Ha Giang Loop in Northern Vietnam
Type: Detour
Starts: Hanoi, Vietnam
End: Hanoi, Vietnam
Ready to experience the legendary Ha Giang Loop (the comfy way - in a private van for max views and zero stress)? In just 5 days, you’ll tick off all the hidden gems with a local guide. Starting off at Hanoi, you’ll see everything from sprawling rice fields to the bustling markets of Dong Van. Plus, you’ll check out terrace farms, camp by the Nho Que river and hike through limestone cliffs on the Sky Path. No motorbikes needed to enjoy the adventure!
Trip Duration: 5 Days
Package Overview
Ready to experience the legendary Ha Giang Loop (the comfy way - in a private van for max views and zero stress)? In just 5 days, you’ll tick off all the hidden gems with a local guide. Starting off at Hanoi, you’ll see everything from sprawling rice fields to the bustling markets of Dong Van. Plus, you’ll check out terrace farms, camp by the Nho Que river and hike through limestone cliffs on the Sky Path. No motorbikes needed to enjoy the adventure!
Routing
Trip Duration: 5 Days
Day Wise Itinerary
Day 1 - Hanoi & Overnight Bus
Welcome to Hanoi! Exchange hellos with your Contiki fam and after our kickstart meeting we'll hop onto an overnight bus. Let the journey begin... It’s the first night, and you're already travelling like a local! This is your chance to get to know your fellow travellers before tucking into your beds for the night.- Accomodation: Overnight Bus
- Meals:
- Location Visited: Hanoi, Overnight Bus,
Day 2 - Overnight Bus to Dong Van via Ha Giang Loop
Morning! We'll set off on foot from the bus station to our local homestay. The sun's yet to rise, so you've some time to catch some more sleep and grab breakfast too. This morning, we’ll hop into our van and hit the road en route to Dong Van. This world-famous route is packed with incredible views. On our drive, you’ll see the Heaven Gate, Twin Mountain, Tham Ma slope and even visit an ancient palace - all while being surrounded by lush green valleys all the way through. Plus, we'll make a quick stop to meet the people working to preserve the craft of H'mong linen weaving. It’s been a looong day! What better way to end it than by devouring delicious local food with your crew. Then, it’s off to your cosy, cosy beds for the night.- Accomodation: Dong Van Homestay (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Location Visited: Overnight Bus, Ha Giang Loop, Dong Van,
Day 3 - Dong Van to Nho Que via Ma Pi Leng Peak
Rise and shine! After breakfast, you’ll join a local guide for an exhilarating trek to the Ma Pi Leng peak. It’s trek time! Today, we’ll hike along the Sky Path, enjoying views of the cascading limestone cliffs, Hmong villages and cornfields along the way. And after a delicious lunch, we’ll take a boat cruise to our campsite. But not before checking out the magnificent Tu San Canyon, ofc. Riverside camping anyone? We’ll check into our overnight tents (that open up to breathtaking views of the Nho Que river). Enjoy dinner and music with your crew before resting your trek-tired limbs for the day.- Accomodation: Nho Que River Camping (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Location Visited: Dong Van, Ma Pi Leng Peak, Nho Que,
Day 4 - Nho Que to Du Gia
It’s not every day that you get to kayak along a beautiful turquoise river. But that's exactly what you'll do this morning. Next, we'll head back to the accommodation, grab breakfast and jump on a boat back to the harbour. What’s next? We’ll grab lunch at a local spot, then meet a local H’mong man who’ll charm you with the sweet sounds of the traditional Qeej flute. Keep your camera at the ready because we'll drive along many, many amazing viewpoints. Then, it's time to wrap up the day with a dinner to remember, packed with local flavours and good vibes. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug from the heart of the destination.- Accomodation: Du Gia Panorama Ecolodge (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Location Visited: Nho Que, Du Già,
Day 5 - Du Gia to Hanoi via Ha Giang Loop
Morning, sleepyheads! Today we’re chasing a gorgeous little waterfall before packing up and hitting the road. Expect epic views as we wind through terraced rice paddies and dramatic limestone karsts (cameras at the ready!). After a local lunch, we’ll roll into Ha Giang and keep the adventure going.And just like that, it’s time for the final leg of the journey. So, get comfy in your reclining seats as we head back to where it all began. After an incredible trip, it’s time to say goodbye when our trip ends at 11pm. Don’t forget to exchange socials with your crew! We just have a hunch that you'll be planning your next trip soon…- Accomodation:
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Location Visited: Du Già, Ha Giang Loop, Hanoi,
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 4 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Lunch (L)
- 3 Dinner (D)
FAQs
- Bangkok: A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
- Ha Giang Loop: Nope. We explore Ha Giang in style and safety using mini-coaches, overnight buses, local boats, plus hikes and kayaking. This way, you still see all the epic scenery without the risks of riding a motorbike. It's adventure, comfort, and peace of mind all in one.
Included Experience
- Ha Giang Loop: Check out the incredible views from Heaven Gate - a popular stop off on the Ha Giang loop.
- Ha Giang Loop: Stop by to get a view of the winding roads that resemble a massive snake making its way down the slope!
- Ha Giang Loop: Walk like a royal around this ancient palace that's made with green pebbles, pine woods, terra-cotta tiles and even sugarcane! (Seriously.)
- Dong Van: Meet the incredible women at the Lung Tam Linen Cooperative who are working to preserve the craft of H'mong linen weaving. You'll see all the complicated stages of weaving, learn how they make high-quality fabric here and support local communities too.
- Ma Pi Leng Peak: Lace up your boots! You'll take a challenging but short trek towards the Ma Pi Leng peak, passing by H'mong villages on the way.
- Nho Que: Feast on a delicious lunch with incredible views of the Nho Que river. It's a photo ops hotspot!
- Nho Que: Go with the flow on a local boat cruise as you check out one of South Asia's largest canyons.
- Nho Que: Paddle through the turquoise waters of this beautiful river with views of scenic rice fields and mountains along the way.
- Dong Van: Ever heard of a Qeej? It's a sacred instrument that was used to call the spirits (or at least that's what the legends say!). Today's your chance to witness a local man playing it.
- Dong Van: Ready? We'll trek all the way up to ruins of the Lung Ho French Fort - a beautiful stone structure built during the French colonisation.
- Du Già: Cool off with a dip in crystal-clear waters surrounded by jungle greenery, with nothing but the sound of rushing falls and birdsong echoing through the valley. Stunning.
