Ha Giang Loop on a motorbike: Is it the right adventure for you?

The Ha Giang Loop is one of the most visually striking regions we visited in Vietnam. But it’s not for everyone. If you’re considering it, here’s a summary of what it was like, what we loved (and didn’t), and practical tips to help you decide if it’s the right adventure for you. I’ve also written another article with more photos and details on our itinerary.

Our tour was organised by OHG Travel – Ha Giang Open Tour* and Rocks Hostel*. We paid for everything ourselves and never mentioned that we would write about it, so you can trust this is honest feedback.

Is the Ha Giang Loop a must-see in Vietnam?

Many travellers describe it as a must-do, but I don’t fully agree. The landscapes are undeniably stunning and quite different from what we saw elsewhere in Vietnam – more dramatic and remote. But getting to Ha Giang takes time, and the loop itself requires at least three full days. If you’re on a tight schedule, doing the loop might mean skipping other places or rushing through your itinerary. Taking an overnight bus to save time could leave you too tired to enjoy the experience properly. If you have enough time and enjoy adventure, it should definitely be on your list – we’re glad we did it. But if we had skipped it, I wouldn’t have felt like we missed the best part of Vietnam as there are so many incredible places to discover across the country.

Not enough time for both Sapa and Ha Giang? We were lucky to fit in both, but if you have to choose, this comparison might help you decide which one to prioritise: Sapa vs Ha Giang.

Overview of our experience on the Ha Giang Loop

We opted for an easy rider motorbike tour (with a driver and a guide), and it was absolutely the right decision for us. Itineraries and stops on the Ha Giang Loop vary depending on how many days you spend riding and the places you choose to visit. Here’s a quick overview of what we did (you can find all the details here):

Arrival in Ha Giang

• Transfer from Sapa to Ha Giang on a day bus (less tiring than overnight buses).
• Meeting with our guide and driver to explore a few sites near Ha Giang City on motorbikes.
• Night in Ha Giang City (Silk River Hotel*).

First day of the loop

• Dramatic mountain views and busy but scenic roads.
• Mostly sunny but we got wet with a short but intense shower.
• Visit of the H’Mong King’s Palace.
• Night in Don Van (Du H’Mong Hotel*).

Second day of the loop

• More dramatic mountain views.
• Lung Cu Flag Tower, Vietnam’s northernmost point.
• Lô Lô village.
• Nho Que River.
• Night in a homestay in Meo Vac (Cao Nguyen Da*).

Third day of the loop

• Thick fog and drizzle, which made the ride more stressful.
• Back to Ha Giang around 4 pm to catch a bus to Hanoi for a late arrival that night.

In my opinion, the Ha Giang Loop on a motorbike is for you if…

• You like natural landscapes, have already visited the most famous spots in Vietnam and want to go off the beaten path, somewhere remote.
• You have at least three days for the loop itself, plus time to get to and from Ha Giang – it’s not the easiest place to reach.
• You’re okay with long hours on a motorbike and don’t mind a bit of discomfort – riding pillion is tough.
• You enjoy road trips and are open to adventure, even if it means rain, fog, rough roads and sharing the best view points with groups of people.

In my opinion, the Ha Giang Loop on a motorbike is not for you if…

• Your time in Vietnam is very limited.
• You have back/knee issues that make long rides painful (consider booking the loop in a car).
• You prefer relaxed holidays with lots of downtime and minimal transport time.
• You expect top-notch accommodation and reliable infrastructure.
• You dislike unpredictable weather.
• You don’t like to take risks and feel anxious in unpredictable traffic.
• You prefer not to be around groups – even with a private tour, you’ll likely share stops and cafés with many other travellers.

Tips to make the Ha Giang loop more enjoyable

• Choose your tour wisely. Always ask about the maximum size of the group before booking and try to identify the tours that attract young backpackers who enjoy loud music on boats and at cafes. We were lucky to be in a small, quiet group, which made the trip more enjoyable. Big groups cannot easily stop at all viewpoints.
• Stretch often. Move your legs and back during every stop. We had a massage in Dong Van and it really helped for the next day!
• Expect the unexpected. Sudden rain showers are common. A “big shower” can soak you in seconds. We wished we’d worn waterproof hiking shoes to keep our feet warm!
• Use a small day bag. Your main bag will be tied to the motorbike, wrapped in a plastic bag. You’ll need to keep sunscreen, money, phone/camera and jacket accessible. Our riders had water and rain protective gear for us, so no need to worry about that (but double check with yours!).
• Consider the easy rider option. It surely isn’t a road for beginners, but it also feels like there are no traffic rules in Vietnam so having a driver felt safer, less stressful and better to enjoy the scenery. Plus, if you want to drive yourself, you need an international licence recognised in Vietnam. We saw police officers checking riders a few times during the loop for alcohol and a valid license.
• Consider booking a car. If it looks rainy most days, a car tour (they have convertible Jeeps for better views) might be more comfortable.
• Protect your skin with a breathable scarf or buff. We bought one at the first café we stopped at. I wore it as a neck gaiter for sun protection, and it felt comfortable to protect my face from the wind and potential dust.
• Have enough cash. There are many coffee stops and all the drinks are extra.
• Bring a shuttlecock. You’ll find plenty of willing local drivers to join in to play Da Cau; it’s fun!

Have you done the Ha Giang Loop? Share your experience in the comments below!

Map of our drive on the Ha Giang Loop