Ha Giang Loop Vietnam Guide: , Stops, and Travel Tips
The Ha Giang Loop in northern Vietnam is hands down the most incredible motorcycle ride I’ve ever done. Winding through dramatic mountain passes, remote villages, and jaw-dropping viewpoints, every turn feels like something out of a movie. Traveling the Ha Giang Loop isn’t just a road trip — it’s a full adventure, where the landscapes, the people, and the freedom of the open road make it one of the most unforgettable experiences in Vietnam.
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Our first week in Vietnam was split between Saigon and Hanoi . We visited Vietnam in August of 2025 and with this time of year being the monsoon season we knew we had to plan around rain storms and flash flooding potentially cancelling the Ha Giang loop tour so we made the trip to northern Vietnam earlier than our original itinerary . We wanted to work our way up north from Saigon and end our Vietnam trip in Ha Giang but didn’t want to risk missing the opportunity in case inclement weather forced the tours to cancel . We flew to Hanoi and enjoyed three nights here
This hotel in Hanoi was close to Jasmine Tours
We decided to book the 4 day 3 night tour from August 8-12th . Maybe we got lucky but the weather was perfect! The link above goes in depth with a map and stops but I’ll share my some highlights of our trip , and some tips for you to have the most fun and comfortable trip to Ha Giang, Vietnam .
Getting to Ha Giang From Hanoi
We booked our tour through the Jasmine Offices in Hanoi. Our hotel was literally around the corner ! There’s a LOT of tours that go to Ha Giang now . The last 10 years the “loop” is one of the main attractions to Vietnam and for good reason . It IS incredible ! However there’s a lot of competition and opinions about who does the best and safest tours. Jasmine is one of the bigger tour operators leading tours weekly with about 10 “groups ” that have anywhere from 5 to 7 riders per group . Our group had 7 people . Alberto rode solo as did the other 4 men in our group. I had an “easy rider ” . An “easy rider” on the Ha Giang Loop is an experienced local driver who rides the motorbike for you, so you can sit on the back, relax, and enjoy the scenery without worrying about navigating the difficult mountain roads. Mine made me feel safe at all times and was extremely cautious while driving . Some of the terrain is really rough and it can’t be easy having someone on the back all the time but he did an incredible job !
Jasmine has a few different packages and being a couple we chose; The Private tour with two way bus transfer (Pick – up from Jasmine Offices in Hanoi to Jasmine Hostel in Ha Giang ) SUPER comfy – clean – your own bunk – bed coach bus
Self Rider( Alberto ) – YOU ride a motorcycle by yourself . You must have an international driver’s license and they will help you obtain one OR I advise doing it online here
Easy Rider (for me ) I rode on the back with a driver for the entire trip .
Private room for 2 so we had our own room each night . Many others opted for “dorm style ” rooms which can accommodate 4-10 travelers per room We paid 7,500,000 VND each which was about 570$
We brought cash in VND also USD for all the incidentals along the trip . You’ll make a few stops along the day and for anything like coffee , drinks (Water ! hello it was HOT) snacks you’ll need cash . There were a few stops that included some local artisans and I love getting things like bracelets , purses , textiles , candles and unique food items like honey or spices.
Each night your homestay will have dinner and Happy water waiting for you ! The Happy water is a local homemade rice wine, drunk during family dinners or with other travelers in the homestays along the route. It’s called “happy water” because it’s shared as a sign of friendship and celebration. After a long but incredible day of driving – riding it was a fun way to wind down and chat with so many people we’d meet each night that also came from all over the world to do this journey! After a few shots with locals, everyone usually becomes very happy, very quickly!
Stops on The Ha Giang Loop Day 1
Day 1 of the Ha Giang Loop is all about dramatic views, winding mountain roads, and your first taste of northern Vietnam’s landscapes. Some of the most popular stops on Day 1 include:
Bac Sum Pass – Your first real mountain pass with incredible views and winding roads.
Quan Ba Heaven Gate – A famous viewpoint overlooking the Twin Mountains.
Twin Mountains (Fairy Bosom) – One of the most iconic landscapes in Ha Giang.
Lung Tam Village – A traditional Hmong village known for handmade textiles.
Yen Minh – A common overnight stop surrounded by pine forests and mountains.
Day 1 is a great introduction to the loop, with plenty of viewpoints, cultural stops, and some of the most scenic roads you’ll see on the entire journey!
Our first night was spent at Bong Bang Homestay . So clean , comfortable and the food was DELICIOUS .
We woke up pretty early at 6am and watched the sun rise over this quiet Hmong Village . Watching the locals go about their morning routines was something we loved every seeing , hearing and smelling everyday ! The fresh bread coming from homes – bakeries and the coffee .. Alberto loved the egg coffee but I took a loving to the salt coffee and coconut coffee with toasted coconut chips!
Day Two Stops and Thoughts
Day 2 of the Ha Giang Loop was the most breathtaking day, ( literally from the hiking stops!) with some of the most famous landscapes in all of Vietnam. Key stops along the way include:
Tham Ma Pass – A stunning mountain pass known for its winding road and viewpoints.
Hmong King’s Palace – A historic palace offering insight into the region’s past.
Lung Cu Flag Tower – The northernmost point of Vietnam with panoramic views.
Ma Pi Leng Pass – The most famous pass on the loop, with dramatic cliffs and river views.
Nho Que River Viewpoint/Boat Ride – Bright turquoise river winding through a deep canyon.
Nho Que River
Sky Pass
The Lung Cu Flag Tower marks the northernmost point of Vietnam, sitting high on a mountain near the Chinese border. After climbing the 849 steps to the top, (I FELT IT) I was rewarded with sweeping views over rolling hills, small villages, and the border region, with a giant Vietnamese flag flying above. It’s not just a viewpoint but a symbolic place that represents Vietnam’s northern frontier, making it one of the most meaningful stops on the Ha Giang Loop. I was speechless by how beautiful it was from the viewpoint …
Meo Vac Homestay was our home for the night and this one had a disco , full bar, billiards , and outdoor pool . Being the “oldies” of the group it was fun to watch all the 20 somethings drink , dance , and beer pong their way around the homestay . We loved having dinner with everyone and the Happy Water ritual was fun! It wasn’t that bad ! It reminded me of Gin actually … This was some of the most unforgettable scenery on the entire Ha Giang Loop.
Day 3 Stops and Final Moments
Day 3 of the Ha Giang Loop is all about the journey back toward Ha Giang, with more scenic roads, local villages, and a few final viewpoints before completing the loop. It’s a slightly more relaxed day but still packed with beautiful scenery and cultural stops.
Meo Vac – A quiet mountain town and common overnight stop after Ma Pi Leng Pass.
M Pass (Meo Vac Viewpoint) – A scenic viewpoint overlooking the valley and winding road below.
Du Gia Village – A peaceful village surrounded by rice fields and mountains.
Du Gia Waterfall – A great place to swim and relax after a long day of riding.
The homestay experience and time spent in Du Gia was so peaceful and the perfect stop to wrap up the Ha Giang loop. Having dinner at sunset while looking out at the terraced rice fields is just mesmerizing . Green Season (June – August) The rice grows, covering the terraces in vibrant green and waking up to the vibrant green hues everyday made me feel so tranquil and happy.
The ride back on day 4 from Du Gia to Ha Giang ( Jasmine Homestay ) was the hardest for me . The roads for most of the loop were really smooth and I took that for granted ! The terrain was a lot rougher and rockier and my driver handled it incredibly well . As we drove back to Jasmine Hostel to board the evening bus back to Hanoi I had some time to reflect on this incredible trip so far . Vietnam really surprised me ! The landscapes of this northern region will take your breath away . We met some fun people and made some friends . Each homestay was so comfortable and clean . The beds ( Vietnam has the BEST beds hands down!!) showers , every rest stop and restaurant we stopped or ate at had very clean restrooms . I would definitely recommend this experience for a solo female traveler . It’s very safe , comfortable , and such a wonderful experience. Everyone we met from all over the world was so cool to talk to and hang with on this tour.
I have to give big props to Jasmine Homestay – Tours ! They exceeded our expectations and made our trip stress free from start to finish . The Ha Giang Loop was truly one of the highlights of our time in Vietnam and an experience we’ll never forget, from the mountain passes and river views to the homestays and the people we met along the way. One tip for when you finish the loop: make sure you book a room close to where you get dropped off in Hanoi, because after the long transfer back, you’ll be very happy not to travel across the city again with all your bags! This hotel
Is located close to Jasmine’s offices and drop off point . It’s also perfect for exploring Hanoi !
Last but not Least !
I’ve saved some tips for the end here but ladies (and gents too) having done the loop I can tell you some USEFUL things to bring on your trip to make it extra smooth , fun and comfortable for you. Jasmine does do a great job of breaking down all the information for you before you take off but if I may add …
Ladies do not over think or over pack . Seriously .. Stuff your 3 days of clothes , flip flops , few toiletries , and towel in a grocery bag if you have to. Your stuff is getting put into a plastic bag and strapped down behind you everyday as you ride. Your luggage will be dropped off and stowed at the homestay you depart from (most of them have this option ) keep a small purse or fanny pack on you with a few essentials like tissues , allergy- anti nausea medications – bug spray – sunblock – chapstick – lip gloss – cash and of course your phone .
It was super hot in August so I carried a hand towel and used it to absorb sweat around my neck chest , and on the leather seat when the bike felt hot . I wore nylon cargo pants everyday since they were lightweight , and water resistant (in case of rain) This Jacket I wore the entire month in Thailand – Vietnam . It’s very HOT in August but with rain and wind so a lightweight water resistant jacket is ESSENTIAL .
Sneakers are most comfortable and less bulky for the hikes and on the bike everyday . Flip flops are great for the outdoor activities , pool and showers if you prefer to wear them .
I always carry peppermint oil. For me it serves many purposes but I am always calmed by the smell of peppermint oil. A dab on my pillowcase helps me sleep better , Lavender oil too ! Peppermint oil is also great mixed into your body oil or lotion and acts as bug repellant and can ease nausea. It’s a great headache reliever and helps keep you energized if you dab it on your wrists and inhale slowly .
Each homestay had shampoo , body wash but bring your own face cleanser , creams and medicines like headache – pain relievers . Yes you will make stops but you won’t find these things on the loop or markets that carry these things . I don’t recall even seeing a pharmacy when we pulled into towns so come prepared .
This was honestly one of the coolest experiences I’ve had in my life. I’m so grateful . Have you done the Ha Giang loop and is there anything you’d add to bring , see or do ? tell me below , I can’t wait to hear more stories about this incredible journey !
XO Tera
