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Writer's pictureFaye Hilling

How to Get to Ha Giang from Hanoi, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, and Cat Ba Island

Updated: Jul 17

So, you’ve booked the Ha Giang Loop tour with Bong Hostel—congrats, you’re about to have the best time of your life—and now there’s just one problem… How to get to Ha Giang. 


At Bong Hostel, we understand that figuring out transportation in a new country can be overwhelming. It's literally the last thing you want to do and yet it's one of the most important things too. And that is why we have created another trusty Bong Hostel Survival Guide to simplify your journey to Ha Giang


We’ll break down all the best ways to get there, including limousine buses, sleeper buses, and cabin buses, along with essential travel times and tips from wherever you are in North Vietnam. 

So sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the most efficient and comfortable routes to Ha Giang, ensuring your Ha Giang Loop adventure starts off on the right foot!


How to get to Ha Giang from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, and Cat Ba Island

Types of Transport to Ha Giang


Sleeper Bus to Ha Giang


Description: Sleeper buses are a popular and affordable option for travelling from Hanoi to Ha Giang. These buses are equipped with bed-style seats that allow passengers to lie down and rest during the journey.


Cost: Around 250,000 – 550,000 VND per person (depending on departure destination).


Departure Times: Buses typically depart in the evening, allowing you to arrive in Ha Giang early in the morning. People often choose this so they can make better use of their time. If they arrive at 02:00 am they can then get some sleep in the dorm before beginning the loop around 09:30 am.


Bed Numbers: There are 44 beds in a regular sleeper bus


Limousine Bus to Ha Giang


Description: Limousine buses offer a quicker, more luxurious, and comfortable ride compared to sleeper buses. They have fewer seats, more legroom, and additional amenities such as USB charging ports.


Cost: Around 400,000 VND per person.


Departure Times: These buses often have multiple departure times throughout the day. But note that they don't run to Ha Giang from every location in North Vietnam.


Seat Numbers: There are between 12 and 20 seats in a Limousine Bus


VIP Cabin Bus to Ha Giang


Description: Cabin buses provide private cabins with a bed, offering a high level of comfort and privacy. This is an excellent option for travelers who want to try and get some sleep during the journey. 


Cost: Around 350,000 — 450,000 VND per person.


Departure Times: These buses often have multiple departure times throughout the day.


Seat Numbers: There are 24 single cabins, equipped with curtains and WIFI.


Please note: When you step onto any of these modes of transport you will be required to remove your shoes and put them in a plastic bag, which the driver provides!


Contact Bong Hostel to secure your bus tickets in advance.


How to get to Ha Giang from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, and Cat Ba Island
Inside the VIP Cabin Bus

Do the Buses Stop on the Way to Ha Giang?


Yes the buses make 1 or more stops on the route to Ha Giang, depending on how long the journey is. 


When the bus stops (usually half way) it will do so at a restaurant so that you can buy a meal or some snacks and water


At these stops you do not need your shoes, slippers are provided!


How to Get to Ha Giang from Hanoi


This is one of the most common routes to Ha Giang. If you book through us we can either arrange for you to get picked up from the airport, or at our Bong Hanoi Hostel in Hanoi Old Quarter. 


And don’t worry, if you aren’t staying at our hostel you can still book your bus with us; we just think you should stay for your sake. We do have the friendliest hostel staff in the whole of Hanoi after all!


Read more about Bong Hanoi Hostel here: Bông Hostel Hanoi: Your Home Away From Home in Vietnam.


How to get to Ha Giang from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, and Cat Ba Island
Bong Hanoi Hostel

How Long Does it Take to Get to Ha Giang from Hanoi?


It takes around 7 hours to travel to Ha Giang from Noi Bai International Airport and around 8 hours from My Dinh bus station. However, please remember you’re in Vietnam… There may be some delays. But you will always get here, even if it takes a little longer sometimes!


What are the Bus Times from Hanoi to Ha Giang?


The buses depart each day as follows:


Sleeper bus: 09:00 AM | 07:00 PM 

Limousine: 06:00 AM | 03:00 PM

VIP Cabin bus: 09:00 AM | 11:00 AM | 07:30 PM


How Much is the Bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang?


The bus prices are as follows:


Sleeper bus: 300,000 VND per person 

Limousine: 400,000 VND per person

VIP Cabin bus: 400,000 VND per person


How to get to Ha Giang from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, and Cat Ba Island

Bong Hostel Tour Options in Hanoi


While you’re in one of our favorite cities in Vietnam, why not book a tour? Bong Hostel arranges the following city tours from our Bong Hanoi Hostel:



Duration: 3 hours, includes English guide, 5-8 dishes & drinks.

Start Times: 10:30 AM / 10:45 AM, 05:10 PM / 05:25 PM

Price: 750,000 VND per person  (1–2 people), 600,000 VND per person (3–5 people)

Tour Type: Walking group tour



Duration: 3 hours, includes English guide, 5-8 dishes & drinks.

Start Times: 10:30 AM / 10:45 AM, 05:10 PM / 05:25 PM

Price: 1,300,000 VND per person (1–2 people), 1,200,000 VND per person (3-5 people)

Tour Type: 



Duration: 4 hours, includes English guide, bike, driver, 1 meal.

Price: 1,350,000 VND per person (1–2 people), 1,250,000 VND per person (3–5 people)

Tour Type: Motorbike private tour



Duration: 4 hours, includes English guide, bicycle, 1 meal, entrance fee.

Price: 1,450,000 VND per person (1–2 people), 1,250,000 VND per person (2–5 people)

Tour Type: Private tour



Duration: 4 hours, includes English guide, bicycle, 1 meal, entrance fee.

Price: 1,350,000 VND per person (1–2 people), 1,250,000 VND per person (2–5 people)

Tour Type: Private tour


All tours include pick up from Bong Hanoi Hostel. 




How to get to Ha Giang from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, and Cat Ba Island
Embark on a Hanoi City Tour with Bong Hostel

How to Get to Ha Giang from Sapa


So you were convinced by our “5 Reasons Why You Should Go Trekking in Sapa” blog and now you’re in the beautiful mountainous region of Sapa.


You’ve spent days trekking through rice terraces, interacting with locals, and generally having the time of your life. And now you’re heading off to Ha Giang; time to put your feet up for a few days—literally—and hop on the back of one of our trusty Bong Hostel motorbikes.


Did you know Bong Hostel runs a combo tour that actually combines your Ha Giang Loop and Sapa trekking experiences? Read more about it here: Combo Ha Giang Loop & Sapa Trekking | Bong Ha Giang hostel 


How to get to Ha Giang from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, and Cat Ba Island

How Long Does it Take to Get to Ha Giang from Sapa?


It takes around 7 hours to travel to Ha Giang from Sapa. Due to the mountainous regions of both Sapa and Ha Giang this bus route has a lot of winding roads. If you usually get travel sickness and experience nausea, we recommend preparing for this trip in advance with some travel sickness wrist bands, medication, and some precautionary sick bags. Let’s hope you won’t need them!


What are the Bus Times from Sapa to Ha Giang?


The buses depart each day as follows:


Sleeper bus: 09:00 AM | 07:00 PM 

Limousine: 04:00 PM


How Much is the Bus from Sapa to Ha Giang?


The bus prices are as follows:


Sleeper bus: 350,000 VND per person 

Limousine: 350,000 VND per person


How to get to Ha Giang from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, and Cat Ba Island
VIP Cabin Bus from Sapa to Ha Giang

Bong Hostel Tour Options in Sapa


Bong Hostel arranges the following trekking tours in Sapa:



Duration: Full day trekking through mountain villages  

Distance: 12 km  

Price: 950,000 VND per person

Tour Type: Group trekking tour  



Duration: 2 days, includes one night stay in a homestay in the village  

Distance: 22 km  

Price: 1,650,000 VND per person

Tour Type: Group trekking tour with homestay  



Duration: 3 days, includes two nights stay in a homestay in the village  

Distance: 34 km  

Price: 2,500,000 VND per person

Tour Type: Group trekking tour with homestay  



For more information on your trekking tour click here: Bông Hostel Survival Guide: What to Pack for Your Trekking Tour in Sapa


How to get to Ha Giang from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, and Cat Ba Island
Our Partner Hostel in Sapa

How to Get to Ha Giang from Ninh Binh


After soaking in the beauty of the Tam Coc and Trang An river caves, exploring the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, and huffing and puffing your way up the Mua Cave steps, we imagine you’re ready to move on to your next adventure. So let’s go!


How Long Does it Take to Get to Ha Giang from Ninh Binh?


This is a long ol’ bus journey taking around 10 to 11 hours to get to Ha Giang from Ninh Binh. Make sure you’ve got plenty of downloaded entertainment, snacks, water, and try to get some sleep! We love our ear plugs, eye masks, and always chuck a comfy hoodie on for good measure!


What are the Bus Times from Ninh Binh to Ha Giang?


The buses depart each day as follows:


Sleeper bus: 06:00 PM 

VIP Cabin bus: 07:00 PM


How Much is the Bus from Ninh Binh to Ha Giang?


The bus prices are as follows:


Sleeper bus: 350,000 VND per person 

VIP Cabin bus: 450,000 VND per person


How to get to Ha Giang from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, and Cat Ba Island
Mua Cave Steps in Ninh Binh

Bong Hostel Tour Options in Ninh Binh


Bong Hostel arranges the following tours to Ninh Binh:



Itinerary: Tam Coc – Hoa Lu – Mua Cave

Pick Up: Bong Hanoi Hostel

Price: 950,000 VND per person

Tour Type: Group bus tour



Itinerary: Trang An – Mua Cave – Hoa Lu

Pick Up: Bong Hanoi Hostel

Price: 1,800,000 VND per person (self-riding), 2,100,000 VND per person (Easy-rider)

Tour Type: Group motorbike tour



Itinerary: Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Bai Đinh – Trang An

Duration: 2 days, includes one night stay in a homestay in the village

Price: 3,600,000 VND per person

Tour Type: Group tour with homestay



How to get to Ha Giang from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, and Cat Ba Island
Book a Day Trip to Ninh Binh with Bong Hostel

How to Get to Ha Giang from Ha Long Bay


Ah, Ha Long Bay—where the emerald waters meet towering limestone karsts in a scene straight out of a postcard. Whether you’ve been living it up on a party cruise, exploring hidden caves, or having some downtime on the beach, you’ve definitely experienced some of the best scenes that Northern Vietnam has to offer. Now it’s time to move on to your next adventure. 


How Long Does it Take to Get to Ha Giang from Ha Long Bay?


It takes between 9 and 10 hours to make the journey from Ha Long Bay to Ha Giang. Before it gets dark, keep your eyes peeled for a lovely sunset and incredible scenery.


What are the Bus Times from Ha Long Bay to Ha Giang?


The buses depart each day as follows:


Sleeper bus: 05:30 PM 


How Much is the Bus from Ha Long Bay to Ha Giang?


The bus prices are as follows:


Sleeper bus: 400,000 VND per person 


How to get to Ha Giang from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, and Cat Ba Island

Bong Hostel Tour Options in Ha Long Bay


Bong Hostel arranges the following cruises in Ha Long Bay:



Description: For travelers with limited time, a day trip promises a remarkable adventure through the stunning seascapes of Ha Long Bay.

Price: 950,000 VND per person

Tour Type: Full day cruise



Description: 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.

Price: 2,900,000 VND per person

Tour Type: Overnight cruise



Description: Relax on the deck of your boat, soak in the panoramic views, and explore hidden caves and grottoes that add an air of mystery to the bay.

Price: 3,300,000 VND per person

Tour Type: Overnight party cruise



How to get to Ha Giang from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, and Cat Ba Island

How to Get to Ha Giang from Cat Ba Island


After days of kayaking, trekking, and exploring the hidden gems of Lan Ha Bay—did you see any Cat Ba Langurs?—you might be wondering how to continue your adventure in Northern Vietnam. Fear not, because Bong Hostel has all the transport options you need to get from Cat Ba Island to Ha Giang!


How Long Does it Take to Get to Ha Giang from Cat Ba Island?


At first you have to take a smaller bus from your destination on Cat Ba Island to Haiphong port. This takes around 1 hour, including the ferry journey. Then it takes between 10 and 12 hours to get to Ha Giang from here. 


What are the Bus Times from Cat Ba Island to Ha Giang?


The buses depart each day as follows:


Sleeper bus: 03:30 PM 


How Much is the Bus from Cat Ba Island to Ha Giang?


The bus prices are as follows:


Sleeper bus: 550,000 VND per person (includes ferry ticket)


How to get to Ha Giang from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, and Cat Ba Island
Sleeper Bus from Cat Ba Island to Ha Giang

Bong Hostel Tour Options on Cat Ba Island


Bong Hostel arranges the following cruises in Lan Ha Bay and on Cat Ba Island:



Description: Travelers to Lan Ha Bay can enjoy kayaking, swimming, and exploring the many secluded beaches and caves dotting the coastline.

Price: 1,300,000 VND per person

Tour Type: Full day cruise



Description: Cat Ba Island is characterized by its rugged limestone cliffs, dense forests, and scenic coastline. The island offers breathtaking views of the surrounding emerald waters of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay.

Price: 3,100,000 VND per person

Tour Type: Overnight 2 star cruise



Description: The island offers a range of outdoor activities for adventure enthusiasts. These include kayaking, trekking, cycling, and boat tours to nearby attractions - Lan Ha Bay.

Price: 5,500,000 VND per person

Tour Type: Multi-day 2 star cruise



For more information about things to do on Cat Ba Island click here: Top Things to Do on Cat Ba Island.


How to get to Ha Giang from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, and Cat Ba Island
Paddleboard in Lan Ha Bay with Bôog Hostel

Tips for a Smooth Journey to Ha Giang


Book in Advance: During peak seasons, transportation options can fill up quickly. It’s advisable to book your bus tickets in advance through Bong Hostel to secure your spot.


Pack Accordingly: Prepare for your journey by packing snacks, water, and any other essentials you might need during the trip. These buses often provide blankets and pillows, but bringing your own can add extra comfort.


Stay Connected: Ensure your phone is fully charged and consider carrying a power bank. Having a local SIM card with data can help you navigate, stay in touch with your accommodation, and access travel information. You can buy one of these from Bong Hostel and we will even set it up and later help top it up for you too!


Travel Light: While you may have the option to store larger luggage on the bus or car, travelling with a smaller, more manageable bag will always make your journey more comfortable.


Stay Informed: Check the latest travel updates and road conditions before you depart. Weather and traffic can sometimes affect travel times especially in the off-season and especially in the North, so it’s good to stay informed.


If you are worried about the weather in Ha Giang during your loop tour, click here: Rain or Shine: Your Guide to Ha Giang Loop Weather


How to get to Ha Giang from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, and Cat Ba Island
Limousine Bus to Ha Giang

Our Thoughts on How to Get to Ha Giang


By following our Bong Hostel Survival Guide: how to get to Ha Giang edition, and choosing the transport options that best suit your needs, you’ll be well-prepared for an enjoyable journey to Ha Giang


Don’t forget to explore the various tours offered by Bong Hostel in Hanoi, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, and Cat Ba Island and most importantly: safe travels and happy exploring!


How to get to Ha Giang from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, and Cat Ba Island

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