If you’re planning to conquer the Ha Giang Loop, your first step is getting from the capital to the mountains – and the easiest, cheapest way is by bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang. Because Ha Giang has no airport or train station, almost every traveler starts their adventure with a bus ride from Hanoi.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Ha Giang bus from Hanoi: bus types, schedules, prices, how to book, safety tips, and sample itineraries so you can plan your trip with confidence.
Perfect Tours for You:
Overview: Hanoi to Ha Giang by Bus
The Hanoi–Ha Giang route is one of the most popular in northern Vietnam, used daily by both Vietnamese travelers and international backpackers.
Quick facts:
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Distance: ~280–300 km by road
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Travel time: typically 6–8 hours by bus or limousine van, depending on company, traffic and weather
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Price range: about US $9–20 per person for most buses (standard sleeper or limousine)
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Transport options:
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Sleeper bus (night or day)
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VIP cabin bus (private pods)
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Limousine minivan
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Private car/minivan (more expensive but flexible)
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Because the route is so popular, you’ll find dozens of departures every day in both directions.
Types of Ha Giang Buses From Hanoi
a) Standard Sleeper Bus
The sleeper bus is the classic choice for budget travelers.
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2–3 rows of reclining sleeper berths
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Air conditioning, blanket, small pillow
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Basic but comfortable enough for most people
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Many departures in the evening and at night
Tickets usually sit at the lower end of the price range (around 250,000–350,000 VND / US $9–14).
b) VIP Cabin Sleeper Bus
For more comfort and privacy, you can choose a VIP cabin bus:
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Individual “mini-cabins” with curtains
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Larger beds, sometimes with USB charging, reading lights, Wi-Fi and sometimes onboard toilet
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Fewer passengers, quieter atmosphere
Prices tend to be slightly higher (roughly 350,000–450,000 VND / US $14–19), but the upgrade is worth it if you value sleep.
c) Limousine / Minivan
Limousine vans are smaller, with 9–16 luxury seats:
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Oversized reclining chairs with leg rests
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Often include hotel pickup in Hanoi’s Old Quarter
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Quicker loading/unloading and often faster journey times
Limousine tickets are usually mid-range in price and are a good balance between comfort and cost.
d) Private Car or Minivan
If you’re traveling as a family or group, a private car/minivan can be arranged via agencies or platforms like 12Go:
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Door-to-door pickup and drop-off
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Full control of departure time and stops
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Significantly more expensive than a regular Ha Giang bus from Hanoi, but more convenient and time-flexible
Day Bus vs Night Bus: Which is Better?
You can travel during the day or overnight. Each has pros and cons.
Night Bus (Most Popular)
Many travelers choose a night sleeper or VIP cabin bus:
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Typical departures: 20:00–22:30 from Hanoi
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Typical arrival: 03:00–06:00 in Ha Giang
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Saves a night of accommodation
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Gives you a full day in Ha Giang to start your loop or relax
If you’re a light sleeper, consider a VIP cabin for better rest.
Day Bus
Day buses and limousines usually leave in the morning or early afternoon, arriving in Ha Giang in the afternoon or evening:
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Great mountain views along the way
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Less disruptive for your sleep schedule
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Ideal if you want to arrive, check in, and start your loop the next morning fully rested.
Departure & Arrival Points
In Hanoi
Buses for Ha Giang typically depart from:
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My Dinh Bus Station – the main hub for northern routes
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Other stations: Gia Lam, Giáp Bát, Nước Ngầm, Yên Nghĩa (depending on company)
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Old Quarter pickup points – many limousine and VIP buses offer free or small-fee pickup at hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, which is the easiest option for most tourists.
Some operators even pick up from Noi Bai Airport if you want to go straight to Ha Giang without staying in Hanoi.
In Ha Giang
Depending on the company, you may be dropped at:
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Ha Giang Bus Station
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A central Ha Giang office
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Your hostel/homestay (some companies include free drop-off)
Check your ticket or booking confirmation so you know exactly where you’ll arrive.
How to Book a Ha Giang Bus From Hanoi
You have several options, and prices are usually similar across channels.
a) Online Booking Platforms
Websites like 12Go, local booking sites, and meta-search platforms show multiple operators, departure times and recent reviews.
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Easy price comparison
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E-ticket on your phone
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Often allow payment by card or PayPal
b) Directly With Bus Companies
Many bus operators (Bang Phan, Quang Nghi, Truly Ha Giang, Cau Me, etc.) have:
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Official websites
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Facebook pages
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WhatsApp / Zalo hotlines
You can message them to check availability and pay online or in cash, depending on the company.
c) Through Your Hotel or Ha Giang Tour Agency
Almost every hostel or hotel in Hanoi and Ha Giang can book a bus ticket for you at no extra cost or for a small booking fee.
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They usually know which companies are reliable
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They can time your bus arrival with your Ha Giang Loop tour or bike rental
What to Expect Onboard
Most Ha Giang buses from Hanoi provide:
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Air conditioning
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Reclining sleeper berths or padded seats
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Blanket and small pillow (on night routes)
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Bottled water, sometimes a cold towel
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One or two toilet and snack stops along the way
On VIP and limousine buses you may also find:
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USB charging ports
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Wi-Fi (quality can vary)
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Curtains for privacy
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On some buses, an onboard toilet
Packing tips for the journey:
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Light jacket – buses can get cold from the A/C
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Earplugs and eye mask – especially for night buses
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Small daypack with valuables kept by your side
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Snacks and water (even if water is provided, it’s good to have extra)
Is the Ha Giang Bus From Hanoi Safe?
For most travelers, the bus is considered a safe and standard way to get to Ha Giang:
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Buses and limousines on this route are generally modern and maintained, with experienced drivers.
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The route is extremely popular, so reputable companies depend on good safety records and reviews.
To travel as safely and comfortably as possible:
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Choose a well-reviewed company with recent positive feedback.
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Wear your seatbelt if one is available (especially in limousines).
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Avoid unlicensed buses sold by random street touts.
Sample Itineraries Using the Bus
Option 1: Night Bus + 3D2N Ha Giang Loop
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Day 0: Night bus from Hanoi (around 21:00)
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Day 1: Arrive 04:00–05:00, breakfast & shower, start 3D2N loop
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Day 3: Finish loop by late afternoon, night bus back to Hanoi
Great if you have limited days but still want the full experience.
Option 2: Day Bus + 4D3N Loop (More Relaxed)
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Day 1: Morning or afternoon limousine bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang, overnight in town
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Days 2–4: 3D2N or 4D3N loop by motorbike or Easy Rider
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Day 4/5: Night bus or day bus back to Hanoi
This option gives you more rest before and after riding.
Quick FAQ
How far is Ha Giang from Hanoi?
By road, roughly 280–300 km depending on the route and starting point.
How long does the bus take?
Most buses and limousine vans take around 6–7 hours, but delays can extend this to 8 hours.
How much does a Ha Giang bus from Hanoi cost?
Expect roughly US $9–20 depending on bus type (standard sleeper vs VIP cabin or limousine) and season.
Should I book in advance?
Yes – especially on weekends and Vietnamese holidays, when buses can sell out quickly.
Final Thoughts
Taking a Ha Giang bus from Hanoi is the simplest, most budget-friendly way to reach Vietnam’s legendary northern mountains. With multiple departures daily, a range of comfort levels from standard sleeper to VIP cabin and limousine, and easy online or hotel booking, it’s a straightforward first step toward your Ha Giang Loop adventure.
Plan your timing (day or night bus), choose a well-reviewed operator, and give yourself a little buffer in your schedule. Once you arrive in Ha Giang City, the real journey begins: sky-high passes, ethnic minority villages and some of the most dramatic scenery in all of Vietnam.
Ready to plan, get a price, or just ask questions?
👉 Call/WhatsApp The Loop Tours — Hotline: +84862443320
