Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam – Full Motorbike Guide 2024
Ready for the Ha Giang Loop in North Vietnam? Your ultimate guide for 2024 is here!
Welcome to one of the most impressive and adventurous destinations in Vietnam.
You’ll see some of the best landscapes in Southeast Asia, from limestone cliffs, and deep valleys to flowing rivers while riding a motorbike. This Loop isn’t just a 300km motorbike round-trip, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
And if you’re not sure about driving a motorbike by yourself you can book a motorbike or car with a driver and still have an amazing experience.
We’ve completed this loop twice already, once in December 2019 and once in October 2023. This guide is all you’ll need to plan your legendary Ha Giang Loop adventure. It’s filled with insider tips to make your journey as smooth as the mountain passes themselves.
This travel guide is long and detailed, but we always try to get straight to the point. If you’re looking for some specific information, jump here to the right chapter.
CHAPTERS
Convince yourself of the Ha Giang Loop
8 BEST Hotels in North Vietnam
North Vietnam has many amazing places to visit, each with its best places to stay. Here are some handpicked recommendations.
- Hanoi: Enjoy a luxury stay in the city center at Fraser Suites
- Ninh Binh: Stay at the peaceful Emeralda Resort on Tam Coc Lake
- Thac Ba Lake: Oasis of tranquility at Dinh Gia Trang
- Mu Cang Chai: Stay in the middle of rice fields at Le Champ Tu Le Resort Hot Spring & Spa
- Ha Giang: Connect with adventurous travelers at the Lotus Hostel
- Cao Bang: Stay near the Ban Gioc waterfall at Lan Rừng Homestay
- Bac Son: Experience an authentic stay and dinner with locals at Duong Cong Chich Homestay
- Cat Ba: Best beachfront hotel on the island at Hôtel Perle d’Orient Cat Ba – MGallery
What is the Ha Giang Loop?
The Ha Giang Loop is a stunning route in the north of Vietnam. The ride through epic mountains offers breathtaking views, best experienced on a motorbike.
Each year, more tourists come to North Vietnam to experience the Ha Giang Loop, which isn’t surprising at all. However, it’s still under the radar of most tourists in Vietnam, unlike its neighbor Sapa. It’s the place where adventurous travelers come together.
5 BEST Tours in North Vietnam
Check out our handpicked tours in North Vietnam and tick off some must-see attractions.
- Lan Ha Bay & Ha Long Bay Cruise: The top-rated all-inclusive Budget Overnight Cruise 2D/1N
- Ha Giang Loop: The highly recommended motorbike adventure with the Famous Ha Giang Loop Tour
- Ban Gioc Waterfall: Explore Ban Gioc Waterfall and more in Cao Bang with this 2D/1N Tour
- Hanoi Streetfood: Join a local Food Tour in Hanoi with visit to Train Street
- Mu Cang Chai: Explore beautiful rice terraces on a Full Day Trekking Tour
- Ninh Binh: Discover Ninh Binh on this small-group guided Full Day Tour from Hanoi
Where is the Ha Giang Loop?
The Ha Giang Loop is situated in the Ha Giang province, bordering China in the very north of Vietnam. It starts and ends in Ha Giang City, with stops in Yen Minh, Dong Van, Meo Vac and Du Gia.
Ha Giang is approximately a 7-hour drive from Hanoi, about 6 hours from Sapa, and 7 hours from Cao Bang. The drive may be long, but it’s absolutely worth it for the experience.
When is the Best Time to do the Ha Giang Loop?
The dry season in North Vietnam spans from October to April, while the rainy season lasts from May to September.
We highly recommend planning your visit for either end of September-October or April-May, when the weather tends to be warm and clear.
It can be quite cold during the winter months and quite wet in the summer months. Needless to say, it’s safer to drive during the dry season.
We have completed the Ha Giang Loop twice, once in October 2023 and once in December 2019. The start of October was the perfect time to witness the rice terraces transitioning from vibrant green to golden yellow.
How long does the Ha Giang Loop take?
It depends on how many kilometers you want to drive per day and how much time you have in Vietnam. The whole loop is 300 kilometers long and can take between 3 and 5 days.
Most people and tours complete it in 3 or 4 days. We believe that the more time you have, the better.
Flying into Hanoi
First of all, catch a flight to the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi. From here, you’ll have easy access to North Vietnam. You’ll find direct flights from Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Tokyo, and Hong Kong.
Visa for Vietnam
Before booking your flight tickets, check the entry requirements for your country. We applied for our one-month Vietnam visa online through the official Vietnamese government site and everything went incredibly smoothly upon arrival. This visa costs 25 USD.
You just need to bring your passport, which should be valid for at least another six months, and the printed visa approval letter, which you receive via email.
We recommend submitting your online visa request at least one week before, as the process usually takes 3-5 working days.
SIM Card for Vietnam
There are three major companies in Vietnam: Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobiphone. Among them, Viettel has the best network, especially in the northern regions.
If you’re looking for a mobile provider with coverage in remote areas, we recommend the Viettel Tourist SIM Card.
Here are the most recent packages available at the Viettel shops in Hanoi City Center.
- 1GB / day – 250k VND ≈ 10€
- 4GB / day – 350k VND ≈ 14€
- 6GB / day – 400k VND ≈ 16€
- 8GB / day – 450k VND ≈ 17.5€
They will need your passport for the SIM card registration. We always prefer going with official providers when purchasing a SIM card.
Bus to Hanoi City Center
The cheapest way to reach Hanoi city center is by taking a public bus. We hopped on the express bus 86, and it cost us 45,000 VND (≈ 1,7€) each.
The bus will drop you off at Hanoi Tran Quang Khai, which is a short walk to most accommodations in the Old Quarter of Hanoi. You can also disembark anywhere on the way to the center, just press the stop button to get off as soon as possible.
The express bus 86 serves both the international and domestic terminals. If you land at the international airport like we did, simply step outside and cross the first street where the taxis are waiting.
On your left, you’ll find the bus station (86 bus to Hanoi City Center). If you’re having trouble finding it, you can ask someone.
Grab to Hanoi City Center
If you want a comfortable ride into Hanoi city center, a private car is the way to go. We’d recommend using Grab for about 300,000 VND (11,5€) or arranging a pickup with your accommodation for a similar price.
Taxis? We’d say it’s better to avoid them, as they often use scams and tricks.
Another great choice is to arrange a private transfer through GetTransfer, a highly reliable company.
Arriving in Hanoi
After arriving in Hanoi, consider staying for 2 nights in the city center to experience the vibrant atmosphere, try delicious Vietnamese cuisine, and organize your trip to the north.
The center of Hanoi, often referred to as the Old Quarter, is the ideal location to be based. Check out this 2 days in Hanoi itinerary & the best things to do.
How to get to Ha Giang by Bus?
Most travelers arrive in Ha Giang by bus or minivan and begin the Ha Giang Loop from here. This is the most common scenario.
Hanoi to Ha Giang
From Hanoi, you can opt for a 7-hour sleeper bus or minivan. We recommend booking through 12go to secure the best deal and to check the most highly recommended bus companies. Personally, we prefer to read traveler reviews before booking to ensure a smooth journey.
TRAVEL TIP: The sleeper bus saves you a night’s accommodation and a day of travel.
Sapa to Ha Giang
From Sapa, you can take a 6-hour bus or minivan to Ha Giang. We recommend using 12go for booking to secure the best deals and to check the reviews of transport companies.
Arriving in Ha Giang
When you arrive in Ha Giang, we recommend staying at least one night in town. This will give you enough time to either book a guided tour or organize your own trip, such as renting a motorbike and planning the route.
FOOD TIP: Enjoy a delicious Bahn Mi at Phương Hạnh DONER KEBAB Bánh mỳ
When arriving with a sleeper bus, you’ll be glad to have a day to rest before embarking on the loop. If you arrive too early to check in, simply drop off your bags at your Ha Giang accommodation and grab breakfast elsewhere.
BEST ACCOMMODATIONS
Best Ha Giang Loop Tours
The easiest and most convenient way to experience the Ha Giang Loop is by booking a tour online. One highly recommended option is this famous Ha Giang Loop tour!
Booking online allows you to compare reviews, itineraries, and everything that’s included. Make sure to book your tour in advance and have something exciting to look forward to.
If you’re not comfortable riding a motorbike on your own, you have two alternatives. You can hire an “easy rider,” which is a guide who drives the motorbike while you relax in the back. Alternatively, you can opt for a car tour, which is the safest and most comfortable option.
Best Ha Giang Loop Tours
Check out our handpicked boat tours in Ha Giang and tick off some must-see attractions.
4-Day Motorbike Tour
Drive-Yourself, Guided & All-Included Motorbike Tour
3-Day Motorbike Tour
Drive-Yourself Guided & All-Included Motorbike Tour
3-4 Day Easy Rider Tour
Experience the Ha Giang Loop on the Back of an Easy Rider
4-Day Car Tour
Enjoy Ha Giang on a Comfortable, Guided Car Tour
Guided Tour vs Do it Yourself
I guess it depends on what you’re looking for and what your skills are. Here’s a little bit of context that could help you decide.
Join a Ha Giang Loop Tour
Why should you join a tour? First of all, you’ll get the most out of your trip and time. You’ll do the Ha Giang Loop with an experienced driver and guide.
Everything will be arranged, so you don’t need to worry or stress about anything. It’s a kind of all-inclusive experience. You’ll have more time to relax and enjoy your surroundings. In case your bike encounters any mechanical problems, you’ll receive assistance.
This is a good option for family or friend groups traveling together, but also for solo travelers looking to meet new people. You have a variety of options to choose from:
- 3 or 4-day tour
- Group or private tour
- Driving the bike or having an easy rider (motorbike driver)
- Motorbike or car tour
Do the Ha Giang Loop by Yourself
You can do the Ha Giang Loop on your own without a tour or guide. That’s what we did. You will just need to organize some things, like renting a motorbike, booking hotels, and planning your route.
But don’t worry, this guide has everything you need to know. You can plan everything in advance or do it in Ha Giang when you arrive.
Going solo gives you a lot of freedom, like going and stopping when, where, and for how long you want. You don’t have to wait for anyone.
You will be responsible for everything, from navigation to finding places for food, water, fuel, and help if needed. This is the perfect option for people with experience in riding motorbikes in Southeast Asia and in traveling in general. It’s usually the cheaper but more stressful option.
Motorbike Types and Comparison
No doubt, the best way to experience the Ha Giang Loop is by motorbike. You can either rent a motorbike in Ha Giang, where you directly start the Loop, or in Hanoi, where you first have to drive to the north.
Most rental places in Vietnam will have these three options: the automatic, the semi-automatic, and the manual. We will now explain the motorbike differences for the Ha Giang Loop.
Automatic Scooter (not recommended)
Automatic scooters are great for city driving, but not recommended for the Ha Giang Loop. Gears are essential for handling the steep sections of the road and maintaining control over your bike.
Semi-automatic (popular choice, for beginners & cheap)
The semi-automatic is the most popular motorbike for locals in Vietnam and also the most common choice for travelers on the Ha Giang Loop. They have gears but no clutch and are lighter, smaller, and more affordable than manuals. You can change gears with a foot pedal like a manual, but without having to pull a clutch. This is way easier to learn and drive than a manual. The most frequently seen and recommended one is the Honda Wave.
Many travelers coming to Ha Giang only have experience with automatic scooters. If it’s your first time driving a semi-automatic, the rental shops often provide short lessons on how to drive them safely. Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it very quickly.
Manual (best choice, for experienced drivers)
If you’re an experienced motorbike driver, manuals are the best choice. They have gears, and a clutch, and are larger and more comfortable. You won’t see them often on the loop, because they are unpopular among the locals, more expensive, and more difficult to drive for beginners. We recommend the Honda CB 150 or the Honda XR 150.
For couples like us, it’s better to go for a larger bike. Considering you’re carrying double the weight of a solo rider, it’s advisable to opt for a manual 150cc. This is also a good choice if you’re renting in Hanoi and want to do the whole North Vietnam loop, including the Ha Giang Loop.
If you choose a bigger bike with larger tires, it’s a good idea to carry some spare tubes in case you get a flat tire. We learned that sometimes they won’t have the bigger tubes you’ll need, and they’ll have to use smaller tubes, which is also fine but not ideal.
Comparison to Help you Choose
Picking the right motorbike can significantly impact your trip. In our opinion, opting for a Honda is a smart move. Honda is the most popular brand in Vietnam, making it easy to find places for repairs or replacement parts.
You’ll need to decide if you want a manual or a semi-automatic. Here are some points to consider when choosing between the two options.
| semi-automatic | manual | |
|---|---|---|
experience | best for beginners, easy to learn | best for experienced drivers |
gears and clutch | has only gears, no clutch | has gears and a clutch |
price | cheap, starting from 7€ | pricey, starting from 17€ |
size, people | small, light, for 1 person | larger, heavier, more comfortable, for 2 persons |
popularity | popular, easier to repair | unpopular, bring some spare tubes with you if you have bigger tires |
best models | honda wave 110cc / 125cc | honda CB & honda XR 150cc |
Best Motorbike Rentals in Ha Giang
After you figure out which bike you want, compare the prices, check availability, and read the latest reviews on Google Maps from different rental shops in Ha Giang. If you’re still unsure, it’s a good idea to message a motorbike shop for help. We usually find their phone number on Google Maps and use WhatsApp to get in touch with them.
Here are the best shops to rent a motorbike in Ha Giang:
COST: A semi-automatic will cost you 7-10€ and a manual motorbike 17-19€ per day.
Motorbike Rental Checklist
Here’s a checklist to go through before renting a motorbike. Don’t forget to take a test drive.
Things that should work perfectly for your safety:
- Newish deep-treaded tires
- Newish brakes
- Working blinkers and headlights
Things that should be included in the rental price:
- Helmets with a visor that fits well
- Rack and bungee ropes for strapping your backpack
- Phone holder and charging port
Route for the Ha Giang Loop
3-day Itinerary for the Ha Giang Loop
This is a quick overview of our itinerary for the Ha Giang Loop. Below, you’ll find more details about each day.
Travelers typically make stops at Yen Minh, Dong Van, Meo Vac, Du Gia, and Ha Giang. This 300 km route is usually best explored over 3 to 5 days.
Keep in mind that the drive times on Google Maps may not always be accurate, so take your time and enjoy every moment. Stop for photos, breaks, drinks, and snacks. After all, it’s all about the journey.
Here’s our personal route and experience of the Ha Giang Loop in 2023.
BEST ACCOMMODATIONS
Day 1: Ha Giang - Yen Minh (100km/3h)
After a yummy breakfast at Lotus Hostel and filling up our gas tank, our adventure began early in the morning. We were super excited, thinking about the views from our previous Ha Giang Loop trip in 2019. Our stuff was tightly strapped to our Honda CB – the big backpack at the back, the smaller one on the side, and Niki had the camera bag ready for photos.
Not far from Ha Giang, we started seeing limestone mountains everywhere. The views were already amazing. The first stop was Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate. There’s a place to park and a little coffee shop almost in the clouds, with incredible views of the mountain pass and the area around. It’s a perfect spot to rest.
There’s a point (GPS coordinates: 23°05’07.0″N 105°02’15.2″E), after crossing a bridge, where you have to choose the route to Yen Minh. There’s a longer way and a shorter one. We took the shortcut, going right uphill. We suggest you do the same. You can put these coordinates in your Google Maps: Ha Giang – 23.118357, 105.061659 – Yen Minh.
COFFEE TIP: Cappuccino Coffe Yen Minh was the perfect break for snacks, with french fries and coffee.
We suggest you to stay overnight in Yen Minh, but we were so excited that after our break we wanted to keep going.
Day 2: Yen Minh - Dong Van (45km/1,5h)
In addition to the amazing road views, the next two attractions will absolutely amaze you: the Tham Ma Pass and the Dong Van Karst Plateau. We made frequent stops along the road to capture the breathtaking scenery. Just be cautious about where you choose to stop.
We arrived in Dong Van late, having not spent the night in Yen Minh. If you plan on doing the same, we suggest leaving Ha Giang as early as possible in the morning, granting you the entire day to experience the beauty of the road and viewpoints.
FOOD TIP: Enjoy a Vietnamese Hotpot at Thach son-lau ga den au bo ngua
Day 3: Dong Van - Meo Vac (30km/1h)
Once again, we set off early, knowing that the best was yet to come. Just 10 km outside of Dong Van, you’ll encounter what, for us, was the biggest highlight of the Ha Giang Loop: the Ma Pi Leng Pass and the breathtaking Nho Que River.
Here are a few of the many viewpoints you can explore:
- Ma Pi Leng Pass Viewpoint
- Tu San Canyon Viewpoint
- Secret Viewpoint: 23°13’11.7″N 105°25’01.6″E
After witnessing some of the finest views in Vietnam, you might choose to spend the night in Meo Vac before continuing your journey the next day. But you can also keep driving, like we did.
FOOD TIP: Try local food at Phuc Loc Quan – Pho chua
Day 4: Meo Vac - YOUR CHOICE
So, after Meo Vac, you have three possibilities, depending on your time and interests. Spoiler: we chose option 3.
Option 1: GO BACK TO HA GIANG
You can head directly back to Ha Giang in one day.
Meo Vac – Ha Giang (150km/4h)
Option 2. GO TO DU GIA before going back to HA GIANG:
You can return to Ha Giang, but make a stop in Du Gia for a night and visit the Du Gia waterfall.
Meo Vac – Du Gia (70km/3h) – Ha Giang (70km/2.5h)
Option 3. GO TO CAO BANG
You can extend your loop and go to Cao Bang to visit the Ban Gioc waterfall and the Nui Thung mountain. We recommend this option, as both attractions are truly breathtaking. We stopped on the way to Cao Bang in Bao Lac for the night.
Meo Vac – Bao Lac (70km/2h) – Cao Bang (130km/3,5h)
Where to Stay on the Ha Giang Loop?
Booking in advance is recommended for the best deal. Here are our recommendations for different budgets:
Ha Giang
- Budget ($): Lotus Hostel Motorbikes & Tours
- Mid-range ($$): Ha Giang Historic House & tour
- Luxury ($$$): Yen Bien Luxury Hotel
Yen Minh
- Budget 1 ($): Mam Da Homstay
- Budget 2 ($): Homestay Bongbang
Dong Van
- Budget ($): Nhà Nghỉ Quang Trung
- Mid-range ($$): Plum Homestay
- Luxury ($$$): Dong Van Cliffside House
Meo vac
- Budget 1 ($): Nha Nghi Thu Nu
- Budget 2 ($): Nhà Nghỉ Việt Nhật
- Luxury ($$$): Little Yen’s Homestay
Du Gia
- Budget ($): Du Gia View Homestay
- Mid-range ($$): Du Già Village Homestay
- Luxury ($$$): Tớ Dày Du Già Village
Bao lac
- Budget 1 ($): Viet Hoang Hotel Bao Lac Cao Bang
- Budget 2 ($): Sunny Homestay
Where to Eat on the Ha Giang Loop?
Check out our route to discover some places we recommend for food and snacks. Here is some information about food in general on the Ha Giang Loop.
Vietnamese food is delicious and very affordable. We never paid more than 60,000 VND (≈ 2€) per meal and more than 30,000 VND (≈ 1€) per drink. The food places on the Ha Giang Loop are very rural and basic. Don’t expect anything fancy or Western food.
You can enjoy breakfast and dinner at your homestay with the local family and other guests, which is a wonderful experience.
For lunch, you’ll need to stop at local restaurants along the road. If you book a tour, everything will be arranged. If you’re traveling solo, don’t stress too much about finding a place to eat. Sometimes, you might be surrounded by mountains with no food places in sight. Just keep driving to the next village, and you’ll surely find a place to eat.
Is driving in Vietnam Safe?
Driving in Vietnam isn’t the safest thing to do. If you don’t have any experience, it’s probably not the best idea to learn how to drive a motorbike in Vietnam. However, you don’t need to be an expert. Hanoi is very chaotic, but as soon as you’re out of the city, it gets better. Almost all roads in the north are well-paved. Don’t speed and be cautious; Vietnamese drivers may not even look before cutting in front of you.
Road Conditions
The roads on the Ha Giang Loop are in very good condition. However, some parts can be very dangerous, such as the narrow roads with steep drops next to them. Additionally, you have to be very careful with animals, children, and locals walking next to the road.
Police Presence in the Ha Giang Loop
If you’re planning to ride a motorbike as a tourist in Vietnam, it’s important to have your driver’s license and the International Driver’s Permit (IDP). Only the 1968 IDP is valid, not the 1949. You can check this number on your papers. Additionally, you will need the official papers of the rented motorbike.
There are two opinions about police in Ha Giang province.
- Some believe the police are looking for a bribe. This may happen either because you don’t have the right papers or, sometimes, even with the right papers, they may try to trick you by claiming you were speeding or something similar. After paying the fine/bribe, they will let you go. We will explain later what to do if this happens to you.
- On the other hand, some believe the police don’t want to get involved with foreigners unless they have to. They are usually very friendly, but they may not speak English. They conduct checkpoints to target unlicensed motorbike drivers. With the right papers, you shouldn’t have any problems.
We completed the north Vietnam loop, including the Ha Giang Loop, twice, once in December 2019 and once in October 2023, and we weren’t stopped by the police at all. If we remember correctly, we only saw them once. This is why we can’t confirm either of the two opinions above. However, this is what you need to do if the police are looking for a bribe.
Preparation is key. Keep around 200k VND (≈ 8€) in your wallet, and store the rest of your money and cards in your bag. This makes negotiating easier if you’re stopped. If you get pulled over, grab your keys and put them in your pocket to maintain control over your vehicle.
If you think they’re seeking a bribe, insist that you only have 200k VND (≈ 8€) in your wallet and show it to them. If they propose going to an ATM, insist that you don’t have your bank card. Stay patient. They want to make money, but they don’t want to lose too much time. This often leads them to accept the smaller amount and let you go.
Many people do the Ha Giang Loop without having a driving license and don’t encounter any police checkpoints. Maybe you just have to be lucky. While we don’t recommend driving without an International Driving Permit, if you choose to do so, keep yourself informed by asking your Homestay in Ha Giang about the current situation and where the police checkpoints are located.
Do you need a Permit for the Ha Giang Loop?
We had the same question a few days before starting our Ha Giang Loop. Online, you’ll find mixed information. We did the Loop in October 2023 and we didn’t need a permit. We believe this is outdated information. Here is why we think that:
- Our hostel in Ha Giang, which also offered Ha Giang Loop Tours, did not know about this permit requirement.
- Our motorbike rental place in Hanoi informed us that their customers do the loop without it all the time.
- No one asked for it on the Ha Giang Loop, accommodations didn’t check it, and there were no police controls.
If you don’t want to risk it, you can visit the Ha Giang Immigration Office and inquire there. It should cost around 10€. If you have any information or experiences regarding this, feel free to share in the comments.
Motorbike Insurance
As is often the case in Southeast Asia, there is no option to purchase motorbike insurance when you rent your bike. It simply doesn’t exist. The renter is held responsible for any damages incurred. We always take photos and videos of the bike before renting it, clearly showing its condition. This helps prevent any disagreements when returning the bike.
Personal Insurance
It’s essential for every traveler to have personal insurance. You never know what might happen, and expenses can vary widely in different countries. When driving a motorbike, this is even more important. But you will need to buy specific travel insurance that covers motorbike accidents. Spoiler: many personal insurance policies don’t cover motorbike situations.
Motorbike Crashes on the Ha Giang Loop
In case of a crash, it’s highly advisable to get in touch with your rental company right away. They’ve likely dealt with various situations and have the expertise to guide you through the process and provide the necessary assistance.
Packing, Tips & Costs
After 2 months and 4000 km on a North Vietnam Motorbike Trip, we’ve put together the ultimate packing list, tips, and costs to help you plan your trip.
Local Culture Experience on the Ha Giang Loop
The Ha Giang region is inhabited by the Hmong tribespeople. While driving the loop, you’ll catch glimpses of their lives. To get a closer experience of their culture, consider staying in homestays and having dinner with the family. Another option to connect with the locals is by visiting the morning markets in the villages.
Cao Bang - Ha Giang Loop Extension
You might have already heard about the Ban Gioc Waterfalls – possibly the most impressive waterfalls in Southeast Asia and certainly the widest waterfalls in Vietnam. To witness this natural wonder, consider extending your Ha Giang Loop trip to visit Cao Bang before returning to Ha Giang. This extension would require an additional 2-3 days.
10 Best Things to Do in Ha Giang
We loved the Ha Giang Province; it is one of the most impressive and adventurous destinations in Vietnam. Here are our top 10 favorite highlights from the entire loop.
Where to go after the Ha Giang Loop?
The Ha Giang Loop can be combined with some amazing destinations in the north. Here are some fantastic places in North Vietnam we’ve been to and highly recommend:
Depending on your next destination after Ha Giang, you may need to return to Hanoi first before catching a bus to your next stop. Check on 12GO to see if there’s a direct transportation option. If not, plan your journey via Hanoi.
If you enjoy riding a motorbike, you could ride the Ha Giang Loop as part of the North Vietnam Loop. Our 2-week motorbike tour in Vietnam was one of the most thrilling experiences of our two years of travel in Asia.
You can easily rent a motorbike in Hanoi for this adventure.
Conclusion
The Ha Giang Loop is a raw and off-the-beaten-path adventure. You will have incredible mountain and valley views while experiencing an authentic culture. It’s the perfect destination, for nature, adventure, and motorbike lovers. If you are into all 3, seriously, what’s holding you back?
You will often be the only one in wild nature places, which will blow your mind. Take your time to enjoy the landscapes and most important be safe. If you have any questions or want to share your experience, just leave a comment below.
Just to be sure, is a motor (A1) license needed to ride the motor? Or is a car (B) and scooter (AM) license enough? Thanks a lot for the blog!
Hi Anton
Yes. Legally, as a tourist you need a A1 Driver’s License and the International Driver’s Permit (1968 IDP) to ride a motorbike in Vietnam. Only the 1968 IDP is valid, not the 1949. You can check this number on your papers.
We highly recommend only riding a motorcycle if you have all the papers. However, the truth is, that many travelers ride without it in Vietnam and many other countries in Southeast Asia. It’s unlikely that the police will stop you to check.
For more informations about renting a motorbike in Vietnam, check out this blog post – https://travelnania.com/rent-motorbike-vietnam/