About the Ride from Ha Giang to Hanoi
Chances are you’ve just spent the last three or four days on a motorbike exploring the picturesque countryside and villages of Northern Vietnam. Now it’s time to return your helmet in Ha Giang and head to the capital city.
Hanoi is a frenzied city.
The best way to escape the hecticness is to explore the city’s labyrinth of side streets to discover some of the most unbelievable food in Vietnam. Think banh mi, pho and bun cha galore! Hanoi is a food-lovers haven!
Before enjoying all that mouth-wateringly good food, you’ll need to cover 192 km (120 miles) to get from Ha Giang to Hanoi. You have two ways to get there: by bus or minivan.
The trip takes around 6-7 hours, but time will fly when you see the luxurious transport options.
You won’t want to get off the bus in Hanoi!
Five unmissable things to do in Hanoi
When you’re not eating your way through Hanoi, there are plenty of things to get you active and help burn off those calories. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Hanoi:
Hanoi Old Quarter — Its streets are filled with souvenir shops, art galleries, food stalls, restaurants, and so much more. Wandering around this area can keep you entertained (or lost) for hours.
Street food tour — This is one of the best ways to make sure you don’t miss out on any of Hanoi’s famous dishes. A local will take you to all the best spots, encouraging you to try some things you wouldn’t have otherwise.
Hanoi Train Street — You’ve probably seen this famous street all over social media. Experience the rush of a bright blue train plowing down a narrow street while sitting in a cafe only centimeters away from the track.
Go shopping — If you’re not fussy about designer brands being 100% genuine, then you will have a field day in Hanoi. Its streets are lined with stores selling great quality designer copies. Now it makes sense why everyone in the city is wearing North Face and Patagonia.
Pro tip: Make sure to haggle in these shops. Offer at least 50% of what they initially said and go from there.
Hoan Kiem Lake — This is a great place to walk around if you want to forget you’re in a chaotic urban jungle. It’s not too far from the Old Quarter. You’ll find locals chatting, elderly people practicing Tai Chi, and plenty of joggers.
How to get from Ha Giang to Hanoi
Buses and minivans are the two main ways to travel between Ha Giang and Hanoi.
There’s no huge difference between the bus and the minivan. The journey duration, level of comfort and price are all very similar. So, choose which option fits your departure location in Ha Giang and arrival location in Hanoi the best.
By bus
The bus is slightly cheaper than the minivan, with prices starting from $9.
Most of the buses going from Ha Giang to Hanoi are sleeper/cabin buses meaning that you get a seat that reclines into a bed. So, if you’re willing to spend a few more dollars, you’re in for a real treat when it comes to these bus journeys. Think first-class travel and luxury cabins!
Here’s a quick rundown of the bus classes available:
Standard bus: | Upright, slightly reclining seats and air conditioning.
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Sleeping bus: | Two levels of seats that recline to a sleeping position. Usually, there is a blanket, water and air conditioning.
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VIP Cabin bus: | Private cabin with a curtain offering reclinable seats that go all the way down into a bed. It usually has a blanket, water, air conditioning, charging port, and WiFi, subject to availability. |
Most buses leave from the Ha Giang Bus Station, outside their office, or another designated spot.
Arrival locations also vary when you get to Hanoi. The most popular drop-off spots are Hanoi SSB, close to the Old Quarter, Hanoi Airport and My Dinh Bus Station.
By minivan
The minivans rival the luxuriousness of the buses, as most companies offer VIP and luxury vans.
Expect large arm-style chair seats that recline, air conditioning, plenty of space, charging ports and sometimes TVs. If you’re really fortunate, your chair might even have a massage function. No, we’re not kidding!
Some minivan companies do offer hotel pick-up. Otherwise, Ha Giang Bus Station is a popular spot.
What to expect from the journey from Ha Giang to Hanoi
The trip from Ha Giang to Hanoi usually takes 6-7 hours, but don’t be surprised if it creeps up to 8-9 hours.
It’s not uncommon for buses to leave late and take longer than advertised.
The journey can be a bit winding as you leave Ha Giang. Hopefully, the picturesque landscapes will distract you from any motion sickness.
You’ll know when you’re close to Hanoi as the lush green fields start to disappear and are replaced by traffic and honking vehicles.
Some buses do have toilets, but don't count on it. Drivers tend to make one or two stops during this journey so you can go to the bathroom.
Stops usually last 10-20 minutes, giving you enough time to grab a proper meal. Reststop food in Vietnam is surprisingly delicious!
Pro tip: Be aware that Vietnamese bus drivers don’t speak a lot of English and can sometimes seem rude due to this language barrier. Having Vietnamese on Google Translate can be helpful.
When is the best time to visit Hanoi?
For the best weather, visit Hanoi between February to April and October to November. During this time, there’s minimal rain, and temperatures are pretty much perfect, ranging from 20°C to 28°C (68°F–82°F).
December can also be a fun time to visit when the city is in full Christmas mode but be prepared for temperatures that can drop below 10ºC (50ºF).
Avoid going from May to September if you’re not a fan of drowning in your own sweat. It’s the hottest time of the year, with excessive humidity and rain.
How many days should you spend in Hanoi?
Hanoi's rich culture and the endless number of streets merit at least three to four days to really explore and appreciate what the city has to offer.
That gives you enough time to tick off its landmarks, savor its cuisine, and absorb the city's unique charm.
That being said, if you're short on time and prefer to immerse yourself in Vietnam's phenomenal nature and karst landscapes, you could squeeze it all into two days.
Where to visit after Hanoi?
It depends on what you’re looking for, but the two most popular spots to visit after Hanoi are Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh.
If you want paradise islands surrounded by towering limestone karsts and turquoise waters, head to Ha Long Bay.
The alternative is Ninh Binh, nicknamed the Ha Long Bay on land. It offers similar limestone landscapes, just with less water and more lilypads. Here, you’ll find a bit more history, slightly fewer tourists and… more land!
