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Min 1 pax
Max 27 pax
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Designed for intrepid travelers who crave authenticity without breaking the bank, this journey through Ha Giang is a thrilling way to discover one of Vietnam’s best-kept secrets
Transportation from Hanoi to Ha Giang:
Notes:
2 Tour Options: Self-ride and Easy-rider (Please note your preference in the “special note” box)
CHILDREN‘S PRICE
Below is the experience of Sarah Forbes, one of our guests who signed up for the Ha Giang Loop 3 day tour organized by Vietnam Backpacker Hostels.
Sarah shares an honest, down-to-earth account of her journey — what stood out, what was challenging, and what made it worth every second. Read on for her full review.
I found this Ha Giang Loop 3-day tour while researching Ha Giang and chose it because it fit my budget and seemed well-organized.
Booking was simple, and the team was responsive to my questions, especially when I asked about the transportation options. I went with the D-car option, as I wasn’t keen on a long night bus ride. Pro tip: pack layers for the ride — it gets chilly at night, especially during the colder months.
The D-car was indeed comfortable, with reclining seats and decent legroom. However, the Wi-Fi was spotty, and the driver didn’t speak much English, but the hostel team gave clear instructions, so I felt prepared. I arrived around 9:30 PM and checked into the hostel, which was basic but clean. The bed felt comfortable, and the shared bathroom was also quite spotless.
The Ha Giang Loop 3 days tour started with breakfast at the hostel. The pho was REALLY tasty; I downed every last drop despite not being that hungry. The guide introduced himself, explained the itinerary, and briefed us on bike safety. As someone who hadn’t ridden a motorbike much before, I appreciated the competency test and the chance to practice in a safe area.
Once we hit the road, the scenery was mind-blowing. Jagged limestone mountains, winding streets, and lush valleys — I’d never seen anything like it. Riding felt exhilarating, though it DID require focus, especially on sharp bends.
We visited a local Hmong family in a small village nestled in the mountains. Their home was a modest wooden structure with a dirt floor and minimal furniture – just a few mats for sitting and sleeping, a small table, and a smoky kitchen corner where they cooked over an open fire.
The guide explained that they rely heavily on subsistence farming, growing maize and rice to feed themselves and their livestock. It was humbling to see how resourceful they were, using every inch of their space for farming or daily needs. I couldn’t help but reflect on all the privileges I take for granted.
The afternoon swim was refreshing, although the icy cold water was definitely a wake-up call! That night’s homestay was charming yet rustic. Shared dorms were clean, and hosts were incredibly kind, serving a delicious dinner paired with plenty of rice wine (maybe a bit too much if I’m being honest, but in a good way).
After a hearty bowl of noodles for breakfast, we set off early, winding through narrow roads that cut through remote villages. The route was alive with sights and sounds – farmers tending to their fields, animals grazing, and children rushing out to wave and shout “Hello!” as we rode past. Their excitement was infectious!
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the Ma Pi Leng Pass as the towering cliffs plunged dramatically into the Nho Que River below. No words or photos can capture such a breathtaking gorge. We eventually stopped at a lookout point where the scale of the landscape made me feel so small — it was both humbling and awe-inspiring.
Lunch with the Tay family was equally memorable. They welcomed us into their modest home, where we sat on low wooden stools around a communal table. They served us an array of simple but delicious dishes: sticky rice, stir-fried vegetables, grilled chicken, and a hearty bamboo shoot soup. The food was all made from ingredients they had grown or raised themselves, and our guide also translated fascinating stories about their daily lives and traditions.
Later, we explored a nearby cave system before heading back to the homestay for dinner. The hosts, members of the Hmong ethnic group, prepared seasonal dishes like sautéed greens, slow-cooked pork, and a fragrant pumpkin soup. They insisted on serving us shots of homemade rice wine to toast the day’s adventures.
Although we couldn’t speak the same language, their smiles and gestures were lovely. After a long day, I slept soundly despite the slightly thin mattress.
On the final morning, I woke up early to catch the sunrise at a high vantage point near the China border. The view was serene, with soft pink and orange hues spreading across the rugged mountains, and I spent a few moments reflecting on my past journey amidst the lovely quietness.
After a quick breakfast of hot noodles and coffee, we began riding through rugged, rocky terrains. Our guide stopped along the way to show us fossils embedded in the rock formations — evidence of geological shifts from millions of years ago. As someone who is totally obsessed with history, I find it incredible to think about the ancient stories these fossils held.
Next, we visited the Hmong King’s Palace, a structure that served as a political and cultural center for the Hmong community during the French colonial era. While the building itself wasn’t as grand as I had imagined, the intricate wood carvings and historical details shared by our guide made the stop one hundred percent worthwhile. Learning about the Hmong people’s leadership, trade, and struggles during that time was also an eye-opening experience for me since I could hardly find similar stories online or in any history lessons at my university.
For lunch, we stopped at one of Ha Giang’s oldest family-run restaurants. The food (especially the traditional chicken soup) was rich and comforting, exactly what I needed after the morning’s ride. I also tried their sticky rice, which paired heavenly with the homemade chili paste.
Back in Ha Giang City, we returned to our starting point for a quick shower and packed up for the journey back to Hanoi.
Boarding the D-car felt bittersweet — part of me was ready for a proper bed, but I also didn’t want to leave the raw beauty of Ha Giang behind. The ride back was smooth, and we eventually reached Hanoi around 9:30 PM.
Would I do it again? Absolutely! Exploring Ha Giang Loop in 3 day is unlike anything else I’ve experienced, and this tour made it safe, enriching, and 100% accessible.
Rating of Ha Giang Loop 3 days: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
For questions about the Ha Giang Loop 3 days tour or to share your own review, reach out to Vietnam Backpacker Hostels at:
Return bus ticket to Hanoi- Ha Giang - Hanoi
English-speaking local guide
Bike hire with gasoline
Accommodation at local homestay or hostels
Meals as mentioned
Sightseeing entrance fees
Travel Insurance
Drinks
Personal Expenses
Departure times from Hanoi: 10:00 PM (night bus) or 3:30 PM (D-car)
(We highly recommend the D-car option for comfort)
D-car option: Arrive in Ha Giang 9:30-10:00 PM. Spend a night at our hostel
Night bus: Arrive in Ha Giang around 4:30 AM the next day
(The driver will make a toilet/food break at about the halfway point. We do however advise bringing snacks on the bus or eating beforehand, as the stopping points do not offer much)
7:30 AM: Having breakfast at our hostel
8:00 AM: Our guide will introduce themselves and explain the safety debrief, cultural etiquette, tour itinerary, and what to bring
7:30 AM – Have Pho or Bun noodles -a signature dish to the North for breakfast
8:00 AM – Begin the ride to a very unused route with outstanding scenery. Pass through several communities of Red Dao and Nung minority groups
7:30 AM – You can choose to sleep in until breakfast or get up early and see the sunrise over the China border. An amazing place to explore on foot.
8:00 AM – After breakfast, we will continue southwest and follow the border area where we will pass through areas of rocky outcrop that scientists have pointed
out show evidence of shifting in the earth’s plates (Fossils have been found here dating back to the Jurassic era)
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