4 Day Easy-Rider Tour Along the Ha Giang Loop
Duration
4 Days
Location
Ha Giang, Vietnam
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
$300pp (including tip)
Best Time to Visit
☀️ Dry season (September to November and March to May): You can expect dry, cool and temperate weather with golden Autumn foliage and buckwheat flower season in Sept-Nov. If you opt for the spring season (Mar-May), you'll enjoy sunny weather, lush greenery, and spring blooms.
🌦️ Shoulder season (April and end of August): Enjoy lush greenery with smaller groups and fewer groups, though you may have the occasional shower.
Booking Sites
🏍️ Where to book your Ha Giang Loop Tour: opt for a local tour operator like Bibi Ha Giang Loop Tours (Whatsapp to book direct)
🚌 How to get to Ha Giang: Book an overnight Bang Phan bus to/from from Hanoi via 12Go or baulau
The Ha Giang Loop is one of Vietnam's most breathtaking adventures, offering a journey through stunning landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and unforgettable moments. Located in the northernmost part of Vietnam, this loop is a must-visit for any traveler seeking an authentic and immersive experience.
Our Experience
Our group of eight embarked on a counter-clockwise journey starting from Ha Giang, with seven of us opting for the "easy rider" experience. This meant we could sit back, enjoy the breathtaking views, and let local drivers handle the challenging roads. Trust me, it was the perfect choice for soaking in the scenery without worrying about the technical aspects of driving or navigating the terrain.
About the Region
Ha Giang is a region that feels untouched by time, with its agricultural communities remaining relatively isolated from big city influences. The landscape is dotted with dramatic limestone mountains and emerald green rice terraces, making it a photographer's paradise. The local culture is vibrant, with 22 ethnic groups contributing to a rich tapestry of traditions and cuisine.
Why We Chose Bibi Ha Giang Loop Tour
We researched a couple of different local providers and went with Bibi Ha Giang Loop Tours for several reasons:
Small Group Size: They cap their groups at eight people, ensuring a more intimate and enjoyable experience. This smaller size allows for quicker movement and better bonding among group members.
Safety First: Unlike other tour operators, Bibi provides elbow and knee guards, emphasizing safety on the challenging mountain roads.
Authentic Experience: The tour focuses on visiting local villages and experiencing the authentic culture of the region, avoiding the rowdier crowds often associated with larger tour groups.
Other Operators
Road Kings Ha Giang: Really well-loved tour operator founded by a husband (British) and wife (Vietnamese) duo. We almost went with this option, but found that their tours (both budget and premium) were a bit pricier.
Do NOT book with Jasmine Tours. We've read a lot of horror stories with this tour company and found their group to be rowdy and disrespectful on the road. They had 30+ people in their caravan and were blasting music on handheld speakers while the rest of the groups were trying to take in the views and hear to our guides.
Packing Essentials
✔ Packing List:
2 short sleeve shirts
1-2 pair of shorts
1 pair of pants
1 light layer for chilly mornings and evenings
1 waterproof jacket
Swimsuit
Sandals (Teva Tirra W / Teva Hurricane M)
Light daypack(Waterproof 20L daypack)
5L dry bag (keep electronics dry)
✔ Miscellaneous:
Lots of sunscreen (Biore UV sunscreen)
Bug lotion/spray (Sawyer insect repellent lotion)
Personal battery pack (Anker power bank)
Shampoo/conditioner bar (Ethique travel bars)
Leak-proof soap bar pouch (Matador)
Planning & Preparation
Book Your Tour Early
Popular tours fill up quickly and max out at 8 riders/group.
Get Travel Insurance
Make sure it covers motorcycle travel. We had 1 person who sustained injuries in our group, even with the safety gear provided by Bibi, you should come prepared with proper insurance coverage.
Arrange Your Visa
Check the requirements for your country. Some countries (like the USA) require visa for entry. We recommend you apply for an e-visa: $25 application fee for single-entry (valid for 90 days) with 3-5 business days for processing.
Arrive in Ha Giang a Day in Advance
Tours start at 8am, make sure your overnight bus arrives on-time (preferably the night before—Bibi Tours offers free stay in their hostel the night before your tour).
Bring Cash to Tip Your Easy-Rider (or ask to stop at an ATM along the way)
It's recommend that you tip at least 500,000 VND (about $20/ £16/€18). This comes out to $5/day to show your appreciation for their hard work keeping you safe and comfortable on your adventure.
Itinerary
Day 1: Ha Giang to Meo Vac
We began our journey by traveling to Meo Vac. Along the way, we hiked up to a cascading waterfall (some folks took a quick dip in the mountain-side, natural pool) and rolling hills filled with terraced, lush green rice paddies. A visit to a Hmong village was a highlight, where we visited their houses and shared snacks with local families. We stopped for the night at the picturesque Du Gia Field View Homestay and enjoyed a delicious home-cooked meal, traditional "happy water" (local rice wine), and karaoke with our guides.
Day 2: Meo Vac to Dong Van
The second day took us to Dong Van, passing through the iconic Ma Pi Leng pass and plenty of scenic pitstops. We skipped the bamboo rafting adventure along the Ban Ang due to the strong river current from the recent rainfall, but if you are visiting during dry season, you can expect an added stop with river rafting and a quick dip in a watering hole. Along the way, we picked up the traditional Vietnamese game of shuttlecock (da cau), which quickly became a group favorite. Folks were scrambling off their bikes to quickly gather and play during our breaks for the rest of the trip.
Day 3: Dong Van to Nam Dam
On the third day, we passed through northern Vietnam, stopping by the Chinese border and saying a quick "hello" to the border guards. We visited the Lung Cu flagpoint, climbing the 30-meter monument for panoramic views and learning about local legends. We stayed at the beautiful Toong Homestay with breathtaking views of the rolling hills. The evening was filled with a delicious hot pot dinner prepared by our hosts, followed by more "happy water," card games, and bonding with our group.
Day 4: Nam Dam to Ha Giang
Our final day began with a challenging hike to a holy cavern featuring stunning stalactites and a holy pool that is still used by villagers for religious ceremonies. This hike offered a unique contrast to the rest of our motorbike journey, immersing us in new perspectives of the region's natural beauty.
Final Thoughts
The Ha Giang Loop is an adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories. With its stunning landscapes, authentic cultural experiences, and challenging yet rewarding roads, it's a journey that every traveler should consider. Whether you're a seasoned biker or prefer the comfort of an easy rider, this loop offers something for everyone. If you're looking for an adventure that's a bit off the beaten path, Ha Giang is definitely worth considering!
