The Small Northern Loop​: ​Sapa & Ha Giang​

Itinerary

Day 0: Hanoi to Sapa

Day 1: Sapa Sightseeing - Tram Ton Pass

Day 2: Sapa Trekking

Day 3: Sapa – Ha Giang

Day 4: Ha Giang City - Dong Van

Day 5: Dong Van - Meo Vac

Day 6: Meo Vac - Ha Giang (Return to Hanoi)

Our Guest

Accommodation

Building Future Lodges

We are currently developing three exclusive lodges in Ha Giang City, Dong Van, and Meo Vac to enhance your stay with us. Until these are completed, we offer accommodation in a carefully selected mix of homestays and hotels. This blend ensures you enjoy both the authenticity of Ha Giang and the comfort you expect. Here’s where you might stay:

  • Sapa: Maison De Sapa
  • Ton Tha Village: Cay’s Homestay
  • Dong Van: Dong Van Cliffside House
  • Meo Vac: Little Yen Homestay

*Accommodations are subject to availability and may change based on the dates of your booking.

Transfers

Train options

4-berth cabbin

Travel comfortably to Sapa aboard the Dream Train Express, where you’ll stay in a 4-berth cabin designed for comfort and privacy. For those seeking a different experience, we offer a variety of tourist trains and cabin options upon request, ensuring your journey to Sapa meets your preferences and needs.

Options & Alternatives

Option 1

Motorbike group tour

Experience the Ha Giang Loop as a passenger on the back of a motorbike, driven by an experienced Easy Rider. This group tour format offers a sociable and cost-effective way to explore the region’s dramatic landscapes and vibrant culture, sharing the experience with other travelers.

Option 2

Motorbike private tour

Enjoy a more personalized experience on the Ha Giang Loop with a private Easy Rider tour. This option provides the thrill of a motorbike adventure with the exclusivity and flexibility of a private guide, tailored to your pace and interests

Option 3

Car private tour

Explore the Ha Giang Loop in the comfort and safety of a private car. This option is ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed pace and the comfort of a vehicle, suitable for all weather conditions and providing a private, customizable itinerary.

Booking information

Included

Booking process

Book using the form below or contact us for custom tours. Hotel details can be provided later. Confirmation sent within 1 working day after deposit or full payment.

Terms of tour cancellation

Changes or cancellations are possible with potential extra fees. Please refer to our terms & conditions page for details.

Weather

Wondering what to expect on this tour during the month you plan to visit Ha Giang? Select your travel month to see detailed weather and scenery information, ensuring you are well-prepared and can fully enjoy your adventure, no matter when you decide to go.

Preparation

Safety

Safety is paramount on our tours. Our Easy Riders are highly experienced, and we provide top-quality helmets along with arm and leg protection gear.

What to bring

Dress in layers for varying temperatures in the mountains and valleys. Sunglasses are useful against sun and dust, while long sleeves and pants offer sun protection. Read our checklist.

Meals

Enjoy a mix of local and Western cuisine. Contact us in advance for dietary or allergy concerns; we can customize your meals.

 

Weather

Tours operate year-round. We continue in rain but may adjust the itinerary or switch to a car option in case of severe weather.

Prices

Prices Sapa + Ha Giang small group tour by motorbike

1 person 2 persons 3 persons 4 persons 5 persons 6 persons 7 persons 8 persons
$550 $930 ($465 pp) $1365 ($455 pp) $1780 ($445 pp) $2200 ($440 pp) $2580 ($430 pp) $2940 ($420 pp) $3240 ($405 pp)

Prices Sapa + Ha Giang private tour by motorbike

1 person 2 persons 3 persons 4 persons 5 persons 6 persons 7 persons 8 persons
$790 $990 ($495 pp) $1455 ($485 pp) $1880 ($470 pp) $2275 ($455 pp) $2700 ($450 pp) $3115 ($445 pp) $3520 ($440 pp)

Prices Sapa + Ha Giang private tour by car

1 person 2 persons 3 persons 4 persons 5 persons 6 persons 7 persons 8 persons
$990 $1120 ($560 pp) $1650 ($550 pp) $2120 ($530 pp) $2600 ($520 pp) $3090 ($515 pp) $3570 ($510 pp) $4040 ($505 pp)

Booking & Enquiries

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Please mention any specific requests such as dietary preferences, route options, accommodation types, or other requirements you may have.

Step 1: Request Your Tour

Specify your preferred dates, the number of participants, and any specific desires you might have, such as types of accommodation (homestays or hotels) and transportation (motorbike or car).

Step 2: Receive Your Custom Offer

We will send you a detailed offer based on your requests. This offer can still be customized to ensure it perfectly meets your needs.

Step 3: Make Payment

All payments are processed through PayPal. No account is required to complete the transaction. PayPal provides buyer protection, safeguarding your purchase from booking to tour completion. Please note that a 3% PayPal fee will be added to cover processing costs.

Step 4: Enjoy Your Tour

Once your booking is confirmed, we take care of all the details. We arrange everything from transfers to and from Hanoi, accommodations, meals, guides, and transportation throughout the tour, unless you request otherwise.

FAQ

An Easy Rider is an experienced motorbike rider who acts as your guide throughout the tour. They are not only skilled in navigating the challenging roads but are also knowledgeable about the local areas, culture, and history. Traveling with an Easy Rider offers a unique, personal, and safe way to explore the region’s landscapes and communities.

 

When you choose the motorbike option, you typically ride pillion (as a passenger) with an Easy Rider. This allows you to fully enjoy the scenery without the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads. However, if you prefer to drive by yourself, please let us know in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements, including providing you with a motorbike and ensuring you meet all local driving requirements.

 

 

The car option offers a more comfortable and relaxed journey with the ability to handle all weather conditions and more storage for luggage. The motorbike option provides a more adventurous experience, allowing for a more intimate connection with the landscape and culture.

 

Yes, safety is a top priority, and all riders are provided with helmets and safety instructions. Our Easy Riders are experienced and knowledgeable about the routes.

 

For car tours, you can bring all your luggage. For motorbike tours, backpacks and small suitcases are no problem. Bigger luggage you can leave behind in our office in Ha Giang on at your hotel in Hanoi.

Meals are included in the tour package. You’ll enjoy local Vietnamese cuisine at selected restaurants and homestays, which cater to various dietary preferences.

 

Yes, all our guides speak English and have extensive knowledge of the region and its culture.

 

Treks range from easy to moderately challenging, depending on the route. We can adjust the difficulty according to your fitness level and preferences.

 

Wi-Fi is available in all the hotels and homestays we use in both Sapa and Ha Giang. In remote areas of Ha Giang, connectivity can be limited.

 

Sapa & The Ha Giang Loop

Day 0: Train Hanoi - Sapa (via Lao Cai)

20:30 – 21:00 – Your journey begins with a personal guide visit to your hotel, assisting you with luggage to the train station and providing you with your Dream Train Express tickets. Board the sleeper train for an authentic travel experience; the cabins are air-conditioned, decorated in a Sapa local style, and equipped with comfortable bedding. 

Dream Train Express from Hanoi to Sapa

While there’s no restaurant carriage, we recommend bringing snacks as food and drinks are not available for purchase on board.

 

 
Dream Train Express to Sapa inside 4 berth cabin

Note: The train departs from Hanoi at 22:00 and arrives in Lao Cai at 05:55. The sleeper berths are cozy and air-conditioned, providing a unique overnight travel experience, though they may not fully accommodate those over 6 feet tall.

Day 1: Sapa Sightseeing - Tram Ton Pass

6:00 AM – Upon arrival in Lao Cai, our vehicle escorts you to our Sapa office. Here, you can freshen up and store your luggage before heading out for breakfast in a local restaurant.

9:00 AM – The sightseeing tour kicks off with a drive through Sapa town, ascending to Tram Ton Pass, the highest mountain pass in Vietnam. Revel in the expansive views over lush valleys and rugged mountains, stopping at various points to capture the breathtaking scenery.

Tram Ton Pass in Sapa

Mid-morning – Continue your exploration to Love Waterfall, following a 1.1 km walk along the Golden River. The path, surrounded by forest, leads to the charming waterfall, an ideal spot for a serene break.

Love Waterfall in Sapa

Late morning – Return to Tram Ton Pass and make your way to Silver Waterfall, where you’ll spend about 25 minutes admiring its powerful cascade. This waterfall acts as the upstream source for Muong Hoa Stream, falling dramatically over 200 meters.

Silver Waterfall in Sapa

Afternoon – After the waterfall visits, you’ll have the option to relax, explore more of Sapa town on your own, or ascend via cable car to Fansipan Mountain, offering stunning views from the “Roof of Indochina.”

Day 2: Sapa Trekking

Morning: After breakfast, your trekking adventure begins at 9:00 am. You’ll start with a brief descent to Cat Cat Road, entering the well-known Hmong village. From here, the path leads you across the hanging bridge over the Muong Hoa River, then upward into the mountains through a lush bamboo forest.

trekking in Sapa

Midday: As you trek, enjoy breathtaking views of expansive rice terraces and the towering peaks of Hoang Lien Son mountain. This area is home to several ethnic groups, and you’ll likely encounter local residents in colorful traditional attire going about their daily activities.

ethnic people in Sapa

Lunch: Arrive at Y Linh Ho village around midday for lunch at a quaint restaurant run by a local Hmong family, offering a taste of authentic local cuisine.

Y Linh Ho terraced rice fields in Sapa

Afternoon: Post-lunch, continue your trek to Lao Chai, a large Hmong village, then on to Ta Van Village, inhabited mostly by Giay and Hmong people. This segment of the trek allows you to observe agricultural activities like rice planting or harvest, depending on the season, and learn about the distinct cultures of the ethnic groups.

Evening: Return to Sapa for dinner and your overnight stay, reflecting on a day full of cultural immersion and natural beauty.

Day 3: Sapa – Ha Giang

6:30 AM: Depart from Sapa to Ha Giang in a comfortable limousine bus. This journey of approximately 6 hours will take you through changing landscapes, offering glimpses of rural life and stunning scenery.

Mid-Journey Stops: Make one or two breaks along the way for refreshments and to stretch your legs.

Lunch: Arrive in Ha Giang around 1:00 PM. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant where you can enjoy regional specialties.

Afternoon: After lunch, transfer to your homestay in Thon Tha Village. This picturesque village offers a peaceful rural setting with rice fields and traditional Tay stilt houses. 

 
stilt houses of Tay minority between the rice fields in Thon Tha Village

Spend the afternoon exploring the village, or relax and soak in the tranquility of your surroundings.

stilt houses of Tay minority between the rice fields in Thon Tha Village

Evening: Dinner with your host family at 19:00. Enjoy a traditional meal and engaging conversation, sharing stories and experiences with your hosts and fellow travelers.

Day 4: Ha Giang City - Dong Van

Morning: Depart from Ha Giang city. Your journey begins with a drive over Bac Sum Pass. Although scenic, the true splendor starts as you ascend the Heaven Gate Pass, offering sweeping views over the area.

view from top of Quan Ba Heaven Gate (Quan Ba Pass)

Mid-Morning: Stop at the top of Heaven Gate Pass for refreshments, followed by a descent to a viewpoint for the Twin Mountains. 

 
The iconic Twin Mountains in Ha Giang (Quan Ba) view from Quan Ba Pass

Continue through vibrant ethnic minority villages, each offering unique photo opportunities.

ethnic Hmong woman weaving linen in Lung Tam Village in Ha Giang

Afternoon: Visit the Tham Ma Pass with its iconic S-shaped road, followed by Chin Khoanh Pass, also known as the 9 ramp pass.

 

Your drive then takes you through the Sung La Valley, where you’ll stop at the Hmong King Palace, exploring the residence of the local royalty during the French colonial era.

the entrance of Hmong King Palace

Evening: Arrive in Dong Van. Explore the atmospheric old quarter on your own, enjoying the local cuisine and maybe some shopping in the quaint craft shops.

The square of Dong Van Old Quarter

Day 5: Dong Van - Meo Vac

Morning: If it’s Sunday, start with a visit to the colorful Dong Van market. Otherwise, begin your drive to Lung Cu, passing through some of the most scenic roads in the Ha Giang Loop.

ethnic minority people shopping for clothes at Dong Van Market

Visit Lung Cu Flag Tower: Climb the hill to the flag tower, Vietnam’s northernmost point, and enjoy 360-degree views of the surroundings.

Lung Cu Flag Tower on top of a hill, Vietnam's northmost point

Afternoon: Drive back through Dong Van to tackle the Ma Pi Leng Pass. Make several stops to take photos and, if you’re up for it, enjoy a short trek on the Ma Pi Leng Skywalk.

Ha Giang Loop at the Ma Pi Leng Pass

Optional Boat Ride: Descend to the Nho Que River for an optional boat ride through Ma Pi Leng Canyon.

boat tour on Nho Que River

Evening: Arrive in Meo Vac for your overnight stay.

Day 6: Meo Vac - Ha Giang (Return to Hanoi)

Morning: Explore Meo Vac’s Sunday market if your timing aligns. Afterward, leave Meo Vac and enjoy a scenic drive past traditional villages.

ethnic minority people holding pigs at the Meo Vac Market on Sunday

Viewpoint Stop: Visit the M-shape viewpoint for final panoramic shots of the region.

M shape Turn Viewpoint along the Ha Giang Loop in Meo Vac district

Return Journey: Depending on time, choose between a quicker route to Ha Giang or a scenic drive through Du Gia. 

Ha Giang colorful ethnic minority people

Arrive in Ha Giang in time to freshen up before taking the limousine bus back to Hanoi, arriving late evening.