How to get from Hanoi to Ha Giang
The journey from Hanoi to Ha Giang is as beautiful as the destination, and Ha Giang is home to some of the most amazing landscapes in Vietnam. There are not too many travellers going to this side of northern Vietnam but it’s gradually becoming more well-known.
Ha Giang offers a beautiful green scenery close to the Chinese border. The town is characterized by winding roads, limestone mountains, and lush hills. If you want to reach Heaven’s Gate, Ha Giang is the place to be.
2 ways to get from Hanoi to Ha Giang
When travelling the 300 km distance from Hanoi to Ha Giang, you have 2 options: you can either take a bus with fares from 277,000 VND ($11.50) or a van with rates from 370,000 VND ($15.50). Travel time is 5.5 to 6 hours.
The bus is the cheapest way to get from Hanoi to Ha Giang with ticket prices from 277,000 VND ($11.50). There are several types of buses available depending on your budget and preferred level of comfort. Buses depart both in the morning and at night.
The limo van is a more luxurious option when travelling from Hanoi to Ha Giang. Limo vans are generally more spacious and comfortable than buses. Some also offer free hotel pick-up and/or drop-off. Rates start from 370,000 VND ($15.50).
TIP: If you rather book an organised tour, I recommend having a look at this 3D2N Ha Giang motorbike tour. During three days you will get to see all the highlights of the Ha Giang Loop thanks to an amazing local guide!
Itinerary from Hanoi to Ha Giang
Hanoi to Ha Giang by Bus
There are several companies operating buses from Hanoi to Ha Giang. Most of them receive decent reviews, so you don’t have to worry too much about which company to pick.
We think you should be more concerned about what bus type to take. There are different kinds of buses available:
- Sleeping Bus: The most basic, these usually come with sleeper bunks, blankets, as well as food & drinks. Rates start from 277,000 VND ($11.50).
- VIP Cabin Bus: An upgrade to the sleeping bus, this comes with cabin-type bunks with curtains that you can close for privacy. Fares are from 396,000 VND ($16.50).
- Limo Bus: Airconditioned buses with reclining seats – an alternative if you don’t want sleeper bunks. Prices start from 344,000 VND ($14.50).
- Luxury Bus: Spacious buses with plush reclining seats, complete with blankets, food & drinks, and charging ports. You can get a seat for 401,000 VND ($17).
The bus ride from Hanoi to Ha Giang takes 5.5 to 7 hours.
Departure and arrival station
Most buses depart from My Dinh Bus Station, located 11 km west of Hanoi’s French Quarter. Most buses arrive at Ha Giang Bus Station, located within Ha Giang town centre.
However, depending on the bus company and the type of bus, there are varying departure and arrival points. Some even offer free hotel pick-up in Hanoi or drop-off in Ha Giang.
Make sure to book a bus with the most convenient departure and arrival points for you.
Bus Schedule from Hanoi to Ha Giang
Both day and night buses are available. Bear in mind that you will still need an accommodation if you travel in the night as you will arrive in Ha Giang very early in the morning.
If you’d like to see some pretty sites through the journey, we suggest booking a day time bus.
Hanoi to Ha Giang by Limo Van
For a few more bucks, you’ll get a more comfortable ride with a limo van from Hanoi to Ha Giang. Vans operating this route are generally more spacious and luxurious than the buses.
You can choose from 4 limo van companies. Truly Ha Giang and Good Morning Cat Ba are the most highly rated for this route. Other operators available are Group Tour Company and Quang Nghi.
Limo van fares from Hanoi to Ha Giang start from 370,000 VND ($15.50). Travel time is 5.5 to 6.5 hours.
Departure and arrival station
With the limo van, your departure and arrival stations will depend on your chosen van company.
Some offer free hotel pick-up and/or drop-off. Others depart and arrive at their respective offices in Hanoi and Ha Giang.
Do check your van’s departure and arrival stations beforehand so that there are no surprises on the day of your trip.
Van Schedule from Hanoi to Ha Giang
We recommend travelling with Truly Ha Giang. They not only have the cheapest rates, they also offer free pick-up and drop-off if your hotels are located in Hanoi Old Quarter and in Ha Giang city centre.
About the author(s)
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
