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
Hi Pan88, You couldn’t find any company in Ha Giang, which provide the car rental without driver, I’ve just did the loop with an English speaking driver in Ha Giang. I found his website via google so if you want you can search him on google with keyword “Car & Motorbike Rental in Ha Giang“. He speak English so well. He’s real local man. And the price is much cheaper as Michael P told you.
Hope you have nice trip and safe in Ha Giang.
Hello Jim,
Unlike Thailand, It is virtually impossible for tourists to hire and self-drive rental cars in Vietnam.
Assuming you are from Canada, you’re country does not appear to be on 1968 Vienna convention list, so your International Drivers Permit will not be valid for Vn.
Driving / traveling in Ha Giang Province can be challenging: narrow, winding mountain roads, fog, oncoming traffic, livestock on the roads, etc.
Better to hire a car and driver, preferably one who speaks some English.
Many posts here on the subject.
Take care 🙂
I think that, hire a car with driver is the best for us. You should think about it