Its our top experience across many months in southeast Asia and by far the most enjoyable area over two months in Vietnam. Southeast Asia If you take the shortcut, about 20km of the road is just terrible (dirt road with patches of old concrete, and a lot of mud), but its doable, just go slow, and youll be fine. There was one stop for a bathroom/food break. Ha Giang Loop Route / Itinerary. Other ATMs have higher maximum withdrawal amounts. The route to Ha Giang from Hanoi is not very wiggly, but our bus driver was a little crazy and nearly ran a few bikes off the road. There is also a permanent checkpoint now outside Ha Giang town, where the police might pull you over and check your papers. Prices are a little higher here sometimes too, possibly due to demand. Summer If every foreign visitor that passes through a village feeds a small child sugary snacks, that is awful for their health, plus they are unlikely to have adequate access to dental treatment. Its worth noting that Google maps took us on this route, and although it was said to be the faster route, it turned out to be quite a stressful journey. Related Everything you need to know before a trip to Vietnam. We made it to Hong Thu Homestayjust in time to watch the sunset over the glorious terraced fields, followed by a traditional Vietnamese dinner cooked fresh by the matriarch of the family. If you want to see our exact breakdown of costs, check out our Ha Giang budget when it is published (on the way). document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); How To Do The Ha-Giang Loop in Vietnam by Motorbike, https://www.pinterest.com.au/acoupleventures/. We were not far from the town of Yen Minh when we stumbled across Yen Minh Pine Forest. Get the full route map, plus info on the best things to see, right here. SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! Start the last day of your trip with a simple breakfast and stock up on provisions to make the journey back to Ha Giang. You can also ride the route yourself if you have rented a bike for an extended period (or even take your bike on the bus). I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. France You are free to disagree, but ensure that whatever you decide, youve thought about the long-term consequences. December and January can be cold up in the mountains, especially in the evenings, but there is little rain. South Get an early breakfast in H Giang city before hitting the road. This adventurous biking route through northern Vietnam isnt unknown at this point, but its also not Sapa-ed out and full of cynical, scheming residents and rude tourists. Its the cheapest way to book flights from anywhere in the world. 51,207 Followers Follow. Home Blog How To Do The Ha-Giang Loop in Vietnam by Motorbike. This is one area where you can (mostly probably not on Tet) just turn up and find somewhere to sleep. Daily motorbike/scooter rental costs in 2023 are around: 180k dong semi-automatic Honda Blade 125cc, 250k dong automatic Honda Airblade 125cc. He went headfirst off the bike and broke some teeth. It is possible to do the Ha Giang loop by car. The Ha Giang Loop is the best of what Vietnam has to offer. Between November and March, it gets pretty cold in the mountains, you should pack a good jacket. Its a great option if you do not feel comfortable riding a bike on your own. Tour from Hanoi to Ha Giang There are several tours to Ha Giang starting from Hanoi. Map of Ha Giang Loop. Personally, wed suggest going to Ta Lang instead if you must choose between them. After checking the map we realised we were on the right track, but this road was not recommended due to its hazardous condition. If this is your first time on a geared bike, do not fear. It would be very difficult to run out of gas! 1,400,000 VND - Four Day Motorbike Rental (Automatic with Full Insurance) 930,000 VND - Homestay/Hostel Accommodations for Four Nights. Ha Giang is a border province, set right up in the north of Vietnam on the Chinese frontier. Ha Giang Loop Vietnam You will discover the main highlights of Ha Giang including Dong Van, Meo Vac and Ma Pi Leng pass, all must-see destinations when traveling to this remote area. With a Ha Giang Loop tour 4 days by motorbike of Zonitrip, you will have more time to explore Ha Giang through famous destination such as: Dong Van, Meo Vac, Ma Pi leng pass, Du Gia. We hope this guide answers any questions you may have about completing the Ha Giang loop, though feel free to reach out to us with any questions. After admiring the views for as long as we could spare, we continued in search of the Lung Cu Flagpole an iconic landmark that represents the northernmost area of Vietnam. For examples of accommodation, check out hotel sites like Booking and Agoda which can give you examples of the quality and prices. Unlike neighboring Sapa, the Ha-Giang loop has gone under the radar of the backpacking trail in Vietnam, hidden from the millions of tourists who visit the country every year. . Make sure to have offline maps and an offline translation app. Here are a couple of other Ha Giang Loop Tour options: Check out some of the other destinations in Vietnam you can visit: Like it? Viewpoints there are so many along this section. If you provide food or items worth money, it is possible that parents will encourage their child to beg rather than attend school. You can also get from Hanoi to Ha Giang by motorbike, either with your own or a rental. For example, in Du Gia we stayed in an actual glorified spider shed whereas in Dong Van we stayed in a beautiful new hotel with a great bed, aircon and television! - What is the Ha Giang Loop - How Long is the Ha Giang Loop - Ha Giang Loop Map - Ha Giang Loop Route: 4 Day Itinerary - Day 1: Ha Giang City to Lao Xa - Day 2: Lao Xa to Meo Vac - Day 3: Meo Vac to Du Gia - Day 4: Du Gia to Ha Giang City - Is the Ha Giang Loop Dangerous - Getting Around Ha Giang - Driving on Your Own - Easy Rider Tours - Ha Gia. Try not to do it alone, its safer and more fun to be in a group. Book the sleeper bus on Baolau where you can check out the recent prices and timetables. The roads of on this route are in good condition for the most part, however, obstacles and construction can show up anytime. Wed recommend taking a little bit of time to wander around. Its a cultural experience you wont want to miss. You can do this Ha Giang loop in 2 days, but youll have to rush and miss many interesting places. Ha Giang Loop - In-depth Guide to a Road Trip of a Lifetime - Shipped Away Read everything about doing the Ha Giang loop, an incredible circular route in the far north of Vietnam, on the border with China. The LiLa Inn is the perfect crash pad for before and after your loop ride! The Ha Giang Loop, covering Vietnam's most scenic region, has arguably the most magnificent roads in Vietnam, if not the entirety of southeast Asia. Hours past hazily until our bodies reminded us that it was time to refuel. For a super atmospheric homestay, consider Chung Pua-Auberge de Meo Vac. The Ha Giang Loop is not all about the scenery, its also about the rich ethnic diversity of the Ha Giang province. Just do the Ha-Giang Loop by car the scenery is the same, but the likelihood of a fuck-up is probably way smaller! Thousands of tourists visit this spectacular route each year, which promises bountiful mountains and hills, traditional Vietnamese villages, pristine rivers, and stunning rice fields that reflect the beauty and humility of one of Southeast Asia's most . I dont know if I would be quite as brave as you, but it truly sounds like a life changing experience! What is "The Loop": The Ha Giang Loop is a circular route in Vietnam's northern region that is typically explored by motorcycle. Private transfers and tours can also be found online or through tour companies in the capital. Okay, so this day looks really short, but theres tonnes of side quests to fill your time, plus the most famous vistas on the Ha Giang Circuit will keep you busy for hours. And the thrilling loop is absolutely worth trying when visiting Ha Giang by motorbike!!! Located in and around Ha Giang (300 km away from Hanoi capital, Vietnam), Ha Giang Loop is a very fascinating motorbike loop that lead bikers to various breathtaking landscapes of limestone, rice paddle fields and tribal traditional villages. If you need a specific time, scout around and youll almost certainly find one that suits. + Enioy you tiem here seeing the beauty of Bac Sum pass, Heaven Gate. An excellent value, friendly homestay in Meo Vac is Lo Lo Guesthouse. This option is full of tourists and the views from the road below are nearly as good! Check out any bike you rent before taking it. A lot of places have outdoor bathrooms with extremely basic rooms, be aware if this is a difficulty for you. Sulawesi Sign up for a monthly round up of new posts, travel updates, guides, tips and quirky travel news never any junk or spam. This behaviour is ethically questionable, even if it seems like giving to needy children seems like a good notion in the moment. The entrance fee is 40k and should include a guide. We never had a problem with communication using Google images and hand gestures, but its worth noting that Google will not always save you. Here, we describe a route that takes in all the main towns, mentioning any extras and notable stops. After a sugar kick, you should be ready to set out on the 100km journey to the . Ha Anh Homestay is another popular option, this time for private rooms. Along the way, you will find plenty of amazing viewpoints and magical landscapes. Here is a list of specific things that you might not think about (we figure youve got underwear and socks sorted). 8.9. 18:30: Arrive Yen Minh, check in to the homestay and have dinner there. It turned out to be a relatively developed town hosting an abundance of hotels and restaurants, as well as a small market selling an array of local goods. One that works well! If you take a Ha Giang loop tour through an agency they will provide a bike. September to November are decent months to take on the loop. As we reached the peak of the mountain we understood exactly why our friend recommended this village. If you book your flights to Vietnam through our link below, we make a tiny commission that helps to keep this site running, at zero cost to you. The multi-day circular route, along the border with China, could easily be the best days you spend in Vietnam. Let us know if you have any more questions that we didnt answer! The Ha Giang Motorbike Loop is located 310 km north of Hanoi in the Ha Giang region, Vietnam. Du Ga Mng Tr Garden Homestay is a nice option with dorms and private rooms and a beautiful garden and tasty meals. 1. The stretch of road from Ma Le to Du Gia is definitely the best part of the Ha Giang Loop. It is less touristy compared to Sapa, therefore I could totally immerse myself in the authentic and interesting local life with minority people. I wouldnt advise someone who never drove to start with this road and most important when you rent a motorbike ask for a good helmet! The scenery is really beautiful as the route follows the river north and bus drivers tend to be a little less scary during the day! We exclusively book our flights through Skyscanner. If you have time, you can spend one more night there and hike to other villages in the area and/or to some waterfalls. There are three options to get back to Ha Giang from du Gia. In rural areas of Ha Giang, within some of the unique ethnic tribes, literacy can be low, so writing something into Google translate is not always helpful. Today youll encounter what is arguably the most mind-blowing stretch of road in all of Vietnam. Credit cards are not widely accepted around the Ha Giang Loop. If you dont want to pay for a coffee, just park safely on the side of the road and your view will be almost as good. Italy We took a 12-hour bus from Cat Ba Island to Ha Giang that ran through the day and arrived at 10pm. Officially, wed read that there was a permit you needed to purchase in order to access this area and ride this route. The Ha Giang Loop has become immensely popular among travelers looking to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations that are not yet overrun by tourists. Eventually, all vagabonds must seek further for that dreaded stability. Ha Giang Loop Cost Breakdown. /+ Youre often in a group and depending on your preferences, these can be a bit alcohol-fuelled which is hit or miss! This river can be viewed from numerous parts of the road between Dong Van and Meo Vac, but if you want to head out on the water, ride down the side road 193A (starting at 23.210128, 105.416379) which leads to the border with China. Youll find fewer towns in the last stretch before reaching the city. + You get a competent, knowledgeable rider who is familiar with the terrain, + Frees you up to enjoy scenery and the ride. Yen Minh is small and as such does not have masses of accommodation. You can visit the cooperative where they will show you the traditional process from A to Z, they will even let you try some of the steps. Our Taste For Life documents the story of Charlotte & Natalie A British lesbian couple chasing their dreams around the world on a shoe-string budget. Before hitting the road we took a dip at the local waterfall. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. This makes Google translate useless! But it's deep gorges, high mountain passes, and winding roads beg the question: Is the Ha Giang Loop Safe for beginners? It's why this area has been recognized in 2015 as Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark. As a priority pack light. For safety, approach curves with caution, drive during daylight hours and stop after dark. The weather has cooled slightly from the humid summer temperatures and there is less rain. (Nothing screams culture shock quite like witnessing 9-year-old children drive motorbikes on mountain roads, innocent toddlers play contently alongside a cliff edge, or admirable mothers carry out hard labor with babies strapped to their backs.). They are apparently extremely alcohol-fuelled and didnt mind people drink-riding. Do be cautious though; this drive is not for the faint-hearted and only confident bikers should attempt it. You can either rent from your hotel or from one of the many rental companies in Ha Giang. Ha Giang in Vietnam. In this article, I will be sharing our daily itinerary and experiences; this guide that will equip you with need-to-know informationfor a safe and enjoyable motorbike journey on the Ha-Giang loop. We went in November and had zero rain and mostly sunshine with some cloud/haze. Mo Vc is only 24 kilometres from ng Vn, but it will take most of your morning to reach it, if you stop to appreciate the panoramic views along the way. All along the route, little children will high-five you and stop to talk to you. . This four-day route follows the QL4C northeast from H Giang to Bo Lm, and the QL34 southwest from Bo Lm back to H Giang. Already have an account?Click If you take the main road, make sure to see some of the highlights like the Quan Ba Pass and the Twin mountains (stop at Quan Ba town, towards the middle youll see stairs, take them for an incredible viewpoint). It wasnt long before we were out of the town and heading into rural territory. It was soon time to complete the last leg of our journey to Quan Ba. Check out their Instagram handle @ourtasteforlife for the latest! That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Weve included self-guided options, tours, types of bike rental, getting to Ha Giang, routes, maps, costs, food, safety and much more. Dong Van has plenty of comfortable accommodation options. Cruise though karst plateaus and mountain passes before arriving at Yn Minh, where you can settle in at a local hotel for the evening. It goes without saying that for road safety, avoiding the wet season makes sense (and also for your comfort). If you are wondering when is the best time to visit Ha-Giang,October through to April are considered the best months to visit Ha-Giang as it is dry season and the roads are safer to drive. Check out & follow: 115,887 Fans Like. Just click on out if its not for you. You can plan a stop in Bac Ha, a small village known for its Sunday market, but youll have to spend the night there and catch a bus the next day. The Ha Giang loop is arguably the most beautiful destination in all of Vietnam; Id even go as far to say, its one of the most beautiful places in all of South East Asia. Food Everything will have to be lugged around on the back of a bike! There are also a number of eateries in town that ensured we didnt go hungry. Ha Giang, Vietnam - Great location - show map After booking, all of the property's details, including telephone and address, are provided in your booking confirmation and your account. If you head up there, be careful and schedule some extra time. We were consumed with inspiration and freedom. During this section, following the ever-present QL4C, you ride east from Dong Van before heading south through the Ma Pi Leng Pass to Meo Vac. in with Facebook, Sign Regarding driving a motorbike, be careful the roads are good but not very large, dont hesitate to use the honk in the turns! Pay a little extra for the room with a balcony. Tet, or Chinese New Year, lands around the end of January to early February. Along the way, we passed through almighty Quan Ba Pass,otherwise known as Heavens Gate a pretty accurate description considering the heavenly views and majestic sunset projecting a golden glow on everything it touched. Where to Stay in Ha-Giang For a treat, consider Dong Van Cliffside House. Most hostels will store your larger backpack, so you do not need to carry it around along the motorbike loop. It is important to note that the drive can be challenging at times, especially if you do not have much experience riding a motorbike. In major towns, hostels, western restaurants and petrol stations, people speak a little English. Remember that you need to buy insurance as well when you rent your bike, which can nearly cost as much as the rental itself. We think that as long as you avoid the rainy season during the summer months, any other time of year is a great time to travel the Ha Giang loop! The reason being, you will have more control over the demanding conditions of the mountain roads. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()), document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()). Walking among the mounting landscapes was a powerful reminder of how small we really are. The local kids would run out to high-5 us, excited to see a tourist in a rather desolate place,while their parents waved curiously. This is the most popular Vietnamese holiday so be aware that crowds increase, and services decrease as people travel and businesses shut. Ha giang travel guide in Ha giang loop route: There is two popular roads from Ha giang city to Lung Cu flag pole. Both feature incredible scenery and viewpoints. Enjoy a steaming bowl of pho for breakfast before you set off for Dong Van, taking the QL4C northeast. Petrol costs when we visited at the end of 2022 were around 23k dong per litre. The later part of this route is by far our favourite in terms of scenery. Stop in the S Phn area for food and fuel. WHERE IS THE HA GIANG LOOP? It was impossible to know exactly when we had reached the end of the pass, as the breathtaking views continued all the way to Du Gia,where we would spend our last night. Positioned slightly off the beaten path, Sung La is rarely visited by those completing the loop; however, we had been advised by a local not to miss it. PHONE/CELL SIGNAL ALONG THE HA GIANG LOOP. Often we even found ourselves navigating through herds of cows, buffaloes, and goats. Wifi was mostly reliable at the hotels along the loop, however our cell reception was good enough that we never actually needed to use it. Depending on your loop choice, the main hubs for accommodation are Du Gia, Yen Minh, Meo Vac, Dong Van and Ha Giang itself. Day 1 - H Giang - Yn Minh. A vietnamese travel blog shares information about Ha giang Vietnam travel guide filled with things to do, Ha giang loop route, Ha giang homestay and so on. It was too late to turn back, however, so we continued the route cautiously. Its also an 8 hours drive from Sapa, buses depart daily from the bus station (150,000 VND), if you miss it you can always catch a bus for Lao Cai and then for Ha Giang. Bong Hostel and Motorbike Tour only have shared dorms, but are very friendly, super-social and great at organising tours for you. Required fields are marked *. Here the restaurants and road stalls serve classic Northern Vietnamese fare. For reference, the journey is around 6-7 hours from Hanoi and costs around 200-400k depending on bus company and quality. What an adventure! Wanting to learn more about the family who welcomed us, we spent the morning communicating through google translate, learning about their village traditions stories. Ha Giang Loop Route Map. These prices are far higher than rental costs across the rest of Vietnam. This offers support along the route and the option to meet new people, while still allowing you to have the experience of riding yourself. The building is super pretty, there are dorms and private rooms, plus has a lively backpacker scene. With fresh air in our lungs and clear minds, we felt immense gratitude and love for the beautiful world we live in. Nha Nghi Quang Trung is a modest little hotel with modern facilities in a quiet area with hot water and decent aircon/heat. Recent reports have confirmed that fines have increased significantly, so be aware that without a license, you could be turned back and your bike confiscated/impounded. A California native, Ana Pereira is a writer by trade and inspired by earthly exploration and introspection. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can take a sleeper bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang. Certain sections could be quite tricky when wet, however we luckily did not receive any rain during our trip. Rooms are popular and often go for single figures in this hotel, despite being clean and decent. A manual bike gives you more control in difficult conditions. Truthfully, theres some seriously bad advice out there at the moment and a lot of outdated articles, so heres our take. Cancun They have lockers available for extra luggage storage, even for private rooms. Hi, thanks for visiting our blog! Itinerary Picture a 300 km-long road where spectacular scenery, breathtaking views, unspoiled nature, and colorful ethnic groups unravel in front of you. Never, ever give money to children under any circumstances and do not pay them to pose in photos for money. Are you are put off by the nightmare of tourist saturated, overdeveloped Sapa? Ha Giang Loop Map. Pueblo Magico Head back to Ma Le for the night, a Lolo Village. Stop in Bc M for bite at one of the local food stalls. The road follows the beautiful Mien River before climbing through a tall canyon. If you fancy a private room, Ruby Hostel and Chopai Hostel offer them for $11 USD. The earlier part of this section has some amazing views but is currently very rough, for quite a few miles. However, from our experience, the bikes are in far, far better condition and you get decent quality helmets included with the fee. The company had run out of a few of the bike types that day (we arrived on a weekend). It has lovely owners, simple rooms but you pay a lot more for that privilege. Take the northern option along the DT182B (also named ng Ct c Quc gia road) towards the Lung Ku Flagpole. This means you are far more likely to have your license checked and specifically, the bike endorsement on an international permit. A quick video is a smart move here. Central America There are two distinct weather periods in Ha Giang the wet and dry seasons. Take your time and appreciate the picturesque surroundings; not only will it be a safer journey but a more enjoyable one as well. You will differentiate the women with their clothes: Along the main road dont expect to see exclusively traditional houses, you will pass many small cities, and even in the villages, youll mostly see concrete houses, if you want to see a more rural lifestyle youll have to take the small roads, usually in bad shape though. Many people take an overnight bus from their previous destination. It was almost midday before we hit the road, and after an exceptional first day, we were left wondering how it could possibly get any better. Its our favourite part of the entire Ha Giang Loop and we think if affords the most exceptional views. You can take this route on in any direction you want, it doesnt matter at all. Northeast This website is reader-supported, when you buy through links on this site, we may earn a commission. It felt more rural, with less services and more actual, proper homestays. The Ha Giang Loop, covering Vietnams most scenic region, has arguably the most magnificent roads in Vietnam, if not the entirety of southeast Asia. Vietnam Du Gia is different to the other places on this list. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RIDE THE HA GIANG LOOP? Spring Travel On the second day, make a stop in Sa Phin to visit the Vuong Chinh Duc Palace (also known as Dinh Vua Mo). The bikes are in perfect condition and they also provide all the accessories you will need, such as straps, gloves, helmet etc. Soon, we were encompassed by flourishing rice paddies and colossal limestone cliffs; little did we know that this was only a taste of the beauty to come. Another issue to consider is the literacy rate. We attempted to locate the China borderbecause we had heard that it was possible to access it by driving down a dirt track located just before Lung Cu village; however, it was guarded on the day we were there. 2023 update: there is an increased police presence at the moment due to some recent accidents involving the death of a resident and also several tourists. Upcoming content from: Tunisia, Oman, Thailand & Saudi Arabia . Quieter than the other options here. Yen Minh Pine forests around 20 kilometres before Yen Minh is a pine forest. It took longer than we had hoped, but we were simply thankful to arrive back to Ha Giang in one piece. Overview Of The Ha Giang Loop As if by coincidence, the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam has become a cultural phenomenon among backpackers and adventure seekers. Follow their journey on their blog,Our Taste for Life. Some people do this loop with a hired car and driver who knows the routes and has adequate knowledge and insurance. Ha Giang town is also the capital city of the province and the jumping off point for the renowned motorbike loop. If so,then consider Ha Giang as an alternative. Depending on the time of year it might be a good idea to book a few days ahead or you may find limited availability. We maneuvered the exhilarating twists and turns of the road, an effortless drive that almost felt like there was no bike at all; we were soaring through the landscapes.
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