Raw beauty | Epic rides | Authentic ethnic villages | Budget-friendly thrill
Perfect for adventurous souls who want to experience Vietnam’s most spectacular and untouched mountain region without spending a fortune. Ride the legendary Ha Giang Loop – twisting roads, jaw-dropping karst peaks, thundering waterfalls, and warm smiles from H’mong, Tay, and Lolo communities. This is the real Vietnam that most tourists never see.
Pick-up from Hanoi Old Quarter or Noi Bai Airport. We can also arrange transfers from Ninh Binh, Cat Ba/Halong, Sapa, or Cao Bang – just ask!
Important: Tour does NOT operate during Tet Holiday (15–18 February 2026)
“Hands-down the best 3 days I spent in Vietnam!”
I booked the 3-day Ha Giang Loop with Vietnam Backpacker Hostels because it was affordable, well-reviewed, and super easy to organize. I chose the afternoon limousine (definitely recommend – night buses are fine but the D-car is way comfier).
Day 0 – Travel Day Picked up right on time, arrived in Ha Giang around 9:30 PM. The hostel was simple, clean, and the bed was surprisingly comfy after the drive.
Day 1 – Ha Giang → Yen Minh Started with steaming pho that I finished every drop of. The guides were brilliant – patient safety briefing and a proper practice session for nervous riders like me. The moment we left the city, the scenery exploded: endless limestone peaks, terraced rice fields, and roads that hug the mountainside. We visited a H’mong family living in a traditional wooden house with dirt floors – incredibly humbling and eye-opening. Afternoon dip in an ice-cold river (instant refresh!), followed by a cozy homestay, epic home-cooked dinner, and maybe one too many shots of happy water (rice wine).
Day 2 – Yen Minh → Dong Van → Ma Pi Leng Heaven Early start, but totally worth it. Kids waving like crazy, water buffalo blocking the road, and then… Ma Pi Leng Pass. Photos don’t do it justice – sheer cliffs dropping into the bright turquoise Nho Que River. I actually teared up a bit. Lunch with a Tay family was another highlight – fresh, flavorful, and full of stories. Evening cave visit and another delicious H’mong feast with more happy water and huge smiles.
Day 3 – Borderlands & Back to Reality Sunrise near the China border (magical), fossil hunting on the roadside, and a fascinating stop at the historic H’mong King’s Palace with its beautiful wood carvings. Final lunch at a legendary local spot – the chicken soup and sticky rice were comfort food perfection. Shower at the hostel, then back on the limousine to Hanoi (arrived ~9:30 PM). Exhausted, sore, but buzzing with memories.
The Verdict Highlights: Ma Pi Leng Pass, authentic ethnic village visits, incredible food, and the sheer thrill of the ride. Challenges: You’ll feel the ride in your legs and bum by day 3, and the homestays are rustic (thin mattresses, basic bathrooms), but that’s part of the authentic charm.
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. This trip is raw, real, and absolutely unforgettable. If you want the Vietnam you’ll be talking about for years – book this loop. You won’t regret it! – Sarah Forbes, traveled October 2025
Choose your ride (both included – we LOVE the D-car!):
You’ll spend the night at our clean, friendly hostel in Ha Giang city (private or dorm rooms). Hot showers, good vibes, and a perfect place to rest before the adventure begins!
All meals from Day 1 breakfast to Day 3 lunch included | 2 nights authentic homestay/bungalow | Experienced English-speaking guide | Quality semi-auto motorbikes, helmets, gloves, rain ponchos | All entrance fees & permits | Tons of photos & memories that will last a lifetime!
This is the REAL northern Vietnam – raw, beautiful, and 100 % unforgettable. Ready for the ride of your life? Let’s go! 🏍️💨