Tet in Vietnam is a time of family, feasts, and fun—but for travelers, it can also mean unexpected transport hiccups, business closures, and other less than ideal circumstances.
If you're itching to hop on a motorbike and tackle the legendary Ha Giang Loop after the Tet festivities, you're probably wondering: when do buses start running to Ha Giang again?
Good news! Bong Hostel’s buses resume on February 1st, 2025, and we're here to make sure you know exactly how to get to Ha Giang after Tet. Read on for all the details!
What is Tet? The Year of the Snake
Tet, officially Tết Nguyên Đán, is Vietnam’s Lunar New Year celebration—think Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Eve all rolled into one giant holiday. It's a time for family reunions, spiritual traditions, and sweeping out bad luck while making way for new beginnings.
In 2025, Tet falls on January 29th, marking the beginning of the Year of the Snake. During Tet, businesses shut down, cities empty as people return to their hometowns, and travel slows to a crawl—until everything bursts back to life in February!
Getting to Ha Giang by Bus After Tet: The Stress-Free Way
It won’t matter if you’re coming straight from Hanoi Old Quarter or arriving at Noi Bai Airport, there are plenty of bus options to get you to Ha Giang.
If you book with Bong Hostel, we’ll sort everything for you—so all you have to do is sit back, relax, and get excited for your Ha Giang Loop adventure.
Bus Duration: How Long Do Buses Take to Reach Ha Giang?
From Noi Bai International Airport: Around 7 hours
From Hanoi Old Quarter: Roughly 8 hours
From Sapa: 6 – 7 Hours
Ninh Binh to Ha Giang: 8 – 9 hours
Cat Ba to Ha Giang: 9 – 10 hours (includes a ferry transfer)
Ha Long Bay to Ha Giang: 7 – 8 hours
The journey might be long, but don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to make it comfortable.
Choosing the Right Bus: Sleeper, Limousine, or VIP Cabin?
Not all buses are created equal! Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options:
Sleeper Bus: Affordable and comfortable, with bed-style seats so you can lie down and rest.
Limousine Bus: A more luxurious ride with extra legroom, USB charging ports, and fewer passengers.
VIP Cabin Bus: The ultimate choice for privacy, featuring individual cabins with beds and curtains.
Do Buses Stop for Food and Bathroom Breaks?
Yes! Expect at least one major stop at a restaurant where you can grab a meal and stretch your legs. No need to bring extra shoes—slippers are provided at rest stops.
Surviving (and Thriving) on a Bus to Ha Giang After Tet
Want to wake up in Ha Giang feeling refreshed? Pack these essentials:
✔ Travel pillow & blanket.
✔ Snacks & a water bottle.
✔ Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones.
✔ A power bank (because those onboard USB ports don’t always work)!
Here are a few extra travel tips for getting the bus to Ha Giang:
1. The Art of Seat Selection: Avoid the Back Row!
Whatever you do, avoid the back row of a sleeper bus—it’s right above the engine, meaning it gets hot.
If you suffer from motion sickness, sit near the front. And if the driver tries to assign you a bad seat, just mime vomiting—they’ll get the message!
2. Booking Your Bus: Do It Early!
Ha Giang is extremely popular, especially post-Tet. To avoid last-minute stress, book your bus through Bong Hostel in advance.
Not only do we arrange your ticket, but we also guarantee that you’ll be dropped off right at our Ha Giang hostel’s doorstep—unlike other services that might leave you stranded at 2:00 AM.
3. Bonus Tip: Don’t Rely on WiFi!
Many buses advertise onboard WiFi, but let’s be honest—it’s hit or miss. If you need to stay connected, get a local SIM card before your trip (we recommend Vina or Viettel).
What’s Waiting for You in Ha Giang?
A Ha Giang Loop tour with Bong Hostel of course!
Sure, you could try to do the Ha Giang Loop solo—get lost a few times, maybe accidentally ride into a rice paddy, and struggle to find the best spots on your own.
Or… you could just join Bong Hostel’s legendary Ha Giang Loop tour and do it right.
Why Ride the Ha Giang Loop with Bong Hostel?
Here’s why rolling with us is the best decision you’ll make:
1. No Stress, Just Adventure
We handle everything. Bikes, accommodations, food stops, and epic routes? Sorted. All you have to do is show up and ride.
2. Easy Riders for the Win
Not super confident on a motorbike? No worries. Our Easy Riders (local guides who know these roads like the back of their hand) will take you on the ride of your life.
3. The Best Routes, Guaranteed
We don’t just stick to the main roads; we take the secret routes with the most breathtaking views and hidden gems like misty mountain passes, tiny villages, and secluded lakes.
4. Party When You Want, Chill When You Don’t
Nights on the loop with Bong Hostel are what you make them! If you want a wild night of karaoke and happy water, we got you. If you’d rather relax under the stars and soak in the mountain silence, that’s cool too.
5. Food, Glorious Food
Our restaurant stops and homestays all serve delicious local dishes. There’s noodles, morning glory, steaming hot bowls of pho, crispy spring rolls, and grilled meats fresh off the fire, you’ll never go hungry.
6. Instant Travel Family
Ride with a crew of backpackers who are just as stoked as you are. By the end of the loop, you’ll have inside jokes, unforgettable memories, and friends for life.
Why February is a Good Time to Do the Ha Giang Loop
Once Tet is over, the Ha Giang province will come buzzing back to life. Here’s why February might just be the best time to do the Ha Giang Loop:
1. Everything Is Open Again!
From street food stalls to hostels, everything that shut down for Tet reopens in February. You’ll have no problem finding food, fuel, and a comfy bed after a long ride.
2. The Tet Glow is Still in the Air
Vietnamese people love Tet, and the festive spirit lingers well into February. You might still see Tet decorations, lion dances, and lucky money exchanges.
3. New Year, New Adventures!
Starting the Year of the Snake with an adventure in Vietnam’s most scenic region? Sounds like good luck to us!
4. Perfect Riding Weather
February in Ha Giang is cool, crisp, and mostly dry. No more sticky heat or monsoon rains—just open roads and stunning views.
Related article: Ha Giang Loop Weather: February to March.
5. Post-Tet Energy Boost
After a week of downtime, locals are refreshed and excited to welcome travelers again. It’s the best time to experience Ha Giang’s famous hospitality.
6. Blossoms, Markets, and Festivals
Peach and plum blossoms are still showing off their colors.
The famous Sky Path looks even better under a blue February sky.
Local markets are lively again, stocked with Tet treats and handmade crafts.
When are Buses Running to Ha Giang After Tet 2025?
After a brief Tet hiatus, buses to Ha Giang start running again from February 1st.
And if you’re wondering how to book a bus to Ha Giang for the Ha Giang Loop, don’t worry—you can book your bus to Ha Giang online through Bong Hostel for destinations across North Vietnam.
Here’s your post-Tet bus schedule to Ha Giang:
Bus Departures on February 1st, 2025:
Hanoi – Ha Giang: 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM
Sapa – Ha Giang: 9:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM
Cat Ba – Ha Giang: 3:30 PM
Ninh Binh – Ha Giang: 5:45 PM, 6:45 PM
Ha Long Bay – Ha Giang: 5:30 PM
After Tet, tickets sell out fast, so if you're planning your Ha Giang adventure, book early!
Our Thoughts on Doing the Loop After Tet
If you’re planning to do the Ha Giang Loop after Tet, February 1st is your go-date! Bong Hostel’s buses are back in action, the weather is prime, and Ha Giang is waiting to welcome you with open roads, breathtaking views, and endless adventure.
Book your bus now, pack your bags, and let's ride into the Year of the Snake with a bang!
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