Shorts vs. Long Pants? What to Wear on the Ha Giang Loop

You’ve booked the Ha Giang Loop, you’re buzzing with excitement, and now you’re staring at your backpack asking life’s biggest question: what should I wear on the Ha Giang Loop?

Shorts and a T-shirt seem like the obvious choice—it’s Vietnam, it’s hot, and you want that breezy, carefree look for your Instagram shots. 

But then there’s the nagging voice in your head (or maybe a parent’s voice down the phone) whispering: “What if you fall off? What if you roast in the sun like a chicken on a spit?”

That’s where this guide comes in. We’re going to weigh up the pros and cons of shorts vs. long pants (and everything else you might want to throw on your body), talk about safety, sun, and style, and ultimately let you decide how much skin you want to risk.

Why What You Wear on the Ha Giang Loop Matters

Let’s be real: most of us don’t overthink our travel outfits. Flip-flops in Thailand, boardshorts in Bali, yoga pants in Ubud—you get the picture. 

But the Ha Giang Loop isn’t your average Southeast Asia stroll from the smoothie shack to the cocktail bar.

Here’s why your clothing choices matter:

• You’re spending hours on the back of a motorbike. The wind, the dust, and the occasional bug flying straight into your face—your body’s basically front-row at a nature show.

• The weather is unpredictable. It could be blazing sunshine one minute, mist and drizzle the next.

• Road rash is real. Fall off in shorts and a T-shirt, and the gravel will give you a tattoo you definitely didn’t want… trust me.

• Sunburn hurts more than you think. Nothing ruins the end of a trip like lobster-red legs (at best) or blistered shoulders (at worst) stinging in the shower and sticking to your hostel sheets.

So yeah, it’s not just about looking cute. It’s about protecting your body from both the elements and any unfortunate bike mishaps.

Related article: Is the Ha Giang Loop Dangerous for First-Time Riders?

The Case for Shorts: Comfortable and Carefree

Pros of Wearing Shorts on the Ha Giang Loop

• Cool and breezy. Shorts are undeniably comfortable in the Vietnamese heat.

• Lightweight. Easy to pack, easy to throw on, and they dry quickly after a rain shower.

• Style points. Let’s be honest, shorts look great in your travel pics.

Cons of Wearing Shorts on the Ha Giang Loop

• Zero protection if you fall. Think of shorts as choosing “easy mode” for comfort but “hard mode” for injury. One slide on gravel = shredded knees.

• Bug buffet. Mosquitoes, gnats, and mystery biting insects will see your bare legs as an open invitation.

• Sunburn central. Even with sunscreen, hours of direct sunlight while riding means your legs can fry faster than a bánh xèo pancake.

• Exhaust pipe burns. Motorbike exhausts get hotter than a Hanoi pho pot. If you’re unlucky enough to swing your leg the wrong way—or step too close to the bike parked next to you—you could brand yourself with a nasty burn. In shorts, it’s skin straight to sizzling metal, leaving you with a blister that’ll outlast your Happy Water hangovers.

Verdict on Shorts

Shorts are fine for chilling in Ha Giang town, grabbing a coffee, or dancing at the homestay after the day’s ride. But on the actual Loop? They’re risky business.

The Case for Long Pants: Safety First  

Pros of Wearing Long Pants on the Ha Giang Loop

• Road rash prevention. Denim or sturdy cotton can save your skin—literally—if you have a minor tumble.

• Sun protection. No lobster legs, no peeling skin, no awkward patchy tan lines.

• Weather ready. Long pants keep you warmer in high-altitude stretches where the temperature drops.

• Bug barrier. No one likes mosquito souvenirs (looking at you, Dengue Fever).

Cons of Wearing Long Pants on the Ha Giang Loop

• Hot and sweaty. Especially if you choose the wrong fabric.

• Less Instagram chic. Shorts and a tank top give off that breezy, holiday vibe. Long pants are more practical, but they don’t always scream “effortlessly cool” in photos. Or at least not when I wear them!

• Packing space. Long pants take up more room in your already overstuffed backpack.

Verdict on Long Pants

They’re not the most glamorous, but they’re the MVP of Loop riding. With the right fabric (light cotton, quick-dry hiking pants), you’ll get the protection without the sauna effect.

Related article: Where Do I Store My Backpack Before the Ha Giang Loop? (Plus 18 Pre-Loop Planning Tips You Didn't Know You Needed).

But What About Tops?

We’ve talked a lot about your legs, but your upper half matters too.

• T-shirts: Great for comfort, terrible for protection. Fall off in just a T-shirt and your arms will look like they’ve been grated like cheese.

• Long-sleeve shirts: A lightweight, breathable long-sleeve shirt is the sweet spot—keeps the sun and wind off without cooking you alive. You can even wear a tank top or a tshirt underneath and whip the shirt off if you feel warm at the viewpoints and coffee shops.

• Jackets: A lightweight riding jacket (or even just a sturdy windbreaker) can make a world of difference on the Loop. It keeps the wind chill off at higher altitudes, saves your arms from sunburn, and gives you a bit of protection if you take a tumble (or it starts to rain). 

Footwear: Flip-Flops vs. Shoes

We’d be failing you if we didn’t mention the feet.

• Flip-flops: Perfect for evenings on the Ha Giang Loop, not so much for gripping a motorbike footrest. One slip and your big toe is toast. 

• Sneakers/trainers: The best all-rounder. Comfy, protective, and you probably already own a pair.

• Hiking boots: Overkill for most riders, but a good shout if you’re trekking as well.

Pssst! To help you save on packing space we do provide sandals in all of our Ha Giang Loop homestays. 

The Sunburn Factor

As if I haven’t shouted about this enough already, here’s a whole section dedicated to it. Because honestly, it’s so easy to underestimate just how strong the northern Vietnamese sun is. 

Maybe you’ve just spent months traveling Southeast Asia—lounging on Koh Rong, soaking up Thailand’s island rays—and walked away with nothing more than a sunkissed glow. 

But up here? Different story. The mountains don’t mess around, and the sun hits harder than you’d expect.

One of the sneakiest things about the Ha Giang Loop is that you’re moving all day, so you don’t feel the burn creeping up on you. But trust us: you’ll see it later in the mirror.

Sunburn risks on the Ha Giang Loop:

• Hours of direct exposure while riding.

• Reflection off the road and limestone cliffs.

• High-altitude UV rays (yes, they’re stronger up there).

The solution? Long sleeves, long pants, and a good dollop of sunscreen on your face, neck, and hands. Or wear a trusty neck scarf, which you can pull up over your face while riding—this doubles-up as a good dust and bug prevention method as well!

Ha Giang Loop Weather: Packing for All Seasons

The Ha Giang Loop weather has its moods, and they change faster than your Spotify playlist.

• Summer (May–August): Hot, sticky, and stormy. Shorts feel tempting, but rain + sunburn = not cute.

• Autumn (September–November): The golden season. Long pants keep you comfy as temps drop in the mountains.

• Winter (December–February): Cold at night, misty in the mornings. You’ll want layers and lots of them.

• Spring (March–April): Mild and colorful. Long pants and a light jacket are perfect.

Related article: When is the Best Time to Do the Ha Giang Loop? A Guide from Someone Who's Done It All Year Round.

Fashion vs. Function: Can You Have Both?

The good news is you don’t have to choose between looking good and staying safe. Travel brands love to sell you on “adventure chic,” and some of it actually works:

• Quick-dry hiking pants that roll up into shorts.

• Breathable long-sleeve tops in nice colors (you’re not limited to beige).

• Bandanas or buffs that double as sun protection and style accessories.

It’s less “dad on safari” and more “rugged travel cool.”

What Locals Wear on the Ha Giang Loop

One of the best travel hacks I always tell our guests is simple: watch what the locals do (and wear).

Ever notice how the people who actually live in the mountains never zip around in shorts and tank tops? 

Farmers, riders, and guides all tend to wear long sleeves and pants, often in layers. It’s not because they’re cold—it’s because they know the mountains better than anyone. 

If the people who face this terrain every single day are covering up, maybe it’s worth taking notes.

Related article: Why Doing the Ha Giang Loop with an Ethnic Minority Guide is the Ultimate Experience.

Bong Hostel’s Take: Our Honest Opinion

We’re not here to boss you around. At Bong Hostel, we’ve seen riders do the Loop in shorts, dresses, sarongs (don’t ask), and even barefoot once. 

Did they survive? Yes. Did they have some regrets? Also yes.

Our suggestion:

• Wear long pants and a long-sleeve for the ride itself.

• Pack shorts for when you arrive at the homestay and want to relax.

• Think of your outfit as armor for the road, not a beach day.

But hey—it’s your trip, your body, your call. We’ll just hand you the info and let you decide how much risk you want to take!

Packing List: What to Actually Wear on the Ha Giang Loop

Alright, let’s take all the rambling and debating and turn it into something concrete you can shove in your backpack. 

Here’s a no-nonsense list of what to wear on the Ha Giang Loop:

• 1 pair of long pants: Lightweight and quick-dry if possible.

• 1 pair of shorts: For chilling at the hostel or homestay after the ride.

• 1 breathable long-sleeve shirt: Sun and wind protection without overheating.

• 2–3 T-shirts: Easy layers for casual wear.

• 1 jacket: Your wind and light rain protection.

• 1 pair of sneakers/trainers: Comfy, safe, and you probably already own them.

• 1 pair of flip-flops/slides: For showers or wandering around your homestay (if you don’t want to use the ones provided).

• Underwear and Socks (more than you think): Wet socks are the enemy.

• Sunglasses + buff/bandana: Protect your eyes and face from dust and sun.

• Sunscreen: The most underrated piece of “clothing” you’ll pack.

• Swimsuit: You never know when you’ll stop at an off the beaten path waterfall, with Bong Hostel!

Pro Tip: The Two-Outfit System

Think of it this way:

• Loop Outfit: Long pants, long-sleeve top, sneakers, jacket = your riding armor.

• Chill Outfit: Shorts, T-shirt, flip-flops = for when you’re off the bike and sipping rice wine.

That way, you’re safe on the road, but you’re comfy and casual in the evenings.  

Final Thoughts: It’s Your Loop, Your Decision

At the end of the day, the debate over what to wear on the Ha Giang Loop isn’t about fashion police or hostel rules—it’s about knowing the risks and making an informed choice.

• Shorts = comfortable, breezy, but risky.

• Long pants = safer, less sexy, but you’ll thank yourself if you fall.

• Tops and shoes matter too—don’t neglect them.

• The sun doesn’t care if you’re on holiday—it will burn you anyway.

So ask yourself: do you want to gamble with a gravel rash, or do you want to get home in one piece with a good story and both knees intact?

Whatever you choose, just remember—the mountains don’t care what you’re wearing, but your skin definitely will.

Ready to ride? Pack smart, dress wisely, and let Bong Hostel handle the rest. Book your Ha Giang Loop adventure with us today!