North Vietnam Itinerary: TOP places & tips for a memorable journey

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Admire the beauty of the North through the North Vietnam itinerary (Source: Collected)

If you are planning a Vietnam travel, a North Vietnam itinerary is an ideal suggestion. Northern Vietnam always captivates travelers with its breathtaking natural landscapes, time-tinged historical relics, delicious cuisine, and the warmth and hospitality of its people. A journey to explore this magical land will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience for you in Vietnam.

1. Things to know for a North Vietnam travel itinerary

1.1. How many days to spend on the North Vietnam itinerary?

The Northern region of Vietnam is incredibly beautiful and has many fascinating places to explore. The time for a Northern Vietnam itinerary largely depends on the time available and the destinations you wish to visit. To fully immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of North Vietnam, it is recommended to spend at least 5 to 10 days there. If you have more time, you can discover even more interesting spots and deeply engage in the unique culture of Northern Vietnam.

1.2. Best time to visit Northern Vietnam

To ensure an exciting and memorable trip, selecting the right time for the North Vietnam itinerary is crucial. The best time to visit the region is during the spring (from February to April) and autumn (from September to November). During this period, the North Vietnam temperature ranges from 15°C to 28°C and is generally cool and dry, providing favorable conditions for sightseeing and various outdoor activities.

What is the best time to travel to the North? (Source: Collected)

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2. Top places to add to the North Vietnam itinerary

2.1. Ha Giang

If you enjoy a Northern Vietnam motorbike tour, you must visit Ha Giang at least once. The winding mountain passes and wild, majestic landscapes will captivate you instantly. Pack your backpack and explore Ha Giang with the Dong Van stone plateau, Lung Cu flagpole, Ma Pi Leng Pass, the Vuong’s mansion, etc., to experience the poetic, gentle, yet wild beauty of this region. Also, you don’t miss the chance to try unique Vietnamese foods here, such as thang co, men men, and thang den.

2.2. Sapa – Unmissable place in North Vietnam tour packages

Sapa, the misty town, is an unmissable destination on the North Vietnam itinerary. Here, you will find beautiful natural scenery with hidden mountains and hills amidst the fog. Sapa also captivates visitors with its cultural beauty and the serene simplicity of ethnic minority Vietnamese villages. Moreover, Sapa has numerous must-visit spots like Fansipan Peak, known as the roof of Indochina, Silver Falls, Sapa Night Market, and the Stone Church of Sapa.

The beauty of Sapa appears through hidden mountains and hills amidst the fog (Source: Collected)

2.3. Mu Cang Chai

Mu Cang Chai is an ideal destination for trekking in Vietnam. This place offers winding mountainous paths with stunning natural scenery. Moreover, it captivates travelers with the tranquility of Vietnam village life, the poetic beauty of golden terraced rice fields, and numerous attractions like Mo Waterfall, Pu Nhu Waterfall, and Khau Pha Pass.

2.4. Cao Bang

Hidden in the Northeast of Vietnam, Cao Bang boasts some of the country’s most stunning natural landscapes. So, it is a must-visit destination on your North Vietnam itinerary. Don’t miss attractions here like Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave, and the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark. A day trip to Cao Bang can be exhausting, so you should plan at least 2 days or combine it with a tour of Ha Giang.

Cao Bang is a must-visit destination on your North Vietnam itinerary (Source: Collected)

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2.5. Halong Bay – Ideal place for an ultimate Vietnam itinerary

When mentioning North Vietnam tourism, many people will think of Halong Bay, a UNESCO-recognized world natural heritage site. Here, you can admire the beautiful sea with emerald blue water, majestic limestone mountains, enchanting caves, and stunning beaches. Cruising through the bay, witnessing the breathtaking limestone formations, and exploring hidden caves will be unforgettable experiences on this North Vietnam itinerary.

2.6. Hanoi

Exploring Hanoi is always an incredibly fascinating experience on any Vietnam itinerary. This is where the essence of the nation’s millennium is preserved, with numerous historical relics, scenic landmarks, and a rich culinary scene. Visiting Hanoi, tourists not only get to explore bustling streets but also have the opportunity to feel the delicate and elegant beauty in the behavior of Hanoi’s people.

Explore the beauty of a thousand years of civilization in Hanoi (Source: Collected)

2.7. Mai Chau

About 140 kilometers from Hanoi, Mai Chau is the next suggested destination for your North Vietnam itinerary. This place will captivate you with its refreshing climate, unique cuisine, diverse culture, and serene landscapes of rice paddies amidst limestone mountains. Once you set foot here, you must explore the wild and magnificent beauty of Kia Cave, Mo Luong Cave, Chieu Cave, Ba Khan, and more.

2.8. Ninh Binh – Scenic place for North Vietnam travel itinerary

If you want to own beautiful, shimmering photos, you must visit Ninh Binh on your North Vietnam itinerary. This place boasts numerous beautiful scenic spots, historical relics, and cultural heritage. Take your time to explore the stunning Trang An, the mysterious Tam Coc – Bich Dong, visit the ancient capital Hoa Lu with its historical imprints, and tour Hang Mua, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Am Tien Cave, and Van Long Lagoon to witness the full beauty of Ninh Binh.

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural scenery of Ninh Binh (Source: Collected)

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3. Suggested North Vietnam itinerary for first-timers

To make your trip to explore the North complete, refer to the following itineraries:

3.1. North Vietnam itinerary 10 days

• Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi and explore the 36 streets.
• Day 2: Discover famous landmarks in Hanoi and watch a water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater.
• Day 3: Depart from Hanoi to visit tea hills and ethnic minority villages in Nghia Lo, Yen Bai.
• Day 4: Immerse yourself in the nature of Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai.
• Day 5: Trek the easy paths in Na Tam, visit Lao and Lu ethnic villages in Mu Cang Chai.
• Day 6: Explore Lao Chai – Ta Van villages in Sapa.
• Day 7: Full-day expedition to Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Co Tien Twin Mountains, Vuong’s mansion.
• Day 8: Cross the magnificent Ma Pi Leng Pass to Bao Lac, visit Lolo and Hmong ethnic villages.
• Day 9: Visit Halong Bay, enjoy the beach at Bai Chay.
• Day 10: Explore Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, and return to Hanoi.

3.2. North Vietnam itinerary 7 days

• Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi.
• Day 2: Discover the Hanoi attractions on a city tour.
• Day 3: Immerse in the gorgeous nature of Mai Chau.
• Day 4: From Mai Chau to Ninh Binh.
• Day 5: Visit the attractions of Ninh Binh including Tam Coc, Bich Dong, and King Temples.
• Day 6: Halong Bay cruise to visit some caves, karst mountains and beaches.
• Day 7: Leisure on Halong Bay cruise and preparation for return to Hanoi.

North Vietnam itinerary for first-timers (Source: Collected)

>>> Read more: Guide to the best Vietnam 10-day itinerary for travelers 

3.3. North Vietnam itinerary 5 days

• Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi, savor delicious foods, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
• Day 2: You can visit many captivating landmarks and experience the traditional culture in Hanoi.
• Day 3: Continue your trip to Ninh Binh to explore the peaceful landscape and rich biodiversity.
• Day 4: Explore Trang An – Bai Dinh, Mua Cave, and Cuc Phuong National Park.
• Day 5: The last destination in this North Vietnam itinerary is Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Not only Northern Vietnam has such magnificent landscapes, but also in the destinations of the Central Vietnam and South Vietnam regions like Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc, there are countless breathtaking scenes that make visitors amazed.

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Increase the exciting experiences at VinWonders

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The North Vietnam itinerary is an opportunity for you to explore the breathtaking beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality of the people of this region. From the picturesque terraced fields of Mu Cang Chai to the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, each destination on this journey promises an unforgettable adventure.