Ha Giang Loop Backpacker Tour, Small Group within Easy Riders

Experience the Ha Giang Loop with a Budget-Friendly Backpacker Tour

If you’re dreaming of Vietnam’s wild, rugged mountains, and want to experience them without breaking the bank, the Ha Giang Loop Backpacker Tour by Dragon Team Tour offers an unbeatable combination of stunning scenery, authentic local culture, and affordability. For just $129 per person, you get two days of riding through some of Vietnam’s most breathtaking landscapes, staying in cozy homestays, and eating delicious local food.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the small group size (max 12 travelers) ensures you won’t be lost in a crowd, making it easier to form genuine connections with fellow travelers and guides. Second, the carefully curated itinerary takes you off the beaten path—visiting less touristy spots—which means you’ll see the real Vietnam beyond the typical sights. The guides and drivers are praised for their professionalism and safety, giving you peace of mind while navigating mountain roads.

One thing to consider is that, as with many motorbike tours, the weather can impact your experience—a cloudy or rainy day might obscure views but also add a different, moody atmosphere to the scenery. Also, since drinks like coffee or beer aren’t included, you’ll want to budget extra if you want a caffeine boost or a cold one after a long day.

This tour suits adventurous travelers, budget backpackers, and anyone eager to see Vietnam’s natural beauty with a small, friendly group. If you love authentic experiences, fantastic scenery, and a chance to connect with local cultures—this is a trip worth considering.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $129, this trip offers excellent value for what you get, including meals, homestays, and guided rides.
• Authentic Experiences: You’ll stay in local homestays, eat traditional food, and visit less touristy, but stunning, spots.
• Expert Guides & Drivers: The team is highly praised for their consideration, safety, and knowledge, making this a reliable choice for first-timers.
• Stunning Scenery: Expect mountain vistas, terraced rice fields, and panoramic passes—some reviewers describe scenes as “breathtaking” and “like a painting.”
• Small Group & Personal Touch: With a maximum of 12 travelers, you get a more intimate experience and personalized attention.
• Weather Considerations: The scenery is beautiful regardless of weather, but overcast days might obscure some views.

A Deep Dive into the Ha Giang Loop Backpacker Tour

The Ha Giang Loop is famous for its spectacular mountain scenery and ethnic minority culture. This particular tour is designed for backpackers and budget travelers who want to experience the thrill of motorbiking through remote regions without the hefty price tag or arranged luxury. At $129, it’s among the cheapest options on the market, and from the reviews, it’s clear it offers more than just bargain pricing.

The Itinerary: A Day-by-Day Breakdown

Day 1 kicks off at 8:30 am, with a pickup from your hostel or a free bed at the Dragon’s Homestay in Ha Giang city. The first major stop is Quan Ba Heaven Gate, which is often described as a highlight by travelers. The views here are expansive, with endless mountains and forests stretching as far as the eye can see. The one-hour stop is perfect for photos and soaking in the landscape; just be ready for a breezy ride.

Afterward, you’ll head to Tam Son town for lunch—famous for fried rice with chicken, beef, or tofu. Many reviews mention the quality of the food and the cozy local restaurants, which add authenticity to the experience. Post-lunch, the ride continues to Yen Minh, where you’ll stop at panoramas like Can Ty and Lao Va Chai. These spots offer visual masterpieces of terraced rice fields, valleys, and mountain peaks that, as one reviewer put it, “look like a painting.”

The afternoon involves a roughly 2-hour drive to Dong Van, passing Tham Ma Pass—a not-to-miss scenic spot with dramatic mountain views. The drive itself is part of the experience, with your guide pointing out interesting features and ensuring safety.

Day 2 begins with a visit to Ma Pi Leng Pass, meant to be the crowning jewel of the journey. This majestic mountain pass offers the chance to snap stunning photos of the Tu San valley below. The views are so spectacular many travelers describe them as breathtaking—truly a highlight worth waking up early for.

The trip concludes back in Ha Giang around 5 pm, after about 8 hours of driving and sightseeing on the second day. The overall route is approximately 150 km, which might seem short but is packed with scenic stops, photo sessions, and local interactions.

Accommodation, Meals, and Extras

Your stay in a local homestay adds a warm, Vietnamese ambiance to the trip. Guests rave about the authenticity and hospitality at these places, often sharing stories over rice wine and traditional dishes. Meals are included, covering breakfast and lunch on each day, with dinner also included, making it a good value.

The tour supplies bottled water, helmets, and easy riders—professional drivers who are praised for their courtesy and safety. Riders are experienced, and reviews mention feeling completely safe even on challenging mountain roads. For a small fee, you can borrow bicycles to explore the city, offering a relaxed way to soak in local life.

What Travelers Love

Numerous reviewers emphasize the personalized approach of the guides, often mentioning considerate and caring staff. One shared that their guide “went above and beyond,” making their trip extra memorable. The views are consistently described as stunning, with many calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

The small group size means fewer travelers and more authentic encounters. Many travelers appreciated that they could film and photograph freely—especially at Ma Pi Leng and Quan Ba—which is a huge plus for capturing the trip’s breathtaking scenery.

Potential Drawbacks

While the tour is highly praised, some travelers note that weather can impact visibility—cloudy or rainy days might obscure views but also lend a different kind of beauty to the landscapes. Another point is that not all guides speak English, which could be a minor obstacle if you’re hoping for detailed explanations of local culture. However, many reviews mention guides who do speak good English and are eager to share stories.

Is This Tour for You?

If you’re looking for affordable adventure with a focus on natural beauty and cultural authenticity, this trip is perfect. It’s especially suited for adventurous souls who don’t mind motorbiking through mountain roads and enjoy small-group camaraderie. If you’re a photo enthusiast, you’ll love the stops’ scenic vistas, and if you’re on a tight budget, the included meals and homestays give you excellent value.

However, if you prefer more luxury or comfort, or are not comfortable with motorbiking, this might not be your best fit. Also, travelers who want a more structured, guided experience might find the self-guided options or private tours more suitable.

Final Thoughts

This Ha Giang Loop Backpacker Tour offers a genuine taste of northern Vietnam’s incredible landscapes, cultural richness, and hospitality—all at an accessible price point. Its small group size, authentic local stays, and stunning scenic stops make it an ideal choice for adventure travelers and budget explorers alike.

You will leave with unforgettable memories of mountain passes, terraced fields, and genuine Vietnamese life. If you’re craving a raw, engaging, and beautiful experience, this tour delivers all that and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The small group size makes it easy to meet new people, and many reviewers mention forming friendships during the trip.

What is included in the price?
The price covers two nights’ accommodation at homestays, all meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinner), bottled water, helmets, easy riders, and T-shirts. Drinks like coffee or beer are not included.

Can I borrow a bicycle during the tour?
Yes, you can borrow bikes for free to explore the city in your free time, which many travelers enjoy.

How long is the driving each day?
On the first day, about 3.5 hours of driving, with some stops; the second day involves roughly 5 hours of driving with a stop at Ma Pi Leng Pass.

What happens if the weather is bad?
While bad weather might obscure scenic views, the tour still goes ahead. Many reviews mention that even in overcast or rainy weather, the experience is still worth it.

Is the tour suitable for families or children?
The tour is primarily designed for adventurous travelers comfortable on motorbikes. Families with older children and a sense of adventure could enjoy it, but it’s not specifically tailored for young kids.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The meeting point is at 93 Quyt Thng, Ngc Hà, Hà Giang, which is accessible from local transportation or your hotel in Ha Giang city.

What’s the best time of year to go?
While the tour operates year-round, spring (March-April) and autumn (October-November) often provide the best weather for clear mountain views and comfortable temperatures.

In summary, if you’re after a cost-effective yet authentic journey into Vietnam’s mountainous north, this Ha Giang Loop backpacker tour is an excellent pick. You’ll enjoy breathtaking landscapes, local hospitality, and an adventure that’s hard to forget—all at a price that’s hard to beat.