Things to Know Before Going to Ha Giang

CLIMATE

The climate in Ha Giang is characterized as a subtropical highland climate. Two seasons can be distinguished throughout the year:

• Dry season: From November to March. Rainfall is less frequent and temperatures are cooler
• Rainy season: In the rest of the year, there is abundant rainfall and higher temperatures.

It's worth noting that Ha Giang's climate can vary slightly across different areas and altitudes within the province.

Here is a table showing the maximum and minimum average temperatures per month in Ha Giang city (typically the warmest):

As it is a mountainous region, rain and fog are highly likely to occur. It can rain heavily and become very cold and humid, so don’t forget to bring extra layers and waterproof clothing.

Although it says there are only 2 rainy days in certain months, be aware that the weather might change quickly from one location to another. Additionally it can also get very foggy, which may affect the visibility, and you could see absolutely nothing of the landscape during hours.

TOUR - DRIVING VS EASY DRIVER

As we mentioned before, the main attraction of this region is the motorbike loop. Depending on your driving experience, you have several options: rent a motorbike and do the itinerary on your own (you will need an international driving license), join a group tour with a guide, or get an easy driver who will drive you during the entire trip on a group tour.

The roads are winding and narrow, with many ups and downs. The pavement might be wet, and there can be dense fog. Additionally, some sections are under construction, so it will be a muddy dirt road that can be slippery.

All things considered, we recommend the last option as it is the safest one and allows you to enjoy carefree the views along the way. Nevertheless, riding the motorbike would also be an enjoyable experience.

TOURS - SEVERAL DAY OPTIONS

Many companies offer motorbike rental and accessible rider services, but Kiki's House Hostel deserves special mention. They work with smaller groups compared to other companies, providing a closer interaction with the guides, a more enjoyable experience, and avoiding being in endless lines of motorbikes.

Depending on your planning, you can choose to do a 1, 2, or 3-night tour around Ha Giang. The most popular option is the 3-day/2-night tour, as it allows sufficient time to explore diverse landscapes without feeling rushed. The 1-night tour may be too short, you will miss some astonishing landscapes and you will have spent a lot of time getting to Ha Giang just for two days. Moreover, there is almost no difference in the price compared to the 2-night tour. With the 3-night tour, you will travel along the same roads, but on the first day, you will go hiking and visit a cave, reaching Dong Van on the second day.

Almost all the companies make the same stops along the route. Here you have an example of it.

• 2 Days / 1 Night:
  • Day 1: Ha Giang – Quan Ba Heaven Gate – Yen Minh – Hmong Palace – Dong Van
  • Dong Van – Meo Vac – Yen Minh – Ha Giang 
• 3 Days / 2 Nights:
  • Day 1: Ha Giang – Quan Ba Heaven Gate – Yen Minh – Hmong Palace – Dong Van
  • Day 2: Dong Van – Ma Pi Leng Pass – Du Gia
  • Day 3: Du Gia – Lung Tam Village – Ha Giang city
• 4 Days / 3 Nights:
  • Day 1: Ha Giang – Hiking – Quan Ba Heaven Gate – Cave – Nam Dam
  • Day 2: Nam Dam – Yen Minh – Lung Cu Flagpole – Dong Van 
  • Day 3: Dong Van – Ma Pi Leng Pass – Du Gia.
  • Day 4: Du Gia – Lung Tam Village – Ha Giang city.

Additionally, there are 4-night tours available that take you to Ban Gioc Waterfall. However, the feedback for this specific tour is not as positive as for the others. Given that it involves a longer journey and spending several hours and days on a motorbike, it can be quite tiring.

You have a more complete post talking about the 3 Days / 2 Nights tour option here.

TOUR - PRICES

Here you have the prices that Kiki’s Hostel House offers, as a reference.

This price includes all the meals during the trip (excluding drinks), a 1.5L bottle of water per day, accommodation, all entrance tickets and permits, and free storage for your suitcase.

For about 20-30$ more, you will have included the pick up and drop off from/to Hanoi, Ninh Binh, SaPa or HaLong.

There are also private tour options. Just ask your provider.

You can pay by card, however, like almost everywhere in Vietnam, you will have to pay a 3% credit card transaction fee.

TRANSPORT

Transport in Vietnam is quite well organized, even better than in many European cities. Many private companies connect Ha Giang to the main travel destinations of the north of the country, making the planning of your itinerary very convenient.

You can have a look on these websites: 12go Asia and Baolau. You should book at least one day in advance, otherwise the website won't let you book!
You can also find a large offer of good deals with the app "VeXeRe".

If you have booked a tour in Ha Giang, the company often provides you the transport to/from Ha Giang.

Note: A sleeper bus does not necessarily have to travel by night, it only means that the bus will be equipped with bed-like seats. We recommend you to choose the capsule ones for more comfort and intimacy.