Ha Giang Loop General Guide
What is the Ha Giang Loop
The Ha Giang Loop is an incredibly scenic multi-day motorbike loop located in the northernmost part of Vietnam. Within this loop resides many of Vietnam’s most unique tribes and cultures. The loop is an incredible way to experience the scenic beauty of Vietnam, while also learning about hill-tribal life in the northern part of the country.
There truly is no better way to explain the loop than to show it! Check out my video below!
How Long Do I Need?
The loop is ~350Km long, and generally can be done in 3-4 days. Longer tours are available for those who wish to do it at a more leisurely pace, or spend extended time in the local villages.
Do I Need a Tour?
You can drive the loop by yourself, but I would only advise doing so if you are an experienced motorbike rider. There are some portions of the loop with narrow roads and little siding protection that can be dangerous for novice drivers. Other factors like rain can make the loop much harder to navigate if you are a beginner. I opted to ride in the back seat of the bike and loved the decision to do so. As a passenger, I was able to take lots of pictures and enjoy the views in peace.
Where to Book My Tour
A simple google search will lead you to lots of companies that offer Ha Giang tours. There are many companies that you can book the Ha Giang Loop with, but one of the most popular choices (especially for backpackers) is through Cheers Hostel.
The section below will be a guide/review of Cheers Hostel’s tour specifically.
Note: I have no affiliation with Cheers Hostel.
Cheers Hostel Guide/Revew
What is Cheers Hostel?
Cheers Hostel is a hostel located in Hanoi, Vietnam. The hostel offers a 3-day 2-night tour of Ha Giang, which includes transportation to/from Hanoi and Ha Giang City. The tour is exceptional, convenient, and a fantastic option for backpackers who plan to visit Hanoi.
How to Book?
If you’d like to book in advance (I recommend doing so by at least a few days), just email/text the hostel and express your interest in the tour. They will send you information on how to make a deposit payment to reserve your spot. Your other option is to visit the hostel and book the tour at the front desk.
Are are the Drivers?
I felt safe at all times with the drivers I had on the tour. Narrow roads, rain, night driving (due to a COVID check delay), the drivers were prepared for it all. As far as safety goes, these guys have it covered!
How is the Lodging?
The specific lodging properties you stay at may change from when I did my tour, but I can tell you that I loved the place that had been booked for us. On day one, we had a beautiful room with a stunning view of the mountains. On day two, we stayed at a local village home, which was an authentic experience that I will never forget. Day three was a complimentary stay at Cheers Hostel in Hanoi!
How Much Luggage Should I Take?
Take enough clothes for three days + a light jacket (it gets windy on the bike!), electronics/camera, toiletries, passport, and a towel. Make sure you have a smaller bag to pack everything in. Your bag will be tied to your bike, so don’t bring a huge suitcase!
How Much Does it Cost?
I was charged $210 for the 3-day tour. This included transportation to and from Ha Giang, food/water, and a free night hostel stay on day three, and all meals. The hostel also will keep your extra luggage during your journey at no cost.
Note: Prices may vary by season
The Ha Giang Experience and What to Expect
A majority of the experience and time (with any tour) is spent on the bike, riding around the most scenic loop in the world. You’ll sit back, marvel at the views, and enjoy the thrill of being on a motorbike. Every so often, stops will be made at viewpoints to take pictures and relax. Additionally, there are activity stops that involve things like kayaking, waterfalls, cultural tours, museums, and food stops. How much you stop and for how long will really depend on the length of your tour.
The nights, usually consist of group dinners and drinks. For Cheers Hostel specifically, this part was a lot of fun. Our drivers were a blast and made sure to liven up every evening. On day 2, they gave us tons of “happy water” (alcohol) and busted out a karaoke machine, as we partied in a local village. It was honestly one of the most fun nights of my life.
Overall Review
One of the best things I did in Vietnam and some of the best memories from my backpacking trip, came from the Ha Giang Loop (With Cheers Hostel). This experience was incredible in every way, and I could not have been happier with my decision to do this tour. The scenery was out of this world, and I still can not get over the pictures I came back with. Seeing the hill-side culture of Vietnam was also very interesting and provided me a broader scope of understanding of life in Vietnam. Above everything else, however, it was the staff(riders) that made this journey so special. The drivers made sure to keep us entertained at all times and turned every night into one full of laughs and fond memories.
This loop/tour has it all and is a must-add to any travel or life bucket list. Worthy of a 5-star rating!
