How to Get Hanoi to Ha Giang: 4 Bus & Travel Options

How to Get Hanoi to Ha Giang: Bus & Travel Options for Backpackers

If you're planning to ride the Ha Giang Loop, the first mission is getting yourself up north — and the most common way is by bus Hanoi to Ha Giang. With a 300km distance between the two, you’ve got options ranging cheap and local to full-on private transfers. Here's a complete breakdown of the 4 main ways to get to Ha Giang so you can choose what fits your backpacker style (and budget).

1. Local Seated Bus (Cheapest, But Expect Chaos)

• Price: VND 120,000 – 250,000 ($5 – $10 USD)

• Where to catch: My Dinh or Gia Lam Bus Stations

• Travel time: 7–9 hours

• Booking: Usually only in person at the station

This is the most budget-friendly choice and the one most used by locals. Think of upright seats, and a bus that stops every time someone waves it down. Don’t expect much in the way of comfort or space, but if you're trying to save every dong, it works.

Good for: Travelers who want the raw, local experience

Not ideal if: You care about sleep, A/C, or direct routes

2. Sleeper Bus (Backpacker Sweet Spot)

• Standard Sleeper: VND 250,000 – 350,000 ($10 – $14 USD)

• VIP/Cabin Sleeper: VND 350,000 – 550,000 ($14 – $22 USD)

• Departure: Evening (usually 7–9 PM), arrives 3–5 AM

• Booking: Easy via hostels, agents, or online platforms

The most popular option for Loop riders. Sleeper buses give you a semi-flat bunk for the night, letting you sleep through the journey and arrive early for a quick breakfast before starting the tour. Some VIP buses even offer individual ''cabins'' with privacy curtains, USB ports, and extra padding.

Well-known companies: Bang Phan, Quang Nghi, Daiichi Travel, Cau Me

Good for: Solo backpackers, budget-conscious travelers

Pro tip: Bring a hoodie (the A/C is aggressive) and book in advance on weekends

3. Limousine Van (Vietnam-Style VIP)

• Price: VND 350,000 – 750,000 ($14 – $30 USD)

• Seats: 9 to 11 plush leather chairs

• Booking: Online or via your hostel (like Quiri Hostel Hanoi)

• Pickup: Often includes hotel/hostel pickup in the Old Quarter

• More info can be found here

Let’s clear this up — in Vietnam, “limousine” means a high-end minivan, not a long black stretch car. Still, these vans are super comfy, often equipped with Wi-Fi, USB chargers, cold water, and reclining seats. They’re quicker than sleeper buses and less chaotic than local ones.

Good for: Travelers who want comfort but don’t need a private car

Not ideal if: You're over 6'2'' or really value space (some vans cram too many rows)

4. Private Car Transfer (Most Comfortable Option)

• Sedan (2–3 pax): VND 2,500,000 – 3,200,000 ($100 – $128 USD)

• SUV (up to 4 pax): VND 3,000,000 – 3,700,000 ($120 – $148 USD)

• Minivan (7–10 pax): VND 3,500,000 – 4,400,000 ($140 – $176 USD)

• Luxury Limousine Van (up to 8 pax): VND 4,000,000 – 4,600,000 ($160 – $184 USD)

• Pickup: Anywhere in Hanoi, drop-off at Ha Giang accommodation

If you’re traveling as a group, or just want to avoid public transport altogether, private car transfer is a solid option. You get full flexibility, privacy, and door-to-door service. Some services even offer multi-day packages, including a driver for the entire Ha Giang Loop.

Good for: Small groups splitting the cost, couples with luggage

Not ideal if: You're solo or budget-traveling — this is the priciest route

So, What’s the Best Way to Travel to Ha Giang?

Ride with Us — Easy, Comfy, and Tour-Ready

Still figuring out how to get Hanoi to Ha Giang? If you’re planning to do the Ha Giang Loop with us, we’ve got your journey covered start to finish.

Before your departure, you can book directly at our offices in Hanoi, Sapa, Cat Ba, Ha Long, Ninh Binh, or other partner cities. We'll arrange your seat on one of our comfortable Sleeper buses bound for Ha Giang — the ideal choice for backpackers heading straight the adventure.

You’ll arrive early in Ha Giang City around 3:00 AM, where we’ll provide a free dorm bed so you can rest, shower, and recharge. If you prefer to come a day early, no problem — relax at our hostel and enjoy free breakfast at 8:00 AM before the tour officially kicks off at 9:30 AM.

Book your tour with confidence through:

• Ha Giang Vision – Based at Quiri Hostel Ha Giang, Phuong Thien Commune, Ha Giang Province
  

   Hotline: (+84) 981623096

• Quiri Hostel Hanoi – 25 Hang Luoc Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
  

   Free breakfast, welcome beer, and tour booking available at reception

Your Ha Giang adventure starts before the Loop even begins — let us help you get there the right way.