Is the Ha Giang Loop Dangerous? + everything you need to know

TW: mention of death

Experiencing the Ha Giang Loop is like nothing I’ve ever done before. The endless mountains, waterfalls, cliff-side coffee nooks, happy water and tonnes of laughs along the way. I recently experienced all of this and more on a 3 day/4 night trip with Cheers Hostel. Along the loop, we were told about an incident that had occurred the day before where some tourists had a crash and sadly passed away.

When I came home, it got me thinking that even though we sometimes feel invincible, we need to remember that when we travel to destinations outside of our own normal, that there are some necessary things we should inform ourselves of before we go. Here’s everything you need to know about the Ha Giang Loop …

What should I pack?

Every season is different but when we were there in November, I found that the essentials were definitely a sarong (to use as a face mask for the dirt), a pair of long pants, a wind breaker jacket and closed in shoes. Download my free packing list here.

Should I go with an easy-rider or self-drive?

This is a personal choice that is really up to the individual to decide but I would say that it is not very wise to self-drive if you have never driven a motorbike before. The roads are challenging, steep and winding, not to mention they often required overtaking large trucks and other tour groups. There is an option with a few companies here and here where you can self-drive in a group which I think is a great option if you are keen to drive but want some guidance.

Personally, I felt safer knowing that my easy-rider does this trip every day and knows the roads way better than I do. Not to mention that driving in a group feels badass.

Another important thing to note is that if you self-drive then be aware that there are police on some corners who will fine you for drink driving and you must have an International Driving Permit otherwise you’ll risk fines. Please keep safe if you decide to self-drive.

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Is the Ha Giang Loop dangerous?

With every adventure comes an element of danger. It’s good to acknowledge that we aren’t invincible and things happen, but it’s not worth living in fear over doing something.

Although a super fun experience, it is a challenging route with sharp curves, steep drops, landslides and unpredictable weather. I tried to research how many casualties on this route every year however not many were advertised.

Which tour group should I go with?

Choosing a tour group might be the most difficult decision you will have to make. I would recommend doing your own research via Google and TikTok before you make your choice. I spoke to the only person I knew who had done the loop before with Cheers Hostel and decided to go with them. Mention @travellyconcierge when booking to receive $25 off (3 days with easy-rider usually $199 but is $174 when using this discount). I loved going with Cheers Hostel as they were super efficient and also gave us a nice mix between party and chill time. Everyday, the food was incredible and nobody on our group got sick or injured.

Some other tour companies that I saw on the loop and have also popped up on socials are Bong, Road Kings and Jasmine. I believe that Jasmine and Road Kings are really busy and definitely more party-style – if that’s what you’re into. I met someone in Vietnam who went with Bong and loved the experience a lot. Do you research as it really depends on what you are into!

What's the best time to visit?

We travelled in November and had 2 full sunny days and 1 overcast day which was still pleasant. I feel like this is that type of experience that you could do whenever and still have something incredible to take away from it – because it’s just that damn good!

However, if you want the crème de la crème of weather then ideally you want to go anywhere from March to May and September to November … which is actually a lot of months when you think about it. At the start of the year, you’ll see rice paddies turning green, warm skies and plum blossoms. From September onwards, expect dry but stable weather which is perfect for golden hour.

When to avoid the Ha Giang Loop?

It is said that one should avoid the summer months of June to August as it is peak rainy season which will make driving conditions more challenging. Apparently during this time, humidity is super high and temperatures can also reach 30°C … imagine having a sweaty and sore bum on a bike for four days while you battle the heat and the rain is pelting down? Uh, no thanks.

What to expect from the Ha Giang Loop?

Your butt will be sore.

Your knees will be sore.

Your back will be sore.

Your head will be sore (from Happy Water)

BUT !!!

You will be so happy. A grin from ear to ear every single day. And – when it’s all over … you’ll probably look like this.

Look how happy I am (despite the hangover) near the border of China and Vietnam.

Which travel insurance should I get?

A lot of companies are no longer insuring for the Ha Giang Loop so it’s vital that you check the t&c’s in the policy before purchasing. Recently, I have heard great things about SafetyWing and it has also been recommended by Ha Giang Loop tour company Bong Hostel. You will need to select the Adventure Sports add-on when purchasing and make sure you are properly licensed, wearing safety gear, as SafetyWing will only cover if the rules are followed. Once again, have a good read over the policy for peace of mind.

Everyone talks about ‘Happy Water’, what is it?

Let’s state the obvious … it makes you happy. It’s the local nickname for homemade corn or rice wine which is extremely potent (typically 35% to 45% alcohol, however one can never be sure). It’s a symbol of hospitality, community and celebration – a gesture of friendship and respect. It’s basically bootleg liquor but with some lovely symbolism behind it. And I won’t lie to you…it is so hectic to drink.

My recommendations are to not overestimate how you will feel the next day, because you will feel like crap if you have too much of this stuff. By the last night on the loop, the more we yelled ‘dzo! (cheers)’ the more I died a little inside.

Happy Water is served from a water bottle which is very similar to the Greek grape-based liquor, Tsipouro. My expression in the second image says everything.

What happens when the trip is over?

Besides feeling feel like you’re on a comedown and crying for a few days…most tour groups offer the choice of being dropped back to Sa Pa, Hanoi or to stay an extra night in Ha Giang. We opted to take the bus back to Hanoi.

If you require budget accommodation in Hanoi then I would strongly recommend Hanoi Buffalo Hostel which is located in the Old Quarter. We booked the private room ($73 per night for three people with a lovely street view and was super clean). They also have a free pub crawl running most nights, happy hour free beer and a jacuzzi – who can say no to that?!

As always, stay safe + travel always,

Love Elly-Grace x

All pictures taken by Elly-Grace from Travelly Concierge on Olympus Pen EPL-7, DJI Mini 4 Pro and iPhone 15 pro max – unless otherwise specified.

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