1

I'm planning to do the exact same trip around that time of year. My research so far has shown that trips from Hanoi are quite expensive. If you buy the latest copy of LP, there is a guy located in Ha Giang that is an expert on the area. He does mini-bus tours from place to place but I expect he can organize a car/jeep for an expended trip with hiking opportunities. I've asked around a couple of the tour companies in Hanoi and they want a lot of money.

Ethnic travel does a 5 day tour at about $100 per day.

http://www.ethnictravel.com.vn/english/5_days_Ha_Giang_Adventure.htm

2

Monkey Puzzle
There are 6 north loop tours on Ethnictravel.My question is which one has the most awesome dont miss scenary. I also want to see watefalls and lakes around that area.
I will most probably hire a motorbike from Hanoi not interested in homestays or very long tedious walks.No time limitation. Please advise best possible route.
Many thanks

3

The Ha Giang loop is the best, up past Meo Vac

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiyAjnxD5C8

That's not me by the way.

You can put a motorbike on the train up north and ride from there or get the bus to Ha Giang and hire a bike in Ha Giang. Any decent guidebook will give you some good advice, as will looking at some blogs. I'm not sure about your riding ability, but take wet weather gear and try and not go in summer.

4

i think all should be done and aranged in Hanoi. You can find a travel agency to ask for tour guide. But as i understand your post then you want to find freelancer guide to go with you according to your intinerary??? I have no idea about that, it's may be worth to try. But to my opinion you shold have all done in Hanoi then just focus on enjoying your trip without worring about finding a guide. It may be dificult to find a local guide or a guide from other places when you reach Ha Giang. So be well prepared for the trip and good luck.

5

I have been in the area recently (Sept 2012).
I went from Hanoi to Bac Ha first and spent a week around Bac Ha doing some trekking, visiting markets etc.

I wanted to go to Ha Giang and was thinking of going there by public bus. I found out that the tour company I used in Bac Ha could arrange a car, driver and guide to drive to Ha Giang and then tour around that area as well.

I ended up hiring the car for 4 days as follows:

Day 1: We made the drive from Bac Ha to Ha Giang (Going the bottom way via Bac Ngam, not the top way via Xin Man)
Really interesting drive, making lots of stops along the way to visit ethnic Tay villages.

Day 2: We made the drive from Ha Giang to Dong Van, via Quan Ba Pass and Yen Minh
Fantastic mountain scenery and lots of stops meeting local people along the roadside.

Day 3: Some easy trekking around Dong Van in the morning, then the drive to Meo Vac in the afternoon. Fantastic scenery and making lots of stops to meet local people along the way.

Day 4: Full day drive from Meo Vac back to Ha Giang

Overall it was an outstanding 4 day trip with an excellent driver and guide, who had a good knowledge of the area.

I was travelling by myself - The cost was $150 per day, which included the car (Mercedes Sprinter Van), fuel, driver and guide. The driver and guide and myself each paid for our own Accom. ($10-15 per night) and shared the cost of meals.
Also, the driver and guide had to drive the car from Ha Giang back to Lao Cai (~300km) and this was obviously included into the overall cost.

The company was Bac Ha Tourist and the owner Mr Nghe, as listed in the current LP guide for Vietnam, in the Bac Ha section.