The Start of the Ha Giang Loop
Ha Giang serves as the primary kickoff point for the Ha Giang Loop, a legendary motorcycle route that navigates through some of Vietnam’s most scenic landscapes. Despite being the capital of Ha Giang Province, the town is relatively small and lacks an airport or train station. After completing the loop, which can take anywhere from 3 to 5 days depending on your pace, you’ll find yourself back in Ha Giang. From there, you usually continue your Vietnam journey, most often via Hanoi.
Traveling from Ninh Binh to Ha Giang
If you’re embarking on a journey from Ninh Binh to Ha Giang, it’s almost certain that you’ll go via Hanoi due to its convenient connections. The distance between Ninh Binh and Ha Giang is approximately 440 km, and the journey usually takes between 8 to 10 hours. The initial leg of your trip will be on a well-maintained highway leading to Hanoi, free of the twisting mountain roads you’ll encounter later. Beyond Hanoi, the route to Ha Giang involves more winding roads as you near the mountainous areas. However, there’s good news: a high-speed highway is currently under construction between Hanoi and Ha Giang, promising quicker travel times in the future.
Transfer Options Between Ninh Binh and Ha Giang
Sleeper Bus: The sleeper bus is the go-to choice for most travelers due to the length of the trip. Prices for a standard sleeper bus are around 270,000 VND, while VIP options cost around 450,000 VND and provide almost double the space for added comfort.
Traveling First to Hanoi: Alternatively, you can first travel to Hanoi from Ninh Binh. This stretch is much shorter, covering a distance of around 100 km in about 2-3 hours. From Hanoi, you can then take a sleeper or limousine bus to Ha Giang.
Your Options from Hanoi:
- Option 1: Standard sleeper bus (night) costs around 250,000 VND.
- Option 2: VIP sleeper bus (night) for a more luxurious experience at around 350,000 VND.
- Option 3: Limousine bus (day) at approximately 300,000 VND.
- Option 4: Hiring a private car (day), which is the most expensive but also the most flexible option.
Booking the Transfer from Ninh Binh
- Tour Operators: If you’re part of a tour, your transfer is often sorted out for you.
- Offline: You can book tickets at travel agencies in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
- Online: Use platforms like Vexere, 12go.asia, or Baolau to secure your spot.
Tips for Traveling Between Ninh Binh and Ha Giang
- It’s highly advisable to travel first to Hanoi due to the long journey from Ninh Binh.
- Book your transfer in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
- Daytime travel is recommended if you struggle to sleep on sleeper buses.
- Don’t bother taking a motorbike all the way from Ninh Binh; it’s a long drive on busy highways and the time is better spent in Ha Giang itself.
Hassle-free combination tour Ninh Binh & Ha Giang
Combine the incredible limestone karsts of Ninh Binh with the breathtaking mountainous landscapes of Ha Giang in one seamless adventure. Whether you want to make a boat tour in Trang An, cycle through the rice fields of Tam Coc, visit the ancient city of Hoa Lu, or even trek up to the best viewpoint at Mua Cave, we’ve got you covered.
Not every activity has to be planned; we can easily add a free day for you to explore or relax amid the rice fields. Contact us to craft a customized tour, combining these two unique destinations just for you!
