Northern Vietnam

Northern Vietnam is the country's cultural and historical heartland — a region of extremes, from the tropical heat of Hanoi's lowland streets to the cool pine forests of Sapa at 1,600 meters, and from the urban energy of the capital to the primeval silence of limestone-karst archipelagos. Most visitors arrive in Hanoi and build outward from there, combining the city with one or two of the northern highlights depending on time available.

A good baseline for the north is 5–7 days: 2 nights in Hanoi, 2 nights on a Halong Bay cruise, and a night in Ninh Binh. Extend to 10+ days if you want to reach Sapa's terraced highlands or the Ha Giang Loop. Browse our classic Vietnam tours and adventure tours to see how the north fits into a full itinerary.