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07/11/2026 | 1 MINUTE READ

The Immense Beauty of the Ha Giang Loop

Higher Ed Summer 2026 Blogger - Jake R.

Jake R.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville | Seville

 

 

Our Ha Giang loop journey starts in the capital city of Vietnam–Hanoi, a bustling city known for its ancient architecture. It has a bit of French colonial style mixed with traditional Vietnamese.

A person in a conical hat walks along train tracks on a narrow street lined with buildings and outdoor cafes in Hanoi, Vietnam.
A vibrant outdoor scene in Southeast Asia with parked motorbikes, red umbrellas, people, and a lush green hillside under a cloudy sky.

After a sleeper bus and a night in a homestay, the journey begins. We get picked up by our Easyriders after breakfast and a briefing. Each person typically has their own driver to ensure safety throughout the ride, as well as to maximize their opportunity to take in the views.

A panoramic view of a village nestled in a lush green mountain valley with terraced rice fields under an overcast sky.

 

The first stop is an overlook of Ha Giang, a northern city tucked into the beautiful jungle mountains. The contrast between the roofs and the trees is truly beautiful, along with the rounded peaks.

A panoramic view of a village nestled in a lush green mountain valley with terraced rice fields under an overcast sky.
A group of people wearing yellow helmets ride motorcycles on a winding asphalt road through lush green mountains. The riders have luggage strapped to their bikes, indicating a journey or tour.

 

The journey continues along the road. Your belongings for the journey are strapped to the back in a waterproof bag. The twists and turns are a true thrill, intertwined with maximum natural beauty.

 

We stop for lunch and an excursion. The people of the rural villages demonstrate how they turn hemp into clothing. Through a process of separating, drying, and spinning the threads, the hemp stems become thin and strong enough to turn into clothing or accessories.

A group of people observing traditional fiber processing with a large wooden spinning machine on an outdoor balcony overlooking a lush green mountain.
Hands of an adult person in a green shirt weaving white threads on a wooden loom with yellow fabric strips, seen in a close-up shot.

 

Behind the restaurant are the farms of Ha Giang. Fresh produce is ingrained in these rural towns, as distance has made it a necessity for self-reliance. These farms take up large portions of neighborhoods and villages, often just located in what are essentially backyards.

A single farmer in a conical hat works in a vast green rice field with houses and large green mountains in the background.
Two boats on a green river surrounded by steep, lush green mountains under a bright sky.

After the restaurant, we move to the Nho Quế River. We take a boat through the emerald waters and jungle terrain. The sound of rain on the water mixed with monkeys swinging through the trees is truly surreal. 

Close-up of corn stalks and leaves with a vibrant green mountainous landscape in the background under a light sky.

 

The next day begins after a night in a hostel. The beautiful scenery greets you with the sounds of local chickens starting their day. You get up early, but it's entirely worth it to make the most of the day.

A young man with a floral headband smiles and makes an 'ok' sign with his hand against a backdrop of misty green mountains.

 

We stop among the flower farms, and I’m immediately greeted with hospitality. They layer my hair with small flowers, tucking them within the hemp headband I bought the previous day. Never have I worn such a hard smile in my life; my cheeks became sore.

A young man with a floral headband smiles and makes an 'ok' sign with his hand against a backdrop of misty green mountains.
A group of people relaxing in chairs on a mountain viewpoint overlooking a vast, cloudy landscape.

Another viewpoint stops this time at the peak road along the loop. The group takes a moment to take in the view. After two days of bonding, there's a clear message that was never directly discussed but is apparently obvious. No need to talk, just take it in.

An aerial view of the Nho Que River winding through a deep green canyon with steep, mist-covered mountains and a small village on the hillside.

We rode along further this time to an overlook of the very river we rode along. You could see those in different portions of their journey, taking the boats and enjoying the very scenery I was just days prior. The emerald water is something I will never forget.

An aerial view of the Nho Que River winding through a deep green canyon with steep, mist-covered mountains and a small village on the hillside.
A wide shot of a muddy brown river winding through a valley with lush green mountains and a town under an overcast sky.

We have a final stop with coffee and a viewpoint over the very city we started in. The end is filled with emotion, joy, and the feeling of gratitude. It is a journey I believe everyone should do at least once. I know I will be there again.

 

A person holding a Vietnamese flag on a rocky mountain peak overlooking lush green valleys and winding roads under a cloudy sky.
A vibrant red flag with a yellow star waving against a backdrop of lush green mountains shrouded in mist under a cloudy sky.
Red flags with yellow stars and hammer and sickle symbols strung across a cloudy sky with green mountains in the background.
A young person wearing sunglasses and a white beanie, with snow-capped mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.

Jake R.

Tags

  • Nature
  • Travel
  • Snapshots
  • Photography