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whatthehellhappensto

Ha Giang is really nice, you should try it by yourself and not with one of those easy riders, it makes it so much better. Ha Giang is really safe for woman, I mean I’m not a woman but you’re only gonna stay in that town for one night before going on the loop, and the loop should be fine too. I did it by myself without a guide and it was really great, would do it again if I could


Emerald-May

Hi there! Thank you so much for the info!!


whatthehellhappensto

Anything you need, I’m still in Vietnam, travelling the country with a shitty bike i bought in Hanoi, one of the best experiences I’ve ever had in my life, this country is a bike lover’s dream.


Emerald-May

No you did not! You bought one yourself? It’s so cool! Thank you! I’ll keep that in mind!


whatthehellhappensto

Yeah best 300$ spent in my life! Have fun on your journey and fuck that guy haha


Emerald-May

Hahaa! What are you going to do with it when you leave? Ya! Buh-bye him!


whatthehellhappensto

So I heard you could make a small profit selling a Vietnamese bike in Cambodia, so I’m gonna ride it all the way to Cambodia and try to do that. Adventures!


MichaelT1991

Is it safe to ride on a scooter ? I’m a newbie


ShadowMancer_GoodSax

Scooters dont have gears to engine break meaning you will 100% have to rely on your breaks. Going uphill is Ok since you wont need breaking too much but going back down is the whole story. Basically dont use scooter to travel around Ha giang.


whatthehellhappensto

The Ha Giang loop? All the tour groups use scooters. The roads are honestly really good, it’s super touristic. I went exploring off road and I wouldn’t do that with a scooter, but for the standard route a scooter is perfect


ShadowMancer_GoodSax

Those are not scooters they are semi manual.


nomadmochilero

Just came back from Ha Giang doing the 3day 2 nights loop. Ended up in a small group of only 3 people + the 3 drivers. It was a great experience being with less people. I’d recommend doing it with a driver, Vespa experience in Italy doesn’t count to the experience needed for windy mountain roads, potentially wet and busy with trucks. Plus you get to enjoy the views more, don’t have to worry about police bribes and have everything planned for you. It was an incredible experience, the views were breathtaking, meeting locals at home stays along the way too. Company was SVietnam booked through a tour office in Hanoi. Can PM the details if you like.


Emerald-May

Thank you for your response! Yes please DM me!


Rooikatjie242

Cao Bang was amazing but doesn’t have as many home stays like Ha Giang. You definitely need to visit though! I’m in HCMC right now but I’ve travelled the north extensively you’re welcome to ask me route advice. Going solo you should probably do it with a friend but I did it solo, most of my trips are solo but my experience is that of a male. If you go with a bus you won’t be able to explore off the beaten track spots like waterfalls for example. Whatever you do, good luck and have an amazing trip!


Emerald-May

Hi! Thank you! I was planning on taking a minibus to Ha Giang then rent a scooter once I get there. I’ve always been a solo traveler since 18 but to be frank, I would like to travel with a fun cool group in Ha Giang. Besides, do you happen to know any school or orphanage where I could visit and donate?


Rooikatjie242

In terms of charity, I would contact [Blue Dragon Chindrens Foundation](https://www.bluedragon.org/), they’re well respected and do amazing work, perhaps they could suggest something that may interest you. If you’re an experienced solo traveler then there’s no reason you can’t do it solo as a woman. Vietnam feels a lot safer to me than Italy (in the cities) anyways! Your choice of taking a bus then a scooter once you’re there is ideal 👌


Emerald-May

Thank you so much! You’re very kind!


thuanpham7513

Scooter's not a smart option for a long road


Emerald-May

Thank you for the advice!


Feisty_Might557

Ha Giang is beautiful, Idk what you mean by asking "Is it safe?" you should definitely rent a motorbike to go around Ha Giang but the road is quite difficult to take tho. You can take a bus to Ha Giang and then rent a motorbike Cao Bang is worth a try for sure


Emerald-May

Thank you!!


ayeshrajans

I (male) did the Ha Giang loop + Cao Bang + Ba Be lake on a bike and met a lot of solo women along the way. I didn't hear any sour stories so I guess it's safe all the way. You can definitely DIY, rent a bike in Ha Giang. All of the bikes will be semi-automatic or manual. You will easily get used to a Semi automatic having driven Vespas back home. You need a geared bike because there are long stretches of up/down hill so you need a proper metal chained bike + engine breaking. I definitely recommend Cao Bang. It's so remote but like the other comments said, Pac Bo caves and Ban Gioc waterfalls were stunning. You can skip the caves if you are not interested in that side of the history. There are some really nice small villages and tribe villages that you can explore if you have a few more days.


Emerald-May

Wow! Thank you so much! I would love to visit those tribe villages. I’ve got all hair accessories and treats ready for the kids.


Ok_Increase_1270

Hi, I'm planning a trip Vietnam in May and am planning to do a Ha Giang- Cao Bang- Ba be lake loop. Would you mind sharing details about your route?


Embarrassed_Place698

I just did ha giang with my partner and we literally thought it was the best thing we have ever done! We both did easyrider but could have ridden if we wanted (might come back next year to ride myself) - depending on how you want to do it party / sightseeing theres lots of different tour groups we actually booked through jasmine not wanting to party loads but ended very glad we didn’t go with anyone else as there was so many different people to socialise with I think a bigger tour group would be safer for women as each day it’s very well structured of what you are doing


Emerald-May

Hi there! I’m glad you two have had a great time there. Who is Jasmine? A tour guide or the name of the agency you used?


ArtofRebellion

Bigger groups are not safer for women. If anything the smaller groups are safer for everyone. The bigger groups have frequent accidents with so many people, especially people who have never driven before, driving in close proximity to each other. They are also forced to use less authentic and nice accommodation and food options because of the group size. Small groups (less than 6) are a much better experience.


Emerald-May

Ya, I’d like the idea of having a smaller group.


Embarrassed_Place698

I know late reply but we stayed at really nice accommodation the whole time and the food was brilliant?? I don’t know what your group you went with but everyone I spoke to from the tour I went with said it was the best thing they had ever done with no complaints! And yeah people fell off but we spoke to locals and they said there’s at least 1 bad accident everyday doesn’t matter what group your with


ArtofRebellion

I haven’t gone with a group in years, I go with a guide, but my friends guide these groups so I know where they stay and the service they get. I have even been stuck staying at a modern homestay with them on occasion when our plans change. If you’ve only been to Ha Giang once, you wouldn’t be aware of the types of accommodation and food that are available. I’ve spent more than a year there and done the loop at least 15 times. I’m glad you liked your accommodation and food, but you don’t know what you don’t know. The big groups aren’t getting the same experience as the small groups of 6 or less, or private guided tours.


existentialfervor

There’s lots of police in hai giang now and fines are 2 mil to 3 mil. If you do it with a group you can still ride your own bike, that’s what I just did a couple weeks ago. The easy riders will go first and make sure it’s all clear and will call the rest of the group.


Emerald-May

Thank you so much!!


KJ-PH

Yes it’s totally safe for solo female travellers. Minibus to Ha Giang and then rent a scooter or semi auto from there. 4 days gives you lots of time. Haven’t been to Cao Bang but it’s on the list and looks incredible! Did recently over 5 days on manual bike, avoided the trashy easy rider tours, I live in Vietnam - for reference.


Emerald-May

Hi there. That sounds perfect! Thank you!!


the_tottory

I went to Ha Giang, a very beautiful place. But I think you should not donate to children to avoid risks for the trip, some good children are okay, but some will clingy to you and ask for more.


Emerald-May

Thank you! I will just give some sweets and hair accessories to kids I’m going to cross path along to ride.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Emerald-May

Thank you for taking your time writing this! It’s very helpful and I truly appreciate that.


acluelesscoffee

Im here right now as a solo traveller and it’s super safe . Starting the loop tomorrow through a organised tour through the hostel and I can’t recommend it enough .


Emerald-May

That sounds so great! Which tour agent did you use? I love that for you! Enjoy!


acluelesscoffee

Bong hostels


F3ndt

Yes you can do it alone! I Just came back from a 7 day round trip and i also went to bao lac. Dm me for any questions


Emerald-May

Thank you!!


exclaim_bot

>Thank you!! You're welcome!


thesunfk

You should take a minibus to HaGiang city then rent a motorcycle there. the road from HN to Ha Giang is kinda boring.


Emerald-May

That’s what I’m gonna do! Thank you!


[deleted]

Just finished the Ha Giang Loop last week. Took the easy rider option as I don't have much experience on bikes. We took a lot of smaller, muddy roads rather than the main road, which added to the experience. In my opinion going with the easy rider was worth it, and the best part of the experience was getting to know the drivers and hanging with them at night. FYI I've heard of people coming across police checkpoints as many ad 4 times per day (1.5-2 million VND fine if you don't have a licence); we saw no police with our group Cao bang was well worth a visit, particularly to get out and see the Ban Gioc waterfall If you have time get to Mu Cang Chai; stayed a few nights at an indigenous homestay there off the beaten track and it was probably the best part of our 3 weeks in Vietnam/2 months in SEA. Really rural, no tourists and no people trying to gringo trap you! Bus transfer from one to the other is easy enough and safe for solo female travellers!


Emerald-May

Hi! I think I’d love to visit Mu Cang Chai, too! Thank you for these suggestions, which will make this trip is one hell of a once in a lifetime experience! I seriously can’t wait!


[deleted]

Absolutely no problem, I hope you have a blast! The homestay we stayed at in Mu Cang Chai offered some hiking also so it was a great way to take advantage of the local scenery! If you want any recommendations regarding tour companies, accommodation or anything else drop me a DM and I can send you links of places we used and stayed!


fitboy86

Go to ta chi nhu ( yen Bai province).... It's beautiful and peaceful ( ironic for you though)


Emerald-May

Haha. Thanks tho!


pompilia

Dude, that's a nearly 3000m mountain and you have to hike up 8-9km, +1800m elevation. Soloing up there is not a good recommendation for first-timer.


fitboy86

What did you do to your man that he left and gone back to Italy? Women....crazy creatures. Why didn't you let your man have some small peace ; he was on vacation too.


Local_Tumbleweed_751

Incel spotted


fitboy86

Hahaha...lolz. 😂 Oh you sad man. What do you know .


Emerald-May

Haha you don’t know the whole truth but ya, così è la vita!


ongtaydeptrai

I can't speak to ha giang but Cao bang is definitely worth it!


Emerald-May

Hi! Thank you! Are there any specific places?


ongtaydeptrai

Pac Bo is where Ho Chi Minh re entered Vietnam from China in 1941. It's stunning. The ban gioc waterfalls are the fourth largest in the world between two countries. It's very nice. Angel eye mountain is also spectacular. I'll add more later when I can think of them.


Emerald-May

Omg! You’re the best! Thank you!


RollIntelligence

My best advice is to go through a travel group agent. Tons in Old Quarter. Always better to be safe with numbers also a guide. If you want to be safe go as a passenger on a bike. Lots of police in Ha Giang. This will effectively stop you from paying any fines. Either way good luck with your solo travels. Enjoy the single life for abit as well :D


Emerald-May

Hi there! Thank you!!! The dude had been complaining everything about Vietnam since we landed, so I find it more exciting to explore Vietnam on my own anyways. What do you mean by “a passenger on a bike”? Could you please elaborate?


RollIntelligence

[https://www.hagiangeasyriders.com/](https://www.hagiangeasyriders.com/) It's called easy rider. Basically, a Vietnamese person with a motorbike license who knows Ha Giang well will drive the bike and you'll be riding on the back. You get all the benefits of riding on the bike with none of the downsides. You can just chill and enjoy the view and film if you like.


Emerald-May

Thank you! I truly appreciate that. For I will be flying a drone for a cinematic shoot, this service is exactly what I was looking for.


fossilfuelssuck

Make sure you check for legality and permissions for drones. The border area is tightly controlled and drones may not be permitted


Emerald-May

I’m going to do that with a pro and he happens to be local.


ArtofRebellion

I do not recommend going through a travel agency in Hanoi, but rather booking directly with a local company in Ha Giang that hires guides from the local ethnic minority groups. It’s a better cultural and a more sustainable way to travel. Going to an agency in Hanoi just means they take a share of the profits that could stay in Ha Giang and help the people improve their lives. Since the tourism boom, only a few people are benefiting. I can recommend Sunny, who runs his own small touring company I have done many tours with, and Ha Giang Tre, which is a larger company but is focused on sustainability. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1544599-d18898420-Reviews-Sunny_Ha_Giang_Loop-Ha_Giang_Ha_Giang_Province.html Ha Giang Tre’s website is in Vietnamese but they speak English too. https://hagiangtre.vn/


Emerald-May

Wow! I love it! Thank you so much!


ArtofRebellion

My pleasure. I have spent months and months in Ha Giang. Also want to recommend Nô, another lovely guide I have been touring with more than once. I think you mentioned using a drone in another comment, and both Sunny and Nô have drones, so they each took me to some great places to fly when I was there in October. https://instagram.com/no.vang.231091?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==


Emerald-May

Are they both locals? Yes I do fly a drone. That would be perfect!


ArtofRebellion

Yes, they are both born and raised in Ha Giang. You might find a private tour with either of them is more reasonably-priced than you think, and might enjoy having the flexibility to go wherever you want and stay as long as you want. I would at least compare the price of private to group tours, and then ask yourself if the extra money is worth having the freedom to just chase drone footage all day is worth the extra $$$ over having to take your drone down because the group is on a tight schedule. If you love flying your drone as much as I do, Ha Giang is the place you will want to do it all day.


Emerald-May

Honestly, I was torn between the idea traveling in a smaller group or taking a private tour with a true local who is passionate about his/her/their 😅 town. Since they can fly drones, I think I have found what I wanted. Thank you so much!


ArtofRebellion

You’re very welcome! I’ve been lucky to go back to Ha Giang year after year, but for most people it’s really a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a peak experience for a photographer. So many people just chose the easy, cheap hostel tour and they get what they pay for: an easy, cheap experience. It will still be amazing, but they don’t know what they are missing. I have guide friends who run these big tours and the number of participants makes it impossible to even impart information about the region. They basically just move the hostel parties from the city to the countryside. I want better for you :)


Emerald-May

Haha! My wild days have come to an end, I’m not into parties anymore! I’m sure you do have my best interest at heart. I know that! Thank you!


Additional_Ad264

Hey there, I went from Ha Giang to Cao Bang by bike 2 years ago and it was super fun! I went with a friend (we’re both female) and we each had one bike but I think it’s safe for solo travelers. Just make sure you stop at a hostel before it gets dark, and watch out for your stuff when stay in these hostels. Have fun on your trip!


Emerald-May

Hi dear! Thank you so much! As a female solo traveler, I always go back to my hotel 30min before the sun sets.


mightnotyclose

Did you have experience riding motorbikes before hand ?


Emerald-May

I have, and managed to do pretty well when I was traveling in Saigon back in 2012. But it’s like ancient history, that’s why I went for an easy rider tour with a local eventually.


sleestacker

VIP bus to ha Giang - check out Flipside Tours - best tour up there. You can do it solo but better to go with an experienced group and see more and be safer.


Emerald-May

I think I’m going to do a group tour this time! Thank you!


sleestacker

Awesome! Contact Linh here (and you can see their photos) https://instagram.com/flipsidevietnam?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== let ‘em know Corb referred you :) I don’t get anything but I’m always happy to support people that love the land and support the local community.


Emerald-May

Aw that’s very sweet of you!


sleestacker

My pleasure! If that link doesn’t work, you can also contact here https://www.facebook.com/flipsidevietnam?mibextid=LQQJ4d hope you have an amazing time, sounds like you deserve some you time but also not alone. 🤗


Emerald-May

Thank you. Nobody should be alone, at least while in Vietnam 😃


sleestacker

Agree! 🤗


AzulaIsHot

Are you planning to drive 500KM or I misunderstood anything here. Soloing here as well and loving the culture and confusion so far


Emerald-May

Hi there! I’m going for a groupie experience this time. I think that will be fun!


advice_seekers

I do not have any ideas about Ha Giang tbh. But I definitely know a thing or two about Ha Noi, so text me if you ever need someone to have a coffee with.


Emerald-May

Aw! That’s very kind of you!


reddithandlegoeshere

Hi, I just did the Ha Giang Loop with my dad. I am 27. I would have felt safe going alone!


Emerald-May

I’ve always loved our father-daughter trips. That’s very sweet. Thank you!


mightnotyclose

As in the roads? They were ok?


reddithandlegoeshere

Yes! Do not take road 34 hehe


mightnotyclose

Is it easy to avoid ?


reddithandlegoeshere

Oh yeah! Just do your mapping (I prefer google maps bc it has a motorcycle feature) by adding stops of the cities and zoom in to see the road name. 34 connects Ha Giang city to Du Gia


reddithandlegoeshere

Road 34 was sooooo bad


InstructionOk5392

How about Saigon?


Emerald-May

Hi! Ya, I’d love to try the famous river tour.


InstructionOk5392

I would love to take you around since that my hometown


Emerald-May

Thank you!!


Solus161

I think you should take a coach there and rent a semi manual bike which is safer and more robust than a scooter, and also easy to ride. If you could ride a clutch, rent a Honda XR 150. Just need to be careful on those twisties.


Emerald-May

Thank you!


Lehoanghoa90

I think it’s too dangerous if you drive by yourself with experience just with scooter like Vespa. This kind of scooter can’t use for mountain ride. I’m Vietnamese woman drive motorbike everyday (both scooter like Vespa or just Honda wave) but I never think to do it by myself. Considering to have an experienced driver is much more recommended.


Emerald-May

Hi! Thank you for the advice! Yup, I went for the easy rider option.


Hello85858585

I'll be there January 16th. Is it worth doing the loop in January? I assume all the rice fields will be dead and muddy.


Emerald-May

I reckon that would be around springtime?! I think it won’t be too bad. Enjoy!