Top 5 Things You Shouldn’t Do in Ha Giang

The Ha Giang Loop has become a must-do experience for adventure travelers in Vietnam. Winding through the misty mountains of northern Vietnam, this road trip offers dramatic landscapes, authentic ethnic villages, and unforgettable moments. But as beautiful and raw as Ha Giang is, it’s not without challenges — especially for first-time visitors.

Many travelers focus on what they should do on the loop, but knowing what to avoid is equally important. Here are the top 5 things you shouldn’t do in Ha Giang to help you stay safe, respectful, and fully enjoy your journey.

1. Don’t Ride a Motorbike Without a License or Experience

Ha Giang may look like a backpacker’s dream, but the roads are not beginner-friendly. With sharp mountain curves, steep drops, unpredictable weather, and poor road surfaces, the loop can quickly turn from fun to frightening. This is why riding without a valid license or the necessary experience tops the list of top 5 things you shouldn’t do in Ha Giang.

Every year, there are reports of tourists getting injured — or worse — on the loop because they overestimate their riding skills. Some sections have loose gravel, landslides, or no guardrails. If you’re not confident riding in cities or on mountainous terrain, this is not the place to learn.

What license do you need?
Foreign travelers must hold a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1968 Vienna Convention, along with a motorbike license from their home country.
⚠️ IDPs under the 1949 Geneva Convention are not accepted in Vietnam.
Vietnamese citizens must have an A1 license (for bikes under 175cc) or an A2 license (for bikes over 175cc). You must be at least 18 years old to legally ride.

What to do instead:
Hire a local guide who drives the motorbike for you (also known as an Easy Rider) . This is a safe and authentic way to enjoy the loop. 👉 Not sure what an Easy Rider is? Check out our guide to Easy Riders in Vietnam
You can also join a group tour by car or van.
If you choose to ride yourself, always wear a helmet, go slow, have proper insurance, and make sure your license is valid in Vietnam.

2. Don’t Travel Without a Permit

One of the most overlooked but important items on the top 5 things you shouldn’t do in Ha Giang is traveling without a permit. Many parts of the Ha Giang Loop — such as Dong Van, Meo Vac, and Lung Cu — lie near the Chinese border, and you’ll need a travel permit to visit them legally.

How to get it:
Most hotels, hostels, and motorbike rental shops in Ha Giang city can help you obtain one.
It costs around 200,000 VND (~$8).
You’ll need your passport (with visa info) to apply.
Carry your permit and passport with you at all times during the loop, especially near border areas where police checkpoints are common.

3. Don’t Disrespect Local Cultures

Another major item in the top 5 things you shouldn’t do in Ha Giang is showing disrespect to the local ethnic communities. Ha Giang is home to various ethnic minority groups such as the Hmong, Dao, Tay, and Lo Lo, each with their own customs, language, and way of life.

Sadly, some tourists treat locals as photo props or charity cases. Taking pictures without permission, entering homes uninvited, or handing out candy or money to children may feel harmless, but it can be seen as rude — or even damaging.

What NOT to do:
– Don’t take photos without asking.
– Don’t enter someone’s home or property without permission.
– Don’t give sweets or money to kids.

What you SHOULD do:
– Smile and gesture to ask before taking photos.
– Support the local economy by buying handmade crafts and eating local food.
– Dress modestly when visiting villages.
– Learn a few local words — even saying “hello” in Vietnamese or Hmong goes a long way.

4. Don’t Underestimate the Weather

Ha Giang’s weather is as unpredictable as its winding mountain roads. You could start the day with sunshine, ride into thick fog by noon, and end in a cold downpour.

This makes weather awareness essential. Rain makes roads slippery. Fog reduces visibility. And sudden temperature shifts can leave you freezing at higher altitudes.

What to keep in mind:
– Always check the forecast before you go.
– Bring waterproof clothing and backpack covers.
– Dress in layers.
– Don’t ride after dark or in heavy fog.
– Avoid the rainy season (June to August) if possible, or be prepared for mud and landslides.

👉 Not sure when to go? Check out our guide on the best time to visit Ha Giang..

5. Don’t Rush the Loop

The final point on the top 5 things you shouldn’t do in Ha Giang is rushing the trip. Some travelers try to complete the loop in just two days — and while that’s technically possible, you’ll miss the magic.

Ha Giang is not about speed. It’s about quiet sunrises, talking to locals, stopping at waterfalls, and enjoying the road itself.

Ideal itinerary:
Plan for at least 3 days on the loop — 4–5 days is even better. Stay in homestays. Walk around the villages. Watch sunsets from the top of mountain passes.

The slower you go, the richer your experience will be.

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

The top 5 things you shouldn’t do in Ha Giang aren’t just travel tips — they’re lessons that help ensure your trip is safe, respectful, and truly rewarding.

The Ha Giang Loop is one of the most beautiful and memorable road trips in Southeast Asia, but it demands preparation, awareness, and humility. If you avoid the common mistakes — riding without experience, skipping permits, disrespecting culture, underestimating the weather, or rushing the journey — you’ll open the door to an unforgettable adventure.

Ha Giang isn’t just a place — it’s an experience. Travel slowly, travel respectfully, and Ha Giang will reward you with views, connections, and memories you’ll never forget.

Once you’ve conquered the Ha Giang Loop, why not slow down and explore the rice terraces of Sapa?
👉 Check out our curated Sapa experiences here.