You're in Hanoi and checking out Ha Giang Loop Rainy Season. It’s raining though. You’ve been planning to ride the Ha Giang Loop- but now you’re staring at the weather app, wondering if it’s still a good idea. Some people on Reddit say it’s fine. Others warn you to cancel everything.
The truth is? it depends. Vietnam’s weather is unpredictable to be honest. One minute it's cloudy in Hanoi, the next it's sunny in the mountains. But if you're planning to do the Loop during rainy season, or you're just caught in a few rainy days in the capital, there are real things to consider.
Here's what the rainy season actually looks like, when it's safe to ride, and what to do if you need to delay your trip.
The official Ha Giang Loop Rainy Season in Northern Vietnam runs from June to September, with July and August being the wettest months. Ha Giang sees heavier mountain rain than Hanoi, which makes riding conditions more difficult—and sometimes dangerous.
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Ha Giang Loop Rainy Season[/caption]
Rain during this time isn’t just light showers. It can mean:
Slippery mountain passes
Sudden landslides
Poor visibility in high-altitude areas
Washed-out trails near villages
Because of this, most reputable tour companies—including Ha Giang Vision—don’t recommend doing the Loop in peak rainy season. It’s not about comfort, it’s about your own personal safety. Even if you're experienced, the risk isn't worth it when the weather is really bad.
Here’s the thing though: rain in Hanoi doesn’t mean rain in Ha Giang.
Many travelers assume that if the capital is wet, the entire north is soaked too. But in reality, Hanoi can be grey and rainy while Ha Giang is enjoying clear skies—or at worst, light mist. In fact, Ha Giang’s misty weather often makes the landscapes feel even more dramatic.
If it’s not peak rainy season and you’re only seeing some light drizzle or passing showers in Hanoi, there’s a good chance the Loop is still rideable. Check your weather reports! Our tours often run during these in-between days, and the experience can still be amazing.
Let’s be honest: there are times when it’s better to wait. You should not do the Loop if:
There's heavy rain forecasted for multiple days in Ha Giang
Roads are closed due to recent landslides
You're planning to ride yourself but have little to no motorbike experience
You’re looking for perfect blue skies and postcard views—because in heavy rain, you definitely won’t get them
If the forecast is consistently bad, the best decision is to delay and continue staying in Hanoi. Ha Giang Vision can help you reschedule or advise on when it’s best to go. Trust the local guides—they know the mountains better than Google Weather does.
Not all rain is a deal-breaker.
If you're visiting outside of Ha Giang Loop Rainy Season (like early May or late September) and the forecast shows light showers or occasional drizzle, the Loop can still be a highlight of your trip.
In fact, some travelers say the mist makes it feel even more epic.
Tips for riding in light rain:
Go with an easyrider if you’re unsure about the roads
Wear waterproof layers and bring dry socks
Pack a poncho or rainproof jacket
Keep your gear in dry bags
Be okay with mud, mist, and slightly wet clothes—it’s part of the adventure
Group sizes are often smaller in light-rain days, which makes for a more personal tour. And the views, even with fog, can be surreal—like riding through clouds.
If the Loop’s a no-go for now, don’t stress. Hanoi has more than enough to keep you entertained while you wait for the weather to clear.
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Bia Hoi Corner[/caption]
Stay at Quiri Hostel Hanoi—right in the Old Quarter. It’s cozy, social, and a great place to meet other travelers who are also figuring out their next move. While you're in town, you can:
Try the city’s best street food (Bun Cha, Pho, Egg Coffee)
Explore museums like the Hoa Lo Prison or Women’s Museum
Take a Vietnamese cooking class
Hang out at Hanoi's famous train street (if open)
Or if the coast is dry, take a 2-day trip to Cat Ba Island for swimming and kayaking
Rainy season might slow things down, but it doesn’t have to ruin your plans.
The weather in Vietnam changes fast. What’s stormy today might be clear in two days. That’s why most long-term travelers—and experienced loop riders—recommend staying flexible.
Book a few nights at Quiri Hostel. Meet other travelers doing the same. And when the skies start to open up, check in with the Ha Giang Vision team. They’ll tell you if conditions are safe and help you get on the next Loop tour.
Ha Giang isn’t going anywhere—but when the weather clears, it’ll feel like the best decision you’ve made on your trip.