The appeal of Northern Vietnam doesn’t just lie in its landscapes—although its rugged coastline, rice fields, 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 plan North Vietnam itineraries 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 from Hanoi and multi-day tours help you reach Ha Long 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; the lush Mai Chau valley; Ninh Binh, home to the Trang An grottoes (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Tam Coc, and the ancient Bich Dong pagoda.
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 on the way to Meo Vac.
