Hanoi To Ha Giang
If you're headed into the mountains of Vietnam to do the famous Ha Giang Motorbike Loop, you'll probably leave from the capital city of Hanoi.
Ha Giang is located 292 kilometers (181 miles) from Hanoi, which takes roughly 5-7 hours depending on the traffic and your mode of transportation.
There are no airports or train stations near the main town (or in the province at all) so the only way to get there is by road. That means your options are limited to sleeper buses, daytime buses, private cars, and motorbikes.
So if you're ready to get the adventure started, we'll dive into the four best ways to get to Ha Giang. This article will cover general bus schedules, ticket prices, and some pros and cons to each of the options.
✨ Tip: Most group tours will include an overnight bus ride and early morning dorm stay so before you book your own transportation, just double check with your tour provider! Your travel arrangements might already be taken care of!
1. Overnight Sleeper Bus To Ha Giang
The best way to get from Hanoi to Ha Giang is by sleeper bus.
These coach buses are designed with specialized seats that allow passengers to (almost) fully recline and are a fairly comfortable alternative for medium-distance travel. They take advantage of lighter traffic conditions at night and help passengers save time (and energy) on transportation.
Sleeper buses that run from Hanoi to Ha Giang typically leave from Old Quarter around 9-10 PM and arrive in Ha Giang at 3-4 AM. Tickets will usually cost you 250,000 VND (or $10 USD).
What To Expect When Taking A Sleeper Bus In Vietnam
Most bus providers will pick you up from either your accommodations in Old Quarter, or have you meet them at a designated hotel, hostel, or storefront. The streets of Hanoi are small and narrow, so don't be surprised if they send a smaller van for the initial transport, or a travel guide walks you over to where the main bus is parked on the side of a larger road.
During my experience with QT Tours, they had the pick-up location set to Buffalo Hostel where we checked in and then walked all together to the side of this road.
Once the bus gets there, you'll load your luggage into the storage compartment, take your shoes off and wrap them in the provided plastic bags, and then head to a bunk.
Regular sleeper buses usually feature 40 beds, in three rows, arranged in a bunk bed fashion.
The beds typically recline 3/4 of the way down and tend to be on the smaller and more narrow side. If you're over 175 cm (5' 8'') and weigh more than 90 kg (200 lb), I'd consider booking a VIP or luxury sleeper bus. However, I'm 164 cm (5' 4'') and 50 kg (110 lb) so the experience was pretty cozy for me.
The amenities will vary from bus to bus, but at minimum, each bunk has a usb charging port, overhead lights, and a blanket. Pick your bunk wisely and get settled in. I put my personal bag near my feet and used my jacket as a pillow.
During the 6-7 hour drive, there's usually at least one stop around the halfway point where you can get out and stretch your legs, purchase some snacks, or use the restroom.
When you get to Ha Giang city, the bus will typically drop you off at your accommodation. If your hotel or hostel is not on the main road, you might have to transfer to a smaller van that will then take you to your final destination.
If this bus ride was included as part of your tour package, you likely also have a bunk reserved in the hostel's dorm room. I recommend getting checked in and resting up for the next few hours so that you can begin your Ha Giang Loop Tour refreshed and ready to go!
If you booked your bus tickets separately, reach out to your accommodation to see what their policy is on guests arriving early in the morning. Getting to Ha Giang by sleeper bus is by far the most popular option, so they'll likely have arrangements in place to take care of you.
Luxury and VIP Sleeper Buses From Hanoi
As I mentioned earlier, the standard sleeper bus usually has 40 seats. It can get quite cramped in there so if you're on the larger side or simply prefer more room, I'd recommend booking a luxury or VIP sleeper bus.
VIP sleeper buses typically cost a little more, running closer to 450,000 VND (18 USD) but they're definitely worth the upgrade. The buses usually only have 24 seats and offer many more amenities. I've taken one that even had curtains and massage functions in the seats!
Unfortunately, most Ha Giang Loop tour operators will only include the standard sleeper bus option. To book your own VIP sleeper bus tickets, use 12Go (an online platform for booking transportation in Southeast Asia) to find a route and schedule that works for you.
Here's how to filter for VIP Sleeper Buses from Hanoi to Ha Giang:
Set departure to Hanoi
Set destination to Ha Giang
Set your travel dates
Filter by buses
Filter from latest to earliest
Anything that includes "VIP" or "VIP Sleeper" in the name is typically a VIP sleeper bus.
Sleeper Bus: Is It Really That Dangerous?
You might've heard about the tragic accidents involving sleeper buses including this incident when a sleeper bus carrying 48 passengers plunged down a cliff in the central highlands of Dak Nong or this sleeper bus-truck collision that killed 6 in northern Vietnam, but statistically speaking, sleeper buses are not as dangerous as they might seem.
Thousands of people take sleeper buses all across Vietnam daily and these dramatic headlines only happen once in a while. I'm not saying that accidents never happen, but the chances are pretty slim.
Now, as a solo traveler you might be concerned for personal safety. I know that sleeping in a bus full of strangers is definitely cause for anxiety and never know who's in the bunk next to you, but rest assured that most passengers are respectful and have enough awareness to know that approaching you in such circumstances is inappropriate.
If you're still apprehensive, here are some tips for staying safe:
Always buckle your seat belt when you're in your bunk
Choose the lower bunk for privacy and safety (you're less likely to tumble out)
Try not to stand when the bus is in motion
2. Limousine Bus / Local Bus
I get it, sleeping in a cramped bus seat while zooming through winding mountain roads is not everyone's cup of tea. For those who prefer to not take a night bus, you can take a regular daytime bus instead. Here are your options.
Limousine Bus To Ha Giang
A limousine bus is a minibus with roughly 20 luxury seats. Tickets typically go for 400,000 VND ($16 USD) and routes usually depart from Hanoi between 6-7 AM and arrive in Ha Giang around 1 PM.
One of the drawbacks to booking this option is its awkward timing. You arrive in Ha Giang around noon and you'll have to either have to start your tour immediately (to mitigate any risk of riding at night) or take an entire day off and begin your tour the following morning.
This option is best for people who prefer to take it slow and want some time getting from place to place. There are also limousine bus options that depart from Hanoi in the afternoon, but those are few and far in between.
To get a better feel for your options check 12Go and filter for any options that list "limousine."
Local Bus From Hanoi To Ha Giang
Another daytime option is to take the local bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang.
Tickets begin at 250,000 VND ($10 USD) and the trip will usually take a little longer (from 7-9 hours). I'd only seriously consider this option if you're leaving from outside the city center and the bus route goes exactly where you need to go.
Seats on the local bus are pretty standard in size and there's not as much space for luggage. Drivers and operators will also typically only speak Vietnamese so if you need any troubleshooting help, you're stuck with Google Translate.
3. Private Car
If you're traveling with family, a larger group, or with anyone who has special needs, it might be worth it to book a private car.
This option is definitely more expensive and will run you anywhere from 3,000,000 VND ($118 USD) to 9,000,000 VND ($350 USD) depending on the vehicle, but it's well worth it if your priorities are flexibility and comfort.
Booking a private car gives you the option to set custom pick-up and drop-off locations, enjoy meal breaks and rest stops whenever you'd like, make additional stops along the way, and in general have better control over your time and schedule.
A private car is best booked beforehand through a platform like Viator or Klook, but you can also browse 12Go for additional companies.
One last note--if you're splurging on this option, it's likely that you're also considering booking a car for your adventures in Ha Giang. Although it might be tempting to stick to the same driver, I'd suggest you go with someone else.
A local driver booked through a tour agency will have a better understanding of the province and can give you a more comprehensive journey showcasing the best viewpoints, villages, and markets. Plus, they're probably more familiar with the roads and can provide a safer experience navigating the usual traffic and accident choke points.
4. Motorbike
For the most daring of the bunch, you can always ride a motorbike from Hanoi to Ha Giang.
You definitely need an international motorcycle license and lots of riding experience, but if you're willing to navigate 6+ hours on highways heavily trafficked by buses, trucks, and cars, then go for it.
I personally find it too risky, as motor vehicle accidents are some of the most dangerous parts of traveling in Vietnam, but there's no doubt that this option offers a unique opportunity to see parts of the country that you otherwise would never see.
Just make sure you rent your motorcycle from a credible bike shop and to take plenty of breaks along the way. I would also recommend riding with a couple of buddies just in case anything happens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the distance between Hanoi to Ha Giang?
Hanoi is about 292 kilometers (181 miles) from Ha Giang.
How long does it take to go from Hanoi to Ha Giang?
It takes 6-8 hours to drive from Hanoi to Ha Giang but can vary depending on traffic and road conditions.
How frequent do buses run from Hanoi to Ha Giang?
Buses run very frequently with multiple tour operators, running multiples buses, at every hour of the day. I recommend using 12Go to get a feel for all your options.
Can you fly from Hanoi to Ha Giang?
No. There are no direct flights from Hanoi to Ha Giang; Ha Giang does not have a commercial airport. a commercial airport.
Can you take the train from Hanoi to Ha Giang?
No. Ha Giang does not have a train station. You have to go by road!
How to get from Hanoi Airport to Ha Giang
There are a few sleeper buses that run from Noi Bai International Airport to Ha Giang but if you can't find one that fits your schedule, I recommend taking a bus to Old Quarter first and then booking another sleeper bus to Ha Giang.
Best time to visit Ha Giang
You should definitely visit during dry season (January to March) when skies are clear and views are best. Regardless, weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so make sure you’re prepared with this ultimate packing list!
Getting from Hanoi to Ha Giang (and back) is fairly straightforward. You can arrange transportation through your tour provider (if you've already booked a loop tour) or reserve sleeper bus tickets easily on platforms like 12Go.
In my experience, traveling in Vietnam has been consistently convenient, safe, and enjoyable so take it easy, there's no need to stress, and it'll all work out! If you're looking for more travel tips or ready are ready to kick off your adventures in Asia, check out some of these blog posts!
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