About Us
WElCOME TO BONG HOSTEL TEAM
Bong Hostel is not just a place to stay—it's the gateway to your adventure through North Vietnam. From trekking in Sapa to cruising the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay and conquering the famous Ha Giang Loop, Bong Hostel is the perfect launchpad for your journey.
Today, Bong Hostel operates two sister hostels: the original Bong Ha Giang Hostel, where it all began, and the newly opened Bong Hanoi Hostel. Despite the growth, both hostels remain firmly family-run, offering a welcoming and personal touch to every traveler that walks through its doors.
Over the years, what started as a passion for helping travelers explore the stunning landscapes of North Vietnam has blossomed into a fully-fledged operation, employing over 200 members of staff and offering expertly guided tours through the region’s most iconic destinations.
Humble Beginnings: The Story of Bong Hostel
Bong Ha Giang Hostel was born out of a desire to share the unspoiled beauty of Ha Giang with travelers from around the world. At the time, North Vietnam was relatively undiscovered by mass tourism, and the Ha Giang Loop, with its twisting mountain roads and breathtaking views, was a true hidden gem.
Opened in 2016 as a small, family-run establishment, the hostel began offering motorbike rentals, allowing guests to experience the loop on their own terms. From here Bong quickly became a go-to destination for those looking to explore the rugged, little-known motorbike route.
Recognizing that not all visitors were confident drivers, the family introduced the Easyrider service, where skilled local drivers guide travelers through the challenging roads. This service has since become a signature offering, providing travelers with a stress-free way to enjoy the Ha Giang Loop.
By 2018, Bong Hostel began organizing group tours, further cementing its reputation as a leader in Ha Giang tourism. The hostel’s popularity soared after the COVID-19 pandemic, and today, over 200 Easyriders work for Bong Hostel, guiding travelers through some of the most breathtaking routes in Southeast Asia.
The name "Bong" is a nod to the family’s cat, but also means "cotton" in Vietnamese—symbolizing the comforting atmosphere the hostel provides in the midst of thrilling adventures.
Our hostel
Bong Ha Giang Hostel: Your Gateway to the Ha Giang Loop
Located in the heart of Ha Giang City, Bong Ha Giang Hostel is where the adventure begins. This was the first hostel the family opened, and it has remained the starting point for countless travelers embarking on the famous Ha Giang Loop.
The hostel offers a cozy, welcoming environment where travelers can meet, share stories over a beer or a game of pool, and prepare for the journey ahead.
Bong Hostel’s Famous Ha Giang Loop Tour
The Ha Giang Loop is the crown jewel of Bong Hostel’s tours and has become one of the most sought-after motorbike routes in all of Southeast Asia.
Over 350 kilometers of winding roads take you through sky-high mountains, deep valleys, and rural villages. Each day on the loop brings new challenges and rewards, from conquering the hairpin turns of the Ma Pi Leng Pass to soaking in the beauty of Dong Van's landscapes.
Bong Hostel offers a variety of ways to experience the Ha Giang Loop, catering to both experienced motorbike riders and those who prefer the comfort of an Easyrider.
Highlights of the Ha Giang Loop:
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Ma Pi Leng Pass: One of the most breathtaking stretches of road in Vietnam, offering jaw-dropping views of deep valleys and limestone cliffs.
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Dong Van Karst Plateau: A charming town known for its weekend market and stunning views of terraced rice fields.
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Meo Vac: A remote village where you can immerse yourself in the culture of Vietnam's ethnic minority groups.
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Du Gia Waterfall: If you book the 4 days 3 nights tour this is a refreshing surprise waiting to be experienced.
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Fun evenings: Karaoke, Happy Water, dancing, playing pool, the list goes on and on.
With Bong Hostel’s expert guides, the Ha Giang Loop is both safe and exhilarating. Group tours depart regularly, creating a fun, social atmosphere where you can share the road with like-minded adventurers.
Bong Hanoi Hostel: Your Home Away from Home
In 2023, Bong Hostel expanded its presence with the opening of Bong Hanoi Hostel, in Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter.
While Bong Ha Giang Hostel focuses on the rugged beauty of the mountains, Bong Hanoi Hostel offers a more urban experience, perfect for travelers looking to explore the vibrant capital city and its surroundings.
Hanoi is not just a starting point for Bong Hostel’s tours—it’s an exciting destination in its own right. With its chaotic streets, rich history, and mouthwatering food, Hanoi provides the perfect introduction to Vietnam. And with Bong Hanoi Hostel’s central location, you’ll be just steps away from major attractions like Hoan Kiem Lake, the Hoa Lo Prison, and the Old Quarter’s famous street food stalls.
Tours from Bong Hanoi Hostel
Hanoi itself is a treasure trove of experiences, and Bong Hostel offers curated tours to help travelers make the most of their time in the city and beyond:
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Hanoi Food Tour: Sample the best of Vietnamese cuisine as you zip through the city on a motorbike. This guided tour takes you to hidden food spots where you can try dishes like phở, bánh mì, and more.
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Day Trips to Ninh Binh: Explore the serene landscapes of Ninh Binh, known as “Halong Bay on land,” with its limestone mountains, flowing rivers, and ancient temples. A perfect complement to the more adrenaline-packed Ha Giang Loop.
Sapa Trekking Tour
Explore the lush, terraced hills of Sapa with Bong Hostel’s trekking tour. Over four days, you'll trek through the stunning landscapes and visit traditional villages of the H’mong and Red Dzao ethnic groups.
The Sapa trekking tour includes an overnight homestay with a local family, where you’ll experience their way of life firsthand. It’s a unique opportunity to see a different side of Vietnam, away from the busy cities and tourist hotspots.
Highlights of the Sapa Trekking Tour:
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Trek through the terraced rice fields of Lao Chai and Ta Van.
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Visit the villages of the Red Dzao and H’mong peoples.
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Enjoy an authentic homestay experience with a local family.
Cruise
For those looking to relax after the Ha Giang Loop, Bong Hostel offers two cruise tours. One through Ha Long Bay and another that begins on Cat Ba Island and cruises through Lan Ha Bay.
Ha Long Bay Cruise
Ha Long Bay is renowned for its otherworldly seascape, featuring thousands of limestone karsts and islets rising dramatically from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.
Choose from a range of cruise options from full-day trips to spending 2 days and 1 night aboard a luxury 5* cruise ship.
Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay Cruise
Cat Ba Island offers a more laid-back atmosphere compared to the more tourist-heavy areas of Ha Long Bay.
Spend your days kayaking through limestone karsts, exploring hidden caves, and swimming in turquoise waters and your evenings partying with free drinks at the sunset party on the boat deck.
These cruises also include a stop at Cat Ba Island, where you can hike, relax on the beach, or enjoy fresh seafood.
Extended Ha Giang Loop Tour to Cao Bang
For those who don’t want their Ha Giang Loop adventure to end, why not consider Bong
Hostel’s extended Ha Giang Loop tour that takes you to Cao Bang?
Cao Bang is home to the magnificent Ban Gioc Waterfall. This 7-day, 6-night tour is perfect for those who want to venture off the beaten path and discover one of the region’s lesser-known treasures.
Cao Bang Tour Highlights:
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Ban Gioc Waterfall
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Nguom Ngao Cave
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Exploring remote, untouched areas of Northern Vietnam
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Extending the fun of the Ha Giang Loop
Bong Hostel Combo Tours: The Best of North Vietnam in One Package
For travelers looking to experience multiple highlights of North Vietnam, Bong Hostel offers several combo tours that combine iconic destinations into one seamless adventure
These tours are perfect for those who want to maximize their time in Vietnam without the hassle of planning each detail.
Ha Giang Loop – Sapa Combo Tour
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For those who want to mix motorbiking with trekking, the Ha Giang Loop – Sapa Combo Tour offers the best of both worlds.
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After completing the Ha Giang Loop, you’ll head to Sapa for a trekking tour that takes you through the terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages.
Ha Giang Loop – Ha Long Bay Combo Tour
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This 6-day, 5-night combo tour allows you to experience both the mountains and the sea.
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After completing the Ha Giang Loop, you’ll head to Ha Long Bay for a relaxing cruise through its iconic seascape.
Ha Giang loop - Ha Long
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This 6-day, 5-night combo tour allows you to experience both the mountains and the sea.
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After completing the Ha Giang Loop, you’ll head to Ha Long Bay for a relaxing cruise through its iconic seascape.
Ha Giang loop - Cat Ba island
This 6-day, 5-night combo package is designed for travelers who want to whip through the hair-pin bends of the Ha Giang loop and then enjoy a sunset boat party on the tranquil waters of Lan Ha Bay.
Ha Giang loop - Ninh Binh
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This 6-day, 5-night combo tour is ideal for travelers who want to combine the adventure of the Ha Giang Loop with the peaceful beauty of Ninh Binh.
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You’ll start with a thrilling motorbike ride through the mountains of Ha Giang before heading to Ninh Binh for a relaxing boat tour through the Trang An Grottoes and a visit to the Bai Dinh Pagoda.
Summary: Bong Hostel, Your Home in North Vietnam
Bong Hostel has come a long way from its humble beginnings in 2016. What started as a small family-run hostel has grown into a thriving tour company that helps travelers experience the best of North Vietnam.
With hostels in both Ha Giang and Hanoi, we provide a home base for adventurers exploring the region. And with the same family still at the helm, you can be sure that you’ll receive the same warm welcome and expert guidance that Bong Hostel has been known for since the beginning.
Don't just dream about it—make it happen with Bong Hostel!