Ha Giang Loop First Day: How We Kick Off the Ride

The Ha Giang Loop Begins Here

The Ha Giang Loop First Day sets the tone for the entire ride—part wild adventure, part deep cultural dive, and part “wow, I didn’t know Vietnam looked like this.” Whether you're riding solo, hopping on the back of an easy rider, or traveling with your new hostel crew, the opening day is packed with scenery, stories, and your first taste of mountain life.

If you're wondering what actually happens on that first day, here’s a breakdown of how we kick off the ride at Ha Giang Vision—your sleeper bus to beers in Yen Minh.

Arrival in Ha Giang: Early Hours, Easy Start

Most riders arrive Ha Giang Loop First Day on our sleeper bus, departing cities like Hanoi, Cat Ba, Sapa, or Ninh Binh. It’s the most comfortable way to get here, and you’ll pull Ha Giang City around 3:00 AM. Don’t worry though, you're not hanging.

At that point, you’ll be given a free dorm bed to crash for a few hours at Quiri Hostel Ha Giang, our local HQ. If you came the day before, even better. Breakfast is served at 8:00 AM, and the real fun begins at 9:30 AM.

9:30 AM: Ride Briefing and Rollout

Your gear gets sorted, helmets are adjusted, and your guides walk you through the day ahead. Whether you're on the back of an easy rider or riding yourself, the group sets out together - Usually a crew of 8 to 14 riders max.

The first stretch is pure freedom. We ride 35 km out of Ha Giang City, through green valleys, over sleepy rivers, past bamboo groves and massive dams. No traffic, no horns—just fresh air and open roads.

Bac Sum Pass: Your First Mountain Challenge

The road climbs fast toward Bac Sum Pass, a winding mountain stretch nicknamed the “snake road” for its 20 tight curves. At the top, we stop for a full panoramic view—this is your first glimpse of the remote villages and forest-covered ridges that make Ha Giang so iconic.

It’s usually the first time everyone pulls out their phones and start posting to Instagram!

Tam Son Heaven Gate: Entering the Highlands

Next, the group rolls Tam Son, a mountain town at the entrance to the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. The highlight here is the Heaven Gate viewpoint, looking out over jagged limestone peaks and plunging valleys. The air is cooler, thinner, and everything feels more remote this point on.

This is also where we introduce the local legend behind the next landmark.

Quan Ba Twin Mountains & Nam Dam Village

A short ride later, we stop at the Quan Ba Twin Mountains, two rounded limestone hills in the middle of a wide green valley. Known locally as the “Fairy Bosom Hills”, they’ve inspired stories for generations and are one of the most photographed spots on the Loop.

there, we drop Nam Dam Village, home to the Dao ethnic group. You’ll pass clay-built houses, kids playing in the alleys, and farmers walking their buffalo back home. It’s a slower pace of life, and a peaceful glimpse how these mountain communities live.

3:00 PM: Weaving Village Visit

In the afternoon, we visit a local family that weaves hemp traditional clothes. You’ll see how the fabric is dried, dyed, and turned garments—all by hand. It’s an honest, hands-on moment that connects you to the people of Ha Giang in a way no viewpoint ever could.

Late Afternoon Ride: the Valleys

The road Nam Dam to Yen Minh is quieter and less trafficked. Your guide will take you through lesser-known paths, down hidden valleys, and up to the highest peak of the Loop road for one last big stop of the day.

The sun usually starts dropping here, casting long shadows across the ridges. It’s one of the best times for photos—and one of the calmest parts of the ride.

5:00 PM: Welcome to Yen Minh

We arrive in Yen Minh town around 5:00 PM, where your bed and a hot shower wait. Accommodation is in a local guesthouse, clean and comfortable with shared rooms or dorm-style beds.

there, it’s your call:

• Grab a cold beer and chill

• Join a communal dinner with the group

• Or take it one step further with a karaoke night hosted by your guide

The vibe depends on your crew—but it’s always friendly and easy.

First Day Tips the Road

• Dress in layers—the weather shifts fast in the mountains

• Stop often—the best memories come side-of-the-road chats and spontaneous photos

• Talk to your guide—they know the land, the people, and the real stories

• Pack light—you’ll thank yourself later

Ride With Ha Giang Vision

Day one isn’t just a warm-up. With Ha Giang Vision, your first day delivers views, local culture, and a real sense of adventure right the start. We keep the groups small, the routes scenic, and the stops meaningful—so you don’t just see Ha Giang, you feel it.

Start Quiri Hostel Ha Giang.

Book your tour now at https://hagiangvision.com

Quiri Hostel Ha Giang, Phuong Thien Commune

(+84) 981623096