What do I need to pack for the loop?

What do I need to pack for the Ha Giang or Cao Bang loop? We’ll break it down for you below:

Step 1: check what the weather is going to be like. Although weather apps are not likely to be accurate, you need a general idea of whether it’s going to be 30 degrees or 5 degrees! If you’re currently in the south, be aware that the weather can be significantly different in the mountains!

Step 2: determine how many days you are going to be on the ‘loops’ for. Tours range anywhere from 2-7 days so you’ll have to pack the quantities of clothing accordingly.

A couple of things to note about quantity of clothing:

• You will likely get quite dusty – avoid bringing your nicest clothing
• Fashion is not a priority, nobody will judge you – people often find that they overpack and end up just wearing the same thing most of the days
• Designate specific ‘evening’ clothes – the temperature in the evening is likely different than in the heat of the day, so having a clean pair of clothes to change into is very nice!

Summer weather

If you’re planning on visiting Ha Giang between the months of May – September, the weather can be extremely hot (think mid-30s for the entire 5 months) and may also consist of rain showers. These can range from torrential downpours to casual drizzles.

Packing list

Small backpack:

• Shorts
• A pair of long pants – for cooler evenings or to protect your skin on the bike
• T-shirts/tank tops
• A thin sweater/jacket
• Closed-toed shoes for the bike
• Sandals for waterfall/showers
• Socks
• Personal toiletries
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Towel (some homestays have these but some do not)
• Bathing suit – for the waterfalls
• Personal medication

Crossbody bag:

• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Wallet
• Passport
• Cash – ATMs are not readily available along the loop
• Charge cord
• Camera
• Power bank
• Hand sanitizer

Winter weather

If you’re planning on visiting Ha Giang between the months of November – March, the weather can be colder than you think, especially when you are high up in the mountains and the wind is whipping on the bike. The best advice we can give you, dress in layers!

Packing list

Small backpack:

• Pants
• T-shirts
• Long sleeves
• A thin sweater
• Warm jacket
• Closed-toed shoes
• Sandals for waterfall/showers
• Gloves, warm hat and warm socks
• Face covering (if you choose) such as a balaclava
• Personal toiletries
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Towel (some homestays have these but some do not)
• Bathing suit – for the waterfalls
• Personal medication

Crossbody bag:

• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Wallet
• Passport
• Cash – ATMs are not readily available along the loop
• Charge cord
• Camera
• Power bank
• Hand sanitizer

Do you need to bring snacks? No – there are plenty of rest stops and cafes along the way that you can buy treats at if you are hungry!

Other questions – simply shoot us a message and we would be happy to answer any other questions that you might have!