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A 10-Day North Vietnam Travel Itinerary: Activities, Transit, and Hotels

Mist and fog at sunset in Sapa North Vietnam

North Vietnam is a place where ancient traditions and natural beauty collide. Here, the hum of motorbikes echoes through Hanoi’s narrow streets as food vendors grill skewers over open flames. The jagged peaks of Sapa rise above terraced rice fields, carved by generations of farmers, and everywhere you look there's something captivating to spark your interest.

You need at least ten days to even scratch the surface of North Vietnam, two full weeks if you've got wiggle room. I've outlined this 10-day North Vietnam travel itinerary with my favorite attractions, local cultural experiences, and unforgettable landscapes to help plan your future trip!

North Vietnam in a Nutshell

Street vendor in Hanoi market

North Vietnam is the cultural heart of the country. Hanoi, the capital city, is a sensory overload of honking motorbikes, ancient temples, and street food, but it still somehow feels more homey than Ho Chi Minh City.

North Vietnam borrows heavily from Chinese traditions and culture but also blends unique Vietnamese heritage with touches of French culture as well. It's a vibrant place with unique attractions around every corner.

Top Things to Do in North Vietnam

Boat tour in Ninh Binh, top attraction on any North Vietnam Travel itinerary

While you could explore North Vietnam for weeks and not see it all, here are a few of my must-sees:

  • Hanoi Old Quarter: A maze of lively streets filled with shops, food stalls, and colonial architecture.

  • Hoan Kiem Lake: A peaceful spot in the middle of Hanoi, with a quaint temple on a small island.

  • Ha Long Bay Cruise: Explore caves, kayak through lagoons, and see fishing villages on a guided cruise.

  • Sapa Trekking: Walk through rice terraces and visit Hmong and Red Dao villages with a cultural guide.

  • Ninh Binh (Trang An and Tam Coc): Boat rides through limestone caves, temples, and the most stunning countryside.

  • Ban Gioc Waterfall: A gorgeous waterfall near the Chinese border in Cao Bang Province.

  • Ha Giang Loop: An incredible motorbike ride through the mountains of North Vietnam that takes 3-10 days.

Your 10-Day Northern Vietnam Itinerary

This North Vietnam itinerary follows a circular route that ensures you maximize your exploration time and minimize transit.

One Pillar Pagoda over water in Hanoi

Day 1: Hanoi City Exploration in the Old Quarter

Plan to spend two full days and two nights in Hanoi if possible. It is the beating heart of Vietnam. With incredible cuisine options, Hanoi is also a fantastic spot to chow down in street food stalls, a food tour, or a traditional cooking class!

Morning: Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport and head to your hotel. Take a leisurely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, a calm spot in the city center. Explore Ngoc Son Temple, which is nestled on a picturesque island and accessible via a charming crimson bridge that spans the tranquil waters. It's a great spot to take photos and get in touch with the spiritual center of Hanoi. Be sure to see Tran Quoc Pagoda in West Lake as well!

Afternoon: Explore the Old Quarter, where every street specializes in a different trade. Grab a seat at Pho Bat Dan (if you can) for your first taste of Hanoi’s legendary noodle soup. Afterward, visit the St. Joseph's Cathedral, a striking neo-Gothic church with a peaceful courtyard.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional show full of Vietnamese folklore at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Wrap up your night with bia hoi (fresh beer) on Ta Hien Street, mingling with locals and travelers alike.

Day 2: Hanoi’s Historical and Cultural Treasures

Turtle Tower and Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi at night with lights on the water

Morning: Pay homage to Vietnam's iconic revolutionary leader at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a monumental tribute to President Ho Chi Minh's enduring legacy and historical significance. Next, explore the nearby Presidential Palace and the simple Stilt House, where Ho Chi Minh lived. Continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, a small yet iconic temple that's part of a larger Buddhist architectural park.

Afternoon: Stop for lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien, made famous by Anthony Bourdain and President Obama. Afterward, head to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, set within serene courtyards and gardens.

Evening: Enjoy a fine dining experience at Hoang's Restaurant. It's a Vietnamese chain, but the location in the Old Quarter has a lovely French Colonial vibe with traditional Vietnamese food and a good selection of imported alcohol.

Alternative Option: If nothing on this day interests you, this double tour includes Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay and is a wonderful day trip to escape the city.

Where to Stay in Hanoi

Day 3: Ha Long Bay Cruise

aerial view of Halong Bay Cruise Ships and islands with beautiful rock formations in Vietnam

Morning: Take the train or bus to Ha Long Bay. Upon arrival, board your cruise ship and enjoy lunch as you sail past the world's most famous limestone islands and islets.

Afternoon: Explore Sung Sot Cave, one of the bay’s largest and most beautiful caves. Then, kayak through secluded lagoons or swim near the boat.

Evening: Savor a seafood dinner on board and spend a peaceful night in the bay. Watch the stars from the deck or join the crew for night squid fishing.

Alternative: If you hate busy tourist spots, you could consider Bai Tu Long Bay cruise instead. It's north of Ha Long Bay and offers a more intimate experience.

Take a look where to stay in Ha Long Bay for a few more options!

Day 4: Travel to Ninh Binh

Woman harvesting water lilies in Ninh Binh with a red boat

Nature lovers are in for a treat with the magical winding rivers and towering mountains of Ninh Binh. Several bus companies offer morning services that take 3.5-4 hours, typically in air-conditioned coaches. These are easily booked on 12Go, and you can relax and enjoy the scenic route through stunning rice fields.

Afternoon: Drop off your bags and get ready to explore.

Head for Unesco World Heritage Site-Trang An Landscape Complex and spend a few hours on a peaceful boat ride through Trang An’s waterways, caves, and towering limestone karsts. The soft afternoon light is gorgeous and it tends to be less crowded than the morning tours.

Evening: Chookie’s Beer Garden serves a casual yet satisfying dinner. They have great Vietnamese grilled pork rice or Western dishes if you’re in the mood for comfort food.

Take the evening to unwind and stroll Bai Dinh Pagoda under the lights, or take a traditional junk boat tour on Ky Lan Lake in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.

Where to Stay in Ninh Binh:

Day 5: Ninh Binh River Tours and Caves

River running through Tam Coc Vietnam with panormaic view of mountains and green fields

Morning: Start your day with a tranquil sampan boat trip in Tam Coc—similar to Trang An but with fewer caves, a more open rural landscape.

Afternoon: Challenge yourself with a hike up 500 steps for sweeping views from Hang Mua Caves Viewpoint. Then, check out Bai Dinh Pagoda—Vietnam’s largest Buddhist temple complex.

Alternative: If you're done with boats after the last few days, take to your feet or rent a bicycle and enjoy the nature reserve at Cuc Phuong National Park.

Evening: Enjoy the sunset over Ninh Binh's stunning natural landscapes, then hop on the sleeper bus or overnight train to Sapa. The night train or bus allows you to skip a night paying for a hotel and saves a day of exploring!

Travel Note: There are tons of guided tours online for Ninh Binh's adventures, but many of them leave from Hanoi. Check with your hotel or host family for local booking options.

Day 6: Sapa Trekking Adventures

aerial view of Terraced rice fields of Sapa Vietnam

Sapa is a beautiful mountain town in Northern Vietnam, perfect for trekking through terraced rice paddies and exploring colorful local markets. The cool mist of “Fog Town” is a relief, and you get to dip into local cultures by meeting the hill tribes like the Hmong and Red Dao.

Morning: After arriving, meet your local guide and start your trek through Sapa's famous rice terraces, heading toward Cat Cat Village, a Hmong community with scenic waterfalls.

Afternoon: Continue trekking to Ta Van Village, passing through Muong Hoa Valley. Stop for a simple lunch with a local family. The Ta Van Villages are a unique way to explore the cultural heritage of this incredibly diverse country.

Evening: Consider a homestay in Ta Van, where you’ll share a home-cooked dinner with your hosts. Relax by a small fire and enjoy stories about their traditions, or head back to Sapa Town.

Where to Stay in Sapa:

Day 7: Sapa Exploration – Meeting the Local Hill Tribes

Buddha statue with clouds and a pagoda on top of Fansipan Mountain in Sapa Vietnam

Morning: Trek through lush green terraces to visit Lao Chai Village and Giang Ta Chai Village, home to the Red Dao people. Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fansipan cable car.

Afternoon: Have lunch at a small village eatery before making your way back to Sapa Town. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure, shopping for handmade textiles or sipping tea at a café overlooking the valley.

Choose Your Ending

Motorbike on a part of the Ha Giang Loop

Thrill seekers will want to spend the next few days on the Ha Giang Loop—one of the world's most epic and scenic motorbike rides. Take a night bus from Sapa to the town of Ha Giang to start your adventure.

Since there's lots of info on the internet about Ha Giang, I've chosen to detail option two. It starts with a long journey (overnight, two buses) from Sapa to Cao Bang. Buses leave around 3.30 pm and arrive at approximately 6.30 am.

Day 8: Explore Ban Gioc Waterfall and Nguom Ngao Cave

Multiple cascades of Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang Province Vietnam with lush greenery and mountains

The region of Cao Bang is one of Vietnam's hidden gems near the Chinese border with some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Southeast Asia. It's a journey to get here, but it's truly lovely.

Morning: Drop off your bags and take a local bus or taxi to Ban Gioc Waterfall. The buses run ten times a day and take 2-3 hours. The waterfall is a breathtaking natural wonder, with multiple cascades surrounded by karst peaks. You can take a bamboo raft to get closer to the falls for incredible photos.

Afternoon: After a riverside lunch of fried fish and sticky rice at a local restaurant near the falls, visit Nguom Ngao Cave, a limestone cave filled with interesting geological formations.

Evening: Return to Cao Bang town and enjoy dinner at Me Ly Café, known for its cozy atmosphere and traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Where to Stay in Cao Bang:

Day 9: Return to Hanoi

Coc Cha Mountain pass road in Cao Bang

Morning: Enjoy a morning in Cao Bang strolling along the riverwalk, exploring the local markets, or exploring Kim Dong Walking Street.

Traveling from Cao Bang to Hanoi is a straightforward journey, typically taking around 7–8 hours by bus. The roads wind through picturesque mountain landscapes, which is a nice way to end your trip and journal your memories.

Evening: Explore the Hanoi Night Market for some excellent souvenirs or enjoy your last evening with a cocktail in the Binh Minh Jazz Club.

Day 10: Explore Hanoi and Departure

Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi between two brick pillars

If you have any time before your flight on your last day, visit Hoa Lo Prison and the Hanoi Opera House. The prison was home to Vietnamese during the French era and to American soldiers during the Vietnam War. The Opera House is an architectural beauty built in 1911 that offers a guided tour.

If you have time, grab lunch at Madam Tran where literally everything on the menu is awesome!

Pack up and head to Bai International Airport for your departure flight.

Extend to a 14-Day Trip

Multiple waterfalls surrounded by green mountains

If you have a full two weeks, I would suggest spending a couple of days after Ninh Binh exploring the PU Luong Nature Reserve and adding a day to your Cao Bang excursion to cut down on consecutive long travel days.

General Travel Tips for North Vietnam

Vietnamese village woman folding traditional clothing in a fabric shop
  • Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting temples or rural areas. Generally, cover your knees and shoulders. Ask permission before taking photos of locals, especially in rural villages.

  • Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND) – Get used to dealing with big numbers. One US$ is equivalent to about 25,400 VND. Grab some cash while in Hanoi.

  • Necessary Travel Apps:

    • Grab: Ride-hailing app for taxis and motorbikes.

    • Google Maps: Essential for directions and finding transit routes.

    • Moovit: helps navigate public buses, especially in Hanoi.

    • 12GoAsia: Best all-around app for transit in Asia.

    • Agoda: Most used hotel app in Asia.

    • Klook or GetYourGuide: Good for booking English-speaking tours.

  • Cell Phone SIM Cards: Purchase from Viettel, MobiFone, or Vinaphone; offers affordable data packages. I had the best luck with Viettel, especially in rural areas.
  • Public Transport: Traveling in North Vietnam requires a mix of planning and flexibility. Expect to rely heavily on packed sleeper buses, trains, and private shuttles for intercity travel, while motorbikes and bicycles are ideal for exploring rural areas like Ninh Binh and Sapa.

  • Language: English is widely understood in tourist hubs, but carrying a translation app or learning a few Vietnamese phrases will be helpful in ethnic minority communities.

  • Infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure is decent, but roads in remote areas can be bumpy, so give yourself extra time when traveling between destinations.

  • Packing: Pack layers, as the weather varies significantly between the mountains and lowlands. Above all, travel light—luggage that’s easy to carry will make transitions on buses and trains much easier.

When to Visit Northern Vietnam

Home in a rice field in Sapa

December and January are a bit cool for some, especially during motorbike rides. Also, May to September is the rainy season in North Vietnam. You don't want to be riding Ha Giang in the North Monsoon. I prefer the months of March and April to catch the blooming spring flowers.

North Vietnam Travel Itinerary: Frequently Asked Questions

rear view of a woman in traditional Vietnamese hat on a boat in Halong Bay

🏍️ What’s the best way to get around North Vietnam?

For intercity travel, use buses, trains, or private transfers. Within cities, Grab or motorbike rentals are most convenient. Sleeper buses and night trains are a great way to save time and money on hotel bills.

🤝 How can I interact respectfully with ethnic minorities in Sapa?

Hire a local guide to bridge cultural gaps, ask before taking photos, and avoid bargaining too aggressively for handicrafts.

💰 Can I visit North Vietnam on a budget?

North Vietnam is absolutely budget-friendly! Street food and budget homestays are widely available, and local buses and trains are affordable options for transport.

North Vietnam Travel Itinerary: Final Words

Road sign in North Vietnam with arrows and mountains in the background

Northern Vietnam is a region where vibrant city life meets serene rural landscapes. With my suggested North Vietnam itinerary, you'll get a bit of everything from lazy days floating in Ninh Binh to exciting local bus adventures to hidden waterfalls, to trekking the stunning rice terraces of Sapa.

Wear your sunscreen and hat, drink way too much egg coffee, and don't forget the bug spray!

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