you're planning to do the Ha Giang Loop. For instance, it could be very hot, requiring only summer clothing, or extremely cold, necessitating a jacket or sweater. Make sure to check with the organization to see what the situation is, as they have the best understanding of the mountain weather. It's difficult to predict when the weather will be beautiful and when it won't. Weather apps aren't always accurate, and mountain weather can vary greatly. People currently doing the Ha Giang Loop can provide you with the most accurate information and the tour company have people over there they can ask it to.
Note: If it rains the company provides rain clothing for you!
1x Sweater
Small towel
Soap
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Tampons (for women
Underwear for each day you're away
Socks
1x Shorts
1x Pants
2x T-shirt/top
Packlist Ha Giang Loop:
Closed-toe shoes
Universal adapter
Power bank
Charger
International driver's license (if you're driving the loop yourself)
Passport
Earphones
Swimwear
Pyjamas
Cash
Driving yourself or an easyrider
The roads of the Ha Giang Loop are anything but easy. Some roads are manageable, but the majority are truly rough. Many roads are under construction or improvement due to the high number of tourists. So, it's possible that by the time you're reading this, they've already been significantly improved. However, in October 2023, some roads couldn't even be called roads, and you had to ride your motorbike over rocks.
Oh, and you're not just riding a scooter; you're on a manual motorcycle. Technically, if you don't have a motorcycle license, you are legally not allowed to be riding your own motorbike. However, the Vietnamese don't really stop this. I rode on the Ha Giang Loop for 1.5 days and then switched to an Easyrider. So, I've experienced both sides!
In the Netherlands, I have a scooter that I ride every day. Some people have never ridden a scooter before and still complete the Ha Giang Loop. It’s different for everyone. Therefore, you need to assess yourself and how safe you feel on a motorcycle. A scooter typically goes only 50 km/h, and you don't have to shift gears. The motorcycles on the Ha Giang loop go 80 km/h, and you do need to shift gears.
I found riding on the back of an Easyrider quite enjoyable. You can better enjoy the scenery while listening to some music. If you really love adventure but halfway through the journey realize that riding yourself isn't quite for you, you can let the tour leader know at the beginning or end of the day, and maybe they can arrange an Easyrider for you. That was the case for me.
The food on the Ha Giang Loop
In most cases, meals are included in the tour! Before the day begins, you'll enjoy breakfast together, have a provided lunch in the afternoon, and dinner in the evening. You'll be treated to delicious Vietnamese cuisine. Small plates are placed on the table for you to take from. Have you mastered eating with chopsticks? Because in these mountain villages, there are often no knives and forks!
Accommodation
The accommodation is very basic. You'll often stay in homestays with many people in the dormitory. Don't expect luxurious accommodations; it's all quite primitive and not always very clean
3 days or 4 days
The regular Ha Giang Tours are offered in a 3-day 2-night tour or a 4-day 3 3-night tour. I've heard many people who still didn't have enough even after 4 days. Personally, I found the 3 days to be perfect! After 3 days on the motorbike, you'll start to feel it in your legs, neck, back, and bottom. It's nice to get off the motorbike then. The only difference between these tours is that on the 4-day tour, you'll visit a flagpole at a Chinese viewpoint. You'll also ride almost the same route as the 3 days but cover fewer kilometers per day. Therefore, you can choose to save money and choose for the 3-day tour.
