Ha Giang Loop: 3-Day Trekking & Motorbike Tour with Private Room

Summary

Ha Giang’s wild passes, village trails & honest mountain life

You’ll ride pillion through Ha Giang’s wildest passes, trek into hidden villages where Dao and Tay families live behind clay walls, share home-cooked lunches, and walk ancient paths above the Nho Que river. Expect tired legs but a full heart—this tour leaves more than just photos behind.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I signed up for the Ha Giang Loop trekking and motorbike tour mostly out of curiosity. The idea of riding pillion through those jagged mountains sounded thrilling, but I didn’t expect to feel so small (in a good way) winding up Bac Sum Pass, mist curling off the cliffs. Our guide Minh pointed out Tam Son’s twin peaks as we pulled over — he grinned when I tried to repeat their names in Vietnamese. The air was sharp, almost peppery, and I could smell wood smoke drifting from somewhere below. Then we started walking. My legs weren’t ready for that first stretch from Heaven Gate down to Nam Dam village — but passing clay houses with red doors, Dao women waving as we passed, it felt like time slowed down a bit.

Lunch in Nam Dam was just…warmth. We sat on low stools while Minh translated stories from our host — apparently she’d built her house herself, layer by layer with clay to keep it cool in summer. The rice was sticky and sweet; there was a soup that tasted faintly of ginger and something else I still can’t place. Afterward, we trekked to Lung Tam where old looms clacked away in dark rooms — the women weaving looked up just long enough to smile before going back to their threads. That night in Yen Minh town, my legs ached but it felt right somehow.

The next day on the motorbike again, Tham Ma Pass zipped by in a blur of green valleys and limestone teeth. We stopped at the Hmong King Palace — all carved wood and cool stone courtyards — then lunch in Dong Van before an afternoon trek toward Thien Huong village. Minh pointed out the border; China was just across the Nho Que river, though honestly it felt like another world entirely. There was this ancient tree near Thien Huong that locals say has seen a thousand years of wind — I touched its bark without really knowing why.

Day three brought Ma Pi Leng Pass (everyone calls it “king” of Vietnam’s roads). Standing at the edge looking down at Nho Que river’s impossible blue ribbon, I didn’t say much — no one did. We hiked along Sky Path for a while; rocks underfoot were slick from last night’s rain but Minh kept us steady. After lunch in Mau Due valley (I still remember the taste of pickled mustard greens), we wound back toward Ha Giang City. The bus back to Hanoi felt strange after all that open space and mountain air.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Motorbike and trekking Ha Giang loop

• Pick up at hotel or meeting point
• Drive motorbike to Bac Sum Pass viewpoint
• Continue motorbike to Heaven Gate viewpoint
• Trek 6-8 km from Heaven Gate through villages
• Visit Nam Dam Village and local family
• Lunch with local family at Nam Dam
• Relax after lunch
• Trek to Lung Tam Village and visit handicraft weaving
• Drive motorbike to Yen Minh town for overnight

Day 2 — Yen Minh motorbike and trekking tour

• Breakfast in Yen Minh
• Motorbike ride on Tham Ma Road
• Visit Hmong King Palace and landscape views
• Visit national flag tower overlooking Vietnam Loop
• Motorbike to Dong Van town and lunch
• Check in and relax at Dong Van accommodation
• Afternoon trek to Thien Huong Village
• See 1000 year old tree and clay houses
• Motorbike back to Dong Van for overnight

Day 3 — Ma Pi Leng Pass trek and return

• Breakfast in Dong Van
• Motorbike ride to Ma Pi Leng Pass
• Trek 3-4 km around Ma Pi Leng Pass
• Admire 360° views from mountain viewpoint
• Motorbike through Lung Ho and Mau Due villages
• Lunch in Mau Due Valley
• Motorbike ride back to Ha Giang City
• Take limousine or night bus to Hanoi

Top questions

How long is the Ha Giang Loop trekking & motorbike tour?

The tour lasts 3 days and 2 nights, starting and ending in Ha Giang City with return transfer to Hanoi included.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels or homestays around Ha Giang City.

What villages do you visit during trekking?

You’ll trek through Nam Dam village, Trang Kim Valley, Lung Tam village, Thien Huong village, and more.

Are meals provided during the trip?

All meals are included: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches with local families or restaurants, and 2 dinners.

Do I need experience riding a motorbike?

No experience needed—the tour provides professional drivers for all motorbike sections.

What kind of accommodation is offered?

You’ll stay overnight in private rooms at local guesthouses or traditional houses along the route.

How difficult is the trekking part?

Trekking covers about 6–8 km per day on uneven terrain but is suitable for most fitness levels.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes—all entrance tickets for villages and historical sites are covered by your booking.

What’s included

Your days include hotel pickup around Ha Giang City or meeting point transfer from Hanoi if needed; every meal—breakfasts steaming hot each morning, lunches often shared with local families in their homes; dinner both nights; all entrance fees for villages and historic spots along the loop; bottled water daily; your own private room each night; experienced English-speaking guide throughout; professional licensed drivers for every motorbike segment; plus drop-off back at your hotel or homestay when you return.