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Beyond the Ha Giang Loop: How Bong Hostel Takes You to the Next Adventure

Writer's picture: Faye HillingFaye Hilling

Updated: Oct 23, 2024

At Bong Hostel, we understand that exploring North Vietnam is more than just ticking off items on your bucket list—it’s about experiencing the spirit of the place, connecting with people, and discovering hidden gems that lie off the beaten path.


While our iconic motorbike tour is one of the most exhilarating ways to dive deep into Vietnam’s natural beauty and vibrant culture, we know there's so much more beyond the Ha Giang Loop.


Group smiling on a viewing platform with mountains behind

If you're looking to extend your adventure beyond the loop, Bong Hostel has got you covered with an array of carefully curated tours.


In this guide, we’ll take you through the Ha Giang Loop, and beyond, showcasing our Sapa trekking tours, Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay cruises, day trips to Ninh Binh, and exciting city trips around Hanoi.


Plus, we'll show you how you can combine all of these unforgettable experiences into a comprehensive 10-day tour that will leave you with a deep appreciation for the beauty and diversity of North Vietnam.


A road winds through mountains

Introducing the Iconic Ha Giang Loop Motorbike Tour


Let's start with the up-and-coming new best thing to do in Northern Vietnam—the Ha Giang Loop. For many travelers, riding this breathtaking motorbike route is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure


With stunning karst mountains, terraced rice fields, and winding roads that challenge even the most experienced riders, the Ha Giang Loop is the perfect way to experience Vietnam’s raw natural beauty.


At Bong Hostel, our most popular Ha Giang Loop tours are either the 4-day 3-night option or the 3-day 2-night option. On both of these tours you can choose between riding yourself or hiring one of our experienced easy riders.


To compare the Ha Giang Loop tours, click here: 3-Day vs. 4-Day Ha Giang Loop Tour: A Complete Breakdown.

These guided tours ensuresyou explore the most scenic spots like Ma Pi Leng Pass, Dong Van Karst Plateau, and the peaceful Du Gia village, all while learning about the fascinating culture of the Hmong, Dao, and Tay ethnic groups.


Motorbikers riding on the road

Itinerary Highlights


  • Day 1: Ride through the Bac Sum Pass and reach Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate for panoramic views. The first night is spent in Yen Minh, a quaint village nestled among limestone mountains.

  • Day 2: Wind through the Tham Ma Pass, visit the iconic Lung Cu Flag Tower at the northernmost point of Vietnam, and arrive in Dong Van. The day ends in Meo Vac, known for its stunning mountain passes.

  • Day 3: Head back to Ha Giang through the scenic Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of the most breathtaking roads in the world.


For a full Ha Giang Loop itinerary, click here: Bong Hostel Ha Giang Loop Tour: Complete Itinerary.

Sun shining on a hidden valley

Tour Inclusions


  • Semi-automatic motorbike (110cc) with gas

  • Local guide and all accommodation (dorm in homestays)

  • Meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners)

  • Ha Giang permit and sightseeing tickets


What Sets Bong Hostel’s Ha Giang Loop Tour Apart?


  • Small group sizes for a more personal experience.

  • English-speaking guides who are local experts.

  • Comfortable homestay accommodations, allowing you to connect with local families.

  • Safety gear and motorbike lessons for those new to riding.


The Ha Giang Loop offers an adrenaline-pumping ride, but what if you want more than just the Ha Giang Loop?


Well we’re here to tell you that there’s plenty more waiting for you beyond this epic road trip! And we will even help you see it!


A group of people listening to the Ha Giang Loop tour briefing

Beyond the Ha Giang Loop: Sapa Trekking Tours


Beyond the Ha Giang Loop, Sapa offers an entirely different adventure. Known for its terraced rice fields, lush valleys, and indigenous hill tribes, Sapa is a must-visit destination in northern Vietnam


Bong Hostel offers a variety of trekking options to suit different levels of experience:


Full-Day Sapa Trek


  • Distance: 12 km

  • Price: 950,000 VND


Trek through mountain villages, interact with locals, and admire the stunning landscapes in just one day. Perfect for travelers short on time.



People trekking

2 Days, 1 Night Sapa Trek


  • Distance: 22 km

  • Price: 1,650,000 VND


Spend two days trekking through remote villages, and spend a night in a homestay with a local family. This tour provides a more immersive experience into the daily life of the ethnic minority groups.


3 Days, 2 Nights Sapa Trek


  • Distance: 34 km

  • Price: 2,400,000 VND


The ultimate trekking adventure, covering more distance and staying two nights in a local homestay


This trek is ideal for those who want to explore Sapa in depth, with a challenging final day of trekking through bamboo forests and waterfalls.



Rice paddy with water and blue sky

Beyond the Ha Giang Loop: Bong Hostel Cruises


Vietnam is famous for its stunning coastline, and Ha Long Bay, with its thousands of limestone islands, is an absolute highlight. As is the less touristy option of the nearby Lan Ha Bay, which surrounds Cat Ba Island.


Bong Hostel offers several cruise options to help you explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site:


Ha Long Bay Full-Day Tour


  • Price: 950,000 VND


Ideal for travelers with limited time, this tour packs in all the highlights in one day, including kayaking through the emerald waters, visiting caves, and enjoying a fresh seafood lunch on board.


Ha Long Bay: 2 Days, 1 Night Cruises


  • Standard 2-star cruise: 2,900,000 VND

  • Party cruise: 3,300,000 VND

  • Crown Legend 4-star cruise: 3,900,000 VND


These overnight cruises let you fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Ha Long Bay. Sleep under the stars, explore hidden lagoons, and enjoy some downtime on the deck. 


The party cruise is perfect for social travelers, while the 4-star options offer a more relaxed, luxurious experience.


Cruise ship on the water

Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island Cruises


  • Lan Ha Bay Full-Day Tour: 1,300,000 VND

  • 2 Days, 1 Night Cat Ba Cruise: 3,200,000 VND

  • Amanda 5-star Cruise: 4,200,000 VND


Lan Ha Bay, often considered a more tranquil alternative to Ha Long Bay, is just as stunning but with fewer tourists. These tours also take you to Cat Ba Island, where you can enjoy kayaking, trekking, and exploring secluded beaches.


For travelers looking for something extra, the 3 Days, 2 Nights Le Journey and Hera Classic Boutique Cruises are the perfect way to extend your adventure. Prices start from 6,300,000 VND for an all-inclusive experience.


Can’t decide between Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay? Click here: Exploring Lan Ha Bay: And Why It Might be Better Than Ha Long Bay.

Cruise ship room, with a view of the water from the window

Beyond the Ha Giang Loop: Day Trips to Ninh Binh 


Often called the "Ha Long Bay on land," Ninh Binh is a breathtaking region filled with limestone karsts, ancient temples, and lush rice fields. 


Bong Hostel offers two main day trips to Ninh Binh:


Full-Day Tour by Bus


  • Price: 950,000 VND


Visit key landmarks like Tam Coc, Hoa Lu, and Mua Cave, where you can climb over 500 steps to witness a panoramic view of the region. 


The tour includes a buffet lunch, transportation, and an English-speaking guide.



Famous movie landmark in Ninh Binh

Full-Day Tour by Motorbike


  • Price: 1,800,000 VND (self-riding), 2,100,000 VND (easy-rider)


For a more adventurous option, explore Ninh Binh by motorbike. Ride through Trang An, Mua Cave, and Hoa Lu, with the option to have an easy-rider guide to take you around.


For those who want to extend their visit, the Ninh Binh 2 Days, 1 Night Tour (3,600,000 VND) includes a night in a local homestay and more time to explore sites like Bai Dinh Pagoda and Trang An Grottoes.



Motorbikes and people taking photos

Beyond the Ha Giang Loop: Discovering Hanoi


Hanoi, Vietnam's vibrant capital, is the starting point for many Bong Hostel tours. But the city itself has so much to offer, and Bong Hostel’s day tours provide a deep dive into its culture, food, and history.



Hanoi Street Food Tour


  • Price: 750,000 VND (group tour), 1,300,000 VND (private tour)


Discover the best of Hanoi's street food in a 3-hour guided tour. Sample dishes like phở, bánh mì, and egg coffee as you weave through the bustling Old Quarter. 


For those looking for a more private experience, the private tour option allows for a more tailored adventure.


Discover the types of dishes you’ll be sampling here: 31 Local Dishes to Try in North Vietnam.

People eating food on tables in a busy street with train tracks running through

Hanoi City Motorbike Tour


  • Price: 1,350,000 VND (group tour), 1,250,000 VND (private tour)


If you want to go beyond the Ha Giang Loop, but you don’t want to leave the motorbike behind, then this is the tour for you! 


Hop on a motorbike and discover the landmarks of Hanoi, from the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake to the French-inspired Opera House. 


Your guide will take you on an exciting ride through the city’s narrow streets, with stops for photos and food along the way.




A street lined with motorbikes and a cafe

Hanoi City Biking Tour


  • Price: 1,450,000 VND (private tour)


For a slower pace, explore Hanoi on a bicycle. This half-day tour includes stops at Bat Trang Ceramic Village and other cultural landmarks, giving you a chance to experience local life at your own pace.



Bong Hanoi Hostel workers posing outside

Comprehensive 10-Day Vietnam Adventure


If you’re short on time but still want to experience everything Vietnam has to offer, Bong Hostel provides a 10-day comprehensive tour that covers it all:


  1. Day 1-2: Explore Hanoi with a street food tour and free time in the Old Quarter.

  2. Day 3: Head to Ninh Binh for a full day of sightseeing before boarding an overnight bus to Sapa.

  3. Day 4-5: Trekking in Sapa, including a homestay experience with local villagers.

  4. Day 6-8: The Ha Giang Loop motorbike tour.

  5. Day 9-10: Relax on a luxurious Ha Long Bay cruise before returning to Hanoi.


This all-inclusive package ensures you can experience the best of northern Vietnam without the stress of planning.



Bong Hostel guests posing for a picture in the middle of the road

Why Choose Bong Hostel for Your Northern Vietnam Adventure?


Bong Hostel is more than just a place to rest your head—we’re your gateway to authentic and unforgettable experiences in Vietnam. 


Our team of local experts is passionate about showcasing the best of Northern Vietnam, from the thrill of motorbiking through Ha Giang to the serenity of cruising Ha Long Bay


With our wide range of tours, you can choose the perfect adventure to suit your style, whether you're an adrenaline junkie or a culture lover.


Plus, when you book with Bong Hostel, you're not just signing up for a tour—you’re becoming part of a community of like-minded travelers who are as excited about exploring Vietnam as you are.


So, if you're ready to go beyond the Ha Giang Loop and discover the full magic of Northern Vietnam, let Bong Hostel be your guide to the next adventure.


Reach out to us today to learn more or secure your spot on one of our exciting tours!


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