The Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Ha Giang Loop

Ha Giang Loop has gained much popularity these days among international as well as local travelers, thanks to social media. However, if you are not familiar with this place, we are here to enlighten you. Located in northern Vietnam, this breathtaking destination boasts winding roads through mountains and stunning canyons. 

It is essential to note that riding on a motorcycle is the only way to take the Ha Giang Loop tour. So, before you hit the road, let's discover essential details of this place for you to prepare for the ride.

A brief about Ha Giang

Ha Giang, referred to as the 'Sa Pa of a decade ago,' has not been crowded with tourists. However, in recent years, the popularity of this place has made it accessible, so more and more car or bus tours are being organized. Yet the best way to experience this scenic destination is by hopping on the two-wheeler.

Ha Giang consists of three regions: western highlands, low mountains, and rocky highlands in the north. Thus, you can witness a wide range of flora and fauna, like fruit tree lands and subtropical forests. Apart from the diversity of nature, there is also diversity in the local people. 43 ethnic groups live in Ha Giang, among which Mông, Dao, Tày, Kinh, Giáy, Nùng, and La Chí are the most prominent groups.

How to get to Ha Giang?

Visiting Ha Giang is easy from Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. It is 7 hours away from Hanoi, and you can book a limousine or sleeper bus. However, if you have booked the best tour of Vietnam with a reputable company, you are most likely to get the travel to Ha Giang from Hanoi included in the package.

When should you visit Ha Giang?

Spring season (January to April)

In Ha Giang, peach and plum blossoms begin to bloom in the spring season. The whole province of Ha Giang, Dong Van, and Meo Vac is blanketed in flowers, the peach follower's pink hue and the plum flower's white hue.

It is the dry season, and the temperature is also pleasant, ranging from 15 to 20 degrees, a perfect season for trekking enthusiasts. However, in January and February, the temperature is low, feeling chilly in the morning. So, take warm clothes if you plan to visit in those months.

Summer season (May to August)

With nice temperatures ranging from 17 to 20 degrees, April is still the best season to visit Ha Giang for both motorbike and trekking excursions. A clean, blue sky makes it simple to take beautiful pictures and appreciate the scenery's impressive splendor.

However, the weather is going to get hotter and more intense in May and June. During the day, the temperature might reach beyond 30 to 37 degrees. So, if you plan on booking a tour with a Vietnam travel agency in the summer, don't forget your sunblock, full clothes, and sunglasses to protect yourself. Also, the days are longer in the summer, so if you are planning a motorbike or trekking excursion in Ha Giang, you should set out early and stop for lunch. 

Autumn season (September to October)

You will pass through Yen Minh district, one of Dong Van Geo Park's four districts, on your Ha Giang trip. When you visit here, you will be astounded by the huge rice terraces found on every hillside. When the rice is ready, the color of the rice terraces turns golden. Additionally, September and October are the best months to take in the beauty of the rice terrace.

Winter season (November to December)

November is the time of year when buckwheat flowers bloom, a sight that is exclusively seen in Ha Giang. Humans once used this flower as food. The weather is also ideal for all activities at this time of year: clear sky, no waterfall, no land slice, and less rain. To explore Ha Giang, you can decide between a 3- or 4-day motorbike tour.

Where to go in Ha Giang?

Day 1: 

• Ha Giang, the capital city of the Ha Giang region of Vietnam, is where the Ha Giang Loop tour starts and finishes.
• You will witness the first significant mountain pass on the Ha Giang Loop, the Bac Sum Pas. It provides both the famously winding roads and breathtaking scenery.
• Another must-see location on the Ha Giang Loop is Tam Son. The "Twin Hills" are two hills next to each other and have many more hills surrounding them. They are Tam Son's most significant selling feature. 
• The next significant mountain pass on the way is Quan Ba crossing, often known as "Heaven's Gate." As it is a popular destination, various cafes with picture-perfect views are available.
• After traveling over the Quan Ba Pass, you will arrive at Quan Ba, a stunning location. It has numerous cities and villages worth visiting and exploring. Perhaps you will become friends with a local.

Day 2:

• Day 2's first stop is the Sung La Valleys. There is no better location for your first stop of the day than this one, with its stunning vistas. Book your best tour of Vietnam with a reliable Vietnam travel agency to avoid missing out on major spots.
• Next on the list is the Lung Cu Flag Tower, which is situated near the border between China and Vietnam and provides sweeping views of both countries.
• Proceed in the direction of Dong Van to cap off the day. There are several different homestay and hostel alternatives available in Dong Van.

Day 3:

• The Ma Pi Leng Pass is cited as having the best views in the Ha Giang Loop. The river and mountains will give you a fascinating view. 
• Next, the Tu San Canyon is ideal for a break and a close-up look at the river.
• Spend your last night in Ha Giang's busy Meo Vac neighborhood.

Day 4:

• Your first stop will be Du Gia. Du Gia is regarded as the beginning of the last stop. You must note that you can complete the Ha Giang Loop in any direction. In Du Gia, there are plenty of travelers, most of whom follow the route. It is a pleasant spot to pause for dinner before continuing on to Ha Giang.
• Your trek through the Ha Giang Loop will end here. You might want to spend a day or two here to recuperate and take advantage of everything Ha Giang has to offer.

End Note!

Apart from Ha Giang, Vietnam has many well-known tourist spots, including stunning beaches, towering mountains, enigmatic caverns, tranquil cities, and fascinating parks. If you want to experience the best of Vietnam, book your travels with Threeland Travel.