Ha Giang to Halong Bay - Best Routes & Guide

Setting off from Ha Giang in the far north of Vietnam toward the waters of Ha Long Bay is a journey of wild mountain roads, endless rice terraces and limestone peaks. Along this ~465 km route you can choose a motorbike, bus, train + bus combo or private car/taxi, each with pros and cons:

• Motorbike (rental) - Total freedom to stop in tiny hamlets and chase epic views. Rentals in Ha Giang cost roughly 250,000 VND/day (~$10) for an automatic scooter or 350,000 VND/day ($15) for a manual bike. (High-powered dirt bikes run ~$23/day.)
  
  Pros: ultimate flexibility, access to hidden spots. Cons: steep, twisty roads that can be unforgiving, especially in rain; wear a good helmet, ride within your skill, and always check the bike (lights/brakes). Many seasoned travelers advise caution - inexperienced riders often end up “with road rash” on the Ha Giang Loop. If in doubt, you can hire an “easyrider” (a local guide who drives) or take the bus instead.
  
  Tip: Fill up gas in every town (fuel is scarce on the high passes), carry passport/ID (officials will check registrations), and pack warm layers - nights and passes can be chilly.

• Bus - The most common and budget-friendly choice. Sleeper buses (reclining “sleeping bus”) and “VIP” limousine vans run daily. Travel time is long (about 10-11 hours) but tickets are cheap (~$15-27 US). Buses leave Ha Giang morning, afternoon or evening; overnight departures (e.g. 8pm) arrive early next morning in Ha Long, saving a night’s hotel.
  
  Day buses let you see the scenery en route, but expect to arrive late (evening or wee hours). On board you’ll get A/C and usually a blanket, but no on-board washroom (they stop periodically). Major operators include Discovery Travel, New Way, Hung Thanh, etc.
  
  Tip: Bring a light jacket for cold A/C, and snacks for the road.

• Private car/taxi - Fastest and most comfortable (door-to-door), but pricey. A private car can cover Ha Giang-Ha Long in about 8-9 hours. Expect to pay on the order of 4-5 million VND (~$170-220 USD) for a one-way sedan. Good for groups or if you want to stop on your own schedule. Hotels can book these, or negotiate with a local taxi.

• Train - No direct train service connects Ha Giang or Ha Long. You could (theoretically) bus to Hanoi and train to Haiphong or a nearby station, but it’s not practical. Stick with road options.

Scenic Stops Along the Way

This is a scenic route that deserves lingering. Some highlights between Ha Giang and Ha Long Bay include:

Bac Son Valley

• Bac Son Valley (Lang Son province) - At ~85 km south of Ha Giang, this hidden valley is a postcard of lush rice paddies and cone-shaped mountains. Bright patchwork fields surround a quiet town; Tay and Nung villagers tend wet terraces by hand. It’s like something out of an anime - a photographer’s paradise.
  
  If you have time, carve out a few hours here for photos or a short bike ride through the fields. No entry fee, it’s just a sleepy farming valley.
  
  

Dong Van Valley on the Ha Giang Loop

• Dong Van Ancient Town (Ha Giang province) - Famous for its 19th-century stone houses and highland markets, Dong Van is part of the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. It’s one of Vietnam’s best-preserved “old towns”, a cluster of narrow streets lined with timber- and stone-built homes.
  
  Stroll around, visit the bustling market (especially Sunday), and check out the local café scene. Nearby, the Vuong Family’s Mansion (in Sa Phin village) is a grand clan estate of Chinese-European style (entrance ~20,000 VND).
  Time your visit so you can hike or motorbike up to the Lung Cu Flag Tower (the northernmost point of Vietnam).
  
  

Rafting in Nho Que River in Ha Giang

• Ma Pi Leng Pass / Nho Que River (on the Dong Van-Meo Vac road) - This legendary pass (about 1,200m high) snakes over lung-crunching cliffs. Pull over at the official viewpoint for jaw-dropping panoramas: below you, the Nho Que River winds emerald through a deep canyon. It’s one of SE Asia’s most spectacular drives.
  
  After the pass, descend to Meo Vac town, stop for local pho or corn wine, and enjoy the terraced fields.

Pac Bo Cave Is a Must Visit Place on Ha Giang Loop

• Cao Bang province - Leaving Ha Giang province, head east into Cao Bang. The city itself is small, but the province’s main draw is nature & history.

  • Pác Bó (Pac Bo) Cave - A historical site where Ho Chi Minh hid in 1941. Today there’s a small museum and shrine. It lies amid bamboo groves and a gentle stream. Entrance is very affordable (20,000 VND). Walk the trail along Lenin Creek for a peaceful break and a glimpse of the cave where “Uncle Ho” camped.

  • Ban Gioc Waterfall - The crown jewel of Cao Bang, on the China border. This multi-tiered waterfall is massive and beautiful, set in karst peaks. It’s technically UNESCO-recognized (shared with China’s Detian Falls). A ticket costs only 45,000 VND (under $2).
    
    In summer, open 7:00-18:00; in winter until ~17:30. At the base you can take a bamboo raft (50,000 VND) right under the cascades. Highly recommended around lunchtime when the light hits just right.

Ba Be National Park of Vietnam

• Optional: Ba Be National Park (Bac Kan province) - If you’ve extra time or a flex day, detour southwest to Ba Be Lake (Bac Kan). This lake-in-a-karst-kettle is serene, with boat tours past caves (boat fee 300k-1.2M VND/group) and waterfalls (Hua Ma Cave, +45k VND entry).
  
  Entrance to the park is 70,000 VND. Homestays and guesthouses are available on its shores. (From Ba Be you can then continue south toward Ha Long via Highway 3.)

Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh province) - Finally the karst island seascape for which North Vietnam is famous. Halong Bay itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site, accessible by boat tours. Day-boat tickets (valid for a single sightseeing route) cost 290,000 VND per person. This covers the bay’s new single-fee system (250k for on-water sightseeing + 40k port/park fee).

Caves like Sung Sot (Surprise Cave) or Thien Cung are included in the boat’s route. If you stay overnight on a junk or cruise, expect to pay ~590,000 VND for 2 days/1 night (with meals and some activities included). On land in Halong City you can also visit Sun World Halong Park (cable car, rides) or relax on beaches in Bai Chay.

Fresh seafood shacks abound - don’t miss “Cha” (deep-fried) squid, shrimp & green paddy crabs!

Sun World Halong Park

Transport Details & Costs

• Buses - As mentioned, buses run often. Tickets can be booked online or via local agencies. One reviewer notes the shortest bus (late-night departure) does the trip in ~8 hours, most are 9-11h.
  
  At time of writing (June 2025), tickets range ~$15-25 (400k-600k VND). Night buses let you sleep en route and can be more comfortable if you get a cushioned “sleeper” seat. Keep in mind even a 2am arrival in Halong means you can drop luggage and nap before daytime sightseeing.

• Private taxi/car - We found prices around 4.5-5.5 million VND one-way for a sedan from Ha Long to Ha Giang (so expect a similar range reverse). Vans or multiple drivers cost more. This is ideal if you want many stops or an exact schedule.

• Motorbike - Rent in Ha Giang city (many shops near the backpacker street). You’ll pay ~250k for an auto/scooter or 350k+ for a manual per day. Most rentals require your passport as a deposit (keep a copy, your ID card or passport should stay with the owner).
  
  Fuel is cheap (~25,000 VND/L) but stations are far apart on the loop, so refill in big towns like Yen Minh, Dong Van, Meo Vac, Bao Lac, Cao Bang.

• Train - None directly; if you insist on rails, you’d detour via Hanoi or Hai Phong with added hassle, so we don’t recommend it for this stretch.
  
  

Ban Gioc Waterfal

Tickets and Opening Hours (Key Attractions)

• Ban Gioc Waterfall - Hours: 7:00-18:00 (summer), 7:30-17:30 (winter). Tickets: Adult 45,000 VND; kids (1-1.3m) 20,000 VND; under 1m free. Bamboo raft to falls costs 50,000 VND. Wear swimwear if you brave the mist!

• Pac Bo Historic Site (Cao Bang) - Hours: Typically open daytime (no strict hours published). Tickets: 20,000 VND, which includes a small museum and buggy transfer along the Lenin River.

• Ba Be National Park - Park ticket: 70,000 VND for foreigners. Hua Ma Cave: 45,000 VND. Boat tours: ~300k-1.2M VND/boat (group price, splits among passengers). Boats typically depart from islands on Ba Be Lake between morning and afternoon.

• Halong Bay - Day-boat ticket: 290,000 VND/person (includes all attractions on that route plus port fee). Children under a certain age/height get discounts. Cruise tickets: ~590,000 VND for 2D/1N, ~790,000 VND for 3D/2N. Book through reputable operators; most will arrange everything on arrival at Tuan Chau or Halong Cruise Port.

• Surprise Cave (Hang Sung Sot) - If you’re on a cruise tour of Halong Bay (route 2), your admission is covered by the Halong Bay day ticket. If visiting independently, you must pay 250k for boat + 40k cave entry, but most travelers see it via cruise package. The cave is open during daytime hours, and tours inside last 20-30 min.
  
  As of writing this guide in June 2025, this cave has already got over 10k google reviews!

• Markets/Fairs: No fees for stopping at local markets (Dong Van Sunday Market, Meo Vac Wed Market, etc.). These are cultural highlights and great for cheap snacks.

Motorbike & Road Safety Tips

Riding these rural roads is exhilarating but requires caution. Key tips:

• Helmet & gear: Always wear a certified helmet (mandatory) plus gloves and layers. Temperatures drop fast in the mountains. A raincoat is also a must - one rainstorm can flood switchbacks.

• Check your bike: Inspect lights, brakes, tires each morning. Carry basic tools and a chain lock (theft can happen in cities).

• Fuel up often: Fill at each town. Do not push below half a tank.

• Ride defensively: Roads can be narrow and potholes frequent. Watch for oncoming trucks and buses cutting corners. Avoid night riding on unfamiliar roads.

• Paperwork: Police checkpoints are rare, but make sure you have your Vietnamese driver’s license (or international permit), registration papers and passport. Always document any damage on the bike before riding off (photos help) in case the rental claims it later.

• Local drivers: If you lack confidence, consider hiring a local driver (“easyrider”) through your hostel. One rider reported he was glad he let pros handle the bike, since he “saw a lot of Westerners with road rash” who weren’t up to it.
  
  

You don’t absolutely need to motorbike to enjoy the scenery. I took a bus to Dong Van and did day hikes (no motorbike at all) and still loved it. In practice, if your group includes confident riders, a mixed plan (bike some days, bus others) works too.

Accommodation & Food

Where to sleep: Every major town has options. In Ha Giang, Dong Van and Meo Vac you’ll find cozy homestays and guesthouses ($10-20 USD/night) offering tatami or bunk rooms. At higher ends (Cao Bang city, Halong) there are mid range hotels ($25-50) and even resorts. 

In very rural spots (Bac Son Valley, Ban Gioc), you may only find a few guesthouses or homestays in farm villages (book in advance if possible, or stay in Cao Bang city and day-trip to Ban Gioc).

What to eat: Northern cuisine is hearty. Try phở chua (a sweet-sour noodle soup in Cao Bang), thắng cố (spiced horse meat soup in Ha Giang), sticky rice xôi ngũ sắc (five-colour rice), grilled mountain chicken or fish, and corn wine in valley villages. At Dong Van market hunt for local corn cakes or millet cakes.

In Halong, feast on fresh seafood - whole grilled squids, tôm tít (mantis shrimp) and local specialities like cá thu nướng (grilled Spanish mackerel). Cheap street eats (banh mi, noodle soups) and fruit (like ripe dragon fruits from nearby Bac Giang/Quang Ninh) are available at every stop.

Money: ATMs appear frequently in large towns (Ha Giang, Dong Van, Cao Bang) but not on every corner. Carry ~1-2 million VND cash for local markets, fuel and fees. Many homestays prefer cash only.

 Early Morning in Cao Bang Village

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long is the drive from Ha Giang to Ha Long Bay?
A: The road distance is about 450-470 km. By private car/minivan it’s roughly 8-9 hours. Buses typically take 9-11 hours depending on stops. You can split it over a couple of days with scenic stops.

Q: What’s the best season for this trip?
A: Generally September-November (autumn) and March-May (spring) are ideal in North Vietnam. In autumn the rice is golden and the weather is mild; spring brings flowers and less haze. 

Avoid the typhoon/rainy season (July-August) when roads can be slippery. Winter (Dec-Feb) can be very cold up north (especially December in Ha Giang), though it’s clearer and less crowded. 

For Halong Bay specifically, late September-November and March-May have the nicest weather.

Q: Is riding a motorbike safe for travelers?
A: Only if you’re experienced and cautious. These mountain passes have sheer drops and uneven pavement. Make sure you have an international driver’s license, helmet, and ideally some off-road riding experience. 

Always start early (avoid night riding). If uncertain, consider day buses or hiring a guide/driver. Many travelers opt to hire a local driver (often called “easyrider”) for peace of mind.

Q: What should I pack?
A: Lightweight layers (even summer nights can be cool). Rain gear and good walking shoes. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) for daytime. A power bank and medications (the high altitude can give headaches). 

Snacks and toilet paper (some rural stops lack Western comforts).

Q: Where to break the journey?
A: Common stopovers are Dong Van (old town), Meo Vac, and Cao Bang/Ban Gioc. You could split 4-5 days and overnight in Dong Van, Meo Vac, and then Ban Gioc. (Going via Ba Be adds an extra day or two but is very scenic.) 

Plan your days so you’re off the bike/bus by sunset at each stop.

Q: Are there permit or entry restrictions?
A: No special border permits unless you cross into China (Ban Gioc is 20m from the border but you stay on the Vietnamese side).
However, local authorities at some town entrances may request your passport info - just register at your hotel.

Q: Any road warnings?
A: Watch out for landslides after heavy rain (especially in the rainy season). Also beware of night-time truck traffic: big lorries often run overnight. Stay alert in the dark or avoid it entirely.