Ha Giang Loop (3d)

The city of Ha Giang is the starting point for the Ha Giang Loop. The city is relatively remote in the north and can only be reached by bus. We flew from Da Nang to Hanoi in the evening and spent a night at the airport in Hanoi. The next morning, we took a comfortable VIP bus to Ha Giang (from 9 AM to around 2:30 PM). The bus was organized by Tracy (Sun Ha Giang Hotel) and cost 15 USD per person.

At this hotel, we also rented our motorcycles. Two manual motorcycles (Yamaha WR155 - 650,000 dong/day with insurance) and a semi-automatic scooter (300,000 dong/day).

There are basically two options for the loop: driving yourself or riding as a passenger on a scooter with a local (Easy Rider). It is recommended everywhere to ride with an Easy Rider - supposedly it's safe... However, you should be aware that you are entrusting your life to a stranger who doesn't really drive slowly and likely doesn't have a driver's license. I have experienced some perilous situations with these 'safe' drivers and wouldn’t ride with them. Easy Riders always drive in groups (sometimes up to 100 scooters) and tend to stop at the same spots at the same times, so you don't get much of the peace and beauty of nature. Additionally, you are part of a guided tour, meaning subpar hostels with huge dorms!

The best way to experience this indescribable tour is to just ride by yourself and alone! What we experienced here was madness. The nature, the scenery, the remote villages, children waving by the roadside, the agriculture like it was 100 years ago, the people,... However, I wouldn't ride without motorcycle experience - the roads had been severely damaged by the typhoon and you should have general motorcycle touring experience. The fine for not having an international driver's license (motorcycle!) is at least 1,500,000 dong - they check (we got checked twice). After the tour, we also learned about alcohol checks.

Conclusion Ha Giang Loop: an indescribable experience and adventure - I think a lot will change in the coming years! There is investment in tourism, the Easy Rider groups are already quite numerous, and the number of tourists in this area is likely to increase. If you are not confident riding a motorcycle, I would actually skip the tour.

We completed the tour over 3 days. One should inform themselves about the routes beforehand, plan the tour & also consider the weather. I wouldn't ride the tour in (heavy) rain! It feels like every few meters the slope has slipped - just Google Ha Giang Loop in the rain...

Day 1: Ha Giang - Dong Van

Day 2: Dong Van - Du Gia

Day 3: Du Gia - Ha Giang