5+ best North Vietnam itineraries

It depends on your interests! Some of our most popular tours include:

• Classic Vietnam: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City (ideal for first-time visitors)
• Cultural discovery: Explore historical sites, local villages, and authentic cuisine
• Adventure & Nature: Trekking in Sapa, cruising in Ha Long Bay, biking in the Mekong Delta

Let us know your preferences and we’ll recommend the perfect tour for you.

Ideally, 10 to 14 days gives you enough time to explore Vietnam from north to south without rushing. But even a shorter trip of 7 days can be very rewarding if well planned. We can tailor the itinerary to fit your time and interests.

The most popular times are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). These seasons offer dry weather and comfortable temperatures. September and October are especially stunning, as the rice terraces turn golden before harvest.

Yes, always. Your trekking will be led by an experienced local guide, often from the H’mong or Dzao ethnic minority groups. They possess invaluable knowledge of the trails, local customs, safety, and are essential for communication with villagers.

Absolutely. Interacting with local ethnic communities is a highlight of the tour. Your guide facilitates visits to villages (such as the Black H'mong or Red Dzao), where you can learn about their customs, language, and traditional farming methods.

The core destinations are the cultural capital Hanoi, the natural wonder of Halong Bay (or Lan Ha Bay), and the stunning mountainous regions of Sapa (rice terraces) or Ha Giang (mountain passes).

We recommend 7 to 10 days. 7 days allows you to cover Hanoi and Halong Bay efficiently. 10 days gives you time to add a 3-day extension to the challenging but rewarding treks in Sapa or the remote scenery of Ha Giang.

The Ha Giang Loop is an adventurous experience. It features steep, winding mountain roads and is best enjoyed by confident drivers (on motorbikes) or via a private car with a professional local driver. It is generally not recommended for those prone to motion sickness.

Street food in Hanoi is famous and generally safe when eating at busy stalls. When trekking in remote Sapa or Ha Giang, your guide will ensure meals at homestays are freshly prepared. Always drink bottled water and avoid tap water.

Pack layers! Bring light t-shirts for Hanoi's humidity, a waterproof jacket and trekking trousers for the mountains, and something warm for cold winter evenings in Sapa or on the Halong Bay deck. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.