Is the Ha Giang loop considered dangerous to drive by motorbike?
The Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam is known for its stunning scenery and challenging roads, attracting many adventurous travellers who wish to explore the region by motorbike. While it offers a thrilling and unforgettable experience, it's important to note that the Ha Giang Loop can be considered dangerous due to several factors:
1. Challenging road conditions: The roads in the Ha Giang region are often narrow, winding, and steep, with many sharp turns and blind corners. Some sections of the route can be unpaved or poorly maintained, making them more difficult to navigate, especially during adverse weather conditions.
2. Limited infrastructure: The Ha Giang Loop is a remote and mountainous area with limited infrastructure, including scarce access to medical facilities, gas stations, and accommodations. In case of an emergency or breakdown, assistance may not be readily available.
3. Inexperienced riders: Many travellers are attracted to the Ha Giang Loop without prior experience in riding a motorbike, especially on challenging terrains. Lack of experience can increase the risk of accidents and injuries. We have several years of experience in driving scooters (in Asia) and big motorbikes (in Europe). We know some drive the Ha Giang loop without a motorbike license and please be aware that it’s NOT legal and that the police do stop tourists to check for a (valid) license.
We fixed an international motorcycle license in Sweden before we went to Vietnam.
4. Traffic and local driving habits: The road conditions are not the only concern. Vietnam, in general, has a different traffic culture compared to some other countries. Traffic can be chaotic, with a mix of vehicles, including large trucks and buses, sharing the road. Local driving habits and overtaking may also differ from what riders are accustomed to, requiring extra caution and awareness.
We met a lot of children and animals (big buffalos, cows, sheep etc) on the roads. We were also told (and experienced) that in Vietnam you drive by using your hearing more than “seeing”. When you want to pass someone you alert people by honking the horn. Big trucks, cars and busses, as well as other motorcyclists, will honk ALL the time. If you hear a loud horn before a sharp curve around the mountain it’s advised to slow down or even stop as a big truck might be coming around the corner.
Given these factors, it is important to assess your riding skills, experience, and comfort level before embarking on the Ha Giang Loop. If you do decide to take on the challenge, make sure to prioritise safety by wearing appropriate safety gear, maintaining a controlled speed, and being cautious of the road conditions and traffic around you.
Additionally, you may want to consider joining a guided tour or traveling in a group, as they can provide additional support and assistance throughout the journey.
On a more personal note: We would not join a BIG guided tour for several reasons: there are a lot of young people going on these tours and sometimes there is a lot of drinking alcohol (even the tour guides drink) and this might not always be the safest and smartest thing when going on the Ha Giang Loop. Also, if you’re not into partying and loud karaoke - you better check out other alternatives. If you cannot drive by yourself we would recommend to do some research and explore options of going in smaller groups with an experienced private guide. Personally we found the big groups that went with an “easy rider” very annoying! Yes, it could be because we’re a wee bit older these days - or that we actually prefer to enjoy the silence and beautiful nature and epic scenery in this “once in a lifetime adventure” instead of hearing (and seeing) touristic party groups and hungover teenagers 🫣. (sorry, we know there are exceptions - but we talk from personal experience).
Please let us know your experience if you have ever been at the Ha Giang Loop - or are you planning to go?
/Anneli & Jeannette - SeenbyVeen
