Hanoi to Ha Giang is the starting point for anyone eager to explore the breathtaking beauty of northern Vietnam. If you’re wondering how to reach this remote yet mesmerizing destination, there are several ways to get there - from comfortable sleeper buses to adventurous motorbike rides, or even a mix of train and bus.

Here’s a complete guide to help you choose the best way to travel from Hanoi to Ha Giang, depending on your budget, comfort, and travel style.

Option 1: Hanoi to Ha Giang by Bus

The most convenient and popular choice is taking a bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang. The journey takes around 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and pick-up time.

Recommended Hanoi to Ha Giang Bus Operators

1. Tech Bus VN JSC

VIP 18 Express: 05:55, 06:00, 06:15, 06:20, 06:30, 06:35, 06:40, 06:50, 07:00, 15:00, 15:15, 15:30, 15:45, 16:00
Sleeper Bus: 08:45, 09:00, 20:15, 20:30

2. Group Tour Buses

VIP 9 Express: 07:00, 07:15, 07:30
VIP 14: 07:10, 07:35, 07:45, 08:00, 08:10, 08:20, 14:00, 14:15, 14:30, 15:30
VIP 32: 09:20, 09:30, 09:40, 19:15
VIP 20: 19:00, 19:10, 19:20
Sleeper Bus 38: 19:00
VIP 33 Sleeper: 19:30
Ha Giang Limousine: 06:30, 10:30, 11:30, 15:30

3. Duc Duong Bus

Limousine Bus: 06:00, 06:15, 06:45, 07:00, 15:45, 16:00
VIP Sleeper Bus: 09:45, 11:00, 13:15, 19:30, 20:45, 21:30
Sleeper Bus 40: 09:00, 11:30, 15:45, 19:30, 22:00
VIP Sleeper Bus 34: 16:45, 17:00, 19:00, 19:15

4. Travel Details

Travel time: ~ 6h30
Ticket price: $11 – $14 per person → Book a bus click here
Pick-up in Hanoi: My Dinh Bus Station or Hanoi Old Quarter
Drop-off in Ha Giang: Ha Giang City

Tip: Book your Hanoi to Ha Giang bus ticket online to secure your seat, especially during weekends and holidays.

A sleeper bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang

Option 2: Hanoi to Ha Giang by Train + Bus

There is no direct train from Hanoi to Ha Giang, but you can take a train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (near Sapa) and then continue by bus from Lao Cai to Ha Giang.

Sapa - Lao Cai (taken) by Mortajilla

You can book train tickets online with Fanxipan Express, King Express, Orient Express, Sapaly Express, Livitrans Express, and Chapa Express.

Book online with the booking box on this website. Click to book (recommend website).

You will receive an e-ticket via email, which you should show to the travel agency at the bus station to collect your physical ticket before boarding the train.

Sapa Train

Tips: when you get to Ha Giang, you can rent a bike at a quite reasonable price (7 - 15 USD) to explore the region on your own.

Many travelers rent a motorbike in Ha Giang City and then go to the far north (Dong Van, Meo Vac, Lung Cu, Ma Pi Leng Pass…).

Our recommendations are Rentabikevn (Hanoi, Ha Giang, Da Nang – good reference) or Ha Giang Motorbike.

Option 3: Get from Hanoi to Ha Giang by motorbike

For adventurous travelers, riding a motorbike from Hanoi to Ha Giang is a thrilling option.

Distance: ~300 km
Travel time: 7–8 hours (non-stop)
Route: Hanoi Old Quarter → Ha Giang City (via Google Maps route)
Extended trip: Hanoi → Dong Van → Meo Vac → Lung Cu → Ma Pi Leng Pass (~467 km, ~12 hours riding)

Book Ha Giang motorbike tour via WhatsApp 84976951999 Mr Hien.

You can visit Meo Vac along that route (see picture below). This region is famous for its love markets, where the Hmong, Tay, and Lo Lo ethnic minorities come together to find or exchange partners.

The renowned Khau Vai market occurs annually on the 27th of the lunar calendar, offering a unique "Love market" experience.

Dong Van

Tips for a motorbike trip:

Bring a power bank for your phone navigation
If in a group, divide the route into shorter parts and rotate leaders
Rent a motorbike in Ha Giang City for $7–15/day if you prefer not to ride from Hanoi
Recommended rentals: Rentabike Vietnam or Ha Giang Motorbike

Highlight: Along the way, you can experience unique cultural events such as the Khau Vai Love Market (27th day of the lunar calendar), where ethnic minorities like Hmong, Tay, and Lo Lo meet.

Conclusion

Traveling from Hanoi to Ha Giang offers multiple options to fit every type of traveler.

For comfort and speed → Take a sleeper bus or limousine
For culture and exploration → Go by train + bus via Lao Cai & Sapa
For adventure lovers → Ride a motorbike

Now you know how to get to Ha Giang from Hanoi. Choose your style and embark on a journey to discover Vietnam’s most breathtaking landscapes.

FAQs: How to Get to Ha Giang from Hanoi

1. Is there a direct train from Hanoi to Ha Giang?

No, there is no direct train from Hanoi to Ha Giang since Ha Giang doesn’t have a railway station. The closest option is to take the train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, then transfer to a local bus or minivan to reach Ha Giang. This journey takes around 10–12 hours in total.

Although slower, this route offers a scenic ride through Vietnam’s northern mountains—ideal for travelers seeking a more offbeat experience before starting the Ha Giang Loop adventure.

2. How long does it take to get from Hanoi to Ha Giang?

The distance from Hanoi to Ha Giang is roughly 300 km. Most travelers choose to go by bus, which typically takes 6–7 hours.

If you travel by motorbike, expect around 8–9 hours of riding depending on weather and stops. Many riders prefer to spend one night halfway, especially around Tuyen Quang or Vu Linh, to rest and enjoy the countryside views before beginning their Ha Giang Loop Tour.

3. What is the best way to travel from Hanoi to Ha Giang?

The most comfortable and efficient way is by limousine or sleeper bus.

Sleeper buses are perfect for overnight travel, while limousine vans offer a premium daytime experience with reclining seats, Wi-Fi, and direct hotel pickup in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Both options provide excellent value and direct drop-off at Ha Giang City — the gateway to the Ha Giang Loop.

4. How much does it cost to go from Hanoi to Ha Giang by bus?

Bus tickets from Hanoi to Ha Giang usually range from $11–$15 USD (250,000–350,000 VND).

Standard sleeper buses are the most affordable, while limousine or VIP buses cost slightly more but provide extra legroom, fewer passengers, and smoother service. Some operators even offer snacks or blankets for long trips.

5. Can I ride a motorbike from Hanoi to Ha Giang?

Yes, you can rent a motorbike in Hanoi and ride all the way to Ha Giang — about 300 km of winding roads, mountain scenery, and small ethnic villages.

However, this route is suitable mainly for experienced riders. The safer option is to take a bus to Ha Giang first, then rent a motorbike locally for $7–15 per day to explore the Ha Giang Loop with less fatigue and more time for sightseeing.

6. Where do Hanoi to Ha Giang buses depart from?

Most buses from Hanoi to Ha Giang leave from My Dinh Bus Station.

However, many companies now offer free pick-up in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, making travel much easier. In Ha Giang, buses usually arrive at Ha Giang Bus Station or drop passengers directly at hostels or motorbike rental shops in the city center.

7. Is it safe to travel from Hanoi to Ha Giang at night?

Yes, it’s perfectly safe to take an overnight bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang.

Most night buses depart around 8:00–9:00 PM and arrive between 4:00–5:00 AM, allowing you to rest and save a night’s accommodation.

If you prefer to avoid winding roads in the dark, opt for a limousine bus during the day to enjoy the mountain landscapes along the way.

8. Can I combine Sapa and Ha Giang in one trip?

Absolutely. Many travelers combine Sapa and Ha Giang in one northern Vietnam itinerary for a deeper cultural and scenic experience.

You can take the train from Hanoi to Lao Cai to explore Sapa, then continue by bus to Ha Giang. This route lets you experience both terraced rice fields and the majestic mountain passes of the Ha Giang Loop.

9. How to get to Ha Giang from Hanoi for the Ha Giang Loop Tour?

The easiest way to start the Ha Giang Loop Tour is by booking a direct bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang City.

Once you arrive, you can rent a motorbike, join a guided easy-rider tour, or hop on a group adventure that includes accommodation, meals, and safety gear.

Most tours begin early in the morning, so taking an overnight bus from Hanoi is highly recommended.

10. Is there a flight from Hanoi to Ha Giang?

Currently, there are no direct flights to Ha Giang. The province doesn’t have an airport.

The nearest airports are in Noi Bai (Hanoi) and Lao Cai, both several hours away.

Therefore, the most practical and popular way remains traveling by bus, limousine, or private car from Hanoi to Ha Giang, followed by joining the Ha Giang Loop by motorbike or jeep.

Enjoy your trip!

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Hanoi to Ha Giang - How to Get to Ha Giang from Hanoi