Last Days in Northern Vietnam and the Journey Back to Hanoi

Two Weeks That Went By Quickly

After spending two weeks volunteering at a hostel in Ha Giang, it was finally time to move on to my next destination.

The plan was to head south to Da Nang, where I could enjoy the beautiful coastline, sunshine, and beaches. But before leaving northern Vietnam, I wanted to make the most of my remaining days in Ha Giang.

Looking back, those two weeks went by surprisingly quickly. I had come here mainly to volunteer, contribute to the hostel which operates charity tours, and meet travelers from different parts of the world. And that was exactly what I got to experience. I met some interesting people, explored the surrounding countryside on a motorbike, discovered places I probably wouldn't have found otherwise, and collected plenty of memories along the way.

One Last Ride Around Ha Giang

During my final days, I spent as much time as possible riding around the area and taking photographs.

I wanted to capture a few more memories before leaving. The mountains, winding roads, small villages, and dramatic landscapes had become familiar sights, but somehow they never got boring.

There was still one major thing I hadn't done, though: completing the famous Ha Giang Loop.

The full loop usually takes around three to four days by motorbike, depending on your route and pace. Honestly, I wasn't quite ready for that kind of adventure yet.

My main reason for coming to Ha Giang wasn't to complete the loop anyway. I wanted to experience volunteering, meet new people, and spend some time living in a completely different environment.

And I think I managed to do exactly that.

Besides, I'm pretty sure this won't be my last visit to Ha Giang. At least, I certainly hope it won't be!

The loop is still waiting for me, and maybe next time I'll be ready to take on the whole journey.

Something I've been thinking about while traveling through northern Vietnam is how popular destinations like Ha Giang and Sapa have become.

I can't say exactly how much social media has contributed to this popularity, but I suspect it has played a significant role.

Beautiful mountain roads, endless green valleys, rice terraces, and motorbike adventures make incredibly attractive travel content. A few photographs or short videos can easily make someone add a destination to their travel bucket list.

And after spending two weeks here, I can understand why people are so fascinated by this region.

Still, I think there's a difference between visiting a place for a few photographs and actually spending some time there. Living in Ha Giang, even for just two weeks, gave me a different perspective on the region.

It's not just about the famous viewpoints or the motorbike routes. It's also about the people you meet, the everyday atmosphere, and the small unexpected experiences that become your favorite memories.

A Short Stop in Hanoi: Hoan Kiem Lake

Before heading to Da Nang, I also had some time to explore Hanoi again. One of the places I visited was Hoan Kiem Lake, right in the heart of the city.

The lake and its iconic red bridge, The Huc Bridge, create a beautiful atmosphere, especially when you take a walk around the water.

One thing that caught my attention was how many young Vietnamese people were taking photos and creating social media content around the lake.

It seemed like a popular spot for photography and short videos. Some people were posing for photos, while others were recording videos, trying different angles, and spending quite a lot of time in front of their cameras until they got the perfect shot.

It was actually quite interesting to watch. For a moment, I felt like I was walking through an open-air photography studio 😄

Social media has become an important part of everyday life for younger generations here, and places like Hoan Kiem Lake provide the perfect background for their content. I enjoyed simply walking around, watching the local life, and taking a few photographs of my own before continuing my journey south.

Hanoi Moves at Its Own Pace

Hanoi can feel quite chaotic at first, especially if you're visiting Vietnam for the first time. The streets are busy, traffic seems to flow in every direction, and motorbikes are everywhere. In fact, I think the widespread use of motorbikes is one of the main reasons behind the city's chaotic atmosphere.

But there's something interesting about Hanoi: the longer you stay, the more you start getting used to its rhythm. What initially looks like complete chaos gradually becomes part of everyday life. Somehow, the locals navigate through this traffic with an impressive level of confidence.

I'd actually visited Hanoi before, so I was already familiar with its atmosphere. This time, I didn't feel the need to spend much time exploring the city again. I decided to keep my stay short and continue my journey south to Da Nang.

Next stop: Da Nang! Beaches, sunshine, and hopefully a little less traffic.

Thanks for following my journey, and see you in the next travel diary!

Yaser