Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT TOUR
1. How dangerous is the Ha Giang road?
The Ha Giang loop is a challenging and adventurous route that requires careful preparation and safety precautions. It is considered the most dangerous road in Vietnam for motorcycle accidents, especially for inexperienced or speeding drivers. Many factors can contribute to the risk, such as slippery roads, sharp turns, steep slopes, rocks on the road or other drivers.
You should purchase travel insurance prior to the tour in case of any unexpected events.
Additionally, we strongly recommend that you book a local Easy Rider who can drive you safely while you relax and enjoy the sights. The cost of Easy Rider is not much higher than self-driving, but it is worth it for your peace of mind and enjoyment.
If you choose to drive yourself, you must have an international driver’s license allowed to use in Vietnam and at least 3 months of experience driving an automatic motorbike.
2. Why should I do the loop with an Easy Rider?
You will ride with one of our experienced and friendly local riders, who will take you to the most amazing sights along the loop, including hidden gems deep within the forest that you won’t find on Google Maps.
They have at least 5 years of experience riding in mountainous areas, a 100% no accident record and they know the best places to eat, sleep, and explore. This option is safe, comfortable, and hassle-free.
Additionally, Lila Inn prioritizes hiring local Easy Riders from remote, disadvantaged villages in Ha Giang to help them secure stable livelihoods and improve their quality of life. We offer them really good fares in the region and a healthy working environment. By booking with our Easy Riders, you can take pride in being part of our mission to uplift the local community.
3. Can your Easy Riders speak English?
While most of our Easy Riders don’t speak English (though some know basic words), you can easily communicate with them using Google Translate, just as thousands of our customers have done.
For those who prefer, we can offer the option of an English-speaking guide for an additional fee. Please contact us to check the pricing and availability of this option.
4. Can I self drive and join the group tour?
We will provide you with a map, a bike, essentials, accommodation and food, but you will be responsible for your own safety and navigation. No matter which option you choose, we guarantee that you will have an unforgettable experience on the Ha Giang Loop.
5. How to book a bus from other Northern provinces to Ha Giang?
Lila Inn can assist you with booking bus tickets from Hanoi, Cat Ba, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Ha Long. You can find detailed schedules and types of buses here.
We’ve carefully designed a well-paced itinerary that allows you to enjoy plenty of beautiful sights and participate in several interesting activities without feeling exhausted or rushed.
6. What is the maximum group size for your tours?
We keep our groups to no more than 10 people to foster closer connections with the places and people you meet, which also helps us take care of everyone during the trip. Joining a small group of like-minded travelers allows you to safely and comfortably experience everything.
7. How far ahead of time do I need to book a tour?
While we welcome last-minute bookings, we recommend that you book your tour(s) at least 1 week in advance of your desired tour date, as rooms at homestays often fill up quickly, and easy riders may be in short supply during peak season.
For last minute bookings please message us via Whatsapp +84 968 321 715 to check on availability.
8. What do the rooms on the tour look like?
We select homestays in Ha Giang that offer an authentic experience, allowing travelers to connect with the local culture. These accommodations are typically run by ethnic minority families, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
What to Expect in a Ha Giang Homestay:
- Dormitory-Style & Private Rooms: Accommodations vary from shared dorms with floor mattresses to cozy private rooms, catering to different travel preferences. While simple, they offer comfort and a retreat after a long day of exploring.
- Family-Style Local Meals: Guests can enjoy home-cooked traditional dishes, typically including rice, fresh vegetables, meats.
- Warm Hospitality: Ha Giang locals are known for their genuine hospitality, making travelers feel like part of the family. Even with language barriers, the kindness and warmth of the hosts create a memorable experience.
9. How long will I be riding and walking/hiking each day on the loop?
On average, our tours involve 5-8 hours on the road each day, including stops for sightseeing, about 3km and no more than 7 km of walking/hiking per day.
10. Do you offer a car option if I don't want to go by motorbike?
Yes, we do! When booking a tour, simply select the Ha Giang tour you’re interested in from our listings. On the booking page, specify the number of participants, and you’ll see the option to choose a car tour in the next step.
11. I don’t want to join a group. Do you offer private tours, and what is the surcharge?
Yes! We can arrange a private tour for you at the same price as the shared group tour. Please leave a note for us in the booking form or let us know when you check in at Lila Hostel.
12. Are your tours kid friendly?
Absolutely! We welcome children on our tours and are happy to customize the experience to suit your family’s needs. Parents trust Lila Inn to provide the safe possible experience for their children, as our Easy Riders are among the best in the business!
Children 7 years and younger can share a single motorbike with one of our drivers and another adult. Children 8 years and older must ride on a separate motorbike with their own driver, as required by Vietnamese law. However, we recommend choosing the car option, as the Ha Giang Loop is challenging and can be very demanding, even for adults, let alone children.
Children’s Tour Fee Policy:
- Child under 11 years old: 80% of adult fare
- Child under 04 years old: Free of charge (Children’s expenses on the tour will be paid by their parents
Watch this video to see how kids enjoyed our tours!
13. I am larger than the average Vietnamese person; can your drivers carry me?
Our drivers are carefully selected in good health, holding valid driving licenses and possessing at least five years of experience navigating challenging mountain roads. But to ensure a safe and balanced ride, we kindly ask that customers weigh under 100 kg.
14. Can I store my big luggage at your place?
We offer free luggage storage for our guests who want to travel light on the loop. You can leave your large (full-size) luggage at Lila Inn Hostel’s storage until you return. Please prepare a padlock to securely store your belongings.
For valuable items such as laptops, iPads, etc., you should inform us so we can store them in our safe room.
15. What payment methods do you accept?
For the deposit, you can pay via PayPal using Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover when booking on our website.
For the remaining balance, payment is made at Lila Hostel before the tour. We accept both card and cash. A 2% bank fee applies to card payments.
16. Where can I stay if I arrive in Ha Giang City early before the start of the tour?
We offer free dorm beds for tour customers to stay before the tour. If you would like to upgrade to a private room, check the availability and book via our Booking.com page here.
17. Do you offer your tours in any other city in Vietnam besides Ha Giang?
Yes, we offer tours that combine the Ha Giang Loop with Ban Gioc Waterfall (Cao Bang) and Ba Be National Park (Bac Kan). Few agencies provide this unique experience, making it a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure. Find the tour itineraries here:
18. I emailed you/booked a tour over 24 hrs ago. Why did I not receive a reply?
We reply to all emails and booking requests within 24 hours. If you have not heard back from us within 24 hours, please kindly message us via Whatsapp +84 968 321 715.
ABOUT HEALTH
1. What health considerations should I keep in mind when traveling to Ha Giang?
The Ha Giang Loop is physically demanding and features challenging terrain. Spending several days on the road, with direct exposure to sun, wind, and rain, necessitates thorough preparation for your health.
Travelers with certain health conditions listed below should consider opting for a shorter day tour or a car tour option.
You can also require personalized tours that are suitable for your needs and physical health conditions https://lilainn.tours/contact-us/
- Heart Conditions: The high altitudes and strenuous road conditions can put additional strain on the heart. Those with heart disease or a history of heart attacks should avoid the loop without medical clearance.
- Vertigo or Balance Disorders: The winding, steep roads and sharp turns can be dangerous for those with vertigo, balance disorders, or motion sickness.
- Severe Back or Joint Problems: Sitting on a motorbike for extended hours on bumpy, uneven roads can be uncomfortable for people with severe back pain, arthritis, or other joint issues.
- Recent Surgery or Injury: Anyone recovering from surgery or a recent injury, particularly involving the spine, legs, or arms, should avoid the trip, as the ride could slow healing or aggravate the injury.
Pregnancy: Pregnant women may find the long rides uncomfortable or risky due to the uneven terrain, physical stress, and lack of immediate medical care.
ABOUT FOOD
1. Can you accommodate Vegans and Vegetarians on your tours?
Yes! We carefully select restaurants that serve fresh vegetarian and vegan dishes. For a glimpse as to the type of dishes click on the link here!
2. Can you cater to my food allergies and other restrictions?
If given prior notice, we can adjust the dishes on our tours to accommodate any food restriction. Please let us know about your food restrictions, at the time you book your tour, so that we can prepare alternative options.
3. What do the dishes served during the tour look like?
We offer a variety of shared family-style made from local fresh ingredients. A typical meal will include grilled or stir-fried meats, vegetables, soups, herbs and condiments, fruits, and aromatic tea to provide nutrition and replenish your energy.
Take a look at the types of dishes we offer to our guests here!
ABOUT WEATHER
1. What happens if it rains before/during the tour?
We operate our tours rain or shine. However, if it is raining heavily before the start of your tour, we will delay for 30 minutes to 1 hour until conditions improve.
If we determine that the road conditions are safe, we will continue the tour as planned. We provide free raincoats for all our guests.
If heavy rain starts during the tour and we must cancel, you will only be charged for the services and time you spent on the tour.