Ha Giang Loop Travel Guide: Route, Best Time, Stops, Tips

Have you ever dreamed of riding the sea breeze high up in the mountains of northern Vietnam for an extraordinary adventure? Hire a light scrambling motorbike and take a tour of the winding roads and lush green hills of Ha Giang, a place that will give you a unique experience.

To fully enjoy this exciting Vietnam tour, there is always a lot to do before departure. Here is some information on this Ha Giang Loop travel tips that may be of interest to you. 

About the Route of Ha Giang Loop

It's a 400km round trip that takes three to five days to complete. The loop starts in Ha Giang City, from where you can travel to Sapa or Hanoi before heading northeast through Tam Son and Yen Minh to Lung Cu, Vietnam's northernmost city.

After arriving in the northern town of Lung Cu, an alternative route back to Ha Giang is via Dong Van and Meo Vac, then down to Du Gia. It is a 400km round trip full of highlights, from deep canyon sailing to visiting an ancient palace, and usually takes three to five days to complete.

Best Time to Visit Ha Giang Loop

This mountainous retreat of Ha Giang enjoys a stable climate that is pleasant to visit throughout the year. Temperatures hover around 80℉ throughout the year and rarely exceed 90℉, even on hot summer days, making it a great summer holiday destination. Of course, if you visit at different times of the year, there is no shortage of special features that are unique to each season.

Spring, which usually begins in March, could be the most romantic season of the year, especially as you ride through the villages. It is hard not to be awed by the fantastic fields of flowers. The white petals of the apricot blossom show a hint of pink, patches of peach blossom are interspersed with the bright green of some new leaves, and lush, golden-bellied oilseed rapeseed blossoms cover almost the entire terraced field. If it's a little late for planting in May, you can even greet the locals planting between the water fields.

June to August is the rainy season in Ha Giang, when misty valleys are the most common sight, and abundant rainfall brings new life and vitality to the landscape along the way. As the sun breaks through the clouds, you will be greeted by the most saturated hues of summer's verdant valleys, washed by the rain with drops glistening on the leaves, and the sound of water rushing in your ears, revealing the rivers and waterfalls at their most spectacular.

Autumn in Ha Giang is a more surprising scene when the picturesque green valley turns gold from September onward. The leaves of the trees and the grass by the roadside gradually turn the same yellow color as the sun. The layers of golden rice, the symbol of the harvest, are always the most striking feature. The various fruits and vegetables on the terraces not only enrich the dishes on the table but also make the local markets come alive at this time of year, so join the locals in celebrating the harvest.

Winter mornings can be a little chilly. Slippery roads make traveling at this time of year more challenging, but it is also the best time of year to travel at a slower pace. You can get a good night's sleep and enjoy brunch before you set off. Travel at your own pace and never miss a detail of beauty. There is less worry about the inconvenience of other people's horns, so you can just enjoy the feeling of having the whole scenery around you.

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Stopover Points for Resting

Tam Son

A village about a 2-hour ride from the starting point of Ha Giang, which can be a good place to rest. Especially if you set off in the morning, you may want to refuel with a hearty lunch in this lively town after enjoying the scenery along the way.

It's a lively town where local restaurants and street stalls are easy to find. Order a classic northern Vietnamese meal, add a cup of authentic Vietnamese coffee, and make a quick refreshment for your next stop. Of course, if you want to take in the sights and sounds of the Fairy Hills and Heaven Gate, it is not a bad idea to stay here overnight.

Ha Giang Tam Son

Yen Minh

About a two-and-a-half hour's ride from Tam Son, it is one of the perfect choices for the first-day rest, as well as a good base for exploring the Lung Khuy Cave. As a village surrounded by a vast area of terraces, there are many homestays with great views of this mountain countryside.

Set up a table on the ground and use the sunset terrace as the perfect backdrop. Enjoy an authentic Vietnamese dinner prepared by the locals and have a taste of the local rice wine. While in the next morning, join the locals for a steaming bowl of pho before heading out again.

Ha Giang Yen Minh

Dong Van

A small town on the border between Vietnam and China, as well as the home of ethnic minorities. Every Sunday morning, there is a lively market at Pho Bang Street where you can see the unique clay buildings of the ethnic.

If you arrive on a Saturday, make sure you get up early for the next day's market. In addition to the daily necessities you need to replenish, you can also buy a variety of handicrafts woven by the local minority. If you have enough time, you can also experience traditional hemp weaving in the homes of the locals.

Ha Giang Dong Van

Meo Vac

A cheerful village that could be the first to pass through after completing the most thrilling Ma Pi Leng Pass. With access to the Tu San Canyon and the Nho Que River, it is arguably one of the best places to stay.

Apart from the surrounding scenery, it would be nice to have another lively Sunday market. The market here was related to a festival called the Love Market, where lovers who had been separated would meet again to tell each other about their recent lives. Although this tradition is no longer practiced, you can still experience the warmth of the local people.

Nho Que River in Ha Giang

Du Gai

The final stop before returning to the start is a place to explore outside the village while enjoying the local beauty. Find a hidden path through the dense crops and follow it to begin an adventure.

Listen for the sound of water as one of the clues, and ask the local child to lead the way is another way to the hidden treasure - a multi-layered waterfall hidden in the village fields, with paths to climb up the stone walls and a chance to change into a swimming costume to relax in a pool.

Packing Tips and Suggestions

• It is a good idea to have plenty of cash before you set off, as there are not many places to withdraw money in the mountain villages and most shops and restaurants only accept cash.
• Bring rain gear in case your clothes get wet in the morning mist and sudden downpours.
• There is a big difference in temperature between day and night in the mountains and it is helpful to have some long-sleeved clothing, even in summer.
• Bring a strong torch to increase your visibility if you are traveling in an early sunset season like winter. Try to avoid traveling at night, which can be difficult and dangerous as there are few street lights along the route.
• If you suffer from motion sickness, remember to pack motion sickness tablets for this mountain road.

Hope the information above can help you find the clue to this road trip journey. Tell Odynovo about your favorite season to visit there. Whether it's the confusion of planning your trip or the trouble of choosing your accommodation, let Odynovo know, and we'll be happy to help you with any questions you may have.