How to Get from Hanoi to Ha Giang, Northern Vietnam

You might have or might not have probably heard about Ha Giang in Northern Vietnam, but this is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam! Ha Giang is the northernmost part of Northern Vietnam, which is about 318 kilometers away from Hanoi! The province is known for its motorbike adventure called the “Ha Giang Loop”, where you get to experience riding the motorbike while navigating the most scenic motorbike routes in Southeast Asia, a dream route for adventure travelers and motorbike enthusiasts alike.

It’s always been my dream to do the Ha Giang Loop motorbike adventure in Northern Vietnam, and I am finally doing it after visiting Northern Vietnam for the third time! In my case, I did the 3-day Ha Giang Loop adventure with Lila Inn Tours, and I’ve had the best experience ever!

Thus, if you’re planning to explore Northern Vietnam and take on the famous Ha Giang Loop, your journey will likely begin in Hanoi. In this blog post, I’ll share how to get from Hanoi to Ha Giang, plus some practical tips to help you plan your own trip.

Table of Contents

Essential Travel Guides & Tips

You can book your sleeper bus through GetYourGuide or even via Klook! (You can get up to 5% OFF when you either use the codes ARATHEADVENTURESS on GetYourGuide and ARAPATRIAKLOOK on KLOOK)
The best time to go to Ha Giang and do the Ha Giang Loop adventures is from October to April (cooler weather, clearer views).
Make sure to bring a power bank, a light jacket, a neck pillow, and snacks.
It is highly recommended to book your Ha Giang Loop Tour in advance, as it saves time when you arrive! I booked my 3-day Ha Giang Loop Tour with Lila Inn Tours, and they offer different Ha Giang Loop packages!
It is better to take some cash with you since most establishments would charge you 3% to 5% for card payments.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get from Hanoi to Ha Giang via Sleeper Bus

Getting from Hanoi to Ha Giang takes about a six-hour bus ride! The most convenient and affordable way to reach Ha Giang is by sleeper bus. There are a lot of travel agencies or companies that offer bus transfers from Hanoi to Ha Giang. But in my case, I booked my Hanoi to Ha Giang bus transfer with GetYourGuide, and it was super easy.

The platform provided all the necessary details—departure points, travel duration, and transfer information—making the process completely hassle-free.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get from Hanoi to Ha Giang, Northern Vietnam:

Book your bus in advance.

I highly recommend booking through GetYourGuide, which offers reliable operators and clear travel information. Choose your departure time (morning, afternoon, or evening). I took the 1 PM bus for a comfortable afternoon trip.

Arrive early at the pick-up point.

Most sleeper buses depart from central Hanoi (Old Quarter area). Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to confirm your ticket and settle in.

Prepare for the ride.

Bring a neck pillow, snacks, and a light blanket if you’d like extra comfort. Keep your essentials in a small bag beside you, while the main luggage goes in the compartment below.

Board and settle in.

Remove your shoes before stepping onto the bus (slippers are often provided). Find your assigned seat and get comfortable—the sleeper seats are fully reclinable and cozy!

Enjoy the ride.

The journey takes around 6 hours with one short stopover. Plug in your gadgets, listen to music, or take a nap as you head toward the mountains of Ha Giang.

Arrival in Ha Giang

Once you arrive, the operator will coordinate your transfer via minibus to your hotel or homestay. From there, you can rest before starting your Ha Giang Loop adventure the next day!

My Sleeper Bus Experience from Hanoi to Ha Giang

This was where my Ha Giang adventure truly began, and it turned out to be such a cozy and relaxing ride! Each seat in the VIP sleeper bus is designed like a small reclining pod. You can stretch out, recline fully, and even charge your gadgets with built-in plugs. They also provide a free bottle of water, and the overall ride feels surprisingly peaceful.

Just remember: before boarding, you’ll be asked to remove your shoes, a common custom on sleeper buses in Vietnam. You’ll be given a small plastic bag to store them.

As we left Hanoi, I watched from my window as the bustling city slowly faded into quiet countryside roads. The further north we went, the more stunning the views became—vast rice fields, winding rivers, and mountains wrapped in mist. I personally enjoyed riding the sleeper bus on the way to Ha Giang! In fact, I also took the sleeper bus when I visited Sapa for 3 days!

After about six hours, we arrived at the Ha Giang bus station, where passengers were transferred to smaller minibuses that took them directly to their accommodation.

Final Thoughts

Taking the sleeper bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang isn’t just a means of transport—it’s an experience in itself. The journey lets you soak in the landscapes of Northern Vietnam even before you start the motorbike loop.

If you’re planning to do the Ha Giang Loop, I highly recommend booking your bus through GetYourGuide. It’s affordable, comfortable, and the most convenient way to start your Northern Vietnam adventure!