How to pack for a week of trekking in Ha Giang

Ha Giang weather changes with elevation, not just season. A warm valley afternoon can become a cold ridge evening within an hour of walking. Pack for layers, not for temperatures.

A merino base layer, a light fleece, and a packable rain shell will handle 90% of conditions. Add a warm jacket from November to February.

Footwear: real trail shoes or light hiking boots, broken in before you arrive. The limestone is sharp, and the mud after rain is committed. Sandals are fine for the homestay evenings, useless on the trail.

The thing everyone forgets: a small headtorch. Homestay power can be intermittent, outdoor toilets are real, and the night sky on the plateau is worth getting up for.