Ha Giang Loop - 3 Days 2 Nights

Time: Starts at 8 AM. 3 days, 2 nights

Fitness level: Easy*

*Please note that the terrain can be challenging, with steep inclines, particularly during foggy or rainy weather. We recommend wearing sturdy walking shoes with good grip for your safety and comfort.

Description

Explore the breathtaking Ha Giang Loop, an unforgettable journey through Vietnam's mountainous northern frontier. This 3-day tour takes you on a motorbike, passing through picturesque valleys, ethnic minority villages, and dramatic mountain passes. Along the way, you'll learn about local cultures, visit traditional homes, and witness the awe-inspiring Ma Pi Leng Pass.

  • Day 1: Ha Giang - Quan Ba - Yen Minh ( 80 Km )

    • Your guide will pick you up at your hotel at 8 AM, then you drive through the mountain roads to Quan Ba town, enjoying breathtaking views of the famous "Happy Road" along the way.

    • Stop in Nam Đàm Village, where you’ll explore the unique customs of the Red Dao people and get a feel for local life 

    • Stop for a delicious lunch in a local restaurant in Quản Bạ

    • Visit Lùng Tám Village, home to the H’mong minority, and watch artisans transform raw hemp into beautiful textiles and get the chance to chat with locals

    • Drive the last way to the stunning countryside to Yên Minh, where you’ll stay in a hotel for the night

    • 🕖 7:00 PM – Dinner in town and time to relax.

    Day 2: Yen Minh  Lung Cu - Dong Van  ( 110 Km )

    • After a filling breakfast, you ride deeper into the northern highlands, passing through remote villages that offer a true glimpse into life in one of Vietnam’s most untouched regions.

    • We’ll visit Lũng Cẩm Village, then stop in Sà Phìn to explore the fascinating Hmong King’s Palace - the historic residence of the Vương family, full of legends 

    • Continue to Lũng Cú, Vietnam’s northernmost point, where the giant national flag tower above the stunning mountain views. On clear days, you can see all the way into China. 

    • After breakfast, we ride deeper into the northern highlands, passing through remote villages that offer a true glimpse into life in one of Vietnam’s most untouched regions.

    • On the way back, stop at a Lô Lô ethnic village, one of Vietnam’s smallest and most distinct minority groups.

    • Lunch will be served in Đồng Văn Town, where you'll also spend the night in a local homestay. After dinner, enjoy the charm of Đồng Văn’s Old Quarter, with its cobblestone streets and vibrant nightlife.

    Day 3: Dong Van – Meo Vac – Ha Giang ( 170 Km )

    • Start your morning with a stroll through Đồng Văn's local market, before we hit the road at 9:30 AM.

    • Visit the legendary Mã Pí Lèng Pass - a winding road carved into the cliffs with jaw-dropping views of the Nho Quế River canyon far below. We’ll make plenty of stops for photos and to take in the scenery.

    • Descend into Mèo Vạc, and ride back through Yên Minh, where we’ll stop for lunch, then continue the final stretch back to Hà Giang.

    • We’ll arrive around 5:00–5:30 PM, ending your unforgettable 3-day journey through Vietnam’s most majestic mountains.

    • Scenic drive along the legendary Happy Road and Ma Pi Leng Pass

    • Visit to ethnic minority villages, including Red Dao and H’mong communities

    • Explore the Vuong Family Palace and Lung Cu Flag Tower

    • Enjoy authentic local cuisine and stay in a homestay and hotel

    • All transportation - motorbike or car

    • Knowledgeable English-speaking, local guide

    • Food (Day 1: Lunch, Dinner. Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Day 3: Breakfast, Lunch) + 1 big water per day

    • Accommodation: 1 night hotel, 1 night homestay

    • Entrance fees (Frontier area permission, security fee)

    • Personal travel insurance

    • Drinks and personal expenses

    • Gratuities

    • Comfortable walking shoes

    • Insect repellent, sunscreen

    • Seasonal clothing

    • Essentials for the overnight stay

  • Motorbike: $250pp Car: $470pp

    1 person

  • Motorbike: $220pp Car: $310pp

    2 people

  • Motorbike: $210pp Car: $250pp

    3 people

  • Motorbike: $190pp Car: $240pp

    4 people

  • Motorbike: $180pp Car: $230pp

    5 people

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • The best time to visit Sapa and Northern Vietnam is during the dry season, from September to April, when temperatures are milder, and rainfall is minimal. In mountainous Sapa, winter months (December to February) can get chilly, with temperatures occasionally dropping below zero.

    Sapa is known as the “Town in the Clouds” and offers unpredictable, fast-changing weather. One village might be experiencing thick fog while another enjoys clear blue skies.

    For the most stunning views of Sapa's terraced rice fields, visit in September or early October when the fields glow golden with ripe rice.

    Ethnic minority festivals are most vibrant around Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, which typically falls between mid-January and late February.

  • Your ideal stay depends on your travel style and interests. We recommend at least two days to get a taste of Sapa’s charm, or up to a full week for a deeper, more immersive experience. This gives you time to trek through ethnic minority villages, explore the local markets, climb the majestic Fansipan Mountain, and soak in the stunning landscapes. Most trekking tours range from one to three days, so plan accordingly.

  • Sapa’s weather can be unpredictable, so come prepared:

    • Year-round: Breathable, waterproof clothing and sturdy trekking shoes.

    • Summer: Sunscreen and mosquito repellent to stay protected.

    • Winter: Warm layers, gloves, and a hat – temperatures can drop below zero.

    • Rainy days: A poncho or umbrella, easily available in town at reasonable prices.

    Need help packing? We’re happy to give you more tips!

  • In Sapa, you may encounter ethnic minority villagers, including children, selling handmade crafts or performing for tips. While their persistence can feel overwhelming, here’s how you can respond responsibly:

    1. Show Understanding: Many villagers rely on street selling due to poverty and limited opportunities. However, buying from children encourages them to stay out of school, limiting their future opportunities. Please, do not buy from them.

    2. Be Firm but Polite: If approached, respond calmly and firmly without giving money. Children are sometimes sent to evoke pity, with parents watching nearby.

    3. Support Ethical Tourism: Choose responsible businesses that hire locals as guides, support homestay development, and invest in education and healthcare. Your choices can help create long-term, positive change in the community.

  • From Hanoi you have two convenient options:

    Bus/Minibus

    The fastest and most affordable option, with frequent departures throughout the day. Choose from standard seats, sleeper seats, or VIP cabins.

    • Duration: ~6 hours (with snack/toilet stops)

    • Cost: 200,000–500,000 VND

    Train + Transfer

    Take the overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, followed by a short transfer to Sapa. Vietnam Railways offers budget-friendly tickets, while Chapa Express and King Express provide more comfort.

    • Duration: ~8 hours by train + 1-hour transfer

    • Cost: 500,000–1,000,000 VND (train) + ~75,000 VND (transfer)

    Let us know if we can help you book your journey – we’re happy to assist!

  • Sapa Town is compact and easily explored on foot.

    For more convenience, taxis and shuttles are readily available (~25,000 VND/km).

    Looking for adventure? Rent a motorbike (~100,000 VND/day) or mountain bike (~200,000 VND/day) and ride the scenic trails of Muong Hoa Valley.

    For your convenience, you can also rent motorbikes and bicycles directly from us – reach out, and we’ll be happy to help!

  • We recommend Indigo Inn Sapa, conveniently located where our office is based. Enjoy stunning mountain views, comfortable private rooms, and the ease of starting your trekking tours right from the doorstep.

    Just a 10-minute walk from Sapa town center – the perfect blend of tranquility and convenience!

  • Sapa offers a variety of delicious local treats. Don’t miss:

    • Chestnut Cake (Bánh Hạt Dẻ) – roasted ground chestnuts, fried until golden and sprinkled with sesame, available at street stalls.

    • Barbecue – grilled meats and veggies, perfect for a cozy evening.

    • Salmon or Sturgeon Hot Pot – a hearty dish made with fresh mountain-raised fish.

    For local produce:

    • Sapa Market (7:30 am–6 pm) – Fresh produce, spices, clothing (including ethnic clothing), and a budget-friendly food court.

    • Night Market (evenings) – Just outside the main market, great for snacks and souvenirs.

    • Xuân Trường Supermarket (8 am–9:30 pm) – The largest supermarket in town, a one-stop shop for groceries at local, non-haggle prices.