Start in Ha Giang City and ride through Bac Sum Pass to Heaven Gate, stopping in Tam Son (Quan Ba), exploring Lung Khuy Cave, and finishing the day with views of the Yen Minh pine hills before overnighting in Yen Minh Town.
Ultimate Guide to the Ha Giang Loop 2026
Route, Itineraries, Tips & Maps
The Hà Giang Loop is Vietnam’s most breathtaking motorbike of adventure. This complete guide covers routes, itineraries, maps, safety tips, and everything you need to know before you go.
What is the Ha Giang Loop?
The Ha Giang Loop Vietnam is a stunning 350km motorbike route in the far north of the country, starting and ending in Ha Giang City. It is widely considered the greatest motorbike loop in Vietnam, taking travelers through the UNESCO-recognized Dong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark and traversing massive peaks like the Ma Pi Leng Pass. A typical Ha Giang Loop tour takes 3 to 4 days to complete and is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, deep canyons, vibrant ethnic minority villages, and winding mountain roads that challenge even experienced riders.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| 🏁 Distance | 350km - 400km |
| ⏳ Duration | 2 Days (Fast), 3 Days, or 4 Days (Recommended) |
| ☀️ Best Time | September–November (Harvest) & March–May (Spring) |
| 🛣️ Road Condition | Paved but uneven mountain roads with steep passes, sharp turns, occasional potholes, and unpredictable road conditions |
Best Time to Do the Ha Giang Loop
Ha Giang is beautiful all year, but the experience changes a lot depending on the season. Knowing when to go and what to expect each month can help you plan the safest and most scenic ride.
Autumn (September – November): Golden Fields & Ideal
Fall is often considered the best season to do the Ha Giang Loop, especially for travelers who want the most reliable weather. The skies are usually clear, the temperatures are pleasant, and the roads are smoother and safer than in the rainy months. September and October are famous for golden rice terraces, making this one of the most photogenic times of year in Ha Giang.
Winter (December – January): Cold, Quiet & Atmospheric
Winter in Ha Giang is cold, peaceful, and dramatic. Temperatures drop significantly in the mountains, especially at night. Early mornings can be misty or foggy, creating a magical atmosphere with quiet roads that feel more local. The Ha Giang Loop in winter is perfect for travelers who want a calmer experience and don’t mind bundling up. Bring warm layers, gloves, and a windproof jacket.
Spring (February – April): Cool, Clear & Colorful
Spring is one of the best times to do the Ha Giang Loop because the weather is comfortable and the scenery feels alive. Days are usually warm but not too hot, and mornings can be cool and fresh. The mountains are green, flowers begin to bloom, and you’ll get beautiful views without the intense heat of summer. This season is perfect for travelers who want great road conditions, clear photos, and a balanced mix of sunshine and light mountain breeze.
Summer (May – August): Lush Green & Rainy
Summer in Ha Giang is the most vibrant season for landscapes. The rice fields and mountains turn a deep green, waterfalls are full, and everything looks wild and tropical. However, this is also the rainy season, so you can expect sudden rain showers, slippery roads, and occasional fog in the mountains. It’s still an amazing time to ride the Ha Giang Loop if you’re okay with unpredictable weather.
Ha Giang Loop Itineraries
2-Day Ha Giang Loop Express Tour
All the highlights in less than 48 hours. Our 2-day tour is perfect if you’re short on time but still want the best of the Ha Giang Loop.
3-Day Ha Giang Loop Classic Tour
The perfect balance of adventure, comfort, and culture. Our 3-day tour gives you enough time to enjoy the loop without feeling rushed.
4-Day Ha Giang Loop Ultimate Tour
Our most popular tour! Our 4-day tour has the most views, cultural immersion, and the best way to fully experience the Ha Giang Loop.
Ultimate 4-Day Ha Giang Loop Itinerary
DAY 1
Ha Giang to Yen Minh (Gateway to the Loop)
DAY 2
Yen Minh to Dong Van (The Northern Peaks)
Depart Yen Minh Town and ride the winding Tham Ma Pass, visit the historic H’mong King Palace, head up to the iconic Lung Cu Flag Point, and end the day in Dong Van Town for the night.
DAY 3
Dong Van to Du Gia (The highlight of the Ha Giang tour)
Leave Dong Van Town and ride the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass, cruise along the stunning Nho Que River, pass through Meo Vac Town and Mau Due, then finish the day in peaceful Du Gia Village for the night.
DAY 4
Du Gia to Ha Giang (Waterfall & Culture)
Wake up in Du Gia and stop at Tham Luong Waterfall. Ride through Tham Luong Village, Duong Thuong, and Lung Tam Village, passing Thuan Hoa before arriving back in Ha Giang City to complete your loop adventure.
Ha Giang Loop & Cao Bang Map
The Ha Giang Loop is a true circular route that brings you back to Ha Giang City, while the Cao Bang route is a more undiscovered Northern Vietnam adventure with quieter roads and hidden gems.
Should You Self-Drive or Book an Easy Rider?
Deciding how to experience this Ha Giang Loop tour is crucial for safety and enjoyment.
Easy Rider (Guided Ha Giang Tour)
The safest and most popular option.
Sit behind a skilled, licensed local guide. You get all the thrill and views of the Ha Giang Loop Vietnam without the stress of navigating dangerous cliff-side roads and oncoming trucks.
VS.
Self-Drive (DIY)
Only for experienced riders confident on manual or semi-automatic bikes in all types of road conditions. Police checkpoints are common in Ha Giang City, and unlicensed bikes can be confiscated. ⚠️ Warning: You must have a valid IDP (International Driving Permit) with a clear motorcycle endorsement to legally ride on a Ha Giang motorbike tour.
Where to Book Ha Giang Loop Tour
When deciding where to book your Ha Giang Loop tour, it’s best to choose a trusted local company in Ha Giang City so you can get the most accurate route advice, safe drivers, and the best value for your budget.
Ha Giang Safari Hostel & Tour is a top choice for travelers looking for a fun, well-organized, and authentic experience, with small group tours, professional local guides, and easy rider options for extra comfort and safety.
Every tour includes a free hostel stay before departure, a tour briefing, and full support from our friendly team so you can relax and enjoy the adventure. If you want an unforgettable journey with great service, local knowledge, and a social hostel vibe, booking with Ha Giang Safari Hostel is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to start your Ha Giang Loop trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Ha Giang Loop
Where is the Ha Giang Loop located in Vietnam?
The Hà Giang Loop is located in Hà Giang Province in far northern Vietnam, near the Chinese border. Ha Giang Loop Tours with Ha Giang Safari start and end in Hà Giang City.
Is riding the Ha Giang Loop safe?
The Ha Giang Loop can be safe, but it depends on weather and who you ride with. At Ha Giang Safari Hostel & Tour, we focus on safety by running small group tours, using experienced local guides and easy riders.
Is the Ha Giang Loop worth it?
Yes, the Hà Giang Loop is widely considered the most beautiful motorbike route in Vietnam. With Ha Giang Safari, travelers experience not just the scenery but authentic villages, local food, and meaningful cultural exchange.
How long does the Ha Giang Loop take?
The Hà Giang Loop typically takes 2 to 4 days. Ha Giang Safari offers 2-day, 3-day, and 4-day tours so travelers can choose based on time, comfort, and how deep they want to explore.
What is the best way to do the Ha Giang Loop?
The best way to do the Hà Giang Loop is with a guided tour or Easy Rider, especially for first-time visitors. Ha Giang Safari handles routes, accommodation, meals, and safety so guests can fully enjoy the experience.
Can beginners ride the Ha Giang Loop?
Yes, beginners can safely experience the Hà Giang Loop by choosing an Easy Rider. Ha Giang Safari recommends Easy Riders for guests without mountain riding experience.
How much does the Ha Giang Loop cost?
Costs vary by tour length and inclusions. Ha Giang Safari tours are all-inclusive, covering accommodation, meals, guide, bike, fuel, and activities for the best value! Prices are around:
2-Day Tour:
Easy Rider: 2,800,000 VND
3-Day Tour:
Easy Rider: 3,800,000 VND
Self-Driving: 2,500,000 VND – 3,000,000 VND
4-Day Tour:
Easy Rider: 4,700,000 VND
Self-Driving: 3,500,000 VND – 3,900,000 VND
Is the Ha Giang Loop safe for women?
Yes! Ha Giang Safari welcomes many solo female travelers and prioritizes safety and respectful environments. We also have female easy riders. Let us know when you book if you’d prefer to ride with a woman. 🙂
About the Ha Giang Safari Hostel & Tour
Who is Ha Giang Safari?
Ha Giang Safari is a locally rooted, woman-owned tour company offering small-group, all-inclusive Hà Giang Loop experiences focused on safety, authenticity, and community.
What makes Ha Giang Safari different?
Ha Giang Safari focuses on small groups, strong guide-to-guest ratios, ethical tourism, and creating a family-style atmosphere rather than party tours.
Is Ha Giang Safari woman-owned?
Yes, Ha Giang Safari is proudly woman-owned and locally operated! Learn more about our story.
Is Ha Giang Safari always doing tours?
Yes! We run Ha Giang Loop tours every day, so you can join a trip no matter what day you arrive. Our group size can vary depending on the season. It may be larger during peak months and smaller during the quieter low season, but we always keep the experience fun, well-organized, and supported by our local team.
Are Ha Giang Safari tours good for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Many guests join Ha Giang Safari as solo travelers and leave with lifelong friends due to our small-group tours.
Can Ha Giang Safari customize tours?
Yes. Ha Giang Safari can customize routes, pacing, and tour length to fit your schedule and riding experience.
How do I book a tour with Ha Giang Safari?
You can book directly on our website by filling out the Ha Giang Safari Contact Form or by messaging via WhatsApp +84 97 650 50 23.
General Questions
Should I drive myself?
It depends on your experience and comfort level. The roads are steep, winding, and unpredictable, with sharp mountain turns, fog, rain, and occasional rough conditions. We strongly recommend choosing an easy rider, so you can relax, stay safe, and enjoy the scenery without stress. Many travelers say riding with an easy rider is the best way to experience the loop.
How do you be safe on the Ha Giang Loop?
Ha Giang Safari provides quality helmets, safety briefings before every tour, and the option to wear safety gear. Each small group tour stays together, arriving and leaving at each viewpoint and homestay at the same time.
What do I pack?
We recommend bringing a small backpack (15–25L) to carry with you on the loop, while leaving your larger luggage safely at the hostel. Essentials include comfortable clothes, a light jacket or warm layer, and rain protection (raincoat or poncho), plus closed-toe shoes for walking and riding. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and basic toiletries.
It’s also important to bring cash, since there are fewer ATMs along the route—cash is useful for coffees, snacks, souvenirs, and for tipping your amazing easy rider if you’d like to say thank you! Other helpful items include a power bank, and your passport or ID to keep everything smooth during the trip.
What happens in bad weather?
Routes are adjusted daily by guides to ensure safety in changing weather conditions. In extreme conditions, tours will be put on pause.
Can you do the Ha Giang Loop year-round?
Yes. Ha Giang Safari operates year-round and adapts routes to seasonal conditions.
How do I get to Ha Giang from Hanoi?
You can travel by overnight bus or limousine van. Ha Giang Safari can help arrange transport.