Traveling through Northern Vietnam isn’t complete without tackling the Ha Giang Loop — a rugged, scenic journey that’s best experienced on a motorbike. This 3-day tour, priced at $230 per person, offers an exhilarating way to see some of Vietnam’s most spectacular landscapes, from towering mountain passes to lush valleys. Led by experienced English-speaking guides and easy riders, this trip promises a blend of adventure, cultural discovery, and jaw-dropping scenery.
What we love about this tour is how well-organized it is despite the challenging terrain — the guides are clearly skilled, making sure everyone’s safe while still leaving plenty of room for spontaneous photo stops. Plus, the authentic local experiences, such as visiting Dong Van and Lung Cu, give this tour a genuine flavor you won’t find on more commercialized excursions.
One possible drawback? It’s a long, physically demanding ride. The itinerary packs a lot into each day, leaving little time for additional activities like trekking or exploring every corner of each stop. But if you’re looking for a deep dive into the rugged beauty of Ha Giang and don’t mind the ride, this tour delivers full value.
This experience suits adventurous travelers who enjoy motorbiking, are moderately fit, and crave authentic scenery over luxury. If you’re comfortable with long days on the road and limited free time at each site, you’ll find this tour both rewarding and memorable.
Key Points

- Authentic Scenic Views: Expect stunning mountain passes, waterfalls, and rice terraces.
- Expert Guides: Friendly, knowledgeable guides enhance safety and storytelling.
- All-Inclusive Value: Meals, gear, and transportation are included, making it straightforward.
- Long Days, Rich Rewards: Be prepared for 8-10 hours of riding each day.
- Limited Free Time: The emphasis is on completing the full loop, not extra sightseeing.
- Authentic Local Culture: Visits to villages like Lung Cam and homestays offer genuine cultural insights.
The Overall Experience

This 3-day motorbike tour through Ha Giang is a whirlwind of breathtaking mountain scenery, local village visits, and thrilling drives along winding passes. It’s not just about ticking off tourist spots; it’s about feeling the landscape, experiencing local life, and trusting your guides to navigate some of Vietnam’s most intimidating mountain roads.
Priced at $230, including sleeper bus transport, meals, gear, and guided riding, the value here is quite solid, especially considering the high-quality service and stunning sights. The tour is scheduled to start with a night bus from Hanoi, meaning you’ll arrive early morning ready to begin your adventure.
While in Hanoi, here are other experiences we've covered
What Makes This Tour Stand Out

We appreciate how organized this tour is — the guides are experienced and friendly, ensuring safety while maintaining a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The itinerary covers key highlights like Ma Pi Leng Pass, Dong Van, and the Heaven’s Gate, along with some lesser-known gems like Du Gia and Ngam La villages.
Another feature we love is how the tour prioritizes authentic experiences. Staying in local homestays and visiting Lung Cam Village allows travelers to connect with the culture beyond just sightseeing. The inclusion of local meals and fresh water bottles makes the journey more comfortable and convenient.
A Long but Rewarding Journey
Keep in mind, this is a long tour with three quite long riding days, each lasting approximately 8 hours. You’ll spend a good chunk of time on the motorbike, so physical fitness and a love of adventure are prerequisites. The route doesn’t leave much room for side activities like trekking or extra sightseeing; the focus is on completing the loop.
Some reviews highlight the challenging drive along narrow and sometimes dangerous mountain roads but also praise the experienced drivers who handle these routes safely. As one reviewer notes, “The drivers are very experienced and safe through the dangerous mountain roads,” which is reassuring if you’re concerned about the terrain.
Day-by-Day Breakdown

Day 1: Hanoi to Du Gia via Ha Giang
The adventure begins with an overnight sleeper bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang. Arriving in the early hours, you’ll catch a few hours of rest before the real journey starts.
At around 8:30 am, after breakfast, the motorbike adventure begins. Riding up the winding pass roads from Ha Giang, you’ll be treated to views of blue rivers and mountain peaks. The highlight here is crossing the Thai An pass, where the scenery below is spectacular.
Lunch is a simple, traditional meal by a small stream, setting a relaxed tone for the day. In the afternoon, the ride takes you through the Duong Thuong Valley—a peaceful, scenic spot—and later, to Du Gia. Here, you’ll unwind at the fairy waterfall, a perfect place to relax after a long day of riding.
Day 2: Ngam La, Ma Pi Leng, and Dong Van
After breakfast, you head to Ngam La village, surrounded by expansive mountain views and valleys that stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s a photographer’s dream, and many reviews mention how stunning the landscape is.
Next, the famous Ma Pi Leng Pass awaits — often called the “King of Passes” — with its sheer drops and views of the Nho Que River, which looks like a ribbon of emerald cutting through the mountains. You’ll even get to take a boat ride on the river, adding a tranquil contrast to the rugged drive.
Arriving in Dong Van late afternoon, you’ll enjoy a local dinner, often praised for its hearty, home-cooked flavor. This town, part of the Dong Van Karst Plateau, is a UNESCO-recognized geopark with striking limestone formations.
Day 3: Lung Cam, Pho Cao, and Return to Hanoi
The last day begins with a visit to Lung Cam Village, famous for its ancient Mong houses and cultural authenticity. Walking through the village provides a tangible sense of local life that many travelers find enriching.
Then, crossing the Tham Ma pass and heading to Tam Son, you’ll enjoy a lunch with mountain views before tackling the final pass, Bac Sum, a winding road that signals the end of the adventure.
The return to Hanoi arrives late evening, giving you time to reflect on an intense, scenic, and culturally immersive experience.
What Travelers Say

Feedback confirms the high regard for guides: “Thoroughly looked after,” and “great and friendly tour guide,” are common themes. Multiple reviews mention the stunning landscapes — from blue rivers to mountain peaks, the views are unforgettable.
Travelers also appreciate the good value for money. For $230, you get transportation, meals, gear, and guided rides, which is quite reasonable considering the remote and scenic locations covered.
Some highlight the safety and professionalism of the drivers, especially on the dangerous mountain roads. The friendly guides make a difference, sharing stories and ensuring everyone’s comfort.
Practical Tips for Future Travelers

- Prepare for long days on the motorbike — bring comfortable clothing, sun protection, and a sense of adventure.
- Physical fitness is helpful, as the ride can be demanding, but the sights make it worth the effort.
- Limited free time at each stop means if you want to explore more deeply, consider extending your trip or adding extra days.
- Don’t expect luxury accommodations — the homestays are simple but authentic, adding to the charm.
- Budget for tips for guides and riders if you feel they’ve enhanced your experience.
This tour is ideal for adventure travelers who love motorcycle rides, want to see Vietnam’s wild beauty, and enjoy cultural interactions. It’s best suited for those comfortable with long riding hours and physical activity. If you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime drive that combines spectacular scenery with local flavor, this trip hits the mark.
Travelers seeking an adventurous, authentic way to explore Vietnam’s northern mountains will find this 3-day Ha Giang Loop guided tour a memorable experience. The expert guides, stunning vistas, and inclusion of local villages and foods elevate this beyond a simple sightseeing trip.
While the long days on the motorbike might be tiring, the views and cultural insights compensate for that. The value for the price — covering transportation, meals, gear, and guides — makes it a smart choice for those craving adventure without sacrificing comfort.
If you’re prepared for the physical challenge, eager for untouched landscapes, and want to support local communities, this tour offers a genuine glimpse into Vietnam’s rugged heart.
Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Not quite. You should have a moderate physical fitness level because of the long days on a motorbike and the challenging terrain.
Are meals included?
Yes, the tour provides breakfast (3), lunch (3), and dinner (2), which are part of the overall value and help you enjoy authentic local cuisine.
What equipment is provided?
Protection gear, helmets, rider protections, and raincoats are included, making the ride safer and more comfortable regardless of weather.
Can I join if I don’t have a motorcycle license?
This information isn’t explicitly mentioned, but since the tour includes experienced guides and drivers, you’ll be riding as part of a guided group, so you don’t need a license yourself.
What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience and better interaction with guides.
Is there any free time for sightseeing?
Not really; the itinerary is quite packed to ensure you complete the full loop, with limited opportunities for side activities.
What happens in case of bad weather?
The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveling the Ha Giang Loop on a motorbike is a rewarding challenge — a perfect way to see some of Vietnam’s most raw and beautiful landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a curious traveler ready for a new adventure, this tour promises an authentic taste of Vietnam’s mountain majesty.
More 3-Day Experiences in Hanoi
- Best Hanoi – Ba Be Lake 3 Days 2 Nights Tour
- Adventure Tour to Ban Gioc Waterfall – Ba Be Lake 3 days 2 nights
- 3-Day Cao Bang Nature and Culture Tour
- Mon Chéri Cruises 5 star: Amazing 3 days exploring Halong & Cat Ba island
- Sapa in 3 Days Trekking, Local Villages & Mountain Views
- 3 Days Sapa Tour with Night Train from Hanoi
More Tour Reviews in Hanoi
- Bus Ticket Hanoi to Sapa – Limousine Bus
- 3 Hours Hanoi City Walking Tour with Optional Train Street
- Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour and Water Puppet Show
- Best Hanoi – Ba Be Lake 3 Days 2 Nights Tour
- (TOP) Private car: Hanoi/Noi Bai Airport (HAN) from/to Ninh Binh
- From Hanoi: Tam Coc, Hoa Lu and Mua Caves Full-Day Trip
More Hanoi experiences we've covered
- Bus Ticket Hanoi to Sapa – Limousine Bus
- 3 Hours Hanoi City Walking Tour with Optional Train Street
- Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour and Water Puppet Show
- Best Hanoi – Ba Be Lake 3 Days 2 Nights Tour
- (TOP) Private car: Hanoi/Noi Bai Airport (HAN) from/to Ninh Binh
- From Hanoi: Tam Coc, Hoa Lu and Mua Caves Full-Day Trip
- Full Day Tour from Hanoi to Tam Coc
- Full-Day HaLong Bay Luxury 5-Star Cruise: Transfer, Buffet, Kayak
- Full Day Private Tour in Ninh Binh(Trang An-Bich Dong-Mua Cave)
- Full-day Private Hanoi Sightseeing Tailored on request
- From Hanoi: Ha Long Bay Save-Cost Tours – Big & Small Groups
- Halong Bay 2 Days 1 Night Cruise
