The Ultimate 2 Week North Vietnam Itinerary For An Epic Adventure

Planning a trip to Vietnam and wondering what is there to do in the north of Vietnam?

Before my visit, I had no clue what to expect from my journey through Northern Vietnam, apart from its renowned coffee and that the Vietnamese War had happened. However, I was astonished by the lively cities of Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, as well as Asia’s largest waterfall and captivating mountainscapes in Ha Giang! 

If you don’t mind a bit of time in the backseat, this region is way “better” than southern Vietnam, at least in terms of insane landscapes!

This North Vietnam itinerary will help you make the most of your trip by giving you ideas on where to go, what activities are available, which places should not be missed, and where to eat and sleep. We’ll also provide tips on how to get around so that your journey is as seamless as possible.

Ready to explore Northern Vietnam? Keep reading and discover how to plan the perfect Northern Vietnam itinerary!

How Long to Spend in Northern Vietnam?

I recommend spending two weeks to experience all of Vietnam’s beauty: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Ban Gioc, Ha Giang Loop, and Sapa. Given that these sites span a vast region in Vietnam, you have to factor in considerable time for transportation; thankfully, numerous night busses are available!

If two weeks is too long, you will have to cut out some places to visit.Focus on those places closer to Hanoi, like Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh. If you had a third place to visit, I recommend touring the Ha Giang Loop, which would add an additional 4 days to your itinerary.

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Best North Vietnam Tours: Must-Do Activities for Your First Visit

I wanted to start off with a few incredible tours to the must-visit places in North Vietnam! I’ve been to all these spots, so I know there’s no way you won’t be walking away with a huge smile on your face. All the links below take you straight to highly-rated Viator tours where you can book hassle-free at great prices that will include transportation and a local guide.

TOP 6 NORTHERN VIETNAM TOUR PICKS (One for Each City)

🏟️ Hanoi Jeep Tours: Food+ Culture + Sight + Fun – Explore Hanoi from a Soviet-era GAZ-69 jeep! Enjoy city highlights, hidden gems, and learn about Vietnam’s history with your local tour guide. Get a street meal & drink at a rooftop bar with morning/afternoon/evening options. 📜 Ninh Binh Full-Day Tour from Hanoi to Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave Via Boat & Bike – Forever in my heart os the first unreal Vietnam place I visited, explore the crazy Ninh Binh countryside! Fuel up with lunch before going on an unforgettable boat and bike adventure. 😋 Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour – Roam around Lan Ha and Halong Bay with this fun-filled boat tour! Kayak, swim and jump from the boat amidst thousands of islands, before lunching and exploring a limestone cave on Cat Ba Island.  🚌 Ban Gioc Waterfall 2D/1N From Hanoi – Discover the stunning beauty of Ba Be Lake National Park on this guided multi-day excursion – tea plantations, mountains, fishing villages, caves, & more! Enjoy complimentary transport, meals, accommodation and access to a boat, kayaks on this overnight trip.  🚌 Motorcycle Tour of Ha Giang Loop, 4D/3N – Top quality motorcycle tours with QT to explore Northern Vietnam’s majestic mountains and plentiful ethnic minorities. Their custom tailored tours are perfect for solo riders, couples, families, and friends. Ride with one of our expert guides/drivers or go solo. 🎡 Sapa 2 Days 1 Night From Hanoi – Overnight in Ta Van Village – Embark on a journey through rural Vietnam on a two-day hiking tour from Hanoi, scaling terraced fields, small villages, and majestic mountains. Spend the night in Ta Van Hill Tribe village, with personalized attention guaranteed on a small group tour.

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Northern Vietnam Road Trip Map

Embarking on a two-week motorbike journey to explore the beauty of Northern Vietnam turned out to be a fantastic experience. I had not ridden a motorcycle for such an extended period since Mongolia in 2016 – where technically, I was the passenger.

Below is a map of our route, and I would 100% do it again!

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Sample Two Week North Vietnam Itinerary: Major Cities and Hotspots in Northern Vietnam

This North Vietnam itinerary explores Northern Vietnam’s highlights in a short time. However, it is quite hectic, especially if you need your own transportation! 

Take into account how much time it will require to get from one location to another—especially if you’re relying on public transportation.

The itinerary focuses on the region’s main cities and visitor hotspots, including Hanoi (the capital), Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Cao Bang, Ha Giang, and Sapa.

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Day 1-2: Starting from the City Sights of Hanoi

Although I spent two weeks in Hanoi, much of my time was devoted to digital nomading and exploring the city’s cafe culture. To be honest, I found Hanoi rather uninspiring – if you are pressed for time, I recommend spending your precious days discovering other Northern Vietnam sites instead.

Best Things to Do in Hanoi, Vietnam

• Explore the Old Quarter of Hanoi and indulge in Vietnamese food and coffee
• Party on beer street in Old Town
• Bike or walk amidst the peaceful ambiance of Hoan Kiem Lake or West Lake
• Check out the now-defunct Hanoi Train Street
• Photograph the really awesome realistic street graffiti
• Visit some of Hanoi’s cultural highlights:
  • Temples: Ngoc Son Pagoda, the temple on Hoan Kiem Lake, the temple of literature
  • Museums: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, National Museum Of Vietnamese History, the Museum of Ethnology
  • Architecture: Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Water Puppet Theatre Performance, Hanoi Opera House

Can’t Miss Hanoi Highlights Explained

Explore the Old Quarter & Photograph its Street Graffiti

Take in the smells, sounds, and charisma of this ageless neighborhood. A stroll through Hanoi’s Old Quarter’s spiraling alleyways, bustling local markets, picturesque colonial-style buildings, and magnificent street artwork is a requisite for visiting Vietnam.

Prepare to be enchanted by the vivid graffiti adorning the walls of this urban area as you stroll down towards the train station. Each mural is so lifelike! You’ll soon find yourself captivated, unable to resist taking pictures.

Party on Beer Street

Hanoi’s iconic Beer Street is a must-visit for night owls. This vibrant street buzzes with life as people flock to the numerous bars, restaurants, and street vendors for a probably-not-needed beer. Come and explore the liveliness of this area, indulge in tasty snacks, and listen to live music performances! And believe me – someone is always singing along loudly with their karaoke speakers.

Tip! Technically, bars and clubs are supposed to shut down at midnight. If police come, the streets will clear out temporarily. However, behind closed garage doors, most establishments have a back entrance still letting people in and out.

See the Now-defunct Hanoi Train Street

(In January 2023, the train runs through again. It was closed the months prior due to safety concerns)

Experience the “train street” of Hanoi, a railway track that ran through an entire residential area, turned tourist hotspot filled with cafe viewing spots. Before it shut down, the train used to barrel through the tight streets every day! Even though, the street still looks very scenic and is worth a stop through.

Missed this spot? There’s another in Thailand!
In October 2022, I was fortunate enough to witness the last train passing through this street, but they have since decided to reopen it again! If you have plans to visit one of Vietnam’s neighbors, there is a famous spot in Thailand known as Maeklong Train Market where this same experience can be had, although it is not as pretty!

What to Eat in Hanoi: Indulge in Vietnamese Food and Coffee

Hanoi is the perfect place to sample some of the best regional dishes. To truly indulge in Vietnam’s culinary masterpieces, visit Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where you’ll find numerous bustling food stalls and restaurants.

Some Vietnamese Foods to Try:

• Pho (rice noodle soup)
• Goi Cuon (summer spring rolls)
• Bun Cha (north-style pork noodle soup) – Eat at Bun Cha Ta Hanoi
• Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich)
• Xoi Ga (sticky rice with chicken or any other topping) – Eat at Xoi Yen

Remember to try Vietnamese coffee while you’re there! From the north, they have created a renowned specialty – egg coffees. This came about due to taxes on milk back then, so people had no choice but to be imaginative with their recipes. 

Not only that, I was obsessed with coconut coffee, which is basically a coconut frappe with a shot of espresso on top. With so many incredible coffeehouses to choose from, it deserves its own post, but my favorite is probably Hidden Alley Coffee!

Where to Stay in Hanoi

With so little time on your Hanoi itinerary, I recommend staying in the Old Quarter, so it is very easy to walk everywhere.

🏘️ WHERE TO STAY IN OLD QUARTER, HANOI

BUDGET HOSTEL WITH AMAZING BREAKFAST BUFFET SPREAD: Buffalo Hostel (⭐8.6) PSYCHEDELIC THEMED STUDIO WITH BALCONY: Agoda Apartments (⭐8.9) I stayed here for a week. So weird but so cool! SEXY DARK WOOD LUXURY DESIGN STAY: Shinging Central Hotel & Spa (⭐9.1) 5 STAR LUXURY STAY WITH ROOFTOP POOL: Oriental Jade Hotel (⭐9.3)

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Day 3-4: Ninh Binh “The Ha Long Bay on Land”

In Ninh Binh, Vietnam, lies a serene paradise of crazy limestone karsts and verdant rice paddies – often referred to as “The Ha Long Bay on Land”. Adventure awaits as you explore ancient temples, boat through limestone caves, and cycle through idyllic countryside surrounded by majestic mountains that will leave you in complete wonderment.

Read the Full Blog Post for a Detailed Guide: Best Things to do in Ninh Binh Vietnam

What to See in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

• Visit Trang An Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Experience a boat trip through the Tam Coc caves
• Watch the Sunrise from Hang Mua Viewpoint at Mua Caves, then play with the lilypad lakes
• Tour Bai Dinh Pagoda, the Largest Buddhist Temple in Vietnam
• Explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu
• Go cycling or scooter through the countryside, climbing random mountains and finding groups of water buffalo

Can’t Miss Ninh Binh Highlights Explained

Visit The Trang An Complex Boating the Caves

The stunning Trang An Complex offers incredible views of limestone karsts jutting out from the emerald green waters, numerous caves, and picturesque pagodas. Choose from three boat ride routes around this scenic spot.

Take a boat trip through the Tam Coc caves

Tam Coc is a popular boat ride in Ninh Binh province. The boats are slowly manually paddled with feet through three large caves before turning back around.

Don’t miss out on the spectacular viewpoint! (pictured below) Ask your boat driver to make a stop after the first cave, as they will not do so otherwise. At the spot, there is a small stair pathway to the top.

Watch the Sunrise from Hang Mua Viewpoint

The Hang Mua Viewpoint offers the best view of the Tam Coc Complex and the breathtaking karsts, and has a cool dragon statue at the top.

Plan to get up early and make your way here by dawn, so you can witness the stunning sunrise over this incredible landscape. And then come back again for the sunset, as the setting sun gives the spot an entirely different look.

Endlessly Walk Around Bai Dinh Pagoda

The Bai Dinh Pagoda is one of the biggest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. Its surrounding hills and tranquil atmosphere offer a perfect escape from city life. Explore the 500 Lì Xuân statues and wander around its numerous courtyards for hours.

Tip! If you come, you may want to pay for a shuttle ride around the complex, it is huge and even just walking from the parking lot to the start of the park will take about a half hour.

Where to Stay in Ninh Binh

Should I stay in Should You Stay In Ninh Binh, Tam Coc, Or Trang An? If you’re looking for a few days of picturesque views and serene atmosphere, I wholeheartedly recommend that you stay in Trang An at the For You Homestay. Not only will you have unforgettable views of the majestic mountains from your breakfast table, but there are great hostels and cheap accommodation for those on a budget. Tam Coc along the riverside would be my second choice.

🏘️ WHERE TO STAY IN NINH BINH

BUFFET BREAKFAST WITH AN EPIC VIEW – Trang An For You Homestay (⭐8.8) For You Homestay is the perfect getaway – dorm beds are just $5 per night and private bungalows are available too. Enjoy the breathtaking breakfast view on the weekend, with an unlimited buffet! BUNGALOWS RIGHT ON TAM COC BOAT TOUR – Tam Coc Bungalows (⭐8.6) Wake up to the beautiful views of the Tam Coc Boat Tour riverside and limestone mountains from Tam Coc Bungalows. While having your complimentary breakfast, take in the picturesque boat rides or make a splash in their inviting swimming pool! AWESOME BUNGALOW WITH POOL & MOUNTAIN VIEWS: Trang An Lamia Bungalow (⭐9.5) Top notch hospitality serving great food and amazing Trang An mountain views straight from your patio or small private pool. Plus, the bungalow design takes me back to Bali, Indonesia or Tulum, Mexico.

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Day 5-6: Cruise Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island

Unfortunately, a typhoon put the breaks on our plans at Ha Long Bay, so I didn’t get to take in all of its beauty. Still, these sights will be waiting for me when I come back and visit Vietnam again!

Best Things to Do in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

• Explore Surprise Cave, one of the largest grottos in Halong Bay
• Take a Ha Long Bay Cruise to Its Thousands of Islands
• Climb Up to Ti Top Island’s Viewpoint for Stunning Views of Halong Bay
• Stay overnight on small islands like Cat Ba Island or Lan Ha Bay

Can’t Miss Ha Long Bay Highlights Explained

Take a Cruise Along Halong Bay and Its Thousands of Islands

Take your pick from the numerous daily boat tours from Halong City or Tuan Chau Island in Ha Long Bay. This is the most popular thing to do in Ha Long Bay, and you can choose from an all-day or half-day boat option.

Enjoy snacks and drinks as you take in this awe-inspiring view of dramatic towering sea stacks surrounded by immense emerald-blue waters, stopping by small bays and beaches along the way for a cool-down swim.

For Vietnam, this is a bit pricey of a day trip, starting at ~$55 USD even when you book in-person. To save time on the ground and make sure you are getting a quality boat tour, book here for a Ha Long Day Trip Cruise.

Ferry and Stay Overnight on Cat Ba Island

Ha Long Bay is a city, a huge one, in fact. To get away from the Vietnamese traffic, most tourists opt to stay overnight and explore the landscapes of nearby Cat Ba Island. 

Where to Stay in Ha Long Bay

So many of the hotels in Ha Long Bay are glitzy and luxurious-looking, even if it’s just a private room for $20 USD. The more expensive ones will usually avertise a view or rooftops with the thousand island landscape.

🏘️ WHERE TO STAY IN HA LONG BAY

FANCY (but AFFORDABLE) ROOFTOP & ROOM w/ ISLAND VIEW: Diamond Luxury Hotel (⭐8.5) Just a few minute walk from the boardwalk, we stayed at Diamond Luxury Hotel. I can only assume we got the cheapest room, but we still had a side view of the islands popping out from the ocean. For the best views, head to the rooftop and enjoy the view while sipping on some coffee. HOTEL RIGHT NEXT TO KARST CLIFFSIDE & OCEAN VIEW: The Confetti Hotel (⭐8.7) OCEAN VIEW HOTEL ON CAT BA ISLAND: Huong Cang Sea View Hotel (⭐9.0)

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Day 6-7: Ban Gioc Waterfall and Cao Bang Province

Exploring the Cao Bang area was an extraordinary experience, even more so because we went before the rice harvest season when all the fields were a magnificent shade of yellow.

Read the Full Blog Post for a Detailed Guide: Best Things to Do in Cao Bang, Vietnam

As impressive as the Cao Bang area is, if you’re pressed for time, I recommend passing on this remote province due to the lengthy travel required. If you are still would like to see Ba Gioc (and you should) consider taking a tour to save time. Check out this 2D/1N tour to the Cao Bang Area starting from Hanoi.

What to See in Cao Bang Province, Vietnam

• Visit Asia’s largest waterfall, Ban Gioc Waterfalls
• Watch your head exploring the Nguom Ngao Cave System
• Climb the Trúc Lâm Phật Tích Pagoda
• Treat yourself to a sunset from The Stone Arch – God’s Eye (need more time)
• Hike The Cattle Trails In Phong Nam Valley (need more time)
• Take a trip back in time, staying in the ancient stone village in houses dating as far back as 200 years.

Can’t Miss Cao Bang Province Highlights Explained

Feel the Spray from Asia’s largest waterfall, Ban Gioc Waterfall

Solidly eight hours from Hanoi, located on the Chinese border, lies one of Asia’s most remarkable natural wonders: Ban Gioc Waterfall. The renowned Ban Gioc Waterfall stands as Asia’s largest waterfall and the fourth biggest in the world across two countries.

Standing tall at over 300 feet and spanning 700 feet in width across its curtain-like cascade down a steep cliff face, this double waterfall is absolutely beautiful…and not that crowded! For an even closer look at the falls, you can embark on a short boat ride.

Nearby: Climb the Trúc Lâm Phật Tích Pagoda

Watch your head exploring the Nguom Ngao Cave System

The Nguom Ngao Cave System is an amazing underworld labyrinth of stalactites, stalagmites and columns, and other bizarre rock formations in Cao Bang Province. The entrance to this underground wonderland doesn’t seem like much, but the cave system extends almost two miles long!

With a well-developed path, you don’t need a guide to explore this cave system. Just watch your head as you explore the cave’s main chamber and its numerous smaller rooms.

Tip! Just before the exit, continue forward going up the dimly lit staircase before you leave! You’ll be delighted when you reach its end and find The Lotus Chamber, a large chamber filled with majestic illumination.

Where to Eat Near Ban Gioc Waterfall

Beat the high restaurant prices near Ban Gioc Waterfall by driving a few minutes to this local eatery (or any eatery outside the waterfall area). Enjoy meals that feed your whole group at the price of one person. The sweetest auntie will greet you and fill your bellies without breaking the bank.

Where to Stay Near Ban Gioc Waterfall

If you are not going on a tour, Ban Gioc has many more options if you just show up to find a place to stay. Many of the guesthouses and homestays are not available online.

With that said, we accidentally went on the weekend of a marathon, so many places were booked out, and we had to ask a few places before finding a place to stay for the night. Below are a few cheap options.

🏘️ WHERE TO STAY NEAR BAN GIOC WATERFALL

STONE VILLAGE HOMESTAY – Nguom Ngao – Ban Gioc Homestay Indulge in the Cao Bang Geopark’s attractions by staying in the Stone Village. Nguom Ngao – Ban Gioc Homestay is a great option for affordability and extra amenities, such as a large lobby with a ping-pong table. STYLISH CAO BANG HOMESTAY – Lan’s Homestay Experience classic style and affordability at Lan’s Homestay, a renowned pick in the area with two convenient locations in Cao Bang and near the waterfall. Dorms and private rooms are available.

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Day 8-12: Drive the Ha Giang Loop

Take a trip driving on one of the world’s most spectacular roads: The Ha Giang Loop. This iconic route winds its way through some of Vietnam’s most impressive and remote landscapes, offering stunning views over immense valleys, rugged mountains, and diverse ethnic cultures.

Read the Full Blog Post for a Detailed Guide: Everything You need to Know For the Ha Giang Loop

What to See on the Ha Giang Loop, Vietnam

• Marvel at the Ma Pi Leng Pass and take a boat ride through the gorge
• Explore Dong Van Geopark to See Unique Rock Formations, Plateau Landscapes, Unspoiled Nature, and Hmong Culture.
• Hike Up To Heaven’s Gate For Spectacular Views Over The Mountains Of Vietnam
• Catch A Glimpse of Local Culture In The Ethnic Minority Markets Like Dong Van or Meo Vac
• Take In All The Beauty While Cruising Along Lung Cu Flag Tower Road

Can’t Miss Ha Giang Loop Highlights Explained

Marvel at the Ma Pi Leng Pass and take a boat ride through the gorge

Take a break from driving and enjoy this amazing Nho Que River Valley view. From the top of Ma Pi Leng Pass, you can gaze for miles upon miles of stunning landscapes – different shades of green, white clouds, and a big blue sky!

Complete your experience by taking a boat ride through the gorge and admiring the cliffs that line both sides of the river. 

Journey into Nature’s Art in Dong Van Geopark

From the majestic limestone pinnacles jutting up from the ground, to layered sandstone cliffs that have been weathered by time and wind – take a journey through nature’s most spectacular gallery at Dong Van Geopark (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Where to Stay on the Ha Giang Loop

🏘️ POPULAR TOWNS TO STAY ON THE HA GIANG LOOP

Ha Giang — (Hostel – Ha Giang Hostel, Bong Hostel | Private – The Art Gold Jungle House) Yen Minh — (Dorm – Homestay Hoàng Vũ| Private – Homestay Phuc Ahn) Dong Van — (Dorm – Dong Van Cliffside House | Private – Nhà Nghỉ Quang Trung) Meo Vac — (Hostel – Little Yen’s Homestay | Private – Nhà nghỉ Việt Nhật)

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Day 12-13: Mountainous Sapa

My experience in Sapa was marred by the fact that I had visited after harvest season, leaving me with muddy grounds and hazy skies due to heavy clouds. Furthermore, its high elevation made it an extremely frigid destination. Nevertheless, the city’s culture and beauty partially made up for it.

Best Things to Do in Sapa, Vietnam

• Take A Cable Car to the Summit Of Fansipan Mountain, Vietnam’s highest peak.
• Go trekking through the rice terraces, but make sure it’s the right time of year
• Immerse yourself in Sapa’s hill tribe villages by homestaying with a local family or shopping at the huge ethnic Market
• Explore the vibrant, one-of-a-kind downtown Sapa with its stunning lake and an array of exciting evening activities.

Can’t Miss Sapa Highlights Explained

Cable Car To The Summit Of Fansipan Mountain

Take a ride up the longest cable car in Southeast Asia. Enjoy views of terraced rice paddies, picturesque mountains, and valleys all the way to the top of Fansipan Mountain, Vietnam’s highest peak.

Go Trekking through the Rice Terraces

Take a leisurely stroll through Sapa’s stunning landscapes and take in its iconic terraced rice paddies. These paddies are home to many of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities, so you’ll also get a glimpse into their unique culture.

Make sure to go during a good season! Otherwise, you may experience a very dull and foggy journey. Trust me when I say that it can become pretty dismal with constant mud and brown colors; this is what our trip looked like (pictured below).

Avoid this fate by planning your trek right before the harvest season (April-May or September-Early October). We went in late October, and it was already too late.

Visit Local Villages & Interact with Ethnic Minorities

Visit some of the many traditional villages and interact with the local inhabitants. Here, you’ll witness firsthand the unique customs and traditions of these ethnic minorities, mainly the Hmong culture, like from the movie Gran Torino.

Here are some of the best ethnic villages to visit:

• Cat Cat Village
• Tavan Village
• Lao Chai Village
• Sin Chai Village

Explore the vibrant, one-of-a-kind downtown Sapa with its stunning lake and an array of exciting evening activities

The downtown area of Sapa is where all the action is. During the day, take in the breathtaking sight of a still lake that offers a stunning reflection of this vibrant city. As night falls, explore an array of pubs for drinks and music or catch one-of-a-kind cultural performances held at the central square!

Where to Stay in sapa, Vietnam

Sapa is a really, really touristy town and as such, the accommodation can get very pricey. In my opinion, if you’re coming all the way out here, you should pick a place to stay with a view, which is the main point of coming all the way out here in the first place.

Secondly, you can choose to stay in Sapa the town, or in the nearby hillsides. The hillsides either offer amazing rice terrace mountain views or homestays in villages in the valley.

🏘️ WHERE TO STAY IN SAPA

IN SAPA CITY WOOD STYLE HOTEL WITH DORMS & AMAZING VIEW: SaPa Retreat Condotel (⭐9.2) TOP LUXURY STAY WITH VIEW + ALL AMENITIES: Sapa Relax Hotel & Spa (⭐9.3) AROUND SAPA 180 DEGREE MOUNTAIN VIEW UNIQUE ARCHITECTURE: Chapa Ecolodge (⭐8.4) TOP BUDGET PRIVATE WITH VIEW & BALCONY: Mintu Home (⭐8.4)

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Day 14: Return to Hanoi

Embark on an 8-hour overnight Vietnamese sleeper bus journey from Sapa back to Hanoi, arriving early, very early in the morning.

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How To Get Around Northern Vietnam

Rent A Scooter

The best way to explore Northern Vietnam is by renting a scooter. The roads in the region are good, and you’ll find that it’s an easy and economical way to cover long distances. 

Related Post: Find more information on how to get the best deal renting scooters in Vietnam

Train/Bus

Buses are a great way to get around the region if you want to avoid renting a scooter, and they go everywhere. Most major cities have busses, and then to connect to smaller areas, you will have to take local or tourist buses.

Railways in Northern Vietnam are less well-developed with only one station north of Hanoi being in Lao Cai, about an hour’s drive away from Sapa.

Rent A Private Car

Because of the large distances in Vietnam, I don’t recommend hiring private transport and a driver to take you around like how you would move around in Indonesia. 

Renting a car may be your best option if you want to avoid taking public transportation and be safer than on a two-wheeler on the mountain passes.

👉Check for the most up-to-date car rental prices from Hanoi here

Join A Northern Vietnam Tour

Plenty of tour companies offer guided tours in North Vietnam. This is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and explore places you may not otherwise have access to. Plus, you will learn a lot more with a local tour guide.

👉 Haven’t found a tour you like? Check Viator for other tours around Northern Vietnam

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FAQs: Things to Do on a North Vietnam Itinerary

What is the best time to visit North Vietnam?

The climate in northern Vietnam is characterized by hot, humid summers and cool, dry winters. The average temperature in the region ranges from 16-24°C in the winter to 27-35°C in the summer.

The worst time to go to Northern Vietnam is during the monsoonal rains from May to October, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in September and October. The best time to visit would be the months right before and right after the monsoon season, when the temperatures are moderate, and the chances of rain are slimmer.

Is it Better to Visit North or South Vietnam?

To be blunt, I’m unsure since I have yet to personally visit southern Vietnam. However, many other travelers indicate that if you have been to the north of Vietnam, there’s no real reason to travel south.

Most travelers start their journey in southern Vietnam as it generates an ever-increasing level of awe and wonderment as they move north. However, South Vietnam has a well-deserved reputation for its beaches, like Phu Quoc, and beautiful cities, like Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang.

What is the Geography of Northern Vietnam?

Northern Vietnam is a diverse and geographically varied region, ranging from the mountains in the northwest to the coastal plain in the east. In the north, near the Chinese border, the terrain is mostly mountainous with dense forests and a temperate climate. Further south, closer to Hanoi, the topography is characterized by wide plains and rolling hills.

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Bucket List Worthy? Best Things To Do On A North Vietnam Itinerary

For an adventure of culture and magnificent mountain views, Northern Vietnam is a surprising but much-deserved contender as one of the world’s finest destinations. Motorbike your way through Ha Giang’s beautiful mountain range or relax on Ha Long Bay’s beaches – Northern Vietnam is a sublimely varied destination for adventurous travelers.

To summarize this giant post into the best parts of Northern Vietnam, I would say:

• Ma Pi Leng Pass, but really the entire Ha Giang Loop was amazing
• Ban Gioc Waterfall
• Tam Coc in Ninh Binh

TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find the best tours and activities with Viator to cross off your bucket list and create unforgettable memories 🏘️ Book your accommodation with Booking.com in advance and check availability on the days of your travels. 🧾 Rent a car in advance with Discovercars for those epic road trips at the best price.