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Ha Giang Loop 3D3N
Ha Giang Loop 3D3N
The ‘Ha Giang Loop on a budget’ is for those who want to see Ha
Giang in the most authentic, safe, and cost-effective way possible.
Join like-minded backpackers on a wild, unforgettable journey
through Vietnam’s most amazing scenery and a relatively new area
for travelers to explore; Ha Giang province offers twisting mountain
roads, unexplored caves, forestry, and rivers, along with some of the
the best scenery in the world. This is a trip for the adventurous traveler
who wants to be among the first to find out what this remote region
has to offer!
Transportation from Hanoi to Ha Giang:
- Option 1: Night bus (depart at 10:00 PM)
- Option 2: Limousine (depart at 4:00 PM)
- Return bus ticket to Hanoi- Ha Giang - Hanoi. (option from Sapa/to Sapa available)
- English-speaking local guide.
- Bike hire with gasoline.
- Accommodation at local homestay or hostels.
- Meals as mentioned
- Sightseeing entrance fees.
- Travel Insurance
- Drinks
- Personal Expenses
Ha Giang Loop 3D3N
Night 1: HANOI - HA GIANG
Departure times from Hanoi: 10:00 PM (night bus) or 4:00 PM (D-car)
(We highly recommend the D-car option for comfort)
D-car option: Arrive in Ha Giang 9:30-10:00 PM. Spend a night at our hostel
Night bus: Arrive in Ha Giang around 4:30 AM the next day
Notes: The driver will make a toilet/food break at about the halfway point. We do however advise bringing snacks on the bus or eating beforehand, as the stopping points do not offer much
Day 1: HA GIANG - YEN MINH
(B,L,D)
7:30 AM: Having breakfast at our hostel
8:00 AM: Our guide will introduce themselves and explain the safety debrief, cultural etiquette, tour itinerary, and what to bring
Once everybody is packed and ready, those on bikes will be introduced to their trusty steed and shown the basic operations are safe and in working order.
Those riding will be given a competency test to operate the vehicle.
Taking a newly opened road, we are immersed immediately into scenery that only continues to blow your mind!
Depending on the temperatures, there are some amazing swimming holes along the way!
This is the point we will normally offer our guests the opportunity to help contribute to a local family in need. Using our contacts in the rural areas, we can find information on people who are in some cases, in severe living conditions. We try to help with some basic amenities. This is a real eye-opener.
Reaching our destination for the day, we will have a late afternoon lunch spread in a beautiful spring-fed village before making our way for an afternoon swim (in colder months, we can go for a short trek for amazing photo opportunities).
A lovely dinner at a local restaurant that also offers the North's famous “Bia Hoi” (non preservative beer that goes great with the local food).
Check-in and relax at your accommodation.
Day 2: YEN MINH - Ma Pi Leng Canyon (120KM)
(B,L,D)
To start the day out the right way, we will have Pho or Bun noodles. A unique dish to the North and this one is particularly tasty.
Taking another very unused route with outstanding scenery. There will be plenty of photo opportunities as we pass through several communities of Red Dao and Nung minority groups.
Our lunch destination is a quiet and quaint village nestled in the mountains. Occupied by the Tay ethnic group, this place is particularly special as we will be able to explore the cave system at their doorstep which is the source of naturally filtered water for many of the surrounding communities. More swimming of course!
Amenities are very basic here. This will give you a true understanding of how these particular hill tribes live day to day.
Our lunch will be cooked over the fire and enjoyed with the family here in their small village.
After lunch, we will venture north still, to an area that has probably become the most talked about section of the Ha Giang Loop. The Ma Pi Leng pass.
Touristy? Yes, but for good reason. This is Southeast Asia's deepest gorge. The scenery is surreal and when venturing to the intrepid North it is a must-see.
We will stay locally in this area so that we can thoroughly enjoy the scenery rather than just passing.
A mixed variety of seasonal dishes for dinner cooked and served by local Hmong.
Tonight we will stay at the small charming homestay.
Day 3: Ha Giang City
(B,L)
Depending on preference, you can choose to sleep in until breakfast or get up early and see the sunrise over the China border. An amazing place to explore on foot.
After breakfast, we will continue southwest and follow the border area where we will pass through areas of rocky outcrop that scientists have pointed out show evidence of shifting in the earth's plates.
Fossils have been found here dating back to the Jurassic era.
Depending on time, we will make a stop to see the ancient Hmong King's palace which is now open to the public. A very interesting story for those into history.
While visiting any frontier area, we think it would be rude not to take a cheeky step over the other side (just quietly).
Lunch will be had in the township of Yen Minh in one of the oldest commercially operating restaurants in all of Ha Giang.
After lunch, it’s smooth sailing on newly paved roads back to our base in Ha Giang. Provided we are making good time there will be stop-offs for photos/coffee and swimming.
Arrive back at the accommodation, you will have time for a quick shower and packing before boarding on the D-Car and departing to Hanoi at 4:00 PM or boarding on the night bus at 10:00 PM
Arrival back in Hanoi around 9:30-10:00 PM (for D-car option) or around 4:30 AM the next day for (night bus option). Trip ends.
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