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If you’re getting ready for the Ha Giang Loop, packing smart will make a bigger difference than you think. I did a 3 day / 2 night loop at the end of April and quickly realised that what you bring – and especially how you pack it – will affect your comfort on the motorbike and during the trip.
The weather in Ha Giang is unpredictable. It was hotter than we expected on our trip, but it got cooler on the bike at the end of the day, and we rode through rain on the last day. The loop can also get very cold in winter (close to freezing) and very hot in summer. No matter the season, always pack for rain.
Here’s everything I took with me, what I wish I’d known earlier, and the mistakes I saw other travellers make.
Leave your main luggage behind
Whatever you bring on the loop has to fit on the motorbike, so you’ll need to leave your main suitcase or backpack at your tour office or hotel. We stored ours at OHG Travel – Ha Giang Open Tour and Rocks Hostel.
A small tip if you’re going straight back to Hanoi after finishing the loop: leave clean clothes easily accessible in your main bag. You might have time for a quick shower before boarding the bus.
The most important part: the bag setup
1. My overnight bag (go as small as you can)
I used an XS North Face duffel bag (31L) as my overnight bag. My partner had a 20L Aropec dry backpack.
It was the perfect size: big enough for what I needed (even extra space) but small enough not to take over the motorbike seat. A waterproof bag is ideal. Although everything on the bike gets wrapped in plastic, double protection is always better. It’s also easy to clean if it gets dusty from the ride.
A bonus: my duffel acted as a small backrest, which actually made the ride more comfortable.
2. My day bag (light, small, only the essentials)
I carried a tiny foldable backpack during the day to avoid having to unwrap my overnight bag. This bag stayed with me at all times, so I made sure to keep it light:
- sunscreen
- cap
- tissues
- passport and important documents (well protected from rain)
- a light jacket
I made sure my bag was so small that my raincoat could fit over it.
I absolutely didn’t want anything in pockets that don’t zip – too easy to lose things while riding. So think about that when choosing what to wear on the Ha Giang Loop, especially if you want to have your phone with you on the motorbike to take photos. A phone purse can be handy.
Clothing to pack
Quick-dry clothes
I wore quick-dry long-sleeve tops and lightweight long pants on the motorbike each day – they kept me covered from the sun and dried ridiculously fast when they got wet. I used the same pants all three days and rotated between two tops.
If you’re travelling in colder months, bring merino wool layers.
Warm layers
I packed:
- a wind-stopper, water-repellent but breathable fleece, which I loved for late afternoon riding and the evening
- a lightweight puffer jacket (I didn’t need it in April, but it packs tiny and is great for colder seasons)
Rain protection
Your driver will most likely provide plastic ponchos, waterproof pants and shoe covers. All tours we saw had the same basic set-up: not breathable at all, but they work. I still prefer having my own proper waterproof jacket because it’s breathable with its underarm zips. Check with your tour what they provide so you know what to pack.
Footwear
You absolutely want enclosed shoes for riding a motorbike. I wished I had worn my waterproof hiking boots as they would have protected me so much better from the rain and cold than my running shoes. I brought:
- 1 pair enclosed shoes (ideally waterproof)
- 1 pair of flip flops or sandals for the evenings or in case your shoes get soaked, so you give them a chance to dry a bit in the evening
- enough socks – don’t try to save space here as it’s very uncomfortable to have to wear wet socks; you may want high ones if riding in winter (merino is a good choice)
Underwear and sleepwear
I prefer quick-dry underwear when there’s a chance of rain. For sleeping, just bring whatever you’re comfortable in.
Evening outfit
I kept it very simple: leggings and a fresh top.
Accessories that made a big difference
Neck gaiter
I didn’t expect to use it that much, but it became one of my favourite items. It protected:
- my neck from sunburn
- my face from dust and wind
I recommend choosing a light UV-protection neck gaiter so it can be reused for other activities like kayaking and boat trips. If you’re travelling in winter, bring a warmer one (merino works well).
Lip balm
My lips got much drier than usual with the wind.
Sunglasses
Necessary for sunny days but also for when you want to keep the visor open on hot days.
Hair ties
If you have long hair, you’ll want to keep it from tangling.
Toiletries
Our hotels (not hostels) provided shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and a hair dryer, but it can vary a lot from one tour to another. I still packed:
- shampoo and conditioner
- moisturiser (helpful if you get sunburnt)
- toothbrush and toothpaste
- hair brush
- small insect repellent roller (didn’t really need it, but I always carry it)
- sunscreen (very important)
If you’re staying in hostels, bring everything you need for a shower.
First aid kit
I like to have my own basics, so I don’t need to ask anyone:
- pain medication
- antihistamines
- band-aids and antiseptic wipes
- daily medication
- anti-diarrhoea medication prescribed by my GP at home, just in case
- one electrolyte sachet, just in case
For anything serious, the guide should be able to help.
Electronics
We travelled light: just our phones and one powerbank.
We used Airalo with Viettel, and the connection wasn’t strong in remote areas of the loop, but it worked perfectly in town in the evening, so it wasn’t an issue for us.
No headlamp, no camera, no extra gadgets.
Documents and money
- passport (I always carry it with me when I’m abroad)
- driving licence (if you’re riding yourself, and make sure it’s valid in Vietnam; we saw a few police checks)
- enough cash for drinks, toilet stops (small notes), and maybe a massage after day one (confirm with your tour that meals are all included)
- optional: enough to tip your driver if they’ve been amazing
Keep everything protected from rain.
Travel insurance reminder
We never travel abroad without travel insurance. We saw a few accidents on the loop, so being covered for medical issues felt very important to us, so we could stress a bit less about it. Before our trip, we checked our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to make sure we were covered for motorcycle riding. Some policies don’t automatically include motorbikes, so double-check yours. Some providers, like Cover-More, offer options to easily include motorbike coverage
Packing mistakes we saw on the loop
- Travellers arriving without an overnight bag, expecting their luggage to be transferred (it wasn’t)
- Tourists riding with exposed skin and getting sunburnt – all the drivers and guides wear long sleeves and long pants for a reason!
- People bringing bags too big, which reduced their sitting space and made the ride uncomfortable
What items did you bring on the Ha Giang Loop? Share your experience in the comments below!
