The Ha Giang Loop, a mesmerizing journey through the northernmost province of Vietnam, offers an unparalleled adventure for travelers seeking breathtaking landscapes, cultural immersion, and thrilling motorbike rides. Here’s Karst Plateau will share everything to know for your Ha Giang Loop Itinerary and make the most of this incredible experience.
The Ha Giang Loop is famous for its breathtaking scenery and winding roads
Known as one of the most remarkable road routes in Southeast Asia, the Ha Giang Loop is a must-see for backpacking enthusiasts. This route is about 350 km long, starting from Quan Ba, passing through Yen Minh, Dong Van, Meo Vac, and finally returning to Quan Ba.
1.2 How to get to Ha Giang Loop?
The best way to get from Hanoi to Ha Giang is by minibus with a travel time of about 6.5 hours and a ticket price of about 420,000 VND (17 USD).
There are 2 buses departing from Hanoi, the first one departs at 6:30 am and arrives in Ha Giang at 1:00 pm. The second train departs at 3:30 pm and arrives in Ha Giang at 10:00 pm.
1.3 What should you do when coming to Ha Giang?
Upon arrival, I recommend spending at least one night in Ha Giang City before starting the Ha Giang Loop journey. I recommend doing this because after a 6-hour bus ride to Ha Giang, perhaps the last thing you want to do is plunge straight into the 3-day adventure around Ha Giang.
In addition, you will need to rent a motorbike and get a map of Ha Giang roads that contains useful information before starting the journey.
Going on Ha Giang Road from early September to early October is the most beautiful time to see the golden rice fields.
To experience the buckwheat flower season, you should take the Ha Giang road in October or November.
Visit Ha Giang in spring (March to May) to see the blooming flowers and pleasant weather around the Ha Giang Ring Road.
1.5 How much is the cost for the Ha Giang Loop journey?
Taking the Ha Giang Loop from Hanoi is not expensive, if you decide to go on your own, the total cost for a day will be around 50 to 70 dollars, depending on the type of motorbike and accommodation preferences.
Below is the average daily price of the Ha Giang route:
Motorbike rental: $7 to $17 a day
Fuel: About 200,000 VND (8 USD)
Accommodation: $30 a night
Permit to go around Ha Giang: $10 a motorbike
Food, water, snacks: About 100k VND
1.6 How long does it take you to complete the Ha Giang Loop?
The duration of the trip will depend on your personal preferences and the amount of time you have.
The duration of the Ha Giang Loop may vary depending on your travel style, pace, and preferences. Most people complete the loop in 3-4 days, although some visitors prefer to spend more time exploring the area more thoroughly. The 3-day trip provides a great overview of the area’s highlights.
However, keep in mind that this means spending many hours on a motorbike every day to cover the entire distance. Your buttocks will feel sore at the end of the 2nd and 3rd day of riding.
If you have more time, extend the trip to 4-5 days or even a week so that you can take more frequent breaks, visit more attractions, and immerse yourself more deeply in the local culture. Ultimately, the duration of the trip will depend on your personal preferences and the amount of time you have.
2. What do you need to prepare for a Ha Giang Loop trip?
When preparing your luggage for a Ha Giang motorbike ride, it is important to keep in mind the changing weather conditions and rough terrain. Here are some essential items to consider when packing:
Carefully prepare the necessary items for a safe trip
Warm clothes: Even in the warmer months, the mountains can still be cold at night, so bring some warm clothes along with two pairs of pants, as one can get wet or muddy.
Protective equipment: Sturdy shoes or boots, waterproof gloves, and a padded jacket can help protect you from accidents and falls.
Rain gear: Ha Giang is famous for its sudden changes in weather, so bring a raincoat or a good waterproof robe to stay dry in case of unexpected rain.
Sun protection: The sun can be very intense, especially during the day, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.
Cash: Many places in Ha Giang do not accept credit cards, so bring enough cash to cover the expenses.
Water bottle: Maintaining enough water is important, so bring a refillable water bottle to avoid buying plastic bottles.
Camera or phone: Ha Giang has some of the most stunning natural landscapes in Vietnam, so bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
Swimwear: You can swim at several waterfalls along the way, so don’t forget to bring a swimsuit!
By packing these essential items, you will be better prepared for your Ha Giang motorbike ride.
3. Ha Giang Loop 4 Days 3 Nights Itinerary
This 4-day Ha Giang Loop itinerary involves 3 nights while on the loop, giving you four full days to drive around and explore all the main spots.
We highly recommend following this itinerary, so you can have enough time and don’t need to be rushing the whole time.
Journey to explore Ha Giang Loop
Day 1 of Ha Giang Loop
Route: Ha Giang City – Tam Son – Dong Van, 150km, 4 to 5 hours of driving
Places visited: Heaven’s Gate, Twin/Fairy Hills, Yen Minh, Tham Ma Pass
Optional places to visit: Lung Khuy Cave, Lung Tam Village, Hmong King Palace, Lung Cu Flagpole (Northernmost Point of Vietnam)
Day 2 of Ha Giang Loop
Route: Dong Van – Skywalk – Ma Pi Leng Pass – Tu San Canyon – Meo Vac, 25km, 1 hour of driving
Places visited: Skywalk, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Tu San Canyon, Nho Que River Boat Trip, Meo Vac
Optional places to visit: Dong Van Market (Sundays only)
Day 3 of Ha Giang Loop
Route: Meo Vac – Du Gia, 75km, 3 hours of driving
Places visited: Roadside viewpoints, Du Gia Waterfall
Optional places to visit: Meo Vac Market (Sundays only)
Day 4 of Ha Giang Loop
Route: Du Gia – Ha Giang, 115km, 3.5 hours of driving
Places visited: Viewpoints on the road
Optional places to visit: Any places you missed around Tam Son on day 1, like Lung Khuy Cave or Lung Tam Village
Important note: Do not take the road south out of Du Gia! It is badly damaged, muddy, and easy to get hurt on.
Around Ha Giang offers a combination of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Thoughtful preparation and a well-planned Karst Plateau itinerary will ensure you have a safe and memorable experience. Each stop on the loop offers a unique insight into the rich picture of Northern Vietnam. Enjoy the adventure, connect with the local culture, and make unforgettable memories on your journey around Ha Giang.
