The appeal of Northern Vietnam doesn’t just lie in its landscapes—although its rugged coastline, rice terraces, dramatic mountains, lush jungle, and Chinese and French-style architecture do pack a punch. While most people rush through the north (typically visiting Hanoi and Halong Bay before heading south to lantern-lit Hoi An), some of the best things to do in Northern Vietnam are a little further afield. Highlights include Sapa, Ba Be National Park, Ninh Binh, and the Ha Giang Loop, a wild and wonderful road trip around Vietnam’s “final frontier”—the Chinese border.
The best time to visit Northern Vietnam is between March and May, and from September through November. Tet (a huge country-wide festival held to mark the beginning of the Lunar New Year) in February is also a great time to visit. While the winter months can be a little chilly—especially if you’re planning on heading up into the highlands—the summer months tend to be hot, humid, and wet, with thunderstorms and flooding fairly common.
There are a few different ways to get around Northern Vietnam, including train, bus, taxi, and motorbike. If time is of the essence, you can fly between Hanoi and Halong Bay. While it’s fairly easy to organize your own transport when you’re there, day trips and multi-day tours help you reach Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, or Sapa with ease. These are a great option if you’re short on time and want to squeeze in the top sights.
Off-the-beaten-path highlights in Northern Vietnam include Ba Be National Park—known for its misty peaks and waterfalls—and Ninh Binh, home to the UNESCO-listed Trang An grottoes and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. Adventurous travelers can also check out the Ha Giang Loop. Said to be one of the country’s best motorcycle trips, the best way to experience it is on a tour, where experienced riders drive while you focus on epic views of the Dong Van Karst Plateau.
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Yes, North Vietnam is absolutely worth visiting. From the rolling rice terraces of Sapa to the studded peaks of Halong Bay and the historic charm of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, North Vietnam has a wealth of wonders—plus some amazing food to boot.
...MoreNorth Vietnam is known for its spectacular scenery, which ranges from epic mountains to limestone island-studded bays, rolling rice terraces, and centuries-old cities. It’s also known for its culture, which is most evident in ethnic villages and art galleries, and during water puppet shows in Hanoi.
...MoreSome of the top things to do in Northern Vietnam include taking a boat cruise around Halong Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay; discovering the sights of Hanoi, including West Lake and the Opera House; hiking in Sapa; and, if time allows, visiting Ninh Binh or riding the Ha Giang loop.
...MoreThere is so much to see in northern Vietnam that you could easily fill a week or two and never run out of things to see and do. Two weeks is probably the ideal length of time, so you can squeeze in trips to Halong Bay, Sapa, and Ninh Binh and still enjoy some time in Hanoi.
...MoreThe best way to explore Northern Vietnam is by taking a tour with a local guide who can show you all the best spots. Alternatively, you can head out on your own and use a combination of public transport—local or tourist buses and trains—and/or taxis/rideshares to get from A to B.
...MoreNorthern Vietnam and Southern Vietnam are very different. Not only are the landscapes distinct—the north is more mountainous while the south is more flat—but both the weather and the people are too, especially in the cities; Hanoi is a little more fancy, while Ho Chi Minh has more hustle and bustle.
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