The Ha Giang Loop is by far one of the most breathtaking motorbike loops in north Vietnam — or dare I even say all of Southeast Asia! It’s not for the weak of heart, but between the swooping twists and turns, daring travelers like you will find views unlike anything else in the world.

If you're visiting this page wondering whether or not you should give motorbiking through the Ha Giang Loop during your trip to Vietnam a go - the answer is a resounding YES from me. Especially if you’re a bit of a daredevil, a rush seeker, and obsessed with finding some of the best stretches of road in the world!

And if you’re feeling a little hesitant about driving, fear not, because you can still have an epic (and arguably even more epic!) time by booking an easy rider tour from a number of different travel agencies and hostels located around Hanoi.

Motorbiking through the Ha Giang Loop, a popular route in the Northern Vietnam province of Ha Giang, will likely be one of your most memorable experiences in Vietnam.

Whether you feel comfortable renting and riding a motorbike yourself, hopping on the back of the motorbike of a trusted friend, hiring a seasoned local tour guide and/or motorbike driver (often referred to as an easy rider) to take you around the Ha Giang Loop, those who take the plunge of exploring Vietnam's extreme north will be greatly rewarded with some of the most breathtaking mountain and cliff views imaginable as well as a peak into the lives of the villagers who inhabit the region.

So, need more convincing - and some knowledge - before heading along the Ha Giang Loop? Keep on reading for helpful tips on how to do the Ha Giang Loop, including how to get to Ha Giang, how to rent a motorbike, and where to stop and stay along your way!

What is the Ha Giang Loop?

The Ha Giang Loop is  - you guessed it - a motorbike loop around Ha Giang, Vietnam's northernmost province bordering China. It’s starts about 5 hours North of Hanoi and is east of Sapa. Here you’ll find some of the most stunning stretches of road in Vietnam, Southeast Asia…and the world….at least I think so. Feel free to disagree in the comments and tell me of a place more stunning, because I’d love to visit!

The time to complete the full loop is approximately 3-4 days, although it’s recommended to carve out at least four days as to not rush the experience and be able to soak in all the sights. To be honest, I can't imagine doing the loop in anything less than 4 days.

f you’re really short form time, you can ask around for a shorter loop route, but you will be sacrificing some incredible stops along the way.

If you dare to navigate a motorbike through steep, winding cliffs and rocky roads, you will be greatly rewarded with some of the most breathtaking, mountain views in Vietnam and all of Southeast Asia, including the awe-inspiring Ma Pi Leng Pass.

The Ha Giang Province is occupied primarily by ethnic minority groups, giving travelers the opportunity to witness the everyday working lives of diverse northern Vietnamese people as they go about their daily lives, often in ethnic garb as you pass through their villages.

You will see women in colorful garments carrying bundles of sticks in baskets, children playing (and yes, sometimes working) the streets and men hard at work building new structures. As a westerner, it is incredibly humbling to see how hard these people work every single day as a community.

After a long day of riding, at each stop you will find cozy homestays and hostels to rest your head at night, and often have the opportunity to enjoy an authentic and always quite generous family-style meal.

Find your Ha Giang homestay, hostel or Hang Thuong hostel.

Although the Ha Giang Loop has gained some mild popularity with backpackers, it is still virtually untouched by the rampant tourism found elsewhere in Southeast Asia. As such, it makes an excellent, far-less-touristy alternative to Sapa, the region of Vietnam famous for its rice terraces and gorgeous mountain views.

Note: I have heard some warnings against purchasing goods or paying children in exchange for photographs, as this encourages exploitation. Use your discretion. I noticed many children conveniently standing along popular vantage points or roads, likely instructed to be there to receive money in exchange for photographs