If you’re dreaming of epic mountain roads, misty valleys and ethnic minority villages, this Ha Giang Loop guide will walk you through everything you need to know – from route and permits to budget, safety and packing.
The Ha Giang Loop is a 350–400 km circuit in Vietnam’s far north, usually done in 3–4 days by motorbike, easy rider (riding on the back with a local driver), or car/jeep. It’s one of the most spectacular road trips in Southeast Asia – and also one you should plan properly.
What is the Ha Giang Loop & how long do you need?
The Loop starts and ends in Ha Giang City, close to the Chinese border. Most classic routes follow a rough circle:
-
Ha Giang → Quan Ba → Yen Minh → Dong Van
-
Dong Van → Ma Pi Leng Pass → Meo Vac
-
Meo Vac → Du Gia → Ha Giang
Total distance is around 400 km, depending on detours. Most travellers choose:
-
3 days / 2 nights – fast, packed, best if you’re short on time
-
4 days / 3 nights – more relaxed, time for viewpoints & villages
-
5+ days – for photographers or slow travel
Roads are winding and sometimes narrow, so don’t judge by distance alone – average riding time is 4–6 hours per day with lots of photo stops.
Best time to ride the Ha Giang Loop
You can ride the Loop year-round, but some months are definitely better than others. Recent local guides and weather breakdowns generally agree:
Best overall (recommended): September – November
-
Dry roads, clear views
-
Comfortable temperatures (15–26°C)
-
Golden rice terraces (Sep–Oct) & buckwheat flowers (Oct–Nov)
Also great: March – April
-
Mild weather
-
Blossoms and fresh green landscapes
More challenging:
-
December – February: Very cold, especially around Dong Van & Meo Vac; possible frost or even light snow on high passes.
-
June – August: Hot, humid, with heavy rain, fog and occasional landslides – only for confident riders.
If you’re flexible, plan your Ha Giang Loop trip for autumn or spring and avoid the heaviest rainy months.
Do you ride yourself or book an Easy Rider tour?
A key decision in any Ha Giang Loop guide is how to do it. You have three main options:
Easy Rider (highly recommended for most people)
You ride on the back of a motorbike driven by a licensed local guide.
Pros:
-
Much safer if you’re not experienced with mountain roads
-
Your guide knows the route, weather, shortcuts & viewpoints
-
No stress about police checkpoints, parking or navigation
-
You can relax, enjoy the scenery and take photos
Most Easy Rider tours run 3–4 days, including bike, driver, fuel, accommodation and most meals.
Self-ride rental motorbike
Only for people who:
-
Have real experience riding manual or semi-auto bikes
-
Are comfortable with steep, winding mountain roads
-
Understand the legal requirements (license, IDP, permit – see below)
You can rent in Hanoi or Ha Giang City, but Ha Giang pick-up is simpler and safer.
Car / Jeep tour
Perfect if you:
-
Don’t ride motorbikes
-
Travel with kids, parents or a group
-
Prefer comfort and weather protection
Cars/jeeps are more expensive but currently one of the safest ways to explore the Loop.
Permits, police checkpoints & documents
Because much of the Loop runs through a border area (near China), foreign travellers traditionally need a border travel permit to visit places like Dong Van, Meo Vac and Lung Cu.
Most hostels, tour companies and homestays in Ha Giang City can arrange this for you:
-
Cost: usually a few hundred thousand VND (often included in tours)
-
Where: via your accommodation, a local tour agency, or at the immigration/police desk in Ha Giang City
You should also carry:
-
Passport
-
Valid motorbike license from your home country
-
International Driving Permit (IDP, 1968 convention) if you’re self-riding
-
Motorbike rental papers or tour confirmation
Police checkpoints appear at a few key points on the Loop, mainly to check documents and ensure safety. If you:
-
Wear a helmet
-
Obey speed limits
-
Carry correct documents
…you’ll rarely have issues.
Suggested 4-day Ha Giang Loop itinerary
Here’s a classic Ha Giang Loop guide itinerary that works well whether you self-ride or go with an Easy Rider:
Day 1: Ha Giang → Quan Ba → Yen Minh → Dong Van (110–130 km)
-
Depart Ha Giang City after breakfast
-
Ride up Bac Sum Pass and stop at Quan Ba Heaven Gate & Twin Mountains viewpoint
-
Continue through pine forests and valleys of Yen Minh
-
Arrive in Dong Van, explore the Old Quarter and local market
-
Overnight in a homestay or guesthouse in Dong Van
Day 2: Dong Van → Lung Cu → Ma Pi Leng Pass → Meo Vac (80–100 km)
-
Morning visit to Lung Cu Flag Tower, the northernmost point of Vietnam
-
Return to Dong Van via scenic back roads
-
Ride the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass – one of Vietnam’s most dramatic mountain roads
-
Optional small trek or boat trip on the Nho Que River (if conditions allow)
-
Overnight in Meo Vac
Day 3: Meo Vac → Mau Due → Du Gia (70–90 km)
-
Wind through remote valleys and Hmong, Dao, Tay villages
-
Lunch in Mau Due
-
Continue to Du Gia, a peaceful village surrounded by rice fields
-
Swim at nearby waterfalls (in warm seasons)
-
Homestay in Du Gia – often a highlight thanks to family dinners & local culture
Day 4: Du Gia → Lung Tam (if included) → Ha Giang (70–100 km)
-
Easy ride back through valleys and villages
-
Stop at Lung Tam linen village (traditional weaving) if your route passes there
-
Return bike or finish your tour in Ha Giang City
You can compress this into 3 days by skipping Lung Cu or Du Gia, but most travellers feel 4 days is the sweet spot.
Budget: how much does the Ha Giang Loop cost?
Costs vary by travel style, but here’s a rough overview based on recent tour and hostel prices:
Easy Rider tour (3–4 days, all-inclusive):
-
3D2N: ~150–220 USD
-
4D3N: ~200–280 USD
Includes bike, driver, fuel, basic accommodation, most meals, some entrance fees.
Self-riding:
-
Motorbike rental: 150,000–350,000 VND/day (≈ 6–14 USD) depending on model
-
Fuel: 50,000–100,000 VND/day (≈ 2–4 USD)
-
Homestay/hostel: 150,000–400,000 VND/night (≈ 6–16 USD) including simple breakfast
-
Food: 100,000–250,000 VND/meal (≈ 4–10 USD)
Overall, a budget traveller can often do the Loop from around 35–60 USD/day, while a comfortable guided tour will sit higher but with far less stress.
What to pack for the Ha Giang Loop
Whatever kind of Ha Giang Loop guide you follow, smart packing makes a huge difference:
Clothing
-
Lightweight layers (T-shirts + long-sleeve)
-
Warm fleece or jacket (even in “warm” months, mornings can be cool)
-
Rain jacket or poncho
-
Long trousers for riding
-
Spare socks & underwear
Gear
-
Good quality helmet (your tour or rental should provide, but check condition)
-
Gloves, buff/face mask, sunglasses
-
Small daypack or dry bag for valuables
-
Power bank, phone with offline maps
Documents & money
-
Passport, visa
-
Driving licence + IDP (if riding)
-
Cash in VND (ATMs are limited outside Ha Giang City)
Safety tips for the Ha Giang Loop
-
Ride within your limits – don’t try to keep up with faster riders
-
Avoid riding in the dark; visibility drops and animals/rocks may be on the road
-
Watch out for loose gravel, potholes, fog and trucks on blind corners
-
Never drink and ride
-
In rainy season, check with locals about landslides or closed sections
If you’re unsure about your motorbike skills, the safest choice is an Easy Rider or car/jeep tour – you still enjoy the adventure, but with a local expert at the wheel.
Final thoughts
This Ha Giang Loop guide is just the starting point. The real magic is out on the road: watching sunrise over karst peaks, sharing tea with local families, and winding through mountain passes you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Plan smart, choose the right way to travel for you, respect local culture and nature – and the Ha Giang Loop will very likely become the highlight of your Vietnam trip.
Ready to plan, get a price, or just ask questions?
👉 Call/WhatsApp The Loop Tours — Hotline: +84862443320
