Ha Giang Loop Weather: June to July

Summer’s here, and the mountains are calling—specifically, the epic, cloud-kissed, jaw-dropping mountains of Ha Giang in northern Vietnam. 

If you’ve ever dreamt of cruising through karst valleys, hugging winding cliffside roads, and soaking in surreal rice terrace views, then the Ha Giang Loop should be at the top of your bucket list.   

But hold up—before you book that flight, you might be wondering: What’s the deal with Ha Giang Loop weather in June and July?

Good question. Summer on the Loop is a wild ride—quite literally. There’s sunshine, lush green landscapes, dramatic skies, but also a cheeky downpour or two to keep things interesting. 

But don’t worry: with a little preparation and the right mindset (plus a rain poncho), you’re in for a truly unforgettable ride with Bong Hostel at the helm.

Let’s dive helmet-first into everything you need to know about Ha Giang Loop weather from June to July, including what to pack, what to eat, and how to beat the crowds.

Understanding Ha Giang Loop Weather: Summer

So what’s summer like in the far north of Vietnam? In a word: lush. In two words? Hot and humid. But in three words? Absolutely worth it.

The months of June and July fall smack in the middle of Ha Giang’s rainy season—but don’t let that scare you. 

While the weather can be unpredictable, it’s also what makes this season so dramatic and beautiful. Waterfalls are full, rice terraces are in their greenest glow, and the landscape feels alive with summer energy.

Related article: Rain or Shine: Your Guide to Ha Giang Loop Weather.

Weather Comparison: June vs. July

Before we explore each month individually, let’s do a quick weather face-off: June vs. July on the Ha Giang Loop.

Weather Factor	June on the Ha Giang Loop	July on the Ha Giang Loop
Daytime Highs	25–33 °C (77–91 °F)	23–33 °C (73–91 °F)
Nighttime Lows	22–25 °C (72–77 °F)	20–24 °C (68–75 °F)
Humidity	80–90%	85–95%
Sunshine	~6 hours/day (golden-hour hikes possible, clouds by afternoon)	5–6 hours/day (bookended by cloudy skies and sudden downpours)
Rainfall	~373 mm (very wet month)	150–200 mm
Rainy Days	~17 days (mostly afternoon/evening thunderstorms)	~17–20 days (strong chance of afternoon/evening storms)

Ha Giang Loop Weather: June

Hello, Green Season 

June on the Ha Giang Loop is the official start of the rainy season in Northern Vietnam, but don’t let the word “rain” spook you. 

You’ll get crystal-clear mornings, cloud-draped peaks by mid-afternoon, and then light showers, which give the emerald-green scenery a little freshen up and have everything smelling like pine.  

The heat also gets turned up in the rainy season (hello, sweaty helmet hair), but higher elevations like Dong Van and Meo Vac offer cooler escapes, complete with mountain breezes and moody skies.

And yes, the roads are still very rideable—especially if you roll early, pack smart, and… hire a Ha Giang Loop Easy Rider. 

Bonus: less dust = better air and clearer views.

Why You Should Do the Ha Giang Loop in June

Terraced Fields at Their Glossiest

June is when Ha Giang’s rice terraces go into full reflective mode. The fields are freshly flooded for planting, which means they act like massive natural mirrors—catching sunlight, clouds, and your reflection if you lean in close enough! 

Morning Magic, Afternoon Drama

Mornings are usually sunny and golden—perfect for capturing the karst formations of Dong Van or catching a cloud break over Quan Ba Twin Mountains. 

By afternoon, the sky puts on a show. Dramatic clouds, moody lighting, and the occasional rainbow = jackpot for photography lovers (and these days who isn't?!).

Real-Time Rice Planting

Ever wanted to stick your toes into a squelchy rice paddy next to a local grandma and plant some rice? June is the month for it. 

Villages like Lung Tam and Nam Dam are bustling with activity, as communities come together to plant rice. Some might even invite you to join in—mud-splattered selfies optional but encouraged.

Cheaper, Chiller, Better

June is shoulder season, which means you’ll dodge the tourist crowds and get better rates on homestays, bike rentals, and tours. 

At Bong Hostel, it’s one of the best times to snag great deals and great views—without having to elbow your way to the edge of Ma Pi Leng Pass for a photo.

The sun making an appearance in June on the Ha Giang Loop

Travel Tips for a June Loop

• Start Early: Mornings = dry roads, soft light, fewer people.

• Bring Rain Gear: A lightweight poncho and waterproof bag for your electronics are musts.

• Footwear Matters: Flip-flops are for beach bums. Pack hiking boots or shoes with grip.

• Chat With Locals: Ask about planting festivals or village events—you might just get invited.

• Go With the Flow (Literally): June’s weather might shift fast, but that’s part of the adventure. Be flexible and be prepared to laugh it off when your boots fill with rainwater.

Final Word: Is June a Good Time to Do the Ha Giang Loop?

If you love green landscapes, fewer crowds, all the cultural charm without the chaos, and of course, rain (for added drama)—June might just be your Ha Giang soulmate. It’s not the driest month, but it’s easily one of the most rewarding. 

Ha Giang Loop Weather: July

Welcome to Monsoon Season

July is when the Ha Giang Loop weather turns the drama dial way up. The mist rolls like stage fog and the waterfalls roar louder than your motorbike. 

Yes, it’s wet. Yes, it’s wild. But it’s also one of the most cinematic times to hit the road—if you don’t mind a little mud on your boots.

July Weather in a Nutshell  

Expect heavy afternoon rain showers—big, juicy ones that roll in with zero warning and exit just as fast. Mornings are your golden window: cool-ish and often dry. 

The humidity? She’s high maintenance (up to 95%), but the cooler mountain altitudes soften the blow.

Why Ride the Ha Giang Loop in July?

Dreamy Morning Cloudscapes

You haven’t lived until you’ve ridden through clouds at Ma Pi Leng Pass, watching ghostly mountain ridges peek in and out of view like shy dragons. 

Roaring Waterfalls 

Waterfalls like Thác Tiên are in their diva era—loud, powerful, and impossible to ignore. The trails leading to them might be a little slippery, but the reward? Mist-soaked bliss and a soundtrack of thunderous splashes.

Patchwork Perfection

The rice terraces shift in color throughout July, moving from watery mirrors to baby rice shoots in neat rows. It’s a living quilt that changes every week.

Afternoons for Chillin’

While the skies do open up in the afternoon, this isn’t the end of the world—it’s the perfect excuse to sip corn wine, share stories with locals, or nap under the sound of rain on a tin roof.

Honestly? Kind of a dream.

Markets Minus the Madness

Crowds are fewer in July. That means Dong Van’s Sunday market or Meo Vac’s Tuesday hustle feels less like a stampede and more like a cultural deep-dive. ]

Barter for handmade crafts, try some buffalo skin salad, and don’t forget to smile—people will remember you.

Easy Rider? Yes please!

Not quite Valentino Rossi on a semi-automatic? No stress. Bong Hostel’s expert easy riders are ready to do the hard work—so you can sit back, enjoy the views, and feel safe on the Loop, even if the roads are a little slicker than peak season! 

Related article: Why You Should Get an Easy Rider for the Ha Giang Loop.

This is how it works right...?

Pro Tips for a July Loop

• Start Early: Beat the rain and the crowds. Mornings are where the real magic happens.

• Go Full Waterproof: Don’t skimp—bring a quality rain jacket, rain pants, and a solid poncho.

• Quick-Dry Everything: From your shirt to your socks. Cotton is a trap.

• Leech Socks = Lifesavers: Especially around jungle waterfalls like Thác Tiên.

• Insect Repellent: July = mosquito banquets. Don’t be the main course.

• Pack a Dry Bag: Because soggy electronics are no one’s idea of a good time.

So, Is July a Good Time to Do the Ha Giang Loop?

If you’re into dry socks and predictability… maybe not. But if you’re the kind of traveler who thrives on epic landscapes, raw adventure, and stories that start with “You won’t believe what happened on that mountain pass...”—then July is a great time to do the loop for you!

Best Summer Stops on the Ha Giang Loop

From June’s shimmering rice terraces to July’s mist-drenched mountain passes, the Ha Giang Loop doesn’t take a single summer day off.

Here are the unmissable spots that shine brightest during Vietnam’s greenest season:

Ma Pi Leng Pass

Let’s start with the showstopper. This sky-high stunner sits at 1,200 meters above sea level and winds like a dragon over the Nho Que River.

• In June: Expect a dreamy combo of sunbeams and lingering mist.

• In July: The pass turns into a theatre of cloud and shadow. Ride early for ghostly, fog-wrapped views that feel straight out of a Studio Ghibli finale.

Tu San Canyon

Think Southeast Asia’s Grand Canyon—only steeper, greener, and way more vertical. If river levels allow, hop on a boat and drift between the rock walls.

• Best in June: Morning mist hangs low, and the silence is broken only by birds and your own awe.

• Pro Tip: If water’s too high, the roadside viewpoint still delivers those gasp-out-loud moments.

Lung Khuy Cave

Located near Quan Ba, this limestone grotto stays dry inside. 

• Why it’s a winner: Marvel at glittering stalactites and underground pools whenever rain puts a damper on outdoor plans.

  
  

Quan Ba Twin Mountains & Heaven Gate

Locally dubbed the “Fairy Bosom” hills (yes, really), these side-by-side green mounds are the stuff of local legend—and great selfies.

• In June: Catch the hills cradled in morning light, rice paddies glowing at their feet.

• In July: Climb early to Quan Ba Heaven Gate before the mist swallows the view whole.

Quan Ba Twin Mountains

Yen Minh Pine Forest

Craving cooler air? This peaceful pine escape smells like adventure and early morning rain.

• In June: New needles unfurl, and the forest feels alive with gentle breeze and birdcall.

• In July: The rain turns the landscape misty and cinematic—perfect for journaling, wandering, or brooding artistically with coffee.

Lung Cu Flagpole

Touch the tip of Vietnam! The climb is real, but so are the rewards: sweeping border views and baskets of fresh summer fruit.

• June bonus: Tiny mountain pears and plums ripen just in time for your snack break at the top.

• July warning: The climb can be slick—early starts and good shoes are your best friends.

Traditional Markets (Dong Van, Meo Vac, Quan Ba)

Markets don’t close for a little rain—in fact, they bloom.

• In June: Juicy peaches, wild herbs, and local remedies.

• In July: Fewer tourists = more room to explore, chat with vendors in H’Mong or Dao traditional wear, and sample fermented treats you didn’t know you needed.

Thác Tiên Waterfall

This “Fairy Waterfall” earns its name by putting on a show during the monsoon.

• In July: It’s in full roar, shaking the jungle and soaking everything nearby (you included). Bring a dry bag, sturdy shoes, and your sense of wonder.

Waterfalls are their best in Rainy Season

Must-Try Local Summer Dishes in Ha Giang

Between misty mountain passes and rice terrace pit stops, keep your tastebuds entertained with

these local dishes during summer on the Ha Giang Loop:

Warm & Hearty Comfort Foods

Perfect for damp evenings, post-rain chills, or just a well-earned feast.

• Thắng Cố (H’Mông Horse Stew): A bold, spicy stew made with horse meat, bones, and organs—slow-cooked in a 12-spice blend that’s more secretive than your last situationship. Best enjoyed beside a crackling fire.

• Cháo Ấu Tẩu (Wild Tuber Porridge): Don’t let the name scare you—this once-toxic tuber transforms into a healing porridge with pork leg and sticky rice. Slightly bitter, deeply fragrant, and perfect after a rainy ride.

• Cơm Măng Bầm Mẹ (Bamboo Shoot Rice): Stir-fried bamboo shoots and pork tossed through rice—smoky, earthy, and a local go-to when clouds roll in.

Light, Tangy, & Refreshing Dishes

Refresh, refuel, and keep on riding.

• Phở Chua / Lương Pán (Sour Pho): Cool noodles, crispy pork or duck, tangy vinegar, garlic, peanuts, herbs, and papaya—it’s like pho took a summer vacation and came back refreshed.

• Gỏi Bì Trâu (Buffalo Skin Salad): A zesty salad made of shredded buffalo skin, lime, chili, herbs, and roasted peanuts. Crunchy, citrusy, and lighter than you’d expect—great to balance out heavier meals.

• Bánh Cuốn (Steamed Rice Rolls): Soft, delicate rice rolls filled with savoury goodness and served with warm broth and herbs. A gentle way to start a hot and humid day.

Related article: Food on the Ha Giang Loop: A Vegan & Allergy-Friendly Guide.

Rice Dishes You Can’t Miss

Food that tastes as good as it looks.

• Xôi Ngũ Sắc (Five-Color Sticky Rice): Like a rainbow in rice form—naturally dyed with plants like turmeric, pandan, and magenta leaves. It’s chewy, colourful, and a carb-lover’s dream.

• Cơm Lam (Bamboo Sticky Rice): Sticky rice slow-roasted in bamboo tubes over open fire—smoky, slightly woody, and perfect as a snack on the go.

The Unexpected Delights

• Rêu Nướng (Grilled Moss): Yes, moss! Cleaned, seasoned, and grilled in banana leaves until smoky and packed with umami. Try it with a cold local beer—you’ll thank us later.

• Mountaintop Coffee: Local Robusta beans brewed the old-fashioned way with a phin filter. Strong, rich, and absolutely essential before your next twisty descent.

• Happy Water: Ha Giang’s favorite warm-your-bones shot. Usually homemade, occasionally fiery—ideal by a fire, but maybe not before hopping back on the bike.

• Fresh Summer Fruits: Hit the markets for mangoes, lychees, plums, dragon fruit, and watermelon. Sweet, hydrating, and just the thing for a roadside break between downpours.

Pro Tip: Always ask what’s in your bowl, take polite sips of strong stuff, and don’t be afraid to try something new—you’re tasting the spirit of Ha Giang with every bite.

Ha Giang Loop Crowds: What to Expect in Summer

Navigating Ha Giang Loop weather in June and July doesn’t just mean dodging raindrops—it means cashing in on shoulder-season bargains and near-empty roads. 

Here’s the lowdown:

Crowd Control

• Sparse Summer Scenes: Thanks to unpredictable Ha Giang Loop weather, most influencers and tour buses hightail it to drier months. That means near-solo selfies on Ma Pi Leng and no elbow-to-elbow haggling at Meo Vac Market.

• Peak vs. Shoulder:

  • June: Slightly quieter—beat late-June uni grads for the best homestay deals.

  • July: A modest uptick of Aussie and Euro travelers on summer break; still nowhere near October’s floral frenzy.

Pro Crowd-Dodging Tips

• Sunrise Rides: Minimise photobombers.

• Midweek Markets: Hit local markets midweek to skip weekend clusters.

• Hidden Detours: Swap Quan Ba Heaven Gate for Lung Khuy Cave when everyone else queues for their shot of that landmark fog bank.

Bottom Line? Cooler prices + fewer people + Ha Giang’s monsoon-fueled lushness = a fun-filled off-season adventure. 

Embrace the rain, pocket the savings, and ride (almost) solo through one of Vietnam’s most epic loops.

Why Book a Summer Ha Giang Loop Tour with Bong Hostel?

We get it. Planning a multi-day motorbike adventure in the rain might sound… intense. But that’s where Bong Hostel shines.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• ✅ No route planning stress: We’ve got it mapped, scouted, and dialed.

• ✅ Rain-ready gear and guides: You ride, we prep.

• ✅ Easy rider option: Sit back and enjoy the views if you don’t want to drive.

• ✅ Connected and comfortable: Our guides stay updated on weather and road conditions to keep you safe and dry.

• ✅ Legendary vibes: From hostel hangouts to homestay feasts, our tours are full of laughter, stories, and lifelong friendships.

And let’s not forget: Bong Hostel is based in Hanoi, making it the perfect launchpad for your Ha Giang adventure. We'll help you sort your transport north, your bags, your meals, your mates, and even your Spotify playlist if you ask nicely.

Related article: Everything You Need to Know About Getting the Bus to Ha Giang for the Ha Giang Loop.

Join the Adventure with Bong Hostel

Summer might not be peak season—nothing trumping the late-year buckwheat or peach blossom festivals—but June to July still draws a fair share of intrepid explorers.

Yes, it’s a little wild. Yes, it’s a little wet. But it’s also absurdly beautiful, peacefully quiet, and buzzing with summer life.

So don’t wait for “perfect” weather—because guess what? The adventure lives in the imperfect moments. The splash of a puddle. The fog lifting over the rice fields. The sound of rain on a tin homestay roof. The belly laughs with new friends over spring rolls and rice wine.

Book your Ha Giang Loop summer tour today with Bong Hostel and let the road (and a little rain) lead you to one of Vietnam’s best-kept secrets. 

See you on the Loop!