Motorbiking the Ha Giang Loop: Tips and 17 Must-See Spots

Unquestionably, Ha Giang Loop is a stunning destination for exploring Vietnamese culture. This picturesque place borders China and offers a breathtaking view.

It creates a surreal landscape with Majestic limestone peaks, lush rice terraces, gracefully cascading rivers, waterfalls, and charming mountain villages that will fascinate you.

This article explores how you can experience Ha Giang Loop on a motorbike, cruising around some of Asia’s greatest mountain passes. You’ll know all the spectacular nearby destinations, delicious food, stays, and exciting activities that you can do here.

Statistics And Facts You Should Know About Ha Giang Loop

Ha Giang is a generally safe destination, even for solo female travellers.
Public transportation in Ha Giang tends to be fairly reliable and generally safe.
Ha Giang is a peaceful and safe city to travel to. The local people are very friendly and respectful to tourists.
It has recorded growth in tourism revenue of around 4.536 billion VND in 2022.
In Ha Giang Loop, petty crimes like pickpocketing or bag snatching are uncommon but can still happen, especially in crowded places or tourist spots.
Drinking tap water directly is generally not recommended.
Ha Giang welcomed about 9 million visitors in 2023.

Where Is Ha Giang Loop?

Ha Giang is located in northern Vietnam. It is a pleasant city situated by the Lô (Blue) River.

It offers opulent accommodation options, motorbike services, lush hills and colourful Vietnamese culture and traditions.

The best time to visit Ha Giang is in October-April or September-November.

Even though the temperature is chilly in December, the Ha Giang loop offers calm surroundings, lovely winter greenery, and foggy valleys.

How to Get There?

The easiest way to reach Ha Giang loop is to hop on a bus from the city of Hanoi. It is approximately 384 km away and takes around 6–7 hours to reach.

There are many services available for morning and evening buses. This service costs around 150,000 VND. You can also book private tours and services through companies in the city.

What To Know Before Visiting The Ha Giang Loop

Most locals are not familiar with the English language. So, pick up a few basic Vietnamese phrases, or you can use Google to translate.
Since Ha Giang is not a bustling city, you could struggle with the internet connection even with the local SIM cards. Make sure you have an offline translation app and a paper map.
Stable Wi-Fi is available in hotels, restaurants and homestays.
Ha Giang is located in the northernmost part of Vietnam, which is kind of a remote area. Make sure to pack enough cash because there aren’t many ATMs.
In Ha Giang City, you can easily get motorbikes for rent.

Exciting Things To Do In Ha Giang

1. Renting a car or motorbike

Renting a car or a motorbike to explore the stunning Ha Giang Loop would be the best option.

You will find beautiful landscapes, jaw-dropping canyons and massive mountain passes at every turn.

Many motorbikes and car rental options offer a variety of services, you can choose whatever suits you for a road tour!

2. Lung Cu flag point

Lung Cu flag point is located in the northern region of Vietnam.

This tower is 30 meters tall and is the most famous monument. A Vietnamese flag is hoisted above it. It includes a 200 steps hike to reach the top.

Distance: 170 km from Ha Giang
Ticket: 20,000vnd

3. Hoang Su Phi

This is considered to be the most unusual. There is very little way to transport to this place, and it is not located along the well-known loop.

Hence, the majority of tourists are unaware of this location. Vietnam’s most beautiful rice fields are located here during harvest season.

Tall terraced rice fields were constructed in Ha Giang’s mountains. Trekking and exploring the nearby minority villages, are also highly recommended locations in Vietnam.

4. Experience a homestay

Spending the night at a local homestay is a fantastic opportunity to get a taste of the culture. You can take a home on rent from an ethnic minority who owns these homestays.

While the facilities at some homestays may not be the most luxurious, the main reason people stay overnight is the experience.

It is highly advised that you enjoy a delicious local meal with the local family along with other guests at a family dinner.

5. Ha Giang Loop Waterfalls

You can find spectacular waterfalls in Ha Giang Loop that draw thousands of visitors.

This dreamy cascading water gushing gracefully on large stones and touching the stream creates a jaw-dropping view.

This is the ideal place to relax, enjoy family picnics, sightseeing or romantic dates.

17 Nearby Places You Must Visit In Ha Giang Loop

1. Ban Gioc Waterfalls

These 2 waterfalls are located on the Quây Sơn River, that crosses the international boundary between China and Vietnam. This a famous geographical in Vietnam.

A magnificent show of pure streams cascading from tier to tier, blending with the verdant surroundings, is unveiled in this charming fall.

Its magnificence is evidence of the alluring beauty that Cao Bang kindly grants to its guests.

2. Yen Minh

Yen Minh is an iconic scenery with curved landscapes, striking peaks and valleys.

Pinnacles fluctuate in height at regular intervals, and the structures are so vibrant and dynamic that it seems as though the surrounding area was moving fluidly before being abruptly frozen, like a sea.

Criss-cross roads and paved pathways offer enticing road trips leading to remote towns and villages tucked away far into the scenery.

3. Dong Van Karst Plateau

Dong Van Karst Plateau is located within Ha Giang Province in northern Vietnam and shares its border with Northern China.

This breathtaking scenery and extraordinary geological formations feature magnificent karst peaks, angular cliffs, and towering limestone formations.

The geopark is home to numerous ethnic groups that showcase their colourful cultures and customs in addition to its geographical wonders.

4. Lung Khuy Cave

It is located in the Lung Khuy Village from Quan Ba District.

This cave is named after the unusual rock formation of a dragon, discovered in 2015. Take a trip to this cave on your Ha Giang loop journey.

You will discover a captivating display of fine stalagmites and stalactites that produce an amazing spectacle as soon as you enter the cave.

5. Sa Phin Market

This traditional market takes place every 6 days and displays colourful ethnic groups, dressed in traditional clothing.

Local villagers congregate at this thriving market to participate in the busy trade.

They carry baskets on their backs and sell and buy a range of products, including food, home goods, tools for agriculture and other necessities to get their families.

6. H’mong King Palace

This palace is in Sa Phin which used to be the royal residence, now a famous location on the Ha Giang loop.

French colonial government constructed it to win over the Hmông king. This charming stone and wooden structure is one of the province’s most fascinating cultural attractions.

You can stroll through the nearby market and buy local products such as walnuts or chestnuts.

7. Mã Pí Lèng Pass

The breathtaking Ma Pi Leng Pass is a captivating mountain pass that astounds tourists.

It is one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful passes, and its stunning beauty has earned it recognition as one of Vietnam’s most amazing mountain routes.

Remember to include this landmark in your journey around Ha Giang!

8. Nho Quế River

Get ready to take the greatest Ha Giang loop trip on this thrilling journey to the Nho Quế River.

Experience turquoise waters encircled by mountains, this lovely river offers a sensory overload.

9. Yen Minh Pine Forest

Yen Minh is situated on the southern tip of the Dong Van Plateau. It is a perfect place to pause after passing through Heaven’s Gate.

Yen Minh cuisine is particularly delicious and serves rice paper rolls.

“Yen Minh Cakes,” a particular variety of thin, sticky rice cakes, is the local speciality.

10. Sung La Valleys

The Sung La Valley is bloomed with vibrant flower gardens, a popular tourist destination due to its picturesque and natural surroundings.

It is a famous, beautiful flower garden situated in the centre of the karst plateau.

Clay huts, the rows of buckwheat blossoms adorning every slope, and the lush cornfields evoke an inexplicable feeling the moment you step into this place.

11. Dong Van Market

Dong Van Market is one of the several markets in Ha Giang that visitors on a Ha Giang loop trip should not miss.

Known as one of the biggest marketplaces in the area, it presents a colourful scene.

A multitude of ethnic people dress in their colourful traditional clothing, resulting in a rainbow of hues and cultural diversity.

12. Meo Vac Market

Meo Vac Market is one of Vietnam’s most amazing markets and the biggest ethnic market in Ha Giang loop.

This vibrant market, which opens early in the morning, has a large indoor area devoted to a wide selection of fresh vegetables and little stalls spread all over.

13. Tam Sơn town

Don’t miss to take a trip to a traditional herbal bath. They offer ginger honey tea and herbal bath sessions the moment you arrive in Tam Sơn.

Release all your tension and stress, revitalise and refresh yourself, and take advantage of the cold weather.

14. Tham Luồng Cave – Limestone cave

This limestone cave is located in the Yen Minh district, it was discovered in 2010. Known as the most stunning cave to be discovered in Ha Giang Loop.

This limestone cave’s interior is filled with breathtaking stalactites that have developed over thousands of years and come in a wide variety of shapes and colours.

15. Du Gia

Du Gia is exceptionally a scenic beauty, having Ha Giang’s most alluring and exquisite villages.

This unique place has a calm, pure charm that blends in perfectly with the vast rice fields and hills that surround it.

The locals are exceptionally friendly and sincere in hospitality, which guarantees guests a delightful and warm stay.

16. Tham Ma Pass

Taking a road trip from Yen Minh to Sa Phin takes you across the Jaw-dropping Tham Ma Pass, a mountain pass that is part of the exceptional Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, approved by UNESCO.

Climbing along the narrow road will bring you to a cosy resting place where you may take breathtaking pictures of this majestic pass.

Ha Giang Local Cuisine You Should Not Miss

Best Hotels In Ha Giang Loop

Phoenix -This hotel offers opulent and comfortable rooms, most of which have panoramic views of Ha Giang City and breathtaking scenery.
Silk River Hotel-This new 3-star hotel is located in the centre of Ha Giang city. Features more than 30 bedrooms with luxurious interior design and complete modern conveniences.
Maison Teahouse Homestay – This Homestay in Ha Giang offers accommodations featuring a minimarket with a fitness centre and a public restroom, a common lounge, a dining space, a fireplace, and a coffee shop.
Wings Ha Giang Loop Bungalow -This opulent 3-star hotel bungalow features a lawn, a terrace, and a pool for swimming outside.
Hoa Cuong Hotel-There is a communal lounge and kitchen available at this three-star hotel. Private parking for free is available, there’s a restaurant offering Vietnamese food, daily Asian breakfast and air-conditioned rooms.
Ha Giang Faithien Homestay– Ha Giang features a restaurant, a shared kitchen, a bar, a garden, a sun terrace a children’s playground and a shared lounge area.
Ha Giang Ecostone House- This accommodation offers rental services for motorbikes and tours. Features a terrace, a fancy bar, a lawn, a playground for kids, and a private lounge.

Best Places To Enjoy Traditional Ha Giang Cuisine

Restaurant	Speciality	Timing
Bong Restaurant	Serves Vietnamese and Asian delicacies.	7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Mr. Hung Bar	Rated as one of the top 10 restaurants and is a European style. Serves pizza, Asian, Italian, and Vietnamese cuisine	7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Golden BBQ Hà Giang	Features a hotpot and grill spot, American beef, seafood and pork ribs, and Vietnamese and Korean delicacies.	10:00 AM- 2:00 PM \| 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Pizza Here	Serves authentic pizza, Vietnamese, Fast food, Italian and Mediterranean cuisines.	8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Phuot House Restaurant	Serves noodles, crispy chicken, Vietnamese, healthy and Asian cuisine.	12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Rainbow Local family restaurant	Pancakes, coffee in condensed milk, egg sandwiches, and delicious pancakes.	8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Quiri Peninsula Bar & Restaurant	One of the best restaurants that offers pho cocktails, Vietnamese and cuisine.	12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Sauce Tacos and Wings	This Mexican restaurant offers delicious nachos, tacos, and chicken wings.	11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

What To Pack For Ha Giang Loop

A good-quality waterproof backpack.
Bring enough clothing for 3–5 days, in case get dirty on the journey.
Excellent-quality closed-toe footwear, like boots or trainers.
First aid kit, sunblock and sunglasses.
Microfibre towel: dries quickly and is incredibly lightweight.
Power bank, chargers, and good-quality camera.
Ha Giang Loop offline/paper map.
Swimsuits

FAQs

How long does it take to do a Ha Giang loop?

Ha Giang Loop is 384 km away from Hanoi city, it takes 6–7 hours to reach if you take a bus. Or book private tours or services and enjoy the journey, gazing upon lush hills, waterfalls, and Vietnamese culture.

Is the Ha Giang loop difficult?

Driving through the Ha Giang loop might be quite challenging for those who are not experts at driving in high terrain and crisscross pathways. Opting for a public transport service would be a better option.

What is the Hai Giang loop?

Ha Giang Loop is a picturesque landscape located in northern Vietnam. It offers a thrilling opportunity to drive through majestic hills, cascading waterfalls, vibrant communities, and traditional cuisines and immerse in Vietnamese culture!

Cuisine	Description	Image
Vietnamese coffee	This coffee is made with condensed milk and served chilled with ice.
Bánh cuốn	These rolled cakes are a dish made with a traditional filling of jicama, pork, onion and mushrooms.
Phở	This soup is made with herbs, chicken, noodles, rice and meat.
Banh xeo	This thin crunchy crêpe brimming with bean sprouts, pork, and shrimp and garnished with fresh herbs is a traditional dish.
Nem ran/cha gio	These crispy rolls are filled with shrimp, chicken and vegetables rolled in rice paper and deep-fried.
Goi Cuon	These are the crispy Vietnamese spring rolls. Filled with meat and veggies, and dipped in a zesty sauce to delight the taste buds.
Au Tau porridge	The flavour of this porridge is rich and a little bitter from the au tau, and it smells wonderful from the chicken eggs and the herbs that go with it.
Thang Co	This traditional Mong dish is a meat soup, cooked with horse meat with a unique taste.
Five-colour sticky rice	This is a famous dish in northern Vietnam’s hills. Surprisingly, natural leaves are used rather than chemicals to make these colourful rice.