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Vietnam Travel Guide
Sapa & Ha Giang Loop - The Ultimate Combo Tour
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Overview
Discover the best of North Vietnam with this Sapa and Ha Giang combo tour — a seamless mix of trekking through Sapa’s rice terraces and a beautifully paced Ha Giang Loop by Easy Rider, jeep, or private car. You explore traditional mountain villages, iconic passes, and quiet backroads beyond the standard routes. With a balance of nature, culture, light trekking, and comfortable travel days, this private tour is ideal for travelers who want to experience both Sapa and Ha Giang in one complete journey.
Highlights
- Trekking through rice terraces & mountain villages – A scenic day walk past terraces, bamboo forests, and colorful ethnic communities that define Sapa.
- Ha Giang Loop by Easy Rider, car, or jeep – Choose the adventure of riding pillion or the comfort of a private vehicle; all routes are equally iconic.
- Completely worry-free travel – From the night train to transfers and accommodations, everything is smoothly arranged so you can simply enjoy the trip.
- Local culture & authentic villages – Meet Hmong and Tay families, visit traditional homes, and experience daily life in the mountains.
- Spectacular landscapes – Steep mountain passes, deep valleys, rice terraces, and dramatic karst scenery create the ultimate North Vietnam backdrop.
All Options Explained
This Sapa and Ha Giang Loop combo tour offers different transport, trekking, and comfort levels.
1. Getting to Sapa
Night train (recommended)
Comfortable tourist sleeper train to Lao Cai, final stretch by taxi.
VIP cabin sleeper bus
Private or double cabins with extra comfort overnight.
Limousine bus + 1 extra day
Spacious daytime bus; you arrive in Sapa one day earlier.
2. Trekking in Sapa
Easy – Moderate (most popular)
The most scenic standard route; suitable for most travelers.
Off the Beaten Track
Quieter trails further from Sapa, slightly more challenging.
2-day trekking + homestay
Day 1 sightseeing is skipped; full two-day hike with homestay.
3. Ha Giang Loop
Car (most popular)
Sedan or SUV for maximum comfort.
Jeep
Modern or classic jeep for a more adventurous feel.
Easy Rider
Ride pillion with an experienced driver for the ultimate motorbike journey.
4. Accommodation
Comfort & unique (recommended)
Quality hotel in Sapa + stay at our own Ha Giang lodge.
Budget & homestays
Simple accommodation with a local atmosphere.
Tailor-made
Fully adjustable to your wishes and comfort level.
Not sure which options suit you best? Ask us here.
Welcome to
Ha Giang Aya Lodge – by Local Vietnam
During our tours, you stay at our own mountain lodge, designed by a Dutch–Vietnamese team combining Western comfort standards with authentic local culture. This is the most unique place to stay along the Ha Giang Loop — offering views, atmosphere, and quality you won’t find elsewhere.
- A truly local experience – Located in a Hmong mountain village, fully surrounded by nature and far from other hotels
- 100% Hmong team – Hosted by our own local staff from the village: warm, welcoming, and genuinely authentic
- Modern comfort & quality – High-quality mattresses, air conditioning (hot/cold), a stylish restaurant, and a cozy bar
- Wood-fired hot baths – Exclusive wood-fired hot water baths with mountain views
- Epic panoramic scenery – Uninterrupted views over valleys, rice fields, and mountain peaks
- Activities & local workshops – Weaving demonstrations, short village walks, longer treks, and cultural encounters
What to Expect (the Route)
Day 0: Night Train to Lao Cai
Start
Your Sapa and Ha Giang Loop tour begins with the night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai. You travel on a comfortable tourist sleeper train, a calm and relaxed way to start the journey.
Day 1: Discover Sapa’s Mountain World
Morning
Tram Ton Pass & Silver Waterfall
Travel from Lao Cai to Sapa and continue directly to Tram Ton Pass, the highest mountain pass in Vietnam, with views over green valleys and drifting clouds.
Afterwards, visit the Silver Waterfall, a short but scenic stop surrounded by nature. Optional: a stop at Love Waterfall.
Afternoon
Explore Sapa town
The afternoon is free to spend at your own pace: stroll through Sapa town, visit the market, take a short walk to a traditional mountain village, or ride the cable car to Fansipan. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Trekking Through Rice Terraces & Mountain Villages
Morning
Start of the day trek
Today you set out on a day trek past terraced rice fields, flowing streams, and small mountain villages. You meet different ethnic minorities who have lived here for generations — colorful clothing, traditional crafts, and friendly greetings make this area unique.
Afternoon
End of the trek
The second part of the trek follows quiet paths with views over valleys and rice terraces. The route is varied, not too demanding, and offers plenty of photo opportunities. Overnight again at the hotel.
Day 3: From Sapa to Ha Giang
Morning
Transfer to Ha Giang
Travel by comfortable limousine bus from Sapa to Ha Giang. This marks the transition to the second part of your Sapa and Ha Giang Loop combo tour.
Afternoon
Tay minority village
Instead of staying in Ha Giang City, you spend the night in a traditional village just outside town. The Tay live in stilt houses surrounded by rice fields. You can walk through the village, meet locals, and take a short hike to viewpoints above the valley. Overnight in a simple, atmospheric homestay.
Day 4: Start of the Ha Giang Loop
Morning
Bac Sum Pass & Quan Ba Heaven Gate
After breakfast, start the Ha Giang Loop by comfortable car, rugged jeep, or riding pillion with an Easy Rider. You drive over Bac Sum Pass toward Quan Ba Heaven Gate, enjoying mountain views and the iconic Twin Mountains.
Afternoon
Yen Minh, M-Shape Pass & Aya Lodge
You follow quiet roads toward Yen Minh and the M-shaped mountain pass. In the afternoon, you arrive at Ha Giang Aya Lodge by Local Vietnam, where lunch is ready. Afterwards, enjoy a light trek through peaceful villages and landscapes rarely visited by travelers. In the evening, relax with a hot shower on the terrace and dinner at the lodge.
Day 5: Ma Pi Leng Pass & Dong Van
Morning
Meo Vac market & Ma Pi Leng Pass
You continue the Ha Giang Loop through one of the most spectacular landscapes in North Vietnam. Depending on the day, you visit a local market. Afterwards, drive over the famous Ma Pi Leng Pass and take a short walk along the Skywalk overlooking the canyon.
Afternoon
Boat trip & Dong Van Old Quarter
Down in the valley, you board a boat for a ride through the deep canyon. Afterwards, travel to Dong Van for lunch and a walk through the historic Old Quarter. In the late afternoon, return to Aya Lodge for relaxation and dinner.
Day 6: Backroads, Crafts & Return to Ha Giang
Morning
Quiet mountain roads & Lung Tam Village
The final day of your Ha Giang Loop follows quiet backroads rarely used by other travelers. You visit Lung Tam, a Hmong weaving village where women traditionally make and dye linen.
Afternoon
Waterfall & end of the Loop
If water levels allow, you stop at A Boong Waterfall for a refreshing break. In the afternoon, you arrive in Ha Giang City, where this Sapa and Ha Giang Loop combo tour comes to an end.
From
Included / Excluded
- Night train Hanoi – Lao Cai (tourist sleeper train)
- Transfers Lao Cai – Sapa and Sapa – Ha Giang
- 2 nights accommodation in Sapa
- Sapa sightseeing (Tram Ton Pass & Silver Waterfall)
- Sapa trekking with local guide
- 1 night in Tay minority village (homestay near Ha Giang)
- Ha Giang Loop by car/jeep with driver or Easy Rider
- Fuel & vehicle maintenance during the Loop
- 2 nights at Ha Giang Aya Lodge
- All meals during the Ha Giang Loop
- Short trekking exclusive to our tour
- Local contact & on-ground support throughout the trip
- Meals and services not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks during meals
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Tour informatie
Best time to travel
Overall best period: September–November and February–April.
These months offer the driest and most stable weather, clear views, and pleasant temperatures.
What to expect by season:
Spring (February–April): Mostly dry, mild weather and not too hot. Ideal for trekking. Rice fields are still bare, but travel conditions are very comfortable.
Summer (May–August): Warm with the highest chance of rain, usually short and heavy showers. Between showers there is plenty of sunshine — often more than in other seasons. The landscape is at its best: full rice terraces, green mountains, and powerful waterfalls.
Autumn (September–November): Dry, stable weather and mild temperatures. Early autumn is still lush green; later the rice fields turn golden. One of the most popular periods.
Winter (December–January): Cooler and drier. Morning mist is possible, especially in the mountains. This can limit views at times but also creates atmospheric, photogenic landscapes.
Bagage
- Car/jeep tour: You can bring all your luggage.
- Easy Rider: Backpacks can be carried on the motorbike. Large suitcases can be stored free of charge at our office in Ha Giang City.
Afstanden & reistijd
Hanoi → Sapa
- Night train Hanoi – Lao Cai: 8–9 hours
- Lao Cai – Sapa: approx. 1.5 hours
Sapa → Ha Giang
- Limousine bus: approx. 5 hours
Ha Giang Loop
- Day 1: approx. 3.5 hours driving
- Day 2: approx. 3.5 hours driving
- Day 3: approx. 4 hours driving
(spread throughout the day with many stops, viewpoints, and short walks)
Trekking
Sapa trekking:
- The standard trek is suitable for most travelers.
- No training required.
- Routes can be adjusted to your level, for example shorter or using paved paths only.
- Also available: off-the-beaten-track routes and 2-day treks with homestay.
→ Please share your preferences in advance.
Ha Giang trekking:
- A light, relaxed walk from Ha Giang Aya Lodge.
- No experience needed.
Dietary requirements
Vegan, vegetarian, allergies, or special diets can be arranged.
Please inform us in advance so our mountain team can prepare accordingly.
Safety
Safety is always our top priority.
- Our drivers ride calmly and defensively.
- We work with trusted local partners in Sapa.
- In Ha Giang, we operate with our own Local Vietnam team, monitoring routes, road conditions, and weather daily.
- Being Vietnam-based allows us to adjust plans quickly if needed.
In case of extreme weather, the tour is rescheduled or you receive a 100% refund.
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip (no heavy hiking boots needed)
- Warm clothing for winter and cool evenings in spring/autumn
- Light clothing for summer
- For Easy Rider: long trousers, T-shirt, and a wind jacket
- Cash for personal expenses in villages
- Clothing and toiletries for approx. 6 days
- Small daypack for trekking and daily outings
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I miss part of the Ha Giang Loop because this tour stays two nights at your lodge, while other tours sleep somewhere else each night?
We offer three trekking options. The standard route is suitable for most travelers, from teenagers to seniors, and requires no training. If you are unsure about your fitness or prefer something lighter, we adjust the route — shorter, less steep, or fully on paved paths. Just let us know in advance.
How challenging is the trekking in Sapa and who is it suitable for?
We bieden drie trekkingopties. De standaardroute is goed te doen voor de meeste reizigers: van tieners tot senioren. Je hoeft hiervoor niet getraind te zijn. Ben je onzeker over je conditie of wil je iets lichters? Dan passen we de route aan — bijvoorbeeld korter, minder steil of volledig over verharde paden. Laat het ons vooraf weten.
What is better for the Ha Giang part: Easy Rider or car/jeep?
The route is the same for both options.
- Easy Rider: the most adventurous option, suitable for anyone comfortable riding on the back of a motorbike for longer days. We welcome travelers of all ages.
- Car/Jeep: less adventurous but the most comfortable choice. Ideal if you prefer more space or do not want to sit on a motorbike all day.
How comfortable is the night train from Hanoi to Sapa?
The tourist sleeper train is the most comfortable way to travel to Sapa. The beds are decent, but travelers taller than about 1.85 m may not be able to lie fully straight. The ride is a bit rougher than European trains, but that is part of the experience. Tourist carriages have cleaner toilets, better maintenance, and English-speaking staff.
What about safety on the road, and what if I get motion sickness easily?
Safety always comes first. Drivers ride calmly and adjust their pace if you ask. As this is a private tour, you can stop whenever you like. We live in Ha Giang and closely monitor road and weather conditions, allowing us to make safe decisions. Motion sickness can usually be reduced by taking breaks and sitting in the front.
Is this tour private, or do I share parts with other travelers?
Most of this tour is private.
Some elements may be shared, depending on your wishes and budget:
- Sapa trekking: private or shared possible
- Ha Giang: group Easy Rider is possible, but then you do not stay at our lodge
- Transfers between Sapa, Ha Giang, and Hanoi: usually shared bus rides
Private Easy Rider, private car, and private jeep options are always fully private.
How demanding is this tour in terms of travel time and distances?
On some days, you travel four hours or more, especially between Sapa and Ha Giang and in the mountains. However, the day is broken up with photo stops, short walks, and viewpoints, so it never feels like one long drive.
What makes this Sapa and Ha Giang tour different from other combo routes I see online?
First, you stay at our own Aya Lodge, the most unique accommodation on the Ha Giang Loop. In addition, the route is optimized using local knowledge:
- You drive Ma Pi Leng Pass from the most scenic direction, always with views
- Popular spots like Tham Ma Pass are approached from the quiet side, avoiding tour traffic
- We include several alternative backroads rarely used by other travelers
- You enjoy an exclusive, light trek from our lodge, far from mass tourism
You see all the highlights, but in a quieter, more scenic, and far more authentic way than standard tours.
More questions?
Use this form for:
- Enquiries about the tour
- Customization Request
- Questions about booking
Or contact us through:
+84 32 801 9395
@localvietnamtravel
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