How to get from Hanoi to Ha Giang

Why visit 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.

There are 2 ways to travel the 300 kilometers (186 miles) from Hanoi to Ha Giang. You can choose between the bus and Limo van. The journey takes 4 hours 30 minutes to 8 hours 40 minutes and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 245,000 VND ($9.40).

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 245,000 VND ($9.40).
• 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 ($15.20).
• Limo Bus: Airconditioned buses with reclining seats – an alternative if you don’t want sleeper bunks. Prices start from 344,000 VND ($13.20).
• 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 ($15.40).

The bus ride from Hanoi to Ha Giang takes 4 hours 30 minutes to 8 hours 40 minutes.

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.

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 three 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 372,000 VND ($14.30). Travel time is around 5 hours 30 minutes to 7 hours.

Departure and arrival station

With the limo van, your departure and arrival stations will depend on your chosen van company.

Some companies like Truly Ha Giang and Good Morning Cat Ba 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.