
The Ha Giang Loop isn’t just one road—it’s a web of high-mountain passes, hidden valley tracks, and legendary “M-shaped” bends. To help you navigate the wild north with confidence, we’ve spent months mapping every turn, shortcut, and secret viewpoint.
This guide is your Master Hub. Below, you’ll find our Interactive Master Map and a breakdown of how to use our digital route guides to turn your phone into a pro-grade GPS. However, if you want more detailed expert advice on which routes and stop will make your motorcycle adventure the best it can be Book a 1-to-1 Planning Session
How to use this map:
Happy Planning
To get you started on your adventure into the highlands, here is the Hanoi to Ha Giang route map. It is a long ride, so consider making it in 2 legs. There are plenty of places that we could show you that make great stopovers and ease you into the hill country more gently.
Every one of our individual route blogs features a custom-built Google Map designed specifically for motorcycle riders. Here is how you get our hard-earned data onto your handlebars:
Method 1 (Data Connection Needed)
You now have an overlay on your Google Maps that you can follow. All you need to do is keep the Blue Dot (you) on the route lines.
Method 2 (Data Connection Needed)
Rider’s Note: Signal can be spotty in the deep canyons. We highly recommend downloading the “Northern Vietnam” area for
Planning is half the fun, but riding with a team that knows every rock and ritual makes the experience legendary. Whether you want a high-end bike rental or a fully guided experience with our expert team, we’ve got you covered.
Book a Guided Tour – Let us handle the logistics while you enjoy the ride.
Rent a Bike – Premium, well-maintained machines ready for the mountains.
The loop is about more than just the asphalt. Check back here as we continue to document the soul of the mountains:
Food & Nightlife
Sights & Culture
Festivals & Traditions
While these interactive maps are a powerful starting point, please keep in mind that they only cover the essentials. We love sharing the road, but we don’t give away all our secrets for free!
The Ha Giang highlands are shifting and complex. There are hidden valley tracks, sacred community spots, and “shortcut” trails that simply don’t exist on Google Maps—and probably never will.
For Our Renters
If you are renting a bike from our fleet, you aren’t just getting a machine; you’re getting our team. When you pick up your bike, we are happy to dive deeper into the maps, give you current road-condition tips, and point out a few “off-the-map” gems that suit your riding style.
If you want expert assistance with mapping and route decisions, you can get in touch and book Book Your 1-to-1 Planning Session Now! to discuss every aspect of motorcycle touring in Vietnam. See more details, below.
The Ha Giang Loop features steep inclines, sharp hairpin turns, and unpredictable mountain traffic, making it challenging for beginners. If you aren’t confident on a semi-automatic or manual bike, we highly recommend booking an Easy Rider tour. This allows you to soak in the scenery from the back of a professional’s bike without the stress of navigating the “M-shaped” bends yourself. For those determined to ride solo, we recommend practicing in Ha Giang City for a day before heading into the high passes.
The best time to ride is generally from September to November (harvest season with golden rice terraces) or March to May (spring blossoms and clear skies).
While you can ride year-round, the summer months (June–August) bring heavy rains and a higher risk of landslides, while winter (December–February) can be unexpectedly cold and foggy, often obscuring the famous viewpoints.
Always check the local weather forecast 24 hours before departing.
Yes. To ride legally in Vietnam, you technically need a valid motorcycle license from your home country and a matching 1968 Convention IDP. While many travelers ride without one, be aware that local police frequently set up checkpoints outside Ha Giang City. Riding without the correct permit may also void your travel insurance. If you are unlicensed, the safest and most legal way to experience the loop is with one of our professional Easy Riders.
While some travelers rush it in 3 days, we strongly recommend a 4 or 5-day itinerary.
A longer trip allows you to explore the “off-the-map” valley tracks, visit the H’Mong King’s Palace, and spend more time at the Ma Pi Leng Pass without having to ride 6+ hours a day.
Our interactive map (above) includes shortcuts and extensions so you can customize the duration based on your pace.
Pack light but smart. Essential gear includes:
Note: Most rental shops in Ha Giang City (including ours) will let you store your large luggage so you only carry a small backpack on the bike.
Feeling overwhelmed by the options? If you want a 100% custom itinerary but prefer to ride solo, we offer a Personalized Route Planning Service. Here is how it works:
Book Your 1-to-1 Planning Session Now!
Engine Type
air-cooled, single cylinder, SOHC
Displacement
411 cc
Bore X Stroke
78 mm x 86 mm
Ignition
TCI
Fuel System
fuel injection
Compression Ratio
9.5:1
Starter
electric
Gearbox
5-speed
Front Suspension
telescopic forks; stanchion diameter 41 mm
Rear Suspension
linkage-type monoshock
Front Brakes
single disc brake, diameter 300 mm, 2-piston floating caliper
Rear Brakes
single disc brake, diameter 240 mm, single-piston floating caliper
Front Tyres
90/90 – 21
Rear Tyres
120/90 – 17
Wheelbase
1465 mm
Seat Height
800 mm
Ground Clearance
220 mm
Kerb Weight
199 kg
Fuel Capacity
15 litres
Dimensions
2190 mm (L) x 840 mm (W) x 1360 mm (H)
Daily
Total
Rider (CRF 300)
$220
Pillion
$120
Damage Waiver
$20
Private Room
$40
Support Vehicle*
$150
* All prices given are in USD and apply per rider except for the support vehicle. The support vehicle is free for groups of 7 or more, otherwise the cost is shared across the group.
Daily
Total
Rider (XR 150)
Rider (CRF 300)
Rider (CB 500X)
Rider (Himalayan 400)
$220
Rider (GS 1250)
Pillion
$120
Damage Waiver
$20
Private Room
$40
Support Vehicle*
$150
* All prices given are in USD and apply per rider except for the support vehicle. The support vehicle is free for groups of 7 or more, otherwise the cost is shared across the group.
Daily
Total
Jeep (1 PAX)
$210
Jeep (2 PAX)
$120
Jeep (3 PAX)
$90
Jeep (4+ PAX)
$80
Rider (Easy Rider)
$115
Rider (Self-Drive)
$105
Private Room
$15
* Our jeep tour prices operate on a sliding scale. The larger your group, the less each person pays—each member of your group will pay the lowest daily rate shown. For example, if you have a group of 4 or more, you will each only pay $80/day. All prices are given in USD.
Engine Type
air-liquid cooled, twin cylinder, DOHC, boxer engine
Displacement
1255 cc
Bore X Stroke
102.5 mm x 76 mm
Ignition
FI
Fuel System
fuel injection
Compression Ratio
12.5:1
Starter
electric
Gearbox
6-speed
Front Suspension
BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm
Rear Suspension
single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Front Brakes
dual disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 305 mm, 4-piston radial calipers
Rear Brakes
single disc brake, diameter 276 mm, double-piston floating caliper
Front Tyres
120/70 R19
Rear Tyres
170/60 R17
Wheelbase
1514 mm
Seat Height
850 mm
Ground Clearance
790 mm
Kerb Weight
249 kg
Fuel Capacity
20 litres
Dimensions
2207 mm (L) x 952.5mm (W) x 1430 mm (H)
Engine Type
air cooled, OHC, single cylinder
Displacement
149 cc
Bore X Stroke
57.3 mm x 57.8 mm
Ignition
CDI
Fuel System
20 mm piston valve carburettor
Compression Ratio
9.5:1
Starter
electric with kick starter backup
Gearbox
5-speed
Front Suspension
telescopic fork, 180 mm axle travel
Rear Suspension
single shock swing arm, 150 mm axle travel
Front Brakes
dual piston caliper, 240 mm disc
Rear Brakes
mechanical drum
Front Tyres
90/90 19
Rear Tyres
110/90 17
Wheelbase
1362 mm
Seat Height
825 mm
Ground Clearance
243 mm
Kerb Weight
129 kg
Fuel Capacity
12 litres
Dimensions
2091 mm (L) x 811 mm (W) x 1125 mm (H)
Engine Type
liquid cooled parallel-twin four stroke
Displacement
470 cc
Bore X Stroke
67 mm x 66.8 mm
Ignition
PGMI – FI
Fuel System
fuel injection
Compression Ratio
10.7:1
Starter
electric
Gearbox
6-speed
Front Suspension
41 mm SFF-BP USD Forks
Rear Suspension
Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster
Front Brakes
dual 296 mm discs with 4 piston calipers; ABS
Rear Brakes
240 mm disc; ABS
Front Tyres
110/80R19M/C (59H)
Rear Tyres
160/60R17M/C
Wheelbase
1445 mm
Seat Height
830 mm
Ground Clearance
180 mm
Kerb Weight
199 kg
Fuel Capacity
17.7 litres
Dimensions
2,155 mm (L) x 830 mm (W) x 1,410 mm (H)
Engine Type
single cylinder, DOHC, liquid cooled
Displacement
286 cc
Bore X Stroke
76 mm x 63 mm
Ignition
Full Transistor Digital
Fuel System
PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Compression Ratio
10.7:1
Starter
electric
Gearbox
5-speed
Front Suspension
43 mm telescopic upside down
Rear Suspension
Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster
Front Brakes
Rear Brakes
220 mm disc, single piston caliper
Front Tyres
80/100 21
Rear Tyres
120/80 18
Wheelbase
1455 mm
Seat Height
880 mm
Ground Clearance
285 mm
Kerb Weight
142 kg
Fuel Capacity
7.8 litres
Dimensions
2230 mm (L) x 820 mm (W) x 1200 mm (H)