For travelers from Southern and Central Vietnam, international visitors, and anyone planning to explore the rock plateau region, flying to Hanoi is the preferred option to save time. From there, the journey continues by various land transportation methods depending on individual needs and schedules.

To determine the most suitable land transportation, the first thing to clarify is the distance from Hanoi to Ha Giang. This information provides the foundation for balancing time and choosing the right option for your trip.

Table of Contents

1. How Far is Ha Giang from Hanoi?

Ha Giang is approximately 300km from Hanoi. Depending on your transportation choice and traffic conditions, travel time ranges from 6 to 7 hours.

The most popular route follows National Highway 2 to Tuyen Quang, then continues on National Highway 4C to Ha Giang City. The roads consist mainly of mountain passes and curves, especially in sections approaching the provincial center, so careful planning of time and transportation is essential.

2. Guide to Traveling from Hanoi to Ha Giang

There are several ways to travel from Hanoi to Ha Giang, depending on your time, budget, and desired flexibility. Below are the three most popular transportation options:

2.1 By Motorbike

Traveling by motorbike is ideal for those who love independent exploration. You can stop whenever you want to rest, take photos, or enjoy the scenery. The journey spans about 300km and takes an average of 7 hours or more if you make frequent stops. However, the route includes many steep mountain passes, so good riding skills and physical fitness are required. It’s advisable to travel in groups for mutual support in case of incidents or bad weather.

How Far is Ha Giang from Hanoi — If you travel by motorbike, you’re free to stop and take photos at scenic spots along the way

2.2 By Bus

Bus options from Hanoi to Ha Giang include seated coaches and sleeper buses. Travel time is approximately 6-7 hours, with multiple departures throughout the day and night from major terminals like My Dinh, Giap Bat, or Gia Lam.

However, many standard bus services often overcrowd their vehicles, offer limited resting space, and provide inconsistent service quality. If you’re looking for a more comfortable, reliable transportation solution, consider Phieu Travel’s round-trip shuttle service between Hanoi and Ha Giang. We offer the following vehicle classes:

Vehicle Class	Description	Ticket Price (One-way)
Standard Sleeper	Economy class with bunk beds arranged in tiers. Includes basic amenities like air conditioning and blankets.	Single bed: 250,000 VND
Mobile Hotel	Private, comfortable cabins with premium amenities such as beds, air conditioning, and entertainment screens.	Single bed: 300,000 VND
Mobile Palace	Miniature hotel on wheels with large windows, curtains, and partitions. Includes high-end facilities for a premium experience.	Single bed: 350,000 VND Double bed: 550,000 VND
Limousine	Features European leather seats, TV, mini-fridge, USB ports, and generous legroom for maximum comfort.	Seat: 350,000 VND

2.3 By Self-Driving Car

Self-driving is an ideal option for groups of friends or small families of 5-7 people. Average travel time is also 6-7 hours. This mode of transportation offers privacy and flexibility. However, the driver needs experience with long-distance driving and confidence handling the winding mountain passes near Ha Giang.

Before departing, ensure you thoroughly check the vehicle’s condition, bring spare fuel, and avoid starting your journey at night!

3. Detailed Routes to Ha Giang

From Hanoi to Ha Giang, you can choose one of these two routes:

3.1 National Highway 2 (NH2)

This route is approximately 285 km and takes about 6 hours of travel. The road surface is generally in good condition, although more continuous curves appear as you approach Ha Giang. There are toll stations along the route, so prepare cash in advance.

From central Hanoi, follow Kim Ma direction, then proceed through Vo Chi Cong, Vinh Ngoc, and Vo Nguyen Giap roads. After about 16km, turn right onto National Highway 2A, continue through DT131, then onto DCT05.

From here, go straight for about 550m to enter NH2B, then turn left onto NH2C. At the roundabout on NH2C in Tuyen Quang province, turn left at the first intersection to enter NH37 and continue for 4.9 km.

Continue straight across An Hoa Bridge for another 3.9 km, then turn right at Doi Can Commune Health Station to merge onto NH2. From here, travel about 158 km along NH2 to the Ban Me – Phuong Thien area. At the Ban Me junction, turn right following the main road to reach Ha Giang province.

3.2 National Highway 32 (NH32)

If you choose to go via National Highway 32, you’ll travel about 311km in approximately 7 hours. This route is longer than National Highway 2 but suits those who want to experience more midland scenery before entering Ha Giang.

From Hanoi, start in the direction of Ton Duc Thang – La Thanh – Tran Duy Hung, pass through the Trung Hoa tunnel to enter Thang Long Avenue. Drive straight for about 27km on the avenue, turn onto NH21, continue for 20km, then at the roundabout, take the third exit to join NH32.

Continue on NH32 for another 29km, then turn left onto NH32C, and drive straight to Ngoc Thap Bridge. From here, follow DT320, and near Phu Tho Vocational College, turn left to join NH2.

The route continues to the roundabout on NH2C (in Ham Yen district, Tuyen Quang province), then turn left at the first intersection to enter NH37. From here, reconnect with the Ha Giang route via NH2 as mentioned in section 3.1.

4. Must-Try Experiences in Ha Giang

The journey to Ha Giang typically begins with legendary mountain passes like Ma Pi Leng Pass, Tham Ma Pass, or Chin Khoanh Ramp. The dramatic limestone terrain and morning mist make each curve an unforgettable experience. Standing on these passes, you can look down upon deep valleys, terraced fields rippling like waves, and small villages appearing and disappearing in the mist.

Leaving the passes, you can visit villages like Lo Lo Chai, Lung Cam, or Lung Phin. Traditional rammed earth houses nestle at the foot of mountains, smoke curling through tile roofs each morning, and the sound of weaving looms echoing through small kitchens create the distinctive rhythm of highland life. If you happen to visit during market days, you’ll experience the unique bustle through laughter, colorful clothing, and the enticing aroma of corn wine.

Visiting Ha Giang during flower seasons reveals the rock plateau in a completely different beauty. In late autumn, buckwheat flowers paint the hillsides purple. In early winter, yellow mustard flowers brighten the fields. When spring arrives, Ha Giang welcomes you with pink peach blossoms and pure white plum flowers, dotting the landscape alongside ancient rammed earth houses.

To easily plan your itinerary and not miss memorable stops, you can consult a Ha Giang tourist map in advance and mark the places you want to explore.

Looking for a Complete Itinerary?

Planning a multi-day trip through Ha Giang’s complex terrain can be challenging. To make it easy and ensure you don’t miss any highlights, a guided tour is an excellent option.

Below, we’ve outlined the detailed itinerary for our popular 3-day, 2-night Ha Giang Loop tour to give you a clear idea of what an incredible, hassle-free adventure looks like.

5. Phieu Travel’s Ha Giang Loop Tour 3 Days 2 Nights

Ha Giang Loop Tour 3 Days 2 Nights offers a complete exploration of the Ha Giang rock plateau with a balanced itinerary of experiences and relaxation. From legendary mountain passes like Bac Sum and Ma Pi Leng to the emerald Nho Que River and culturally significant stops like the Vuong Family Mansion and Dong Van Ancient Town. You’ll also stay in homestays, enjoy meals by the fire, and chat with locals.

Here’s the detailed itinerary for Phieu’s 3-day 2-night tour:

Day 1: Explore Ha Giang – Bac Sum – Quan Ba Heaven Gate – Yen Minh – Vuong Family Mansion – Dong Van

After arriving in Ha Giang at 4:00 AM, travelers rest at Phieu Homestay before beginning their journey. In the morning, the group departs through Bac Sum Pass, Quan Ba Heaven Gate, Twin Mountains, and Can Ty Slope. Lunch is in Yen Minh, then the journey continues through Tham Ma Pass, Pho Cao Valley, and the Vuong Family Mansion. Evening accommodation is in Dong Van, where you’ll enjoy local cuisine and stroll through the ancient town in the peaceful highland atmosphere.

Day 2: Dong Van – Ma Pi Leng – Nho Que River – M-shaped Slope – Du Gia

In the morning, leave Dong Van to conquer Ma Pi Leng Pass and view the Nho Que River from a boat, admiring the magnificent Tu San Gorge. Stop for lunch in Mau Due, then continue the journey through the M-shaped slope with a possible stop at Lung Ho viewpoint if time permits. Arrive in Du Gia in the afternoon to check in, enjoy dinner with the host family, and chat by the warm fire, experiencing the rustic rhythm of mountain life.

Day 3: Du Gia – Thai An – Ha Giang – Hanoi

After breakfast, visit a small village and Du Gia Waterfall to relax and swim. Continue the journey through Duong Thuong (Upper Road), stopping for lunch in Thai An, then explore A Boong Waterfall and Cat Ly Camping. Around 3:30-4:00 PM, the tour ends in Ha Giang City. Travelers can shower at the homestay before the night bus departs at 10:00 PM to return to Hanoi.

6. Important Notes When Booking a Tour

To ensure a smooth Ha Giang exploration, take time to review the terms carefully before booking. Here are some important considerations when booking with Phieu:

Services included in the tour:Accommodation at homestays, waiting room in Ha Giang, meals, drinking water, entrance fees (Vuong Family Mansion, Nho Que River boat), safety equipment, and transportation according to the itinerary.
Self-driving vehicles:If you choose to ride a motorbike, you need an international driving license and are fully responsible for traffic laws throughout the journey. Never consume alcoholic beverages when operating a vehicle.
Costs not included:Beverages such as beer, coffee, soft drinks; tips for guides or drivers; personal expenses and souvenirs.
Cancellation policy:In cases of force majeure such as natural disasters or changes in local policies, you will receive an 80% refund within 8-10 working days from confirmation.

Phieu Travel has now answered your question “How far is Ha Giang from Hanoi?” We’ve also provided information about transportation options from Hanoi to Ha Giang and the various routes. If you need an all-inclusive service that picks you up from Hanoi to Ha Giang and accompanies you throughout your journey, contact Phieutravel.com right away!

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