EASTERN LOOP - THE FAMOUS HA GIANG LOOP ADVENTURE

AUTHENTICITY, NATURE AND COMMUNITIES ARE THE FOCUS OF THIS TRIP.

ONCE-IN-A-LIFE-TIME

TOP-RATED-EXPERIENCE

Ha Giang, located in the northernmost region of Vietnam, is a relatively new destination that opened up to tourism only a few years ago. This sparsely populated area with just over 700,000 inhabitants is also one of the poorest regions in Vietnam. However, far from being run-down or decrepit, Ha Giang has been well-preserved and remains untainted by the negative impacts of mass tourism and industrialization.

The region boasts natural landscapes that are unparalleled in their beauty, with colossal limestone walls, abundant granite outcrops, picturesque rice terraces that reach up to the sky, hanging valleys, and winding roads carved into the mountainsides.

The presence of local hill tribes, predominantly the proud Black Hmong, adds an extra dimension of adventure to this already breathtaking experience. Combined with the stunning scenery, the unique cultural encounter makes a visit to Ha Giang a "must-do" on any itinerary exploring Vietnam.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Group size: max 6 persons - 4 years old and above

  • Frequency: Everyday

  • Level of intensity: Strenuous (Guests should be comfortable participating in highly physical activities that may last the entire day (6+ hours).



PRICES

Our prices are based on adventures that start and end in Ha Giang, as we are a Ha Giang-based operator.

  • Riding a semi-automatic/automatic/non-licensed scooter bike: $251 per person

  • Riding a manual dirt bike Honda XR 150: $316 per person

  • Riding as a pillion passenger: $347 per person

  • Traveling by car: $649 (starting from 2 persons)

We offer transfer services for our customers at an additional cost of $50 on top of the tour price if you wish to leave and return to Hanoi, Sapa, or elsewhere. Our transfer from and return to Hanoi usually occurs in our car or limousine.

Our accommodations are private. If you are a solo traveler, you will be paired with another same-gendered traveler. We charge another 100 USD if you would like to have a private room for yourself.

The prices include all meals, water, accommodations, tickets, motorbike and car rental with gas, English-speaking guides, safety gear, and entrance fees at all sites. However, insurance, visa, flight tickets, and tips are not included.

WE AVOID NOISY AND BUSY PLACES

ALL AMAZING PRIVATE ACCOMMODATIONS (DOUBLE OR TWIN SETTINGS)

ALL ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDES WITH TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Please note that while we strive to visit all sites listed in our itinerary, it may be subject to change at the guide's discretion due to factors such as group pace, weather conditions, transit issues, and other unforeseeable circumstances.

  • Riding a motorbike without experience is extremely dangerous. There has been an increasing number of accidents and deaths caused by and to tourists in Ha Giang. Therefore, it is a must you need to be experienced to ride a motorbike. In case you are an experienced rider, please look into converting your license into an international license. We also offer a 50cc motorbike. Under Vietnamese jurisdiction, you don’t need a license to ride these for those who are not licensed.

  • Our standard trip covers all of Ha Giang's attractions, but we understand that travelers may have specific interests they would like to explore. If you have something in particular that you want to experience, please let us know so we can communicate with you.

  • We, on rare occasions, organize a trip for a 3-day trip. This is a rushy and exhausting trip though it still covers all of what Ha Giang Famous Loop has to offer. Note that if you go for 3 days. We will go anti-clockwise. It means our first night would be in Du Gia and our 2nd night in Dong Van before we return to Ha Giang.

  • Sundays are market days, which is a significant social and cultural experience for the highland minorities. If your departure date is on Friday, we can fit in some time to visit the market.

  • For guests with back problems or families with elderly or young children, please inform us in advance so that we can make the necessary preparations. We had a courageous seven-year-old who enjoyed every moment of the adventure!

  • VIEW ADVENTURE MAP ON GOOGLE MAP

  • If you choose to travel with us by car from Hanoi, we will arrange for our car to pick you up between 6.00-6.15 am. You will then be transported to Ha Giang where you'll meet the rest of the team and enjoy lunch before embarking on the motorbike adventure.

    However, in case you are already in Ha Giang, our guide will meet you at your hotel in Ha Giang around 9.00 am. From there, we'll take you to our office where we'll begin the essential safety procedures. After gearing up, we'll provide a comprehensive briefing about Vietnam traffic and practice some fundamental bike skills on roads around Ha Giang. This practice session is designed to prepare you for your upcoming trip.

    After the session, we'll serve lunch around 12.30 pm, followed by a trip briefing conducted by our guide. You'll depart for our Dao homestay in Nam Dam, Quang Ba District, passing through stunning valleys and villages along the way. We'll make several stops throughout the journey for photos and rest, including a beautiful sunset view from the top of Lung Khuy Cave. Finally, you'll check into the homestay and enjoy dinner before spending a peaceful night nestled in the mountainous heart of Nam Dam Village.

  • Once we've had breakfast at our homestay, we'll prepare the bikes and embark on the next part of our adventure. During today's journey, we will visit a charming village called Lung Tam which is known for producing high-quality hemp linen. Here, you'll have the opportunity to watch the entire linen-making process, from start to finish, and even try your hand at rolling out the cloth. You'll be surprised by how much balance and strength it requires!

    After crossing a mountain via a shortcut, we'll arrive in Yen Minh for lunch. Following that, we'll head towards the border between Vietnam and China, covering a guest favorite 50km stretch along the way. While en route, we'll make a stop at the house of the Hmong Opium King, where you'll get an insight into the life of the wealthiest man in the region. We will also visit the Extreme North Point, where, on a clear day, you might glimpse some of the Chinese towns on the other side.

    We'll check into our camping site, enyjoing a golden hour beer. Dinner will once again include plenty of happy water for those of drinking age who wish to partake. We strongly recommend scheduling your trip to pass through Dong Van on Sunday, as this is when the villagers host their weekly highland market. This market is not only a chance for locals to trade goods and livestock, but it's also eagerly anticipated as a weekly social gathering.

  • We will depart after breakfast and venture into the most tranquil areas of the region. Our destination today is towards Ma Pi Leng, deemed as the most beautiful pass in Vietnam. During our 4km hike here, you'll have the opportunity to capture breathtaking photos. Later, we'll be cruising via Tu San Abyss Alley before breaking for lunch at Meo Vac.

    Our journey continues to Du Gia where we will spend the night. Along the way, we'll stop for a coffee in Mau Due, marked as the beginning of "the road of children." You'll see many minority children playing by the roadside while their parents work alongside rocks.

    In Du Gia, weather permitting, you can enjoy a refreshing swim in a secret waterfall before settling down for the evening in this cozy little village.

  • You can take your time in the morning, enjoying the beautiful mountainside scenery, taking a dip in the nearby waterfall or snapping some photographs of the villagers. Following our farewell lunch, we will return to Ha Giang and reach the city by 4 pm, where you'll be dropped off at your hotel.

    For those who plan to catch our transfer back to Hanoi, our car will drop you off in the heart of Hanoi around 10.30 pm (Airport drop-off is around 10pm). During the ride, we will make a dinner stop around 7 pm.

THIS IS HOW WE WILL WORK WITH YOU

  • This is for you to tell us what you want who you are and what your concern. The more we know about you the better we facilitate you.

  • This is where we will communicate via email or WhatsApp. Sometimes we schedule call to talk to you too.

  • A final communication on details will be sent to you. We will also instruct you to further process with payment

  • to start organizing your experience, a deposit is needed.

  • we will send you a reminder a day before departure.

  • OUR TRIP BEGINS

FAQS

Some detailed answers can be found below, Otherwise please talk to our online support or write us here.

  • Ha Giang is a province and a city situated in Northern Vietnam, with Ha Giang City located at the center of Ha Giang Province. The popular Ha Giang motorbike loop follows a route that forms a loop through Ha Giang City, Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, Meo Vac, Du Gia before coming back to Ha Giang City. This loop, on the east side of the city, is referred to as the Eastern Loop - The Famous Ha Giang Loop Adventure. As you travel farther away from the city, the scenery becomes more stunning and remote. Meo Vac City is the furthest point on this loop if starting from Ha Giang.

    It's worth noting that we also offer an exceptional off-road dirt bike trip in Ha Giang, which is on the west side of Ha Giang City. We want to ensure that people don't get confused between the two. The Western Loop is much less developed and requires extensive motorbiking experience to navigate, but the trip is incredible.

  • The locals who are familiar with the terrain and route can complete the loop in one or two days. However, for tourists, riding more than 300 kilometers on mountainous roads may not be enjoyable. To accomplish the loop with adequate rest time, photography opportunities, hiking, and other activities besides motorbiking, you should allow at least four days. We suggest that many tourists follow this four-day schedule, including time for preparing to ride a motorbike. Based on our experience, this schedule is both fun and relaxing, reducing the stress from riding motorbikes while providing ample opportunities to enjoy the beauty of this province rather than merely passing through it.

    We, on rare occasions, organize a trip for a 3 days. This is a rushy and exhausting trip though it still covers all of what Ha Giang Famous Loop has to offer. Note that if you go for 3 days. We will go anti-clockwise. It means our first night would be in Du Gia and our 2nd night in Dong Van.

  • Yes, our tours are small group tours unless you book a private trip. We limit the number of people in each group to six individuals. This is because our facilities, including our team, homestay, motorbikes, and camping equipment, are limited in size. Additionally, our excursion requires us to pay close attention to each of our customers' needs and ensure that everyone has a personalized experience. We believe that traveling with a small group adds to our standard and value and offers a more intimate and customized experience for our guests.

  • This itinerary is designed for those who are currently staying in Ha Giang City, and we will arrange to pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. If you have a preferred pickup location other than your hotel in the city of Ha Giang, please let us know, and we can discuss the options with you.

    If you wish to start this adventure from other locations such as Ha Noi, Ha Long, Sapa, Cat Ba, or elsewhere, please feel free to contact us, and we can coordinate transportation via buses. We also offer a car and bus services for those who want to continue traveling to other destinations mentioned above but not via Hanoi.

    We provide comfortable SUV cars for those joining our adventure, which can also directly drop you off at the Hanoi Airport (Noi Bai Airport). Our cars typically arrive at the airport around 10:00 pm. To be safe, book any flights departing after 12:00 am. To ensure we have all the necessary information, please provide us with all information in the request form.

  • Ha Giang is a province located in the mountains and experiences varying weather conditions depending on altitude. During summers, temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius or 104 degrees Fahrenheit while winters in some parts of the province may fall to 0 degrees Celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to note that there is no definitive weather as it can vary greatly from one location to another. Rain, snow, or sunshine can occur at any time during the trip.

    While traveling on a motorbike can be thrilling, it's recommended to sit in a car if you don't want to take chances with the weather. In case of adverse weather conditions such as mudslides or rockslides that may impede our journey, we reserve the right to cancel the trip. If you need to cancel your trip due to bad weather or for any other reason, please inform us 48 hours before the scheduled trip to receive a refund.

    As weather conditions can be unpredictable, it's advisable to keep a close eye on weather reports for the area before embarking on your journey.

  • This is a very difficult question, we think Ha Giang is beautiful at any season. Each season has its charm and beauty.

    While hot season from April till the end of October is perfect weather to go on a motorbike. It is also the busy tourist season that you might find it a bit too much, though nothing in terms of tourism in comparison to other destinations in Vietnam.

    The cold and wet season, from November till the end of March, might not be ideal and as comfortable as the hot season. But it is a lot quieter, the landscapes are a lot more mysterious, people are a lot calmer and it feels lots cozier with a bonfire and good food. It is the true sense of northern Vietnam in our opinion.

    On top of it, Northern Vietnam including Ha Giang is famous for rice terrace structures. Many people see these famous photos of an endless rice field in the mountains and ask us when they can see that. So for your references, this could be experienced from the 2nd week of September to the 2nd week of October every year. This is the time when the rice is ripe and people are ready for their harvest season. Hoang Su Phi district is the best place in Vietnam you can enjoy this sight. Visit our Western Loop for more.

  • Of course, this depends on the time of year. In the cold season (from November till the end of March) it is cold, especially for riding motorbikes, 3 layer rules are applied. shirts, something warm like a sweater, and something water/windproof like a jacket.

    THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE GOOD WALKING SHOES.

    For the rest of the year, bring bikinis, long sleeves, and pants. In the worse case, please let us know while communicating with us. We have all the clothing for you to borrow.

  • In general YES, our experiences cover all costs. Food is a big part of our experience, we cover all the meals—in a country with so much great food, it would be crazy not to include meals. Please let us know if you have dietary restrictions (e.g. vegetarian, vegan, or organic-only) and/or allergies in the customer information form. For not using plastic bottles. We will provide you with a 750ml aluminum sports bottle that can be refilled at our lunch stop or homestay/hotel. Due to the nature of our experience, we encourage travelers to keep themselves alcohol-free during the experience, especially those who ride a motorbike with us. A beer or 2 which costs about one USD is fine at the end of the day.

  • Tipping is always optional, but if you have a great time and want to thank your tour guide or simply want to contribute to our cause, gratuities are very much appreciated. Since we create experiences that are often alternative to the industry, helping us to spread the word by writing a review or recommending us to other travelers is also a great way to show your gratitude!

  • Yes! People of all ages and abilities can have a great time on our tours! Our excursions are private or small group tours where you can go at a pace that is comfortable for you and your group. We can stop whenever needed. We can also customize each tour to be more suitable for all members of the group. We do love children and find that they truly enjoy the experience. It's just a matter of choosing to communicate about options for them. The same goes for other minors. In our experience, we have had a courageous 7-year old or an exciting late 50-year old having a blast, loving every bit of the adventure.

    Since 2020, we’ve started to employ deaf communities to train them to be our guides. Therefore, we provide this adventure in sign language too. we sign in Vietnamese, American, and Korean sign languages.

  • Our accommodation philosophy is based on our core values of genuineness, connection with nature, and strong community bonds. 

    Genuineness: We believe in authenticity, meaning our guests will stay with locals who have built these accommodations using resources available at the location. 

    Nature: We strive to preserve the natural surroundings, including plants, trees, animals, and the scenic rice fields, when developing our accommodations. 

    Community: Empowering our team to take ownership and make a positive impact is essential to us. The profits from our adventures stay within the local communities as opposed to benefiting distant investors solely focused on financial gain.

    Our accommodations typically feature twin or double settings. The first night is spent in a clay bungalow-style room with a toilet and shower. The second night involves camping in the heart of nature at our camping site. The final night offers a stay in a wooden + stone type of house, ensuring privacy and comfort.

     All our accommodations are managed by our dedicated team and are designed for adventurous souls seeking an authentic experience.

    During your stay, you will have the opportunity to interact with your families, enjoy meals together at the communal dining table, and partake in shots of traditional rice or corn wine known as "happy water" with your hosts. Our meals are simple yet flavorful, comprised of rice, vegetables (both cooked and raw), meat dishes (often pork or chicken), and occasionally eggs from our own garden or livestock.

    For solo travelers, we pair individuals of the same gender together. Private rooms are available at an additional cost for those seeking solitude.

  • You can safely leave your bags in our office in Ha Giang. just please let us know while filling out the booking form. If you start and end in Hanoi, any hotel would also offer the services for free as a part of the welcome back.

  • A motorcycle often called a bike, motorbike, or cycle is a two-or three-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycle design varies greatly to suit a range of different purposes: long-distance travel, commuting, cruising, sport (including racing), and off-road riding. Most motorbikes in the West are fully manual and require riders to be able to comprehend the gear system while using a clutch system. Your car license is not something valid for riding a motorbike since it is a different category to ride a motorbike. A scooter is a type of motorbike and it is most often the easiest type to drive due to the fact that there is no gear system; there is only an acceleration system. It is as simple as accelerate and go. It is also called an automatic motorbike. In Asia, the most common motorbikes are semi-automatics. Semi-automatic motorbikes are the hybrids of a motorbike and a scooter. There are a simple gear system and no complicated clutches, which makes it much easier for users to ride.

  • It all depends on your level of riding a motorbike and relevant licenses.

    Even though a scooter is the easiest type of motorbike you can ride, we prefer not to use the scooter on our tours. Scooters are only city-friendly while riding in some parts of our motorbike tours, they are not really convenient. They are gas-consuming and difficult to repair when something breaks due to their unpopularity in mountainous areas. For our trips, we use mainly semi-automatic motorbikes. To ensure safety first, we have invested a lot of money into our Honda Wave Blades. This is a very reliable model and is friendly to new riders. This is the bike we hope you will ride with us. Otherwise, you will of course ride an automatic or if you don’t want to ride, our driver will be glad to ride you.

    We can also have other types of fully manual dirt motorbikes. For riding fully-manual bikes, Note that an extra fee will be collected for riding these since they are very expensive motorbikes. We have a few mountain manual bikes Honda XR 150cc in store for you.

    The Wave Blade and the Honda Xr150 we choose are the most suitable bike for the trip. These can be easily fixed by locals, parts can be found anywhere. Consider that we might have to bring along a mechanic, and extra parts in case you want a bigger type rather than what we choose. This would add more cost and it might not be necessary.

    For people who are not licensed to ride a motorbike, we offer a 50cc semiautomatic bike that you don’t need a license to ride in Vietnam. Keep that in mind this is slow and might affect the group so consider doing a private trip.

  • Yes! Motorbikes are the most common way people in Vietnam travel. Almost every adult has a motorbike and almost every kid grew up on a motorbike here. We are no exception. We provide good equipment, trained drivers, and other safety gear. The experience is small group and you-centric, if you want to stop for a photo, just let us know! If you want to stop to take a breath in nature, we're happy to make that happen. We understand that Vietnam is overwhelming for many people from the West and we are here to make your trip safe and fun.

  • In short No, you need an international license to ride a motorbike in Ha Giang now, There is an increasing number of accidents and deaths caused by and to tourists who are not licensed or experienced. Therefore, the police are checking everyone.

    Having relevant licenses is also a must for insurance. As we are operating in the type of tourism with high risk, consider riding without relevant license and experience.

    Ha Giang Adventure operates fully legal and does not encourage any violation of laws, though a big part of our job is to maximize the fun and create an experience for you and the group you are with. By preparing and getting your license done where you are from, You would be able to enjoy this experience fully.

    For people who are not licensed but insist on riding a motorbike, we offer a 50cc semiautomatic bike that you don’t need a license to ride in Vietnam. Keep that in mind this is slow and might affect the group so consider doing a private trip.

  • If you have just a national riding license where you are from, Issued by the official authority. You can convert it or translate it into an international license to ride in Vietnam legally.

    Note that in some countries mostly in Europe, when you have a car license, you can ride some certain type of scooter under a 50cc engine. Riding a 50cc does not require a license here so no need to exchange it.

    Also understand that there are regional agreements (usually in the European Union, that allows you coming from one country to ride in another given the union) This isn't applied as international in case of Vietnam Jurisdiction.

  • We have a 48-hour refund policy. If you do not cancel your experience within this time frame you will be held responsible for the total amount of your tour. If your flight has been canceled because of the weather, please call us right away—no matter what time—and leave a message. We will try and reschedule your tour for you and discuss other options.

    We discourage people from booking their tour on the same day their flight is due to arrive, as we all know flights run late all the time. If your flight is arriving on the same day as your tour, we suggest giving yourself at least 3 hours leeway between your flight arrival and your tour. Between flight delays, traffic, and having to drop off your bags at your hotel, know that the risk of running late is high.

    Please also know that it is YOUR responsibility to keep a check on the 5-day weather forecast. We go out rain, snow, or shine and if you don't want to go out because of inclement weather, once again, you must let us know 48 hours before your tour.

  • Even though it is not a government requirement for travelers to have insurance to enter Vietnam, it is your responsibility to travel with travel insurance when going on a trip with us. Let us know ASAP if you don’t have travel insurance in the information document. We can advise so you can buy some local insurance. If you sit on the back of a driver, most insurance will cover your expense in case of accidents. As a legal enterprise, our drivers are hired and trained as well as licensed. We can help with reporting, providing the authority with our corporate or legal documents to obtain any paper for your insurance claim. Since the start of our operation in 2015, none of our customers got in any accidents. Riding your own motorbike is fun but it is extremely dangerous, especially in Ha Giang. If you insist on riding a bike without a license or experience, please make sure that you understand all the risks involved, including the worse case of a lethal situation. There is a waiver you need to sign as the requirement to be on our trip.

  • The most important part of a safe journey in any adventurous excursion is the facility and equipment. It is the requirement from many of our overseas partners including Airbnb Adventures Collection which Ha Giang Adventure is the only operator in Vietnam. We have invested most of our money in facilities and equipment to live up to their expectation. All of our equipment is original, certified for not only safety but also environment-friendly, socially responsible standards. Any damage, usually on the motorbike and equipment from riding a motorbike without experience will result in extra expense you will have to pay. Please pay attention to the guide’s instructions on how to best use them and avoid damages or losses.