Of course, almost anyone arriving in northern Vietnam will arrive in Hanoi, and there's basically just one way to get from Hanoi to Ha Giang: by road. You have the option of about five different types of bus, or also to take a private car if you're being especially bougie (or travelling in a group of exactly five people).
I also met one Australian guy who had rented a scooter and was driving it the length of Vietnam, so I imagine it's also possible to ride yourself. But, I imagine if you have that planned, you wouldn't be reading an article called "how to get from Hanoi to Ha Giang", and if you haven't planned it in advance then definitely don't try an impromptu scooter ride across Vietnam!
The Ha Giang Loop is one of the most popular things to do in Vietnam right now, and it was just rising to fame when I landed in Hanoi at the beginning of this year. I probably did it just at the right time; when it was well-trodden on the tourist trail, but not yet overcrowded. I knew this journey would be the gateway to some of the most stunning landscapes in Southeast Asia, and I wasn't wrong.
The drive from Hanoi to Ha Giang is about six hours long, but how long it will take you depends on a number of factors; what kind of bus you take, whether you take it at night or during the daytime, whether it's a public or private transport, and how many stops you make.
Contents
- Taking the Bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang
- Taking a Private Taxi from Hanoi to Ha Giang
- What Happens When You Arrive in Ha Giang
- FAQs About the Trip from Hanoi to Ha Giang
- Conclusion
Taking the Bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang, Vietnam
The bus is by far the most popular way to get from Hanoi to Ha Giang, and for good reason. It's affordable, relatively comfortable, and runs multiple times throughout the day and night. Most travellers go for this mode of transportation, whether they're solo travellers or part of a small group heading to explore the mountainous regions of northern Vietnam.
Types of Public Bus in Vietnam
Here's where things get interesting, and honestly, a bit confusing if you're not familiar with how Vietnamese bus systems work. The first important thing to note is that, on 12GoAsia (the most common booking platform in Asia for transport) you will see the number of beds on the bus which will tell you how big your seat will be. For example "Cabin 24" or "VIP 24" means there are 24 beds on the bus, "Cabin 32" means there are 32 beds on the bus, etc.
Don't be fooled by the words "VIP", "luxury", etc, they don't mean anything! The most common sizes are 37, 32, and 20 (or sometimes 24 depending on the layout of the bus). Seats are lie-flat on almost all buses in Vietnam; of course there are exceptions, but I never got an inter-city bus in Vietnam with upright seats, even on buses during the day.
37-bed buses usually mean you are lying down, but there isn't a curtain or any privacy between your seat and the aisle. These sleeper buses are the most basic option, but still comfortable enough for the journey. Approximate cost for Hanoi to Ha Giang: 275kVND (€12).
32-bed buses usually mean there is a similar layout to the 37-bed, but there is a curtain between you and the aisle, and maybe a little more space lengthwise. This gives you a bit more privacy and comfort during your travel time. Approximate cost for Hanoi to Ha Giang: 300kVND (€13).
20-bed buses usually mean you are on one of those ultra-modern-blue-neon-light-spaceship kind of beds you see on TikTok. These buses are definitely the most comfortable ride, with significantly more space and better amenities. I spent a couple of weeks travelling with a guy (ooh eer) and I could comfortably climb into his bunk for spoon. (We were both just under 170cm, though, if you're any taller you might struggle with this.) Approximate cost for Hanoi to Ha Giang: 450kVND (€19).
You can also choose to take this bus ride during the day or overnight, that doesn't affect the type of bus that you get. Usually you find that the VIP buses are faster by about an hour, because they make fewer stops to let people on and off.
Tourist Shuttles in Vietnam (a ”Van” on 12GoAsia)
As mentioned in the title of this section, you book one of these by choosing "Van" on 12GoAsia, and you'll see on the booking images that these ARE upright seats, so they're ideal for day travelling (well, that depends on you, but I didn't really like lying down for hours and hours during the day!). They're smaller, more intimate minivans with air conditioning and are popular among foreign tourists who prefer a more private journey.
These smaller vans typically have around 16 seats and offer a more personalised service compared to the larger sleeper buses. The drivers often speak some English, and you're more likely to meet other travellers doing similar routes. Approximate cost for Hanoi to Ha Giang: 320kVND (€14).
How to Book Your Bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang
There are several ways to secure your bus tickets, and I've tried most of them during my time in Vietnam:
Book through your hostel
Sometimes this will get you a free ride or transfer from your hostel to the bus station or picked up straight from your hostel, although this really is a mixed bag. You never know quite what's going to happen when you book through your hostel but they'll always get you there one way or another! This is often the most convenient option, especially if you're staying in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
Book online through 12GoAsia or BookAway
In my opinion, 12GoAsia is the most reliable online booking platform. I had some issues with unconfirmed bookings when booking Asia travel through BookAway. These online platforms show you all available departure times and bus types, making it easy to compare your options, whereas booking through your accommodation generally gives you one fixed price and departure time.
Book through the company you're doing the Ha Giang Loop with
Often, Ha Giang Loop tour group bookings will include your pickup from Hanoi or other nearby cities. We had absolute chaos and got messed around with our booking, but the positive side was that they really have a motivation to get you to Ha Giang on time to make your Ha Giang Loop booking! Another positive of this was that our bus arrived at about 4am, dropped us off directly at our pre-loop accommodation, and we got to sleep for another few hours (you'd have to arrange this yourself with a hostel if you book the bus independently).
Will the bus pick me up at my accommodation?
That depends; usually they will if you book the bus through your accommodation or through your Ha Giang Loop tour company (although that's not what happened with us... long story!). If you book online you usually have to go to a pickup spot or bus station.
In smaller towns, sometimes it makes more sense to just walk to the bus station rather than wait at your hostel to get a short shuttle bus that will drop you off somewhere random and leaving you to wait for an hour before the bus arrives (one time, on a bus from Hoi An to Da Lat, this happened to us twice in the same journey, meaning we were put on a total of three buses!).
Taking a Private Taxi from Hanoi to Ha Giang, Vietnam
Private taxis from Hanoi to Ha Giang are expensive, but they could be a good option if you're travelling in a group and/or travelling straight from Hanoi airport. They start from around 600kVND (€26) per person, and you can book them straight from Hanoi Airport which is really useful if you're flying in to do the loop right away. Of course, this would be crazy expensive for a solo traveller.
Private cars offer the most comfortable ride and fastest travel time, as you won't need to make multiple stops along the way. This is definitely the best option if you're short on time or prefer a more comfortable journey through the mountainous regions. The professional service typically includes air conditioning, and you can arrange for your driver to stop at scenic viewpoints along the national highway.
What Happens When You Arrive in Ha Giang
If you're travelling with your Ha Giang Loop company, they'll drop you off at your hostel or accommodation either the day before or during the night depending on what you've arranged, but either way you'll be given a bed to rest before you start the loop.
If you book the overnight bus yourself, you'll likely arrive early in the morning and may have a long wait before you can either check into your accommodation or do the loop, whatever you're doing when you arrive. This is particularly common with buses that depart late from Hanoi.
There isn't a bus station in Ha Giang city, so you'll likely get dropped off at one of the bigger hostels in Ha Giang. From there, it's easy to walk to other accommodation or meet your Ha Giang Loop tour group. The arrival locations are typically well-known to local guides and other travellers, so don't worry about getting lost.
FAQs About the Trip from Hanoi to Ha Giang, Vietnam
How do you get from Hanoi to Ha Giang?
The best way to get from Hanoi to Ha Giang is by bus, with several daily departures available. You can choose from sleeper buses (37, 32, or 20-bed configurations), tourist shuttle buses, or hire a private car. Most travellers opt for the overnight sleeper bus as it saves time and accommodation costs.
How long is sleeper bus Hanoi to Ha Giang?
The sleeper bus journey from Hanoi to Ha Giang takes approximately 6 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the number of stops. Overnight buses typically depart between 10pm and 11pm, arriving in Ha Giang early morning around 4-5am.
How do I pick up Ha Giang loop from Hanoi?
Many Ha Giang loop tour companies offer pickup services from Hanoi as part of their package. When booking your Ha Giang Loop tour, ask if transport from Hanoi is included. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Ha Giang independently and meet your tour group there.
Is Ha Giang or Sapa better?
Both destinations offer stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Ha Giang features more dramatic limestone karsts and is less touristy, while Sapa is more developed with better infrastructure. Ha Giang offers a more authentic experience with ethnic minorities and fewer crowds, making it ideal for adventurous travellers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Conclusion
Getting from Hanoi to Ha Giang Vietnam is straightforward once you understand your options. Whether you choose a budget-friendly sleeper bus, a comfortable tourist shuttle, or splurge on a private car, you're in for a memorable trip through some of Vietnam's most beautiful mountainous regions. The journey itself is part of the adventure, offering glimpses of rural Vietnamese life and stunning landscapes that hint at the natural wonders awaiting you in Ha Giang Province.
Remember to book in advance during peak season, bring layers for the changing temperatures, and prepare for an unforgettable experience exploring the dramatic beauty of northern Vietnam's limestone karsts and rice fields.