North Vietnam is the best place to see local culture, busy minority markets, hectic narrow alleys & streets of ancient traditions and stunning UNESCO World Heritage natural wonders.
One of the best places to visit in north Vietnam is probably the capital city, Hanoi. You are not far away from endless amounts of excitement in Hanoi especially trying to cross the street.
Take a walk around the busy 36 ancient streets of the Old Quarter, where generations have sat trading their wares to locals and tourists day in day out. One thing you must do would be to taste the amazing Hanoi Street Food. So much variety of street food in Hanoi and is ranked one of the best in the world. You can always find that special dish which no place in the world can offer as good as Hanoi. Pho Ga and Bun Cha being two of our favourites.
North Vietnam is also synonymous with cruises to Halong Bay, Ninh Binh and also Sapa which are also the most visited in Vietnam.
Many more Vietnam travellers are escaping the usual popular destinations in north Vietnam and head further to witness the stunning landscape in the mountains around Ha Giang.
We have also compiled a list of the 10 Best Day Trips from Hanoi for you to take a look at and offer some inspiration.
With Hanoi consistently ranking among the world's top 10 destinations by TripAdvisor, North Vietnam is getting more & more tourists every day, why not become one of them and visit North Vietnam today with Travel Agent Hanoi.
Hanoi
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and home to the famous Old Quarter and its 36 ancient streets. These streets still trade today in their own right such as shoe street, metal street, tool street and many more. A walk around the old quarter will certainly give you a unique insight in to Hanoian daily life. Hoan Kiem Lake is the centre of Hanoi's entertainment district and at weekends is closed off to the crazy traffic. This gives respite to the Hanoians and their children who can be seen racing their bicycles up and down the streets. A description of Hanoi would not be complete without mentioning Hanoi Street Food, which some say is the best the world. Check out Hanoi bucket list below or the best day tours from Hanoi!
Things to do in Hanoi!
Halong Bay
Halong Bay is the most popular of the UNESCO world heritage sites in Vietnam by far. This stunning archipelago of over 1600 islands is the backdrop for the recent movie Kong. The scenery over these islands is jaw droppingly beautiful. If you manage to take a seaplane ride over the bay, you must do it, the views are second to none. The best way to see Halong Bay is in comfort on a luxury cruise! Imagine yourself sat on your own private balcony sipping cocktails while you sail past these magnificent jewels in the bay. The feeling is wonderful and with excellent food to try onboard along with kayaking in Halong Bay, it is superb!
Things to do in Halong Bay!
Sapa
Sapa is in the northern reaches of Vietnam about 6 hours drive from Hanoi, close to the Chinese border at Lao Cai. This hill station is a superb base to enter into the deepest valleys of rice terraces that cascade majestically down the hillside. Whether you come to Sapa before or after the harvest you are in for a treat. A trip to Sapa from Hanoi usually involves a transfer to Sapa town & a trek in to the minority villages. Trekking in Sapa is the best thing to do and meeting the indigenous people is the highlight. If you have time to stay overnight in their home, we would recommend it as dinner and rice wine is the order of the evening's entertainment. Be careful! Check out the Sapa bucket list below or our unique Private Sapa trekking tours on the photo!
Things to do in Sapa!
Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is located approximately 2 - 2.5hours drive from Hanoi and is home to the Tam Coc National Park and Trang An commune. Lately the Kong movie filmed part of their action in Trang An and at the bird park at Van Long. There is so much to see and do in Ninh Binh and we can start you off with our bucket list shown below (coming soon). Firstly, cycling around the rice fields and in between the limestone mountains is the most popular thing to do in Ninh Binh.
Things to do in Ninh Binh!
Mai Chau
Mai Chau is one of the less touristy places to visit in Vietnam, certainly more so than Sapa for example. It is about a 3 hours drive from Hanoi and should be visited for a few days at least to relax and enjoy the gorgeous scenery. Located deep in the valleys surrounded by picturesque mountains all around, it truly gives you a sense of immense tranquility. Along with the superb views there are also great things to do in Mai Chau that can rival the best places in Vietnam. Perhaps a cycle ride around the rice fields, through minority villages & visit a cave or two on the way. Visit the local traditional craft businesses still to this day making scarves and rugs for sale to locals and tourists. Have you ever seen a chopstick factory? Mai Chau has it!
