Ha Giang

About Ha Giang

Ha Giang, a remote and rugged province in Vietnam’s far north, is the ultimate destination for adventurous backpackers.

This off-the-beaten-path region offers a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, including dramatic mountain landscapes, rice terraces, and winding rivers. Explore hidden villages, interact with local ethnic minorities, and experience authentic Vietnamese culture in a truly authentic setting.

Ha Giang is a challenging but rewarding destination for those seeking an unforgettable adventure.

Ha Giang Tour list

Ha Giang Loop 3 Days 3 Nights

The Ha Giang Loop 3 day trip is one of the top adventures for backpackers...

3D3N
$195
Ha Giang Loop 4 Days 4 Nights

Get ready for a longer and deeper adventure through the North? The Ha Giang Loop,...

4D4N
$255

Ha Giang backpackers hostel is a popular search for travelers who want a simple, social and affordable place to stay before starting the Ha Giang Loop. The town is the main base for backpackers who come to rent a bike, join a group and get ready for the journey through the northern mountains.

Start your Ha Giang loop adventure here

Ha Giang sits in the far north of Vietnam and is known for tall mountains, deep valleys and roads that curve through some of the most impressive scenery in the country. Most travelers come here to start the Ha Giang Loop, a route that takes you through tiny villages, limestone cliffs and viewpoints that feel unreal.

ha giang backpackers hostel
Terraced rice fields in Ha Giang, surrounded by clouds and mountain valleys

The town is small and easy to explore. You will find motorbike rental shops, homestays, backpacker hostels, local markets and plenty of food spots where you can fuel up before the Loop. The people are friendly, the atmosphere is relaxed and the landscapes begin right outside the town.

For backpackers, Ha Giang is the ideal place to rest, rent a bike, join a group and get ready for the adventure ahead. You can choose a social hostel, a quiet stilt house in a village or a spot near the bus station. Ha Giang has something for every travel style.

Best areas to stay in Ha Giang before the Loop

The town is small, but each area has a different vibe. Some places are perfect for backpackers who want a social start. Other spots suit travelers who want a calm night in a local house before the adventure begins.

You can stay in the center of Ha Giang for quick access to hostels and motorbike rental shops, or you can choose a stilt house in a nearby village for a quiet local experience. Both options work well for Loop riders. It depends on the kind of atmosphere you want before you hit the road.

Here are the best areas to base yourself before the Loop.

Ha Giang City

Ha Giang City is the most convenient place to stay before you start the Loop. Almost every backpacker begins the journey here because the city has everything you need in one place. You can rent a motorbike, join a group tour, get your safety gear and find good food spots within a short walk.

Ha giang City - ha giang backpackers hostel
Ha Giang city

The city is small but full of energy. You will meet other travelers at hostels, cafes and local restaurants. It is the easiest place to make friends for the Loop and to find a team to ride with if you are traveling alone.

Most hostels here offer simple dorms, private rooms, luggage storage and a quick briefing for the Loop. Some even help you arrange an easy rider if you do not plan to drive yourself. The location is central, the roads are easy to navigate and you can leave early in the morning without any stress.

Thon Tha village 

Thon Tha is a small village just outside Ha Giang City and is perfect for travelers who want a peaceful stay before the Loop. The village is surrounded by rice fields, wooden stilt houses and quiet paths. It gives you a calm local experience that feels very different from the busier center.

Thon Tha village - ha giang backpackers hostel
Thon Tha village

Many families in Thon Tha run local houses where you can sleep in clean shared rooms or private bamboo rooms. The hosts cook home meals, share stories and help you understand more about daily life in the mountains. It is a simple and warm stay that lets you slow down before the long days on the road.

Tam Son / Quan Ba 

Tam Son, also known as Quan Ba, is a small mountain town about one hour from Ha Giang City. Many travelers choose this area if they arrive late from Hanoi and want to rest before the Loop or if they prefer to start the journey already in the mountains.

Tam Son - ha giang backpackers hostel
Tam Son

The town sits between high peaks and looks out over the famous Fairy Mountain viewpoint. The air is cooler, the streets are quiet and the views start right from your homestay. You will find simple local houses, small guesthouses and a few food spots. It is not a busy area, but it is calm and has everything you need for one night.

Best Ha Giang backpackers hostels in Ha Giang City

Ha Giang City has become the main gathering point for Loop riders, so you will find plenty of hostels that cater to backpackers. Most places offer simple beds, social vibes, luggage storage and help with bike rental. The location is convenient, you can walk to food spots and you will always meet people who are starting the Loop on the same day as you.

Ha Giang Backpacker Hostel (top social pick)

Ha Giang Backpacker Hostel is one of the most popular places for travelers who want a lively and social start to the Loop. The common area is always active, so it is easy to meet people and find a group to ride with. The staff are friendly, quick to help and know the Loop very well.

ha giang backpackers hostel
Ha Giang Backpacker Hostel

Dorms are simple, clean and comfortable. You get free breakfast, a warm shower and space to store your luggage for the days you are out on the road. The hostel also offers motorbike rental and safety gear, which saves you time when preparing for the trip.

This is the right pick for anyone who wants a fun atmosphere and to meet new friends before the adventure.

QT Hostel Ha Giang (easy rider friendly)

QT Hostel Ha Giang is a well known stop for travelers who want strong local support and clear guidance before starting the Loop. The staff here are experienced, patient and helpful, especially for first time riders who want to feel confident before hitting the road. You can ask questions, check routes and get honest advice about the Loop.

QT Hostel Ha Giang - ha giang backpackers hostel
QT Hostel Ha Giang

The hostel offers both motorbike rental and easy rider service. Many backpackers choose this place because the bikes are reliable and the easy riders are careful and knowledgeable. Rooms are clean, the atmosphere is relaxed and you can meet other travelers without feeling crowded.

Mama’s Homestay (best local experience)

Mama’s Homestay is a warm and welcoming spot for travelers who want a simple stay with a real local feel. The family here cooks fresh meals, shares stories and makes you feel at home the moment you arrive. It is a great place to slow down before the long days on the Loop.

Mama’s Homestay - ha giang backpackers hostel
Mama’s Homestay

Rooms are basic but comfortable. You can choose a private room or a shared space in a traditional wooden house. The atmosphere is calm, the view is green and the food is always generous. Many backpackers enjoy staying here because it feels like joining a family, not just booking a room.

Where to stay along the Ha Giang Loop (night by night)

Most backpackers follow a classic Loop route that spreads the journey across a few different towns. Each stop has its own mood and scenery. Some towns are lively and full of travelers, while others feel slow and local. Knowing where to stay helps you plan your days better and avoid long rides in the dark.

Yen Minh – night 1 (calm and mountain views)

Yen Minh is the usual first stop on the Loop. The road from Ha Giang City to Yen Minh takes you through wide valleys, tall cliffs and quiet stretches that warm you up for the days ahead. The town itself is calm and surrounded by mountains, which makes it a nice place to rest after your first long ride.

Yen Minh - ha giang backpackers hostel
Yen Minh

You will find simple guesthouses, local homestays and a few food spots. The atmosphere is relaxed and prices are low. Many riders enjoy staying here because it gives you time to settle into the Loop before reaching the busier parts of Dong Van and Meo Vac.

Dong Van – night 2 (most lively stop for backpackers)

Dong Van is the busiest and most exciting town on the Loop. You ride through some of the most stunning mountain roads to get here, and the energy of the town makes it a fun place to land for the night. The streets are full of food spots, coffee shops and small bars where backpackers gather after a full day on the road.

Dong Van - ha giang backpackers hostel
Dong Van

This is the easiest place to meet other travelers, share stories and relax. The old quarter has a unique charm with stone houses and a warm local vibe. Rooms range from simple homestays to comfortable guesthouses, all at good prices.

Meo Vac – night 3 (scenery and local culture)

Meo Vac is one of the most beautiful stops on the Loop. The ride into the town takes you along deep valleys and sharp mountain edges that many backpackers say is the most impressive part of the entire route. When you reach Meo Vac, you find a quiet town with friendly locals and a slower pace that feels refreshing.

Meo Vac - ha giang backpackers hostel
Meo Vac

Accommodation here is simple and comfortable. You can choose a local homestay or a small guesthouse close to the center. Many travelers enjoy wandering around the market in the early morning, where you can see ethnic groups from nearby villages arriving to trade their goods.

How much does a Ha Giang backpackers hostel cost

You can find dorms, private rooms and local houses at prices that fit any backpacker budget. Dorm beds in Ha Giang City usually start at a low rate and often include breakfast, hot showers and luggage storage for the days you ride the Loop. 

Private rooms are still affordable and give you more space and privacy. Local houses in nearby villages offer shared sleeping spaces with home cooked meals, which gives you great value if you want a warm local experience.

Prices vary, but everything stays friendly for backpackers. If you prefer a tour that includes accommodation, bikes, guides and meals, you can check:

Both options make the whole trip simple and stress free.

FAQs about Ha Giang backpackers hostel

Can I store luggage in Ha Giang City? 

Yes. Most backpacker hostels and homestays offer free luggage storage for the days you are out on the Loop. This lets you ride with a light bag and leave your bigger items safely in the city.
Do hostels provide easy riders? Yes. Many hostels can arrange an easy rider for you. This is a great option if you do not want to drive. Easy riders know the route, drive safely and help you enjoy the views without worry.

Where is the best area to stay before the Loop? 

Ha Giang City is the most convenient base for backpackers. It has hostels, motorbike rental shops, food spots and easy access to the starting point of the Loop. If you prefer peace and nature, a local house in Thon Tha village is also a great choice.

Book your Ha Giang backpackers hostel and Loop tour today!

If you want a simple and smooth start to Ha Giang, you can book a Loop tour that already includes accommodation, motorbikes, guides and meals. It saves time and makes the whole trip easier, especially if you arrive late or travel solo.

For questions or quick help, you can message us here

Website: https://vietnambackpackerhostels.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vietnambackpackers_vbh 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vietnambackpackerhostels

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vbh_vietnam