LE COFFE RIDE TAKE ON THE HA GIANG LOOP
We were contacted by the rather funky folks at Le Coffee Ride last year with a request to design a five stage tour centred around Ha Giang, northern Vietnam. Utilising the experience we gained from our ten day Ha Giang Loop Tour, we set to work creating a route that would showcase the best the area has to offer. Please contact us to discuss this tour or any others.
Here is their excellent report on the tour, which ran last October. All images are property of Le Coffee Ride.
North Vietnam
Vietnam stretches along the eastern edge of Southeast Asia, bordered by China to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, and the South China Sea to the east.
The country is shaped by three main regions, the mountainous north, the fertile Red River and Mekong River deltas, and the long central coastline connecting them.
Vietnam’s geography is defined by mountains, rivers and sea.
Each region has its own rhythm, landscapes and microclimates, making Vietnam a remarkably diverse country to explore.
Climate
Vietnam has a diverse tropical and subtropical climate, shaped by its long coastline and varied geography. In the northern highlands and mountain regions such as Hà Giang, cooler temperatures and fresh air offer more comfortable riding conditions, especially outside the peak summer months.
In these areas, temperatures generally range between 15°C and 25°C during spring and autumn, with warm days and cooler evenings. However, Vietnam’s climate varies strongly by season and region, influenced by monsoon winds, altitude and proximity to the sea.
From Hanoi to Hà Giang
Flying from Europe with direct connections from hubs such as Dubai this journey starts in Hanoi the capital of Vietnam and located in the northern part of the country. It is the political center, governed by the Communist Party.
Arriving in the capital and speding some time in the hart of Hanoi a six hour drive through changing landscapes brought the crew to Hà Giang, the starting point of the Ha Giang Loop.
The Hà Giang Loop
The Hà Giang Loop is best known among backpackers traveling by scooter, but it also offers exceptional opportunities for road cyclists. With its endless climbs, winding passes and quiet valleys, the loop reveals a side of Vietnam that feels untouched and deeply authentic.
Riding beyond the main route and onto smaller connecting roads opens the door to hidden villages, traditional hill tribe culture and unexpected landscapes. For those willing to explore further, the Ha Giang Loop becomes a journey through some of the most remote and rewarding parts of the country.
Coffee
Vietnam is one of the world’s largest coffee producers, with most plantations located in the Central Highlands around Buôn Ma Thuột and the surrounding regions.
Coffee is deeply rooted in daily life, though the local culture is very different from the European espresso tradition.
While traditional drip coffee and sweet iced blends dominate most cafés, a few spots serve their coffee from espresso machines.
Mèo Vạc and Đồng Văn
The ride between Mèo Vạc and Đồng Văn is one of the most spectacular sections of the Ha Giang Loop. Carved into steep limestone cliffs, the narrow corniche roads follow the contours of the mountains with endless curves and exposed drop-offs.
High above the turquoise waters of the Nho Quế River, every kilometer delivers breathtaking views. It is a demanding but unforgettable stretch, where effort and altitude are rewarded with some of the most dramatic landscapes in Vietnam.
Here There Anywhere
The HTA slogan is an expression of curiosity.
It is about discovering new places, people and cultures on two wheels, from the roads around your hometown to distant destinations. Traveling with open eyes, meeting people and sharing stories, every journey becomes a cultural experience and a source of inspiration.
It represents the freedom to explore beyond the familiar, to step outside your comfort zone and embrace the unknown. Wherever the road leads, the adventure belongs to those who choose to go.
Plan your own adventure
Through these shared adventures we encourage you to plan your own adventure starting from your doorstep at home up to a far away destination.
Feel like you need a travel agency support for your own adventure, we encourage you to get in contact with our friends from The Kojo Collective who helped us finding out about the Hà Giang loop and plan our trip.
Apparel
The HTA collection Aero Jerseys, new pro bib shorts and off bike T's & 5 panel street caps are available online & in store !
Partners
Special thank you to Le Coffee Ride brand partners who make these exploration trips possible
@magistralecyclingcoffee
@eddymerckxbikes
@pirellicycling
@polestarcars
@sidi_official
@kwaremont
@ffwdwheels
@hjchelmets
