Ha Giang Loop Tour – Our Honest Review
TL;DR
We toured the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam with QT Motorbikes and Tours. This is our honest review.
For many travellers, the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam is the highlight of their time in Southeast Asia. While our experience was not perfect, it was a great adventure. Read our blog post to get our honest opinion about our Ha Giang Loop Tour!
- Ha Giang Loop Tour – Our Honest Review
- Is the Ha Giang Loop Worth it?
- Who Should Book the Ha Giang Loop Tour?
- What Other Travellers Say About the Ha Giang Loop Tour
- What Does the Ha Giang Loop Tour Include?
- What Kind of Accommodation Can You Expect on the Ha Giang Loop Tour?
- What Kind of Food Can You Expect on the Ha Giang Loop Tour?
- How Much Does the Ha Giang Loop Cost?
- Ha Giang Loop 4 Day Itinerary
- Ha Giang Loop Travel Guide
Ha Giang Loop Tour – Our Honest Review
From all the Ha Giang Loop tours out there, we chose the Motorcycle Tour of Ha Giang Loop, 4D/3N all-inclusive group tour by QT Motorbikes and Tours because of their amazing reviews.
In the following blog post, this is the specific tour we are going to talk about.
The north of Vietnam is just breathtakingly beautiful. Our Ha Giang Loop route differed quite a lot from the itinerary online but we still drove scenic mountain roads and enjoyed the vistas from amazing viewpoints.
A lot of people arrived with us on the night bus. The dorms were pretty crowded and we had to share a bed but that’s nothing we cannot handle.
Luggage storage worked like a charm for the big luggage and our small luggage stayed completely safe and dry on the back of the motorbikes the whole loop.
The motorbikes seemed to be in good condition and safety gear including helmets was provided.
Our easy riders were amazing. Although they did not really speak English, they were trying to interact and make us feel comfortable. Their driving felt very safe.
The food we got on the tour was amazing. There were also plenty of vegetarian options.
We also think our homestays were lovely. In one accommodation we stayed in a dorm which felt pretty private with curtains and in the other accommodation we even had a private room.
The tour guide was ok. He could have given more explanations if you asked us.
All in all, our experience was very enjoyable even if it wasn’t perfect.
Is the Ha Giang Loop Worth it?
First and foremost, we personally think the Ha Giang Loop is a great adventure and absolutely worth it. Northern Vietnam is just gorgeous.
There are some downsides though which do not get talked about a lot online:
- Most people who talk about Vietnam motorcycle tours online are quite young. We are over 30 and have 0 experience riding a motorcycle and let us tell you that it was physically challenging. Especially when you have an easy rider, your legs can get pretty stiff and your butt can really hurt. Driving on roads which cars cannot use is worth it though we think.
- The Ha Giang Loop was a surprisingly social endeavour – at least our tour was. There was a lot of Happy Water and karaoke involved. Our Ha Giang Loop Guide was pretty persistent in that we participated. Book a private tour if you can’t or won’t deal with that.
- When you book a tour, your Ha Giang Loop route is very dependent on your guide, weather conditions, and other external factors. Our itinerary differed quite a lot from the one you can find online. This wasn’t too bad as all the places we visited were beautiful. If you have more concrete ideas and want to have more of a say in where you’re going and where you stop, it’s better to opt for a private tour again.
If you are adventurous, flexible, and you don’t expect luxury travel, the Ha Giang Loop is absolutely worth it!
- Quick overview over the most important destinations in Vietnam.
- Decide which ones to visit and which ones to skip!
Who Should Book the Ha Giang Loop Tour?
The Ha Giang Loop Tour is great for travellers who
- Are looking for an adventure.
- Want to go off the beaten path.
- Are excited about driving motorbikes or want to give it a try like we did (with an easy rider).
- Enjoy stunning mountains.
- Want to immersive themselves in Vietnamese culture in homestays.
- Like to socialise.
What Other Travellers Say About the Ha Giang Loop Tour
⭐ Rating: 5.0 / 5 (459 reviews)
We had an awesome time on this trip. The Ha Giang loop is gorgeous. Our guide and drivers were great. I highly recommend you get an easy rider and do not drive yourself. Even if you have experience riding, getting an easy rider allows you to relax and just watch the scenery.
– Andrew (see more reviews)
What Does the Ha Giang Loop Tour Include?
The Ha Giang Loop motorbike tour from QT Motorbikes and Tours includes:
- 110cc semi-automatic bike + petrol.
- Half or full helmet, basic rain gear and protective elbow and knee gear.
- Full cover bike damage insurance.
- Bungee cords & plastic cover for your bags.
- Free storage of excess luggage.
- Free dorm bed if arriving on a night bus, between 2 and 8 am at QT Guest House.
- Breakfast (4).
- Lunch (4).
- Dinner (3).
What Kind of Accommodation Can You Expect on the Ha Giang Loop Tour?
On our Ha Giang Tour, we stayed at
Both were super nice. They were clean, comfortable, homely, in a good location, and served great food.
What Kind of Food Can You Expect on the Ha Giang Loop Tour?
All meals we had on our Ga Giang motorbike tour were typical Vietnamese family-style meals. They are like little buffets on the table: Everybody gets a small bowl and can choose as much as they like.
We thought every meal was delicious and there was always plenty of food – including vegetarian options.
How Much Does the Ha Giang Loop Cost?
Check rates and availability for the Ha Giang motorbike tour:
Ha Giang Loop 4 Day Itinerary
You’ll be riding for about 4-5 hours a day at an average speed of 30-40 kilometres per hour.
Be aware that the itinerary is subject to change and we are going to describe the itinerary we did.
Ha Giang Loop Map
Ha Giang Loop Vietnam map:
Ha Giang Loop Itinerary – Day 1
As we had some self-drivers in our group, the day started with some driving practice and getting used to the bikes.
Afterwards, we drove to our first homestay in Dua Gia Du Già Lô Lô Homestay stopping at various viewpoints. Our favourite was Lũng Hồ viewpoint.
Ha Giang Loop Itinerary – Day 2
We spent this day driving to Hang Thầm Lín Cave where we took a bamboo raft into the cave and could also swim in the cave.
Ha Giang Loop Itinerary – Day 3
On day three of the Hi Giang Loop, we drove to the beautiful town of Dong Van where we stayed at Ethnic House.
On the way, we drove past Meo Vac and stopped at a viewpoint overlooking hte Nho Que River.
The highlight of the day was hiking the Sky Path to a super scenic viewpoint. The brave ones who made it to the top were rewarded with 360-degree views – all the way to China.
Ha Giang Loop Itinerary – Day 4
On our way back to Ha Giang, we stopped at Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark. The scenery here was otherworldly!
Ha Giang Loop Travel Guide
What is the Ha Giang Loop?
The Ha Giang Loop is a famous Vietnam motorbike tour in the mountains of the Ha Giang province in northern Vietnam.
Where Does the Ha Giang Loop Start?
As the name indicates, the Hi Giang Loop starts in the town of Ha Giang in northern Vietnam.
How to Get to Ha Giang from Hanoi?
Your Ha Giang Loop tour company should be able to organise a transfer for you – QT Motorbikes and Tours did it for us.
If not, there are LOADS of bus options from Hanoi to Ha Giang.
How Long Does it Take to Do the Ha Giang Loop?
The regular Ha Giang tours take 4 days/3 nights. In case you have less time, you can also opt to do a 3 days / 2 nights tour:
Is the Ha Giang Loop Dangerous?
Let’s be honest: You’re riding around mountain roads in northern Vietnam on a motorbike. This activity is not for you if you want to be 100% safe. It’s for you if you’re looking for an adventure.
Smaller accidents happen a lot, especially with inexperienced drivers.
Is the Ha Giang Loop Safe with Easy Rider?
Personally, we would suggest chosing an easy rider who does the driving for you. They know the roads and have a lot of experience. Additionally, it frees you up to look around and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Is the Ha Giang Loop Cold?
We did the North Vietnam motorbike tour in January and let us tell you, it was not hot.
The average temperature in Ha Giang in January is 10°C so be prepared.
What to Pack for the Ha Giang Loop?
In addition to your clothes and toiletries, some of the things you definitely want to bring are:
- LAYERS! It can get cold.
- A waterproof jacket.
- A scarf.
- A face mask for the dust.
- Sunglasses for the durst.
- Sunscreen.
- Cash.
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More Vietnam resources:
Travel Planing
How to Find your Perfect Vietnam Homestay
Homestay Vietnam Guide - including the best places to stay!
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