Ha Giang consistently ranks as the best experience backpackers have while travelling South East Asia.  A daring road trip biking through dust-covered roads with complete strangers -soon to be treasured friends, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, authentic local villages and a sense of adventure that few other experiences can match. 

But what happens if the weather forecast is bad? The $100-$200 cost of the Ha Giang Loop is a serious chunk of a backpacker’s budget, will it be wasted?

Northern Vietnam is prone to heavy downfalls and can have consecutive days of rain and 100% cloud cover, especially in the wet season. So, if you’re planning a trip to Ha Giang around June-November you are likely to face some bad weather, but rainy conditions and cloudy skies are never enough to ruin the entire Ha Giang Loop experience. In fact, some backpackers prefer the experience without clear skies and here’s why: 

• The clouds make the views even more Dramatic 

In wet weather conditions you’ll see towering storm clouds descend on the mountains, creating a dramatic contrast to the rolling green rice fields and a once-in-a-lifetime experience as you fly through the clouds. The dappled clouds create a heavenly glow as any sun sneaks through their gaps and if you are lucky enough to see a sunset then the clouds are painted orange as they frame a truly unforgettable evening panorama. 

• Ha Giangs weather constantly changes

Most rainfall only lasts a couple of hours at a time as the clouds pass over the mountains. If you are fed up with the rain, or worried about a scary-looking forecast you’ll find that the weather is almost impossible to predict. The rain consistently falls in heavy, short spells giving you plenty of time to capture the views as the skies clear on the road ahead. 

• Fewer Police Patrols 

Recently the Vietnamese Police regularly monitor the Ha Giang Loop and target large tours to fine anyone riding a motorbike without an international motorbike license. Luckily the police less frequently patrol when the weather is bad, so there may be a silver lining to the clouds overhead after all. 

• Driving in the rain 

If you’re a confident rider and don’t mind getting covered in dirt, then the wet roads only enhance this adventure.  You and your friends will be muddy from head to toe, spraying dirt out with every wheel spin and drifting through corners. Although, you do need to be extra careful driving however, so if you aren’t used to motorbiking across uneven, wet muddy surfaces perhaps consider an easy rider. 

• Bad weather seems to spark good vibes 

There is something thrilling about enjoying the weather most hide away from. The Lost Backpacker team has done the Ha Giang Loop 4 times, and all experienced mixed weather, but funnily enough almost all our favourite moments were in the pouring rain. Memories of hysterical mud-soaked laughter as the group danced in rain-covered rooftops, drove through clouds, swam in waterfalls and waded through rice paddies. Nothing can wash away the golden vibes of the Ha Giang Loop.

• The rain is the perfect excuse for an easy rider

Most traveller understand the risk of attempting the Ha Giang loop and are understandably debating whether to push their riding skills or opt for an easy rider. We recommend an easy rider unless you are a very confident motorcyclist even in dry conditions. So, if you are not sure whether to self-ride or get an easy rider, let the wet weather be the decider. 

• The Waterfalls will be in full flow 

Most Ha Giang loop routes stop off at several waterfalls and rivers, most notably Du Già and Nho Qué River. In the rain, these waters come to life, with surging torrents and gushing currents that are far more impressive in the rainy season than when conditions are dryer. 

• It makes for an unbelievable Backpacking Story 

If you thought driving across the most dangerous roads in Asia deserves respect, then doing it in torrential rain gets you the ultimate bragging rights. The memory of this trip will forever make you smile and remind you of a time when you braved the weather and took on one of the most legendary road trips in the world. 

Is the Ha Giang too dangerous in the heavy rain? 

We aren’t going to lie to you, the Ha Giang loop’s dangerous roads are a challenge for even the most experienced motorbike riders and wet weather makes the route even more risky. The wet muddy surface becomes slippery, so tires often lose traction around the corners and when applying the break. Each backpacker should seriously consider using an easy rider if it’s raining. This isn’t like the gentle learning curve of learning to drive a 120cc moped across Southeast Asia, these bikes are more powerful, and all have gears to cope with the steepness and uneven surfaces of the roads. 

Countless backpackers heading to Ha Giang obsess over weather forecasts and worry that the rain will not only dampen your clothes, but ruin everyone’s spirits as panoramic views are shrouded by mist, and roads become even more dangerous.  And while it is true, that the roads turn to treacherous muddy rivers and some views are covered, the route is still definitely worthwhile in the rain. If you are determined to ride yourself or avoid the rain you can always shift your backpacking itinerary around for dates with less rainfall. We recommend using Accuweather for the most reliable forecasts on precipitation rates and cloud coverage. 

In short, the Ha Giang Loop experience is so much more than flawless panoramic views and dry clothes. Regardless of whether you decide to brave the weather or not, we are sure you will still have an incredible time.