North Vietnam Itinerary: 6 Expert Suggested Travel Plans

Planning a north vietnam travel itinerary can overwhelm even seasoned travelers. The region’s diversity often leads to rushed schedules and missed gems. This guide cuts through the confusion, offering practical advice for an unforgettable journey.

Best Time to Visit Northern Vietnam?

Unlike southern Vietnam’s tropical heat, northern Vietnam has four seasons, each offering something unique. Here is the infographic about North Vietnam weather overview you can save to choose the best time you want to visit this region:

– Spring (February to April): This is one of the best times to visit Northern Vietnam. Temperatures are mild, ranging between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), making it ideal for exploring outdoor attractions like Ha Giang, Ninh Binh, and Sapa. The countryside blooms with flowers, and the rice terraces begin to turn green. It’s perfect for couples who want to trek or hike without the heat slowing them down.

– Summer (May to August): While the days get hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching 30°C (86°F) and beyond, summer still draws visitors to Halong Bay and coastal regions. If you can handle the heat, you can take advantage of the lower prices and thinner crowds. You should prepare for heavy rain, particularly in July and August, as this is the rainy season.

Tips to note: You should prepare for heavy rain, particularly in July and August, as this is the rainy season. From August to the beginning of September, the northern mountainous regions, such as Sapa, Ha Giang, and Mu Cang Chai, are particularly susceptible to heavy rainfall, which can lead to landslides and flooding. This natural phenomenon may cause road closures and disrupt travel plans in these areas.

– Autumn (September to November): Autumn is arguably the best season to visit Northern Vietnam. You’ll find comfortable temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F) and fewer tourists. If you’re considering a Vietnam North itinerary, you should prioritize September and October for the golden rice terraces in Mu Cang Chai and clear skies over Halong Bay. It’s the perfect time to embrace the outdoors.

– Winter (December to February): Cold in the mountains, mild in the lowlands. The temperatures dipped as low as 10°C (50°F) in the mountains, particularly in places like Sapa and Ha Giang. This season is ideal for a North Vietnam itinerary focusing on cultural exploration, city strolls, and maybe a warm cup of Vietnamese coffee in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Places to travel in northern Vietnam

Highlight destinations

Hanoi: Vietnam’s capital is where old-world charm meets a bustling modern atmosphere. While many start here, it’s often rushed through. Wander the Old Quarter, sample street food, and visit historic sites like the Temple of Literature.

Ha Long Bay: Halong Bay is the crown jewel of Vietnam’s natural wonders, with its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands. Opt for a more secluded experience in Bai Tu Long Bay, a quieter alternative to Halong Bay but equally stunning. Enjoy an overnight cruise to fully appreciate the beauty of the bay at sunset and sunrise.

Sapa: Next on your north Vietnam travel itinerary should be Sapa, renowned for its breathtaking rice terraces and ethnic hill tribe villages. Sapa is often rushed through by tourists, but with two-day visit will allow you to fully appreciate its serene beauty and rich cultural tapestry.

Ninh Binh: This destination may not have the fame of Halong Bay, but its blend of history, culture, and jaw-dropping scenery will make it a highlight of your Vietnam North itinerary. You can boat through karst-studded rivers and cycle past the serene villages.

Hidden gems

Ha Giang: If you’re up for a real adventure, Ha Giang is your spot. Known for its dramatic karst landscapes, remote villages, and unique ethnic cultures, this area offers an unparalleled escape from the tourist crowds.

Bai Tu Long Bay: Ha Long’s less crowded neighbor. Enjoy similar scenery without the tourist masses.

Pu Luong Nature Reserve: A hidden gem often overlooked by tourists, Pu Luong offers an experience similar to Sapa, but with fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Cao Bang: Located near the Chinese border, Cao Bang is home to some of Vietnam’s most dramatic natural wonders, including the breathtaking Ban Gioc Waterfall. The untouched landscapes and fascinating history make it a perfect addition for adventurous travelers seeking to get off the beaten track.

How Long To Spend in Northern Vietnam?

This region offers a wealth of attractions, ranging from bustling cities and ancient culture to serene landscapes and adventure-filled treks. Here’s an expert breakdown to help you plan your northern Vietnam itinerary wisely, ensuring that you see all the highlights without feeling overwhelmed.

• Quick Highlights (1-3 days): If you’re limited on time, 1-3 days will only allow you to scratch the surface of what Northern Vietnam has to offer. The best approach for this period would be to stay in Hanoi and take a quick trip to Halong Bay.
• Balanced Exploration (4-7 Days): With 4-7 days, you can explore beyond the main cities and venture into the more rural and picturesque areas of Northern Vietnam.
• In-Depth Cultural Immersion (8-10 Days): If you have 8-10 days to spend in Northern Vietnam, you can truly dig deeper into the region’s hidden gems and get off the beaten path. This timeframe allows for depth and flexibility. You’ll have space to explore hidden gems and adapt to unexpected discoveries.

Here are the minimum recommended stays for first-time visitors:

• Hanoi: 2-3 days
• Ha Long Bay: 1-2 days
• Sapa: 2-3 days
• Ninh Binh: 1-2 days

6 Suggested Itineraries

Below are some of our highly recommended tours with brief itineraries. Before you start looking at details, you can take a look at the infographic below to have an overview about the pace, destinations, and price to have an overview. I believe it will be helpful to you to choose the most suitable one. Those are customizable itineraries to match your preferences, from pricing to activities, ensuring that your journey aligns perfectly with your travel style.

Option 1: In-depth Explore North Vietnam 10 Days

This 10-day itinerary offers a more leisurely pace compared to shorter tours, providing ample time to appreciate both well-known destinations and hidden gems. It’s an excellent choice if you want to fully immerse yourself in Northern Vietnam’s culture and nature without feeling rushed.

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

Day 2: Explore the highlights of Hanoi on a guided city tour

Day 3: Street food tour in Hanoi, then board the night train to Lao Cai

Day 4: Explore Sapa and its breathtaking terraced fields at Ta Van Village

Day 5: Visit Ma Tra Black Hmong Hill Tribe Village, then take a night train back to Hanoi

Day 6 – 7: Discover the serene landscapes of Ninh Binh, including Tam Coc and Bich Dong

Day 8: Enjoy an overnight cruise in Halong Bay, sailing through its famous limestone karsts

Day 9: Continue exploring Halong Bay before heading back to Hanoi

Day 10: Departure from Hanoi

If you looking for some ideas in organizing accommodation or estimating prices, you can find more in this In-depth Explore North Vietnam 10 Days.

Option 2: Northern Charm Discovery 8 days

This 8-day northern Vietnam tour is perfect for first-time visitors looking to experience the highlights of northern Vietnam within a shorter timeframe. You’ll visit the must-see spots in Hanoi, Sapa, Ninh Binh, and Halong Bay while still allowing time for cultural experiences and some lesser-explored areas. The price of this tour in 2024 – 2025 starts from USD 607/person. You can click here to find more details about public rates varies based on size group, activities as well as accommodation as a reference.

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

Day 2: Take a city tour of Hanoi to see highlights and local life, then board a night train to Lao Cai

Day 3 – 4: Explore Sapa’s ethnic villages and landscapes

Day 5: Day trip to Ninh Binh’s stunning Tam Coc and Hoa Lu

Day 6 – 7: Overnight cruise on Halong Bay

Day 8: Departure from Hanoi

Option 3: Northern Vietnam in 7 days

The Essence of Northern Vietnam tour is tailored for those who want to experience the rural charm of Northern Vietnam while avoiding some of the more crowded tourist spots. This 7-day itinerary in North Vietnam offers a less crowded alternative to the popular spots, allowing you to delve deeper into rural Vietnam.

Since the shorter distance to Pu Luong means more time experiencing destinations rather than traveling between them. If you’re interested in hitting the popular spots and don’t mind longer travel times (e.g., the overnight train to Sapa), the 8-day tour above might be the best fit for you.

Day 1: Hanoi arrival

Day 2: Hanoi – Take an overnight cruise on Halong Bay

Day 3 – 4: Transfer from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh – Explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and the serene landscapes of Tam Coc

Day 5 – 6: Trek through the tranquil Pu Luong Nature Reserve and witness local life

Day 7: Return to Hanoi and prepare for departure

>>> Our highly recommended private tour: Essence of Northern Vietnam 7 Days with a price from USD 562/ person

Option 4: Insightful Northwest Adventure 7 days

This 7-day adventure is for those seeking an authentic and less-touristy experience. Compared to other itineraries, this one ventures into more remote areas like Ha Giang and Hoang Su Phi, making it perfect for travelers craving unique, immersive encounters with Vietnam’s ethnic minorities and natural beauty.

Day 1: Drive from Hanoi to Ha Giang

Day 2: Explore the dramatic landscapes of Quan Ba and Dong Van

Day 3: Discover Meo Vac’s stunning valleys

Day 4 – 5: Trek through the terraced fields of Hoang Su Phi

Day 6: Visit Bac Ha Market, known for its vibrant local culture

Day 7: Trekking through Ta Van Village, then return to Hanoi from Sapa

If you want to find more details on prices and activities, this Insightful Northwest Adventure 7 Days should be taken you can as a reference.

Option 5: Northern Vietnam Highlights 6 days

Time-pressed travelers or those combining Northern Vietnam with other regions will find this itinerary ideal. If you’re looking to maximize your limited time and see the absolute must-visit spots, this tour delivers. By choosing this condensed journey, you’ll hit the high notes of Northern Vietnam.

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

Day 2: Drive from Hanoi and embark on an overnight cruise in Halong Bay

Day 3: Return from Halong Bay to Hanoi, then take a night train to Sapa

Day 4: Explore Sapa’s ethnic villages and scenic valleys

Day 5: Sapa – Ma Tra – Ta Phin – Night train to Hanoi

Day 6: Departure from Hanoi

Here is our suggested Northern Vietnam Highlights 6-Day tour that you can take as your trip idea. You can find the updated price starting from USD 492/person. The rates can vary based on your accommodation and the number of people. Everything can be customized to match your travel preference. Don’t worry about that.

Option 6: Best of the Northern Delta Discovery 5 days

This Vietnam itinerary of 5 days focuses on the rich cultural heritage of the Red River Delta, offering insights into Vietnam’s spiritual and historical traditions. If you’re fascinated by Vietnam’s rich heritage and prefer a slower-paced trip, this tour is your ideal match.

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

Day 2: Explore Hanoi’s historical sites, including the Temple of Literature and Hoan Kiem Lake

Day 3: Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and take a boat ride through Trang An

Day 4: Transfer from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay, exploring its stunning caves and islands, then overnight on cruise

Day 5: Return to Hanoi and depart

Above are some northern tours you can take as your trip ideas, here is our list of Vietnam package tours which are made by our local travel consultants that you may love. If you want to explore the real or just highlight Vietnam from north to south with an itinerary customized for your own, feel free to reach us by emailing at [email protected] or drop us a request to get the quote here.