Ha Giang Name Change: What the New Merger Means

If you’re planning the Ha Giang Loop from Hanoi, you might’ve heard something about a new province name or seen “Tuyen Quang” showing up on the map. Confused? You’re not alone. Vietnam recently changed its provincial map, and yes—it affects Ha Giang name change, at least officially.

But before you panic about your trip, here’s everything you actually need to know about it, and why it doesn’t really change anything for travellers.

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What Actually Happened?

On July 1, 2025, the Vietnamese government officially merged Ha Giang Province with neighboring Tuyen Quang Province, under a national policy to reduce the number of provinces across the country. The new province keeps the name Tuyen Quang, and covers both the former Ha Giang and Tuyen Quang regions.

If you look at updated government maps, Ha Giang as a province name is gone. But if you’re a traveller, you’ll still see “Ha Giang” used everywhere—from hostel boards to tour brochures to the name of the Loop itself.

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Does the Ha Giang Name Change Affect the Loop?

Not at all. The Ha Giang Loop still starts in Ha Giang City, goes through Dong Van, Meo Vac, and over the iconic Ma Pi Leng Pass. The route is exactly the same, and all the villages, landscapes, and motorbike stops you’ve heard about are untouched.

The ha giang name change is purely administrative. It doesn’t affect the roads, the ethnic communities, or the scenery. Hostels, homestays, and tour operators still call it the Ha Giang Loop because that’s what it is.

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Why the Name Ha Giang Still Matters for Travellers

Even though Ha Giang no longer exists as a political boundary, it still exists in every meaningful way for backpackers:

• Locals still use it: Ask anyone in Ha Giang City or along the Loop, and they’ll say they’re from Ha Giang.

• Tour companies still promote it: You’ll book a “Ha Giang Loop Tour”, not a “Tuyen Quang Mountain Tour”.

• The culture hasn’t changed: The minority communities, the local foods, the markets—these are all still proudly Ha Giang.

In short, the ha giang name change doesn’t take away the experience. It’s still the same raw, rugged loop travellers fall in love with.

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Will Maps and Signs Change?

Possibly. Over the next year or two, Google Maps, booking platforms, and government signs may begin to show Tuyen Quang as the province name, even when referring to Ha Giang City or nearby towns. But that doesn’t mean the old names are disappearing from daily use.

If you see both names on signs or websites, don’t stress. “Ha Giang” is still the name used by travellers, and it’s the one that matters when you’re trying to book transport, tours, or accommodation.

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Tips for Travellers After the Ha Giang Name Change

• Use “Ha Giang” when booking: Whether you’re searching online or asking at a hostel, the name everyone still understands is Ha Giang.

• Book your tour through a trusted hostel: At places like Quiri Hostel Hanoi, staff explain everything clearly and connect you directly with real operators like Ha Giang Vision.

• Don’t worry about getting lost in bureaucracy: This isn’t a change that affects your visa, your route, or your experience.

The ha giang name change might show up in articles or government news, but on the road, nothing has changed.

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Still Planning to Ride?

If you’re in Hanoi and ready to take on the Ha Giang Loop, don’t let the name change confuse you. The adventure is still very much alive—and just as breathtaking as ever. Ask the team at Quiri Hostel Hanoi about booking your tour through Ha Giang Vision. You’ll get all the info you need, a bus pickup from the hostel, and the freedom to ride your way.