​​Where Does the Ha Giang Loop Start?

​​Where Does the Ha Giang Loop Start? A Detailed Guide for First-Timers

The Ha Giang Loop – a famous road trip in northernmost Vietnam – is the dream of those who love freedom, adventure, and majestic unspoiled nature. With its winding slopes, misty valleys, and rustic villages of the H’Mong, Dao, and Tay ethnic groups, this journey around Ha Giang is not just a trip but a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Yet, before starting the journey, many wonder: “Where does the Ha Giang Loop start?” – a simple question but key to planning a well-prepared trip. In this guide, Valor Ha Giang Loop shares everything about the starting point, how to get there from Hanoi, what to prepare, and a suggested itinerary for first-time visitors.

Budget-Friendly Times to Visit Hà Giang

Ha Giang City – Official Starting Point of the Ha Giang Loop

The Ha Giang Loop begins in Ha Giang City – the administrative center of Ha Giang Province, where tourist services such as vehicle rental, accommodation, and package tours are concentrated.

After arriving in Ha Giang, you can spend an evening resting and preparing everything before setting off the next morning. From here, the loop route usually goes: Quan Ba – Yen Minh – Dong Van – Meo Vac – Du Gia – back to Ha Giang, forming a stunning circuit through mountains, villages, terraced fields, and breathtaking mountain passes.

Geographically, Ha Giang City is about 320km from Hanoi. This is why most travelers opt for overnight buses from Hanoi, arriving early in the morning and ready to embark on the journey to conquer renowned passes like Ma Pi Leng or Tham Ma Slope.

Valor Ha Giang Loop

How to Get from Hanoi to Ha Giang

To reach the starting point of the Ha Giang Loop, you can choose from three common options: buses, motorbikes, or private cars. For first-timers, buses remain the most convenient choice.

• By Bus: Buses usually depart from My Dinh or Gia Lam bus stations in Hanoi, running overnight and arriving in Ha Giang early the next morning. You can choose standard sleeper buses or VIP cabins for added comfort. Ticket prices range from 200,000 to 300,000 VND depending on the bus company and time.
• By Motorbike: If you’re an experienced adventurer and love the feeling of “starting right away,” you might opt to ride a motorbike from Hanoi. However, the 300+ km distance, with many steep passes and truck traffic, is quite challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with long-distance riding. A safer option is to take a bus to Ha Giang and then rent a motorbike in the city to begin the loop.
• By Private Car: For groups or families, renting a self-drive car is a viable option. However, remember that roads in the highlands are narrow and winding, requiring skilled drivers with mountain-driving experience.

VIP Sleeper Bus

What to Do After Reaching Ha Giang?

After arriving in Ha Giang City, your first task is to find accommodation to recharge. Most buses arrive early in the morning, so booking a room in advance allows you to rest as soon as you arrive. Some highly-rated hostels and homestays like Ha Giang Riverside, 10am Hostel, or Jasmine Hostel not only provide clean accommodations but also assist with motorbike rentals, itinerary advice, or connecting you with fellow travelers.

Next is renting a motorbike if you plan to ride yourself. Ha Giang City offers numerous motorbike rental shops, from standard models like Sirius, Wave, to more powerful ones like Winner or XR150 off-road bikes. Rental prices range from 200,000 to 350,000 VND per day, depending on the bike’s type and quality. Many rentals include helmets, raincoats, gloves, and basic protective gear.

Check the bike thoroughly before accepting it: brakes, lights, horn, tires, and turn signals must all be in good working order, as you’ll be tackling some challenging roads.

For international visitors or those unsure about riding, consider booking an Easy Rider tour – where you sit on the back of a local rider’s bike who doubles as a guide, ensuring safety and a deeper understanding of local culture. This is a popular option for international tourists.

Nho Que River – Tu San Canyon

4-Day, 3-Night Suggested Ha Giang Loop Itinerary

• Day 1: Ha Giang City – Quan Ba – Yen Minh
  • Depart early, visit Quan Ba Heaven Gate and Twin Mountains.
  • Stay overnight in Yen Minh.
• Day 2: Yen Minh – Pho Cao – Dong Van – Lung Cu
  • Stop at Pho Cao, then Lung Cu Flag Tower (Vietnam’s northernmost point).
  • Stay overnight in Dong Van.
• Day 3: Dong Van – Ma Pi Leng – Nho Que – Du Gia
  • Pass Ma Pi Leng (a legendary pass), visit Nho Que River.
  • Stay overnight in Du Gia.
• Day 4: Du Gia – Ha Giang City
  • Return to Ha Giang City, ending the loop. Take a night bus back to Hanoi or relax for another day.

Book Your Trip Now: 4 Day Around Ha Giang Loop 

Small Tips for a Perfect Trip

• Start early to maximize daylight hours and enjoy the best views.
• Save offline maps like Google Maps or Maps.me, as some areas lack phone signal.
• Carry necessary documents, check your vehicle thoroughly, and always refuel at each town.
• Be mindful of long stretches (50-70 km) without gas stations.
• Most importantly, keep an open mind – Ha Giang is not just a destination; it’s where you slow down, connect with nature, and meet friendly locals.

Conclusion

Ha Giang City is not just the starting point of the Ha Giang Loop but also the gateway to wonderful experiences of nature, people, and highland culture. Prepare well for this journey – once you embark, you’ll never forget the feeling of standing on Ma Pi Leng Pass, looking down at the emerald green Nho Que River.