Planning a trip to the Ha Giang Loop – one of Vietnam’s most stunning and challenging routes? It is essential to equip yourself with the right information. But where do you start?
As someone who’s traversed the Ha Giang motorbike Loop and experienced its rugged beauty, we can tell you that preparation is key. Understanding the essential details like accommodations, easy rider, network connectivity, ATMs, etc. will ensure you’re fully prepared to embrace everything the loop has to offer.
Let’s dive into the essential things you need to know before setting out on this incredible adventure!
Things to know about Ha Giang Motorbike Loop
Table of Contents
1. What is Ha Giang Loop?
Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam is a bucket list experience for many. It is a popular Loop across northern Vietnam that starts and ends at Ha Giang. It is popular for its motorable roads, sheer natural beauty, friendly locals, mountainous roads, and vibe. It is one of the bucket experiences in Vietnam that you shouldn’t miss.
2. Why is Ha Giang Road called the Happiness Road?
The 185-km-long Happiness Road starts from Ha Giang City and passes through Dong Van UNESCO Global Geopark to Meo Vac town. The road was built over five years (1959 – 1965), and many lives were lost during construction.
It is called the Happiness Road because every inch of the road bears the immense happiness of thousands of ethnic groups living in isolation for generations on the plateau. This road brought access to schools, health care, electricity, etc., improving the lives of local people and brightening the future of children. Moreover, there isn’t a single person who hasn’t experienced profound joy after driving along these roads. Go experience it for yourself!
3. International Driving License & Police Checkpoint
An international driving license is mandatory to drive in the Ha Giang Loop. However, many tourists ride without an international driver’s license and have their own ways of escaping from the police. They start super early (between 5 AM and 6 AM) from Ha Giang city. Remember that police are found in Ha Giang and many towns like Dong Van and Cao Bang.
You will be heavily fined (at least 3 Million VND) by the police if you get caught driving without a valid license. You can negotiate your way and bring down to 1 Million VND. Do not ever try to speed past them.
If you’re riding on your own, yet with a group of easy riders, the easy riders will help you go past them. If the police are located near a stop, they will drive the bike for you until you cross the police. Despite these measures, we advise you to hold a valid driving license if you plan to attempt the Ha Giang Loop by yourself.
4. Petrol Bunks
Petrol bunks or gas stations are located every 50 to 100 Km. The best practice is to fill your tank every morning before you start riding for the day. Google Maps can point you to the nearest one. The villages we have suggested as the starting points for each day in the Ha Giang itinerary have reliable petrol bunks.
5. Bike Repair Shops
Bike workshops are also usually found near petrol bunks or gas stations. Do the basic checks – air in the tires, front light check, indicators, the gears, and breaks, before you depart from Ha Giang and before commencing your ride every day.
Two-wheelers are the most frequently used mode of transport for the locals in northern Vietnam. So, in villages and large settlements, you can find many bike repair shops easily. You can also ask any local to guide you to the nearest bike repair workshop.
6. Road Conditions & Safety
The roads are really well-laid and smooth for most of the trip unless you go off the beaten track. You will be fine if you follow the route we suggested in the Ha Giang Loop itinerary.
Be very careful while overtaking trucks and long-haul vehicles. We saw and heard of many accidents, mainly trucks losing their balance in sharp curves. Maintain a safe distance from them. Many roads have steep inclines. Go slow while driving on the curves and slopes, and do not overtake other vehicles at hairpin bends.
The easy rider drivers are very familiar with the routes and are, therefore, able to drive fast while exercising adequate caution. If you are riding alone, we highly recommend you slow down as you do not know what lies ahead, and most of the curves have sharp turns. Turn on the indicators and front lights if visibility is poor during rain and mist. This will help approaching vehicles pass through with caution.
7. Road Signs
The following road signs are commonly marked throughout the Ha Giang Loop. These signs are very helpful while driving. Here are a few,
- Curves
- Slopes in percentage
- Entry and end of villages and settlements
- Markets – mentioned as “Cho”
- Warning to use low gear for very steep slopes
Also, know the basic rules while driving. Vietnamese riders ride on the right side of the road, and helmets are mandatory for both the driver and the pillion.
8. Two-Wheeler & Four-Wheeler Rentals
Two-wheeler and four-wheeler rentals are both available in Ha Giang. Below are a few of our recommendations:
Two-wheeler rentals in Ha Giang
You can rent two-wheelers from hostels or hotels in Ha Giang City. Almost all of the accommodations in Ha Giang offer rental services or will guide the closest one. Below are some hostels from where you can hire two-wheelers.
Four-wheeler rentals in Ha Giang
Rental companies don’t require an international driving license for two-wheelers. However, it is mandatory for four-wheelers. For Ha Giang loop tours by car, we highly recommend the following best tours to you.
9. Two Wheeler Rental Cost in Ha Giang
The prices listed are for reference purposes only. They may vary slightly depending on the place you rent, the season, availability, demand, etc.
Motorcycle name | Price/ day (with bike insurance) | Price/ day (without bike insurance) |
110 CC Honda Blade, semi-automatic | 150,000 VND | 90,000 VND |
110 CC Honda Blade, semi-automatic | 180,000 VND | 70,000 VND |
Honda Vision, Automatic | 260,000 VND | 150,000 VND |
Honda XR, Fully Geared | 500,000 VND | 250,000 VND |
Honda Winner, Automatic | 350,000 VND | 200,000 VND |
Twin’s Tip: The bike rental costs are much cheaper in Hanoi. If you have an extra day, you can definitely consider renting from Hanoi. However, it is important to note that the road from Hanoi to Ha Giang is bumpy.
10. Easy Rider Vs DIY – Which One to Choose?
We also had the same question and had difficulty choosing one for the Ha Giang motorbike Loop. So, we have published a separate blog highlighting the pros and cons of choosing an Easy Rider compared to riding solo. Additionally, it answers the most frequently asked questions, which will help you decide how you want to ride. Please refer to the guide for more details.
11. Accommodations
You need not worry about accommodations along the Ha Giang Loop, as the route is dotted with hotels and accommodations for different requirements. Most of them are listed on Booking.com, while a few are not. We recommend you pre-book at least one day before, especially during the peak season.
We preferred homestays on the mountainside with views of the valleys over staying in hotels. While some homestays are loaded with tourists, partying and karaoke the whole night, a few stays that are a little farther from the village have a more rustic feel, where you get to stay and drink authentic rice wine with the locals. Choose based on your needs by reading the reviews. You can also check with the receptionist if any group is coming over for the night and choose accordingly.
We have listed our recommendations for accommodation in each village on the route planning blog. Do check it out.
12. Food And Drinks
Finding vegetarian food is challenging in the Ha Giang Loop. The only place is to go to the accommodations that come with vegetarian or vegan options at their restaurants. Several non-vegetarian restaurants can be found in every settlement. The shops are generally open from early in the morning to 8 PM. Pork, chicken, and beef are the most common fare eaten by the people of the region. Bun cha (pork noodle soup), Pho, and rice are available everywhere.
Indulge in street food at the local markets in the town. The markets are called ‘Cho’. When you ride past markets, make sure to stock up on some fruits or snacks. You simply can’t complete the Ha Giang Loop without drinking rice wine or “happy water.” The rice wine is strong, but the locals are used to it. The tribes and the locals, both men and women, get together and drink every day after work. They are very generous and friendly to share their drink with the passing tourists.
13. Ha Giang Loop Packing List
Since the Ha Giang Loop is a motorbike trip, you should know what things you need to carry for your journey. Carry only the essentials and leave your extra belongings at your accommodation in Ha Giang City. Refer to the packing list to know what you need to pack for the Ha Giang Loop.
14. How to dress?
Wear long, warm clothing suitable for cold climates. Long pants and warm T-shirts are suitable since they keep you warm and are also suitable for long drives. The areas you will pass through are also fairly conservative, so this outfit is also more suitable for socializing with the locals.
15. The Best Time to Do Ha Giang Loop
The post-monsoon season, from late September to November, is the best time to make the Ha Giang Loop. Traveling during this time of the year also allows visitors to witness the terraced rice fields, which are golden in color.
In December, the weather is cold, and the landscapes are covered in mist. The dry season from January to March is the second best time to ride with minimal rain. Do not do the Ha Giang Loop in the rainy season from April to August. The roads are flooded with water (high currents) and are closed due to landslides. The altitude at the Ha Giang Loop ranges from 297 feet to 5090 feet. The weather at high altitudes in the mountains changes drastically.
16. Ha Giang Loop Route Map/ Itinerary
The Ha Giang Loop has different route options covering six provinces in Northern Vietnam: Ha Giang, Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, Meo Vac, Bac Me, and Cao Bang. The Ha Giang Loop itinerary shares five different route options with maps, starting from 2 Days to 7 Days. You can choose depending on the weather, duration, distance, and driving skills.
17. Network Availability
Vinaphone provides the best network coverage in the Ha Giang Loop. Locals widely use the Vinaphone SIM card in the region. Viettel’s network is good in the towns, but only intermittent signals were observed on the roads. Internet connection in Viettel was also observed to be slow, with moderate reception. Most accommodations have Wi-Fi facilities. You can check for Wi-Fi availability before confirming your stay.
18. Photography & Drones
Ha Giang Loop is filled with photogenic spots. It is a heaven for landscape and portrait photographers. If you own a camera, remember to carry it. Although people are very friendly, we recommend asking their permission before taking pictures. Drones are strictly prohibited in the border regions that are close to China. In other places, you can use drones in the Ha Giang Loop. No additional permission is required.
19. Languages Spoken
Vietnamese is the widely spoken language in the northern part of Vietnam along the Ha Giang Loop. Except for a few isolated ethnic tribes, the ethnic tribes speak their native language as well as Vietnamese.
Most of the locals do not speak English, except for a few business owners who can communicate in English. We used Google Translate to converse with the locals, which was very helpful. You can download the Vietnamese language offline on Google Translate.
20. Ethnic Groups
Several ethnic groups native to the highlands reside in this region of Vietnam. They still wear their traditional jewelry and beautiful attires. A few ethnic groups include the Hmong, Tay, Dao, Lo Lo people, Ning, and Kinh. The Hmong is the largely populated ethnic group in the region.
21. Payments & ATMs
Most payments are made in cash, and card payments are not widely accepted. We recommend that you carry enough cash with you. Agri bank ATMs are commonly found in towns, usually at the towns where you halt for the night. Agri Bank ATM charges 22000 VND per transaction. The maximum amount to be withdrawn in a single transaction is 2 Million VND.
22. Ha Giang Loop Cost
Atchaya self-rided the Ha Giang loop by herself on a motorbike and spent around 3 Million VND for a 7-day trip. This includes entry fees and parking fees for the attractions, food, accommodation, petrol charges, two-wheeler rentals, and miscellaneous expenses. If you opt for easy riders, it will cost you the same amount for a 3-4 day trip.
23. Attractions Along The Ha Giang Loop
In addition to the scenic beauty of the Ha Giang Loop itself, there are a few attractions that you must not miss. We have highlighted 15 prime attractions in the Ha Giang Loop. Do refer to our detailed blog and try to visit as many places as you can. Information boards about the attractions are placed at the entrances in both Vietnamese and English.
24. Restrooms and Parking facilities
Close to the attractions along the Loop, paid restrooms (3000 – 5000 VND) are available. These restrooms are clean and well-maintained. Most attractions have paid parking in the vicinity. The charges range from 5000 VND to 10000 VND for motorcycles.
25. Is the Ha Giang Loop worth the hype?
The Ha Giang Loop has garnered considerable attention and popularity on social media platforms in recent times. Many tourists are flocking to experience what the Loop has to offer. We experienced it for ourselves, and as travelers, we can assure you that this was one of the best experiences we have had so far.
The friendly locals, breathtaking landscape, delicious local food, and scenic zig-zagging roads add to the overall attraction of this route. Ha Giang Loop is a must-have on the bucket list for every person who has been bitten by the travel bug.
26. Can I do the Ha Giang Loop in a car or bus?
Yes, doing the Ha Giang Loop on a public bus or car is possible.
Ha Giang Loop in a Car
Cars can be rented at Ha Giang. If you hold an international driving license, you can drive independently. You can also hire a driver for a fee.
Riding the car along the Ha Giang Loop protects you from harsh weather. However, we personally felt that feeling the wind in our hair as we drove along the Loop was what made this trip extra special.
Ha Giang Loop in Bus
The Loop, despite being one of the remote parts of Vietnam, has ample bus facilities. The buses connect the different towns and look like a van. However, the buses are very infrequent, with only one or two buses available each day. While the Ha Giang Loop is doable by bus, you might face challenges as it cuts the flexibility of stopping to take pictures and time delays, and you might also have to skip visiting the attractions. We do not recommend the Ha Giang Loop on a bus.
27. Is Ha Giang Loop kids-friendly?
Yes. Ha Giang Loop is kid-friendly. We have seen many kids as pillion riders with their parents or in a car exploring the Ha Giang Loop. You may have to slow down from the suggested Ha Giang loop itinerary with Kids as pillion. If you have kids, we suggest you take a car.
If you have any further questions, feel free to drop them in the comments section below. We will do our best to answer them.
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