What is ha giang loop like?

Jk987 · 15/07/2026 01:57

Where? What country?

thestraycathouse · 15/07/2026 05:58

I have heard mixed things, most of it seems to be backpacker focused and I have read there can be issues with food poisoning where the food sits out for a long time for all the groups coming through. I guess that would probably be avoided with a higher end operator.

i done think you can drive it yourself most of the time as there are limits on licences that you are covered by and the police do checks.

there are a lot of Vietnam fb groups you could join for more info. That’s where I have picked this up from in my research - not personal experience.

i am planning a trip to Vietnam in 18 months but skipping ha giang loop.

WhyamIinahandcartandwherearewegoing · 15/07/2026 06:03

My daughter loved it on gap year! Used Mamas Home Stay as the tour operator and would recommend.

TheM55 · 16/07/2026 00:00

Went to Vietnam with friend last year, Because we went as a friends and we are older (nice enough hotels, but not backpackers) we did not meet tons of young people in general so this response is limited. But lots of people are keen on doing the Ha Giang loop (which is a 3-5 day loop of the north of Vietnam, on motorbikes, through mountainous and remote areas on rough roads with little infrastructure or help if you go wrong (obv if you are with a tour, it might be a different matter)) We did meet a few that had done it. From what we heard, I think it takes a fair bit of skill from a motorbike pov, and the people that we met that had done it were of the "hardy" sort - do wherever, stay wherever, eat whatever iykwim. I suspect it is so popular that I would hope that you would not be in any real danger. IRO of safe - it depends what from perspective, but watch make sure your insurance covers you, and also it's remote, and I suspect you do need some skills.

minipie · 16/07/2026 02:03

Try asking on Tripadvisor Vietnam forum, lots more who’ve been. I haven’t been, my understanding is that it’s fairly remote & undeveloped (tho like everywhere, less than it used to be) and is generally done on a motorbike & ideally in a group. You can join a motorbike tour I believe. Looks beautiful

SimoneSpeaksSoftly · 16/07/2026 10:17

We joined a tour through Ha Giang when we were in Vietnam ~15 years ago, so my experience may be dated. It's a really beautiful area. Ours was a small group tour by shuttle. I'm trying to remember how long it was, I think 4 nights, but honestly it didn't feel like enough! The distances take longer than you think because the roads are slow going and we didn't have as much time for trekking as I was hoping for (I think our tour company overpromised this as well). We stayed in a mix of homestays and hotels.

ApolloandDaphne · 16/07/2026 18:29

My dad did it just a week after a girl died on it. She researched the companies carefully and went with one that had a very safe rating. She and her friend also didn't drink excess and they didn't take risks.

ApolloandDaphne · 16/07/2026 18:29

My DD not my dad!!!

loopsngeorge · 16/07/2026 22:50

My son did it last year with Bong Hostel and i was impressed with how well organised it was. They ran a bus from Hanoi to the loop and a hostel that you could stay in there as well. Ds said they breathalysed all the drivers each day before setting off (Im not sure about the pillion passengers!) His photos looked amazing and Id love to do it but he said it actually looked more scary to be a passenger than to ride the bike yourself which was what he chose to do.

mumumental · 16/07/2026 23:08

British teen dies in reported Vietnam motorbike fall https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y9lg10595o

thestraycathouse · 17/07/2026 01:56

loopsngeorge · 16/07/2026 22:50

My son did it last year with Bong Hostel and i was impressed with how well organised it was. They ran a bus from Hanoi to the loop and a hostel that you could stay in there as well. Ds said they breathalysed all the drivers each day before setting off (Im not sure about the pillion passengers!) His photos looked amazing and Id love to do it but he said it actually looked more scary to be a passenger than to ride the bike yourself which was what he chose to do.

I used to have a 100cc bike. The one time I went pillion in someone else’s I hated it. Much rather be in control.

mumumental · 17/07/2026 05:58

Some of the drivers on that loop are inexperienced.

winterwarmer8274 · 17/07/2026 06:07

I did it when I was backpacking Vietnam (maybe 7 years ago now, so I think its probably more busy now) - we used whats called an easy rider, so didn't ride our own bikes and had a local ride instead and we sat on the back. My driver was really nice, calm and I felt safe.

There was one girl there who has never ridden a bike before but decided to ride one herself, and she fell (not badly) around 3 times because she was struggling to keep up round some of the windy parts.

But if whoever is going has some experience riding bikes already, then I think its pretty safe to ride your own - with a helmet of course.

It was insanely beautiful, FREEZING, and one day was so foggy we couldn't see anything. I have never drank much so didn't there either, but the local alcohol they give you is very strong - I think probably 60-70% so be aware of this if drinking.

Overall would recommend, its a fun experience and don't be scared by the news of the teenager dieing. Hundreds of people pass through there everyday so ofc there will be accidents, same as driving on the roads here.