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Writer's pictureFaye Hilling

Why You Should Do The Ha Giang Loop With Bong Hostel

Updated: Jul 17

So you’re new to Vietnam; you’re sitting on a small stool in a crowded street, stirring your egg coffee and deciding what bánh mì you wanna try next and someone next to you mentions the Ha Giang loop


But they don’t just mention it casually, they make one of the boldest statements you’ll hear while travelling: “The Ha Giang Loop is the best thing I have done in Vietnam—in all of my travels in fact!” 


Now, we know what you’re thinking while you sip that coffee, these people must be exaggerating, right?! Except they’re not, and here’s why. There’s no other place in Vietnam that immerses you so completely in the culture and the nature of this special country quite like the Ha Giang Loop does. (Apart from maybe our Sapa experience, but that’s another story!)


Read on to discover more about why the Ha Giang Loop tour with Bong Hostel Ha Giang is calling your name and why you’ll want to listen!


Group photo from the Ha Giang Loop


What is the Ha Giang Loop?


So, what exactly is the Ha Giang Loop, you ask? Well, fellow adventurers, allow me to paint you a picture: imagine a 400km network of winding mountain roads that snake their way through the towering peaks of the Ha Giang Province. 


There’s wind in your hair, a trusty Bông Hostel motorbike beneath you, and the fire of freedom within you. This is it, you “made it onto the Ha Giang Loop”, you think as the city melts away behind you, the road opens out before you, and the villages and valleys unfold around you. (I may sound dramatic, but it is dramatic… you just wait!)


Then for the next few days there’s nothing but amazing views, rich culture, friendly easy-riders, new friends, and maybe one or two Happy Waters thrown in for good measure!


The most popular amount of days to spend on the Ha Giang Loop tour is as follows:


  • 4 days 3 nights

  • 3 days 2 nights


Depending on the type of tour you choose you will encounter some or all of the following Ha Giang Loop highlights: 


  • Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark: a UNESCO Global Geopark.

  • Quan Ba Heaven Gate.

  • Lung Cu Flag Tower - Vietnam's Northernmost Point.

  • Nho Que River Boat Tour.

  • Sky Pass.

  • Du Gia Waterfall.

  • Click here for more Ha Giang Loop highlights!


Here is some more information on the different tour packages we offer at Bong Hostel so you can decide whether it's our 4 days 3 nights tour, or our 3 days 2 nights tour that suits you better!


P.s. there’s also an ultimate Ha Giang Loop adventure spread over 7 days and 6 nights… are you brave enough? We think you might be!


Mountain view on the Ha Giang Loop

Is the Ha Giang Loop Dangerous?


So with the hype comes the worry and the question burning on everyone’s lips—“is the Ha Giang Loop dangerous?”—when they arrive at our hostels (yes we have two—check out our Bông Hanoi Hostel here!) 


And the answer is quite simple: while the Ha Giang Loop is undoubtedly an exhilarating adventure, yes, there are potential dangers that come with exploring remote and rugged terrain. BUT at Bong Hostel ensuring the safety and well-being of our guests is our top priority, which is why we take every precaution to mitigate risks and provide a secure environment for all our guests and staff. (Don’t you just love that kind of ‘but’?!)


From experienced guides who know the routes like the back of their hand to well-maintained motorcycles and safety briefings before each excursion, we go above and beyond to ensure that you feel confident and prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.


With Bong Hostel as your base, you can rest assured knowing that you have a dedicated team ready to assist you every step of the way, allowing you to focus on soaking in the beauty and excitement of the Ha Giang Loop with peace of mind.


For more information about our frequently asked questions, click here: Bong Hostel Ha Giang Loop Tour: Frequently Asked Questions in 2024.


Iconic photo of the Ha Giang Loop

Why do a Ha Giang Loop Motorbike Tour with Bong Hostel?


Choosing the right hostel can make all the difference in feeling safe and supported throughout your Ha Giang adventure. Enter: Bong Ha Giang Hostel. We are actually one of the highest rated Ha Giang Loop tours on google and trip advisor annnnnd we were the OGs—we created the tour!! That’s right, seven years ago Mr Bong was the pioneer of the Ha Giang Loop tour through Northern Vietnam. 


But enough bragging, at Bong Hostel, we genuinely believe that the Ha Giang Loop isn't just about ticking off something on your bucket list—it's about forging unforgettable memories, pushing your limits, and experiencing the raw beauty of the Vietnamese countryside in a safe capacity. 


So whether you're an adrenaline junkie itching to tackle hairpin bends and steep mountain passes, or a culture vulture eager to learn about the fascinating history of the region, including all the different local tribes, you can trust Bong Hostel’s Ha Giang Loop tour to deliver.


And the best part? When you book your Ha Giang Loop adventure with Bong Hostel, you're not just signing up for a tour – you're joining our family. For the duration of your stay with us you are treated not as a guest, but rather welcomed as a friend.


Our super friendly, not to mention, highly experienced guides are here to share and fuel your passion for exploration and discovery by leading you off the beaten path to hidden waterfalls, remote villages, and secret viewpoints. In this way we will make your Ha Giang Loop experience nothing short of unforgettable.


Jumping for joy on the Ha Giang Loop

When is the Best Time to Do the Ha Giang loop?


In our opinion, there’s no wrong time to do the Ha Giang Loop. But we understand you want to make the most of your experience! High season is from March until mid-May and mid-September until mid-November. However, each season has its own advantages and disadvantages, as well as local festivals and other seasonal activities.


But what about the weather? The weather in the mountains is very changeable; it can rain at any time and the views can shift very quickly. Also, despite what it says on your weather app, Ha Giang city could be raining and overcast, but as soon as you’re on the open road, it can turn into a beautiful afternoon—it really is like venturing through a doorway to another world. 


June to mid-August is considered the rainy season in Northern Vietnam however, during this time the rain is usually short-lived and usually occurs in the late afternoon or night time. From the end of November to early March, the weather is usually a little colder so you'll need to pack warm clothes. 


For more information about doing the Ha Giang Loop in the off season, click here: Why You Should Do the Ha Giang Loop in the Off-Season.


Dangerous roads on the Ha Giang Loop

Types of Bong Hostel Ha Giang Loop Tours on Offer


Easy Rider Group Tours


So unless you’ve spent a little bit of time in Vietnam already the term ‘easy rider’ might stump you for a minute but it literally means to hop on the back of one of our experienced drivers and let him take the… handle bars. 


Personally, this is my favorite way to experience the Ha Giang Loop. For four days you can sit back and relax—taking in the views, listening to some good tunes, and high-fiving and waving freely at all the village children along the way. 


As is to be expected, the drivers’ official task is to get you safely from A to B. But unofficially they’re so much more. Think helmet-holders, fuel-fillers (easy riding or not), chopstick-teachers, translators, karaoke-singers, personal photographers, Happy Water drinking buddies, pool-table partners in crime, tricksters, bag-packers, rain-coat providers, and sooo much more. All we can say is—prepare yourself to meet your new best friend!


For more information about why you should get an easy rider, click here: Why You Should Get an Easy Rider for the Ha Giang Loop.


Self Rider Group Tours


Self rider… self explanatory? If this is your preference you will spend the duration of your Ha Giang Loop tour driving your own motorbike, (semi automatic 110cc, or you can pay an additional fee for an upgraded bike). 


Oh and don’t worry; if you’re in a group of friends and not all of them are driving themselves you will still be together, just let the hostel team know who your mates are and leave the rest to us!


Ha Giang Loop Private Tours


At Bong Hostel our private tours consist of between two to four people, a personal guide, and a private room at each homestay. It is also possible to easy ride or self ride on a private tour, so you can still enjoy the same experience, in a more intimate fashion!


Venturing through the same or a similar route to the group tour, this experience might better suit small friendship groups or couples seeking a quieter experience. However, please know that no matter your (adult) age you are always welcome to join our Bong Vietnam Tours. After all, age is just a number and we believe you’re never too old to check something off your bucket list!



Easy rider group photo on the Ha Giang Loop

What is Included in the Bong Hostel Ha Giang Loop Private Tour?


The Private Tour Packages include the following:


  • Private tour: 2-4 people

  • Transport: Semi-automatic bike

  • ​Start at: Bong Ha Giang Hostel

  • ​Return at: Bong Ha Giang Hostel

  • Departure: 9 am every morning​

  • Accommodation: Private room in homestay included 


3 Days 2 Nights Private Tour 


  • The local guide

  • A local driver (if easy riding)

  • A semi-automatic bike with gasoline

  • Insurance of the bike

  • Free motorbike lesson (if self riding)

  • Full protective gear (knee, elbow, helmet)

  • 2 nights in homestay

  • 2 breakfast, 3 lunches, 2 dinners

  • Ticket for sightseeing

  • Ha Giang permit: 10$/person

  • Support with your bike (if self riding)

  • We organise bus transfer to Ha Giang


4 Days 3 Nights Private Tour 


  • The local guide

  • A local driver (if easy riding)

  • A semi-automatic bike with gasoline

  • Insurance of the bike

  • Free motorbike lesson (if self riding)**

  • Full protective gear (knee, elbow, helmet)

  • 3 nights in homestay

  • 3 breakfast, 4 lunches, 3 dinners

  • Ticket for sightseeing

  • Ha Giang permit: 10$/person

  • Support with your bike (if self riding)

  • We organise bus transfer to Ha Giang


Bong Hostel flag on the Ha Giang Loop

What is Included with the Ha Giang Loop Group Tour at Bong Hostel?


The Group Tour Packages include the following:


  • Group tour: 10-25 people.

  • Transport: Semi-automatic bike 110cc.

  • ​Start at: Bong Ha Giang hostel.

  • ​Return to: Bong Ha Giang hostel.

  • Departure: 10 am every morning​.

  • Accommodation: Dorm in homestay included in tour. Or you can pay an extra 400k/per night for a private room.


3 Days 2 Nights Group Tour 


  • The local guide

  • A local driver (if easy riding)

  • A semi-automatic bike with gasoline

  • Insurance of the bike

  • Full protective gear (knee, elbow, helmet)

  • Free motorbike lesson (if self riding)**

  • 2 nights in homestay (dorm room)

  • 2 breakfast, 3 lunches, 2 dinners

  • Ticket for sightseeing

  • Ha Giang permit: 10$/person

  • Support with your bike (if self riding)

  • Free 1 night in our shared dorm in Ha Giang before starting the loop 


4 Days 3 Nights Group Tour 


  • The local guide

  • A local driver (if easy riding)

  • A semi-automatic bike with gasoline

  • Insurance of the bike

  • Full protective gear (knee, elbow, helmet)

  • Free motorbike lesson (if self riding)**

  • 3 nights in homestay (dorm in homestay)

  • 3 breakfast, 4 lunches, 3 dinners

  • Ticket for sightseeing

  • Ha Giang permit: 10$/person

  • Support with your bike (if self riding)

  • Free 1 night in our shared dorm in Ha Giang before starting the loop 


Please note: your personal expenses i.e. drinks, snacks, etc. are not included in our tours. With regards to getting to Ha Giang you can opt to book a bus through us and add this onto the total cost of your tour. 


**"So you will teach us how to ride a motorbike?"


Yes, and no. Think of it this way, once you book your tour with us, we will immediately take you under our caring wings. We want to make sure your experience is as safe as possible.


As part of this, before our self riders set off in the morning our experienced volunteers will show them how our bikes work; the gears, the brakes (you know… the essentials) during what we call a motorbike lesson. 


At this lesson, you will be able to ride the bike and get a feel for everything. But as much as this is a chance for you to familiarize yourself with the equipment, it's also a chance for us to assess your abilities—part of that mitigating risks thing I mentioned earlier!


If at any point you want to change your package to an easy rider tour after this warm up then just chat to one of our team once you’ve finished. And if we are concerned about your abilities, we may chat to you privately afterwards so that together we can come to a conclusion that keeps everyone safe and happy!


Our Thoughts on the Bong Hostel Ha Giang Loop Tour


What are you waiting for? The Ha Giang Loop is out here and it's calling to you!


Contact our amazing reception team, get yourselves to Ha Giang, strap on your helmets, rev up your engines, and lets gooo!


Don't just dream about it—make it happen with Bong Hostel!


Tour leader on the Ha Giang Loop


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