Ha Giang Loop

The Ha Giang Loop is one of those things that every traveller I’ve met seems to recommend. I half expected it to be overhyped, but it ended up being one of the most memorable parts of my trip.

I went with Bong Hostel and chose the 4-day, 3-night option with an easy rider (someone who drives the motorbike while you sit on the back). There are a lot of companies that run the loop, but Bong was a great choice - well organised and fun atmosphere.

Day 1: Ha Giang to Yen Minh (90km)

We started from Bong Hostel alongside around 130 people, split into smaller groups of about 12–14. It felt a bit like a school trip at first. After meeting our drivers, we set off into the mountains.

We stopped at a few viewpoints including Quan Ba Heaven Gate, Bac Sum Pass, and Lung Tam village, then had lunch in Tam Son. The landscape was already incredible, and the group I was in was great - people from all over, easygoing and fun!

We stayed the night in a homestay in Yen Minh, all sharing one big room overlooking rice fields. Dinner was a family-style meal followed by karaoke, card games, and a fair amount of happy water (local rice wine)!

Day 2: Yen Minh to Meo Vac (110km)

The next morning started slowly - everyone was a little worse for wear oops - but we headed out after breakfast. We passed through the Tham Ma Pass, made a stop near the China border, and had lunch in Dong Van.

The afternoon drive along the Ma Pi Leng Pass and the Sky Path was one of the highlights of the loop - steep cliffs, winding roads, and some of the best views I’ve ever seen!

That night, all the groups stayed in Meo Vac, which meant a much bigger crowd, more karaoke, and more happy water!!

Day 3: Meo Vac to Du Gia (90km)

We kicked off the day with bamboo rafting and a swim in a cave - We were super lucky with the weather meaning we got lots of chances to swim during the loop!

After lunch in Mau Due, we tackled one of the steepest climbs of the trip. Most of my group had to get off and walk part of it, but my driver Ru managed to ride all the way up without stopping, which he was pretty proud of. He told me, via Google Translate, that it doesn’t happen often.

It was also the day that really highlighted the poverty in some of these rural areas - kids working, some asking for money. It was a tough thing to witness. Our guide handed out lollipops, and we were reminded not to give money directly, as it can encourage families to keep kids out of school.

Our homestay in Du Gia had a pool, which was a lovely surprise. We spent the afternoon swimming and the evening celebrating - more karaoke (in the 2 karaoke rooms of the homestay!), more drinks, and a last big night with the group.

Day 4: Du Gia to Ha Giang (100km)

Everyone was feeling it the next morning. We started with a swim at the Du Gia waterfall - a good way to wash away the hangover - and then began the final stretch back to Ha Giang.

The ride back was long and bumpy, and by the end, everyone was a bit sore and tired. We returned to Bong Hostel in the afternoon, said goodbye to our drivers, and tipped them for their efforts. My driver, Ru, was heading home to see his wife and kids for just one night, before doing it all again the next day.

Final Thoughts

The Ha Giang Loop was fun and an incredible experience. Between the views, the people, and the unexpected moments, it will be one of those experiences that stays with me.