The north of Vietnam is the highlight of all Vietnam tour packages and you can choose to do what you want from culture, adventure, homestay, trekking, climbing tour in the mountainous areas to cruising and kayaking experience in Halong bay and Cat Ba island.
A Vietnam classic tour in the north normally include the below places when you can learn not only rich culture, but also enjoy beautiful landscapes.
Hanoi: The capital of Vietnam is the must see place and stay during your Vietnam travel. Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, Temple of Literature, one Pillar pagoda, Hilton prison, Hoan Kiem lake, Water Puppet show, old quarter of Hanoi, Duong Lam ancient village, Bat Trang pottery village, Perfume pagoda...are our suggestions.
- Hoa Lu: The ancient capital of Vietnam is around 110 km from Hanoi. Coming here, you will visit King Dinh and Le's temple to learn about an interesting chapter of Vietnamese history.
- Trang An Landscape Complex: Just a few kilometers from Hoa Lu ancient capital, the Trang An Landscape Complex is a spectacular landscape of limestone karst peaks permeated with valleys, many of them partly submerged and surrounded by steep, almost vertical cliffs. Visiting Trang An, you will definitely enjoy the boat trip through many caves and grottoes which is unique and special. Your experience for this one day trip to Hoa Lu and Trang An will exceed your expectations.
- Tam Coc: This place has long named as "Halong bay on land or rice paddy fields" and the best time to visit Tam Coc is during rice season from April - September.
- Halong Bay: This world natural heritage is a must for all tourists to Vietnam. With thousands of islets and islands, hidden beaches, lagoons, caves and grottoes, Halong cruise is amazing. 2 day - 1 night cruise is popular to explore Halong Bay. However, if you want to stay longer in Halong Bay, you should book 3 day - 2 night cruise or extend your trip to Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba island.
A discovery Vietnam tour in the north should not miss the places below;
- Sapa: The most stunning mountain town of Vietnam where you will enjoy fresh and cool air, trek down the beautiful valleys of rice terraces, visit ethnic villages and experience a special night in homestay. The best time to visit Sapa is from June - September.
- Bac Ha market: This is a Sunday market in Lao Cai (100km from Sapa) where you will meet several ethnic minorities who gather to trade their home-made products and to meet friends to chat, drink and enjoy a week of hard work. The market is only on Sunday and the best time to visit is 2 weeks before the lunar new year.
- Ha Giang: The far north of Vietnam is the dream Vietnam tour for many tourists. This remote and isolated province of Vietnam is breathtaking and less - visited. The famous names are Heaven gate of Quan Ba, Dong Van rock plateau, the Vuong's palace, forgotten Pho Bang town, Meo Vac, Ma Phi Leng pass.
- Ba Be lake: This is a one of the largest fresh water lakes of the world and it is very picturesque and mysterious. Traveling to Ba Be lake, you can experience a night at homestay with a family of the Tay minority, a beautiful boat trip to explore bat cave, waterfal and national park.
- Ban Gioc waterfall: Situated on the border line of Vietnam and China, Ban Gioc waterfal can be the most beautiful ones in Asia. To visit this waterfall, we must combine with the Vietnam northeast loop tour.
- Mai Chau: Only around 150km from Hanoi, Mai chau valley is weekend trip for many Vietnamese tourists, but for foreign tourists, Mai Chau is still a charming place where you can cycle around the valley of rice paddy fields, experience homestay, try local wine and enjoy traditional music.
- Mu Cang Chai: It is where you will see and take great photos of the most stunning rice terraces in Vietnam.
Suggested tour itinerary to explore the north of Vietnam:
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour
Day 3: Hanoi - Sapa by Car
Day 4: Sapa tour
Day 5: Sapa - Bac Ha market
Day 6: Bac Ha - Ha Giang
Day 7: Ha Giang - Dong Van
Day 8: Dong Van - Ba Be Lake
Day 9: Ba Be lake - Bian Gioc waterfal
Day 10: Ban Gioc Waterfall - Lang Son
Day 10: Lang Son - Hanoi - Halong Bay
Day 11: Hanoi - Halong Bay
Day 13: Halong Bay
Day 14: Halong Bay - Hanoi and departure
