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Hairpin bends and rice terraces in the karst of the Dong Van plateau

Ha Giang Loop · Preparation

Ha Giang Loop packing list: one backpack, three days, on the back of a bike

Your luggage rides bungee-strapped to the back of the bike, under a plastic cover in rain. The big luggage stays in Ha Giang or Hanoi. Almost everything follows from that: a 20–30 litre backpack, clothing in layers, nothing that must not get wet.

Editorially checked on 23 September 2026Prices as of 23 September 2026Photo: trungydang, CC BY 3.0
In short
  • Luggage on the loopone 20–30 l backpack, strapped to the back of the bike; QT provides bungee cords and a plastic cover
  • Big luggageZGO: hostel in Ha Giang · QT: free storage · Vision, Hong Hao: no statement (ask)
  • Providedhelmet: ZGO, QT, Hong Hao · knee/elbow pads: QT · rain gear: QT, Hong Hao · Vision: no statement
  • Bring yourselfsturdy shoes, long trousers, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, power bank
  • Winter extraswarm layers, a hat that fits under the helmet, neck warmer; homestays are unheated
  • Documentspassport (permit, homestay registration); for self-driving licence and international driving permit

What the four products provide

  • ZGO: bike, fuel, helmet and protectors (“helmet and protections”). Big luggage stays at the hostel in Ha Giang; a backpack “with everything necessary for 3 days” is strapped to the back of the bike, per the operator notes. Swimwear and towel recommended for the waterfall.
  • QT: full or half helmet, knee and elbow pads, basic rain clothes, bungee cords and plastic cover for the backpack, free storage of the rest. The most complete list.
  • Hong Hao: “protection” and rain coat. No statement on luggage storage.
  • Vision: no statement on helmet, protection, rain gear or luggage. Swimwear, towel and sunscreen recommended in the itinerary. Ask before booking.

The list

Worn on the bike: sturdy shoes over the ankle (no sandals, no open shoes), long trousers, long-sleeved top or light jacket against sun and wind, gloves (cycling or motorcycle gloves – no product provides them), sunglasses, neck gaiter or buff against dust.

In the backpack (20–30 l): two changes of clothes, fleece or light down jacket (even in summer for evenings at 1,500 m), rain jacket if the operator provides none, swimwear and travel towel (Du Gia waterfall, homestay showers), sunscreen, insect repellent, small first-aid kit, power bank (electricity in the homestays, but sockets scarce), head torch, earplugs (homestays are shared spaces), toilet paper, refillable bottle, cash in dong.

Documents: original passport – homestays register guests, and the border permit is tied to your passport. For self-driving (ZGO only) licence and 1968-convention international driving permit. Copy of your travel insurance with the emergency number.

Leave at home: suitcase, laptop, anything that must not get wet or dusty. Drones: restrictions apply in border areas; ask the operator before bringing one.

Winter and summer: what changes

December to February: below 10 °C on the passes, noticeably colder in the wind. A hat that fits under the helmet, warm gloves, two warm layers under the jacket, rain trousers against drizzle. The homestays are unheated; a sleeping bag liner helps.

May to September: rain jacket and trousers, a rain cover for the backpack (even if the operator provides a plastic cover), shoes that can get wet, and dry spare clothes in a waterproof bag inside the backpack. Sunscreen stays essential: between showers the sun burns.

More on the climate on the page Best time to go.

Questions about luggage

Does a 40-litre backpack fit on the bike?

Possible, but the operators recommend a small backpack; it is strapped on at the back and beyond a certain size restricts the rider. 20 to 30 litres is enough for three to four days.

Where do I leave my suitcase?

With ZGO at the hostel in Ha Giang, with QT at QT Guesthouse (free). Vision and Hong Hao make no statement. If you start from Hanoi you can also leave the suitcase at your Hanoi hotel and board the bus with the backpack.

Do I need to bring my own helmet?

ZGO, QT and Hong Hao provide helmets; Vision makes no statement. Bringing your own guarantees the fit – for three days of riding that is no luxury.

Sources and check status

Show 4 sources
  1. www.viator.com/tours/Ha-Giang/Motorcycle-Tour-of-Ha-Giang-Loop-4D-3N-a – QT: helmet, knee/elbow pads, rain gear, bungee cords, luggage storage (Viator Partner API) (accessed 22 September 2026)
  2. www.viator.com/tours/Hanoi/From-Hanoi-3-Day-Ha-Giang-Loop-Adventure-Cu – ZGO: helmet and protectors, luggage at hostel, swimwear recommended (Viator Partner API) (accessed 22 September 2026)
  3. www.viator.com/tours/Ha-Giang/Ha-Giang-Loop-Ultimate-3-Day-Tour-with-L – Hong Hao: protection, rain coat (Viator Partner API) (accessed 22 September 2026)
  4. www.viator.com/tours/Hanoi/Ha-Giang-Loop-Tour-4-Days-3-Nights-with-Qui – Vision: swimwear, towel, sunscreen recommended in itinerary; no gear statements (Viator Partner API) (accessed 22 September 2026)