Ha Giang Loop Guide
Ha Giang Easy Rider Guide - Epic Adventure
If there is one epic adventure you simply must add to your Vietnam itinerary, it is without a doubt the Ha Giang Loop in Northern Vietnam. This Ha Giang Loop Guide covers one of the most spectacular motorbike rides in the world. When my mum came to visit me and my partner during our long journey through Asia, she was determined to make this a part of the trip, and off we went, riding pillion and soaking in the jaw-dropping views. Ha Giang is not only the name of the city where the loop starts and ends, but also the breathtaking region you will be exploring. Curious? Have a peek at my travel guide!
Ha Giang travel guide - How to get here?
To begin with, you will need to get yourself to the Ha Giang region. Fortunately, there are direct buses from Hanoi to Ha Giang city. The loop itself takes you deep into the heart of the region, through remote villages home to Vietnam’s ethnic minorities. These are your main travel options, and trust me, it is best to book online in advance to secure your spot.
Ha Giang Loop motorcycle tour
Once on the motorbike, you feel the wind in your hair and your mouth falls open at every turn because everywhere you look is breathtaking. Being on the bike immerses you completely in the landscape, and yes, you will experience the weather in all its glory too! There are two ways to do the loop: either ride yourself or hop on the back with an easy rider. If you are a confident and experienced rider, the route should not pose a challenge.
Ha Giang Loop tour packages
We opted to do the loop with an easy rider, and honestly, we did not regret it for a second. We could fully enjoy the views, wave to locals, and capture stunning footage along the way, it was absolutely brilliant! Before we set off, I did a ton of research to find a small-group tour that prioritized safety and, importantly, was ethically run. That is how I found ‘Lila Inn & Tours’, a company with a real heart for the local community.
Lila Inn & Tours - Book your tour with 5% discount
Lila Inn Tours is a hostel in Ha Giang that, like many others in the city, offers Ha Giang Loop tours. However, what sets them apart is their awareness of the impact large investors are having on these tours. Lila Inn ensures that local people from the Ha Giang region (many of whom would not otherwise have access to decent jobs) are given meaningful work and earn up to 50% more than elsewhere as an easy rider. Most of their staff come from disadvantaged backgrounds with limited access to higher education. If the easy riders meet Lila Inn’s standards, they are welcomed into the team. That is why not every rider speaks fluent English, but rest assured, safety is their top priority. The riders are committed to getting you through the loop safely. Even better, the group sizes are small, so you have got plenty of space to enjoy the stops. You can do the loop privately or in a small group, and choose between 2 and 7 days. Want to know more? Have a browse on their website: lilainn.tours.
Ha Giang Loop motorbike rental
If you are a confident motorcyclist and prefer to ride solo, that is also an option, either with a tour or independently. Joining a tour while riding yourself costs about the same as riding with an easy rider. Prefer to go it alone? You can also hire a motorbike from Lila Inn directly, without joining a tour.
Ha Giang Loop budget
Of course, if you are planning to do the Ha Giang Loop, make sure to set aside a budget for it. For our 4-day loop with Lila Inn Tours, we paid around $200 USD per person, which included:
- A private easy rider & all relevant insurances
- Private room accommodation
- First night’s stay in a dorm bed at Lila Inn before the loop begins
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner + drinking water
- All entrance fees for attractions
- Helmet, raincoat and a large waterproof bag for your luggage
- Secure storage of your main luggage at Lila Inn, free of charge
- Shower facilities upon return
Ha Giang Loop Guide homestays
Of course, the loop would not be complete without mentioning the homestays, they truly made our experience unforgettable. We stayed in some amazing places, from rooms with mind-blowing views to cosy evenings filled with endless rounds of happy water. The vibe is always cheerful, and although the Lila Inn Tour groups are kept small, the homestays are often buzzing with other travellers, making for a great atmosphere.
Ha Giang loop itinerary map
Our route was nothing short of spectacular, we managed to see absolutely everything we had hoped for, and more. To help you plan, I have created a handy map showing all our overnight stops, along with the daily distances we covered. Along the way, you will wind through towering mountains, lush rice terraces, remote villages, and even catch a glimpse of the Chinese border. Here is the route you will follow through the mesmerizing Ha Giang region.
- Ha Giang – Yen Minh: 110 km
- Yen Minh – Dong Van: 115 km
- Dong Van – Du Gia: 100 km
- Du Gia – Ha Giang: 90 km
Kilometres up in the mountains
As you can see, the distances are quite substantial, but worry not, there are plenty of breaks along the way. In fact, you can always request additional stops if needed. For instance, we made daily lunch stops where we were served delicious North Vietnamese delicacies. In the morning and evening, you eat at your homestay. Are you vegetarian? Then you can tell Lila Inn Tours while booking. Fortunately, the easy riders are incredibly well-trained and know exactly where to take you for the best views. Best of all, they are often willing to play as photographers for you too, and they are surprisingly talented at it too!
Ha Giang Loop highlights
These are my favourite highlights of Lila’s Inn 4-day tour in the Ha Giang regio. If you choose to do the 5 or even 6-day tour, you will head to Cao Bang. Where you will ride over the immensely beautiful Khau Coc Cha Mountain Pass & visit the Ban Gioc Waterfalls. These are the largest waterfalls in Vietnam.
Dong Van Karst Plateau
A UNESCO-listed geological park with dramatic limestone landscapes that date back over 80 million years, absolutely stunning!
Tham Ma Pass
This iconic hairpin pass was once a strength-testing route for horses. Sure, it is a popular spot, but it is famous for good reason.
Lo Lo Chai Village
As you reach the northernmost tip of Vietnam, you will visit this charming village with panoramic views of the Lung Cu Flag Tower. From here, we enjoyed sweeping views over China and even played ‘Da Cau’. This is a local game that involves keeping a weighted shuttle in the air using only your feet.
Khe Lia Panorama Viewpoint
What a gem! Surrounded by pine trees and blessed with golden sunlight piercing through the mist, this spot absolutely took our breath away.
Duong Thuong Village & Viewpoint
One of my personal favourites. First, you cruise through a peaceful valley brimming with local life: children waving, pigs trotting across the road, laundry fluttering in the breeze. Then you ascend into the hills for a stunning viewpoint overlooking it all.
Ha Giang Loop Guide tips
- Bring plenty of cash for snacks, drinks, souvenirs, and tips
- Layered clothing is your best friend, if you are riding in winter, a jacket and gloves are essential
- Learn at least two essential Vietnamese words: “Xin chào” (Hello) & “Cảm ơn” (Thank you)
- Take a small daypack with sun cream, a raincoat, and a power bank
Best time to visit Ha Giang
The Ha Giang loop is accessible all year round. From November to March, it is dry but cool. April to May brings colour and light showers. June to September is the rainy season but gloriously green. And from September to October, it is pleasantly mild with less humidity. Every season has its own charm! I drove the loop in December and had two sunny days, two cloudy, and still, the views were out of this world.
Ha Giang Loop photos
The Ha Giang Loop is a photographer’s dream. To get you excited, I have shared a few of my favourite shots below, so soak it all in and get ready for the adventure of your lifetime!
Worldpackers experience in Ha Giang
Have a few days to spare after completing the loop? Then you will love this unique Worldpackers experience with the Read Dao tribe (one of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities)! Worldpackers connects travellers with hosts worldwide, offering volunteer opportunities in exchange for accommodation and meals. In this one, you stay with the Red Dao, one of Vietnam’s ethnic minority groups. The experience is completely back to basics, and you will help out with seasonal tasks. We assisted with tea packaging, social media, and even their website, a truly unforgettable way to wrap up an already extraordinary adventure in Northern Vietnam. Check out my review to volunteering in Northern Vietnam!
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Last update: 17-04-2025 © Doris Leone
‘Un abrazo’ and maybe we will see each other one day; Doris Leone
