To get the most out of your Ha Giang Loop, it’s important to be well-prepared and know what to bring. Whether you are choosing a car or traveling by motorbike. Karst Plateau will give you essential tips on how to arrange your luggage for the Ha Giang Loop Route. Make sure this will be a memorable and safe adventure. From clothing selection and packaging advice to everything you need to prepare.
1. Items you need to bring when traveling around Ha Giang
1.1 Cash and Drivers license & IDP
The main payment method in Ha Giang is cash so you need to prepare cash
What to bring for the Ha Giang Loop? Cash is the first important item that you need to prepare for the Ha Giang Loop trip. The main payment method in Ha Giang is cash because other methods such as bank transfer or card swiping are still not widely popular. You should remember to preserve your money well in case of unfortunate events such as falling or losing it, especially when you go to crowded places like Ha Giang market or festivals. You also should not bring too much money compared to your budget. Besides, you should look up the Ha Giang loop cost to be able to estimate and plan reasonable details for your Ha Giang trip. This is extremely important that you cannot forget.
In addition, if you plan to drive yourself, it is crucial to carry a valid driver’s license from your home country as well as an International Driving Permit (IDP). These documents are particularly important as police checkpoints are common along the Ha Giang Loop. Remember, IDPs can only be obtained in your home country, so make sure to apply for one before your trip to Vietnam.
1.2 Itinerary and travel map
You need to plan and schedule your trip so you don’t miss any sightseeing spots
To have the most complete excursion to Ha Giang and not miss any places to visit, you need to plan and schedule the trip in advance. Distribute the itinerary according to the most favorable route, watching the weather is also a very necessary factor for the trip.
Don’t be in a hurry to rely 100% on Google Maps because many passes will lose signal completely, you can’t determine the direction or path of travel if you lose 3G and 4G signals. Therefore, before the trip, you should prepare a map of Ha Giang backpacking so that you can be more proactive in all travel routes, especially when backpacking!
1.3 Clothes and Shoes
Ha Giang is located in a mountainous area with an altitude of more than 1500m above sea level. So the temperature here is about 3 degrees Celsius lower than other areas. Visitors must carefully prepare their clothes when going to Ha Giang Loop.
Clothes:
These windbreakers will help you keep your body warm, protect you from the sun, and be extremely light
+ Summer: The temperature difference between day and night is quite large. During the day, the weather is quite hot, but at night it is much colder. You need to prepare yourself with a thin jacket or long-sleeved top. In addition don’t forget to prepare sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun protection shirt to protect your skin.
+ Autumn: The temperature here is quite low compared to the plains, so you need to bring a scarf, gloves, a thick warm shirt…
+ Winter: Visitors need to prepare thick clothes, warm enough, and can avoid the wind as much as possible. Heating bags, earmuffs, gloves, raincoats… are indispensable things.
Shoes:
You should choose shoes with good friction and soft soles to avoid slipping and be comfortable to wear
The terrain in Ha Giang is uneven, so the best footwear for moving is hiking shoes or walking shoes. They need to grip the road to avoid slipping and have a soft sole. You should bring two pairs of shoes, one for dry weather and one for rainy days.
1.4 Medicines and First aid kits
First aid kit is an item you cannot forget on this trip
First aid kit is an item you cannot forget on this trip. If you choose to travel by motorbike, sometimes you will have collisions on the road, injuries while trekking, or insect bites. First aid kit will be a great help so you can treat injuries quickly.
In addition, you can bring medicines such as digestive enzymes, painkillers, anti-motion sickness drugs, cold medicines,… to prevent common diseases. If you have a specific disease, remember to bring the prescribed medication.
1.5 Motorbike accessories
Motorbike accessories helps to ensure your safety when driving
If you travel by motorbike, don’t forget to prepare the necessary motorcycle accessories for your trip to Ha Giang. These items will help protect your safety throughout the journey. You should pay attention to choosing quality products to ensure safety. You need to prepare Helmet, gloves, mask, headscarf, hand and leg armor, etc.
If you choose to rent a motorbike in Ha Giang, they will provide the above for you. However, if you can still have your personal items ready for use, you may not want to use public items. Not only with motorbike tours, if you travel to Ha Giang by bicycle, you should also prepare the necessary equipment when riding a bicycle.
1.6 Stored food and drinks
This is a list of necessary items that you should consider bringing when traveling to Ha Giang
Another thing that is very necessary when preparing Ha Giang tourist goods is snacks and drinks. Many times when traveling long distances, you will feel tired and lose strength, at this time, the food reserves will help you recharge your spirit and health after a long journey and prepare for the journey ahead.
Visitors can also buy snacks along the way, but it is still more convenient and suitable for their taste in advance.
1.7 Electronic devices and SIM cards in Vietnam
You should bring a camera, phone, or selfie stick to save the most beautiful moments and memories of the Ha Giang rocky plateau
Electronic devices such as cameras, phones, and selfie sticks will help you save the best moments and memories of the Ha Giang rocky plateau. In places with charming natural scenery such as Quan Ba Heavenly Gate, Nho Que River, Lo Lo Chai Village, Cat King Mansion, etc, or learn about the cultural features of ethnic groups.
For seamless access to navigation apps like Google Maps, conveniently browse the web on TripAdvisor to see restaurant recommendations, and communicate with locals using Google Translate. The essential thing that you need to prepare is to have a Vietnamese SIM card.
Besides, in remote areas where connectivity may be limited. Download offline maps on Google Maps and offline languages on Google Translate to make sure you can access the information you need even when you don’t have an internet connection.
2. Packing tips for the Ha Giang Loop
Packing and classifying items into packing cubes will help you make the most of your suitcase’s space
After listing what you need to bring when traveling to Ha Giang, you feel confused about how to pack your belongings. To be able to pack your belongings in the most reasonable and neat way, you can refer to the following ways:
Roll up clothes and pre-pack: To minimize wrinkles and maximize packaging efficiency, you can roll clothes and pre-pack.
Arrange the first outfit you’ll wear at the top of your luggage: When you organize your most needed and most used items on top, it’s easy to grab them without having to rummage through your luggage.
Use packing cubes: Packing and sorting your belongings into packing blocks will help you make the most of your suitcase’s space. Moreover, when sorting into separate bags, you can easily get the items you need.
Bring an extra tote bag to store souvenirs: To avoid wasting luggage space on extra items purchased during your trip to Ha Giang, you can prepare a tote bag to carry.
3. Safety Tips for a Trip to the Ha Giang Loop
Safety should be one of your top priorities
When starting your adventure around Ha Giang, safety should be one of your top priorities. While the journey offers breathtaking views and cultural experiences, it can also be challenging and unpredictable. Here are some notes that you need to keep in mind:
Avoid Dangerous Areas: Some sections of the Ha Giang Line may be considered unsafe due to unpredictable weather conditions. Remember to research the route in advance and avoid any areas that may pose a risk.
Driving with caution: The roads along the Ha Giang Loop can be narrow, steep, and winding. Make sure to drive at a safe and reasonable speed, especially at sharp turns or steep curves.
Water retention: The weather in Ha Giang can be hot and humid, so it’s important to drink enough water during the trip. Bring enough water and take regular breaks to rest and rehydrate.
Be prepared for emergencies: Carry a first aid kit, emergency supplies, and means of communication in case of an emergency. It’s also a good idea to share your travel plans with someone back home and keep them updated on your progress along the way.
Be cautious when interacting with locals: The locals in Ha Giang are known for their hospitality and friendliness, but it is important to be cautious when interacting with them. Respect their customs and traditions and avoid any situations that may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable.
After the above information, you must already know what to bring for your trip to Ha Giang. Hopefully, with these tips from Karst Plateau, you can prepare well for your trip. If you find this useful information, please share this article with your friends.