Hi HG Experts – I am very early in our planning for a visit to the North part of Vietnam in October of next year. I have read quite a bit about the Ha Giang Loop and it interests very much. We are two retired Canadians who have travelled a great deal and a couple years ago drove the Mae Hon Song Loop in the north of Thailand (although not sure how that compares). Doing this by motor bike would not really work (OK for me, less so for my wife) and the option of doing it on the back of a bike does not really appeal. Based on your experience, is there any reason why we could not rent a car (possibly in Ha Giang, or if not there, in Hanoi) and do this route by car? I have driven in many places around the world including Europe, SE Asia and South and Central America and having seen pictures of the loop, I do not believe it would pose driving issues for me. However, I thought I would pose the question in the event there are factors that are not immediately evident. Thanks in advance.

Jim