Northern Vietnam Travel Guide
This article serves as the ultimate guide for anyone planning a trip to Northern Vietnam. From culturally important attractions and natural wonders to local food and drink, transportation options, safety concerns, and more, this guide covers it all.
- Introduction to Northern Vietnam
- List of Places to Visit in Northern Vietnam
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Northern Vietnam
- Best Things to Do in Northern Vietnam: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Northern Vietnam
- Food and Drink Scene of Northern Vietnam
- Where to Stay in Northern Vietnam: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Northern Vietnam: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Northern Vietnam
- Best Time to Visit Northern Vietnam
- Do’s and Don’ts of Northern Vietnam
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Northern Vietnam: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Northern Vietnam
- Where to Go Next from Northern Vietnam: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Northern Vietnam
Located in Southeast Asia, Northern Vietnam is home to a vibrant and diverse culture. The region is famous for its stunning natural beauty, including the mesmerizing emerald waters of Ha Long Bay and the picturesque rice terraces of Sapa. Northern Vietnam also boasts a rich history, with numerous museums and historical sites scattered throughout the region.
List of Places to Visit in Northern Vietnam
If you’re planning a trip to Northern Vietnam, there are several must-see destinations to include on your itinerary. These include:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum in Hanoi
- Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi
- Temple of Literature in Hanoi
- Hoa Lo Prison Museum in Hanoi
- Hoa Lu Ancient Capital in Ninh Binh
- Perfume Pagoda in Hanoi
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi
Natural Attractions of Northern Vietnam: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Ha Long Bay
- Cat Ba Island
- Tam Coc-Bich Dong in Ninh Binh
- Sapa and its surrounding hill tribes
- Mai Chau Valley
- Ba Be Lake
- Pu Luong Nature Reserve
- Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang
Hiking/Biking Routes of Northern Vietnam
Northern Vietnam is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with a plethora of scenic hiking and biking routes. Some of the most popular routes include:
- Sapa Trekking
- Pu Luong Trekking
- Mai Chau Valley Cycling
- Halong Bay Kayak and Trek Tour
Best Things to Do in Northern Vietnam: Activities and Tours
- Cruise along Ha Long Bay
- Explore the Old Quarter of Hanoi
- Watch a traditional Water Puppet Show
- Take a Vietnamese Cooking Class
- Visit a Local Market
- Attend a Traditional Festival or Event
- Try Egg Coffee
Week-Long Itinerary for Northern Vietnam
Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Northern Vietnam:
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1-2 | Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Museum |
| Day 3 | Ha Long Bay Cruise |
| Day 4 | Travel to Ninh Binh and visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Tam Coc-Bich Dong Caves |
| Day 5-6 | Trekking in Sapa, visiting hill tribes or relaxing in Mai Chau Valley |
| Day 7 | Day trip to Ban Gioc Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Vietnam |
Food and Drink Scene of Northern Vietnam
Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its bold and fresh flavors, and Northern Vietnam has several must-try dishes. Here are a few suggestions:
Must-Try Dishes
- Pho
- Banh Mi
- Bun Cha
- Cha Ca
- Ca Phe Trung (Egg Coffee)
- Nom Bo Kho (Green Papaya Salad)
Local Beverages
- Bia Hoi (Fresh Beer)
- Ca Phe (Vietnamese Coffee)
- Tra (Vietnamese Tea)
- Nuoc Mia (Sugarcane Juice)
Where to Stay in Northern Vietnam: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Northern Vietnam has a vast range of accommodation options available, ranging from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Some popular choices include:
- Hanoi La Siesta Hotel Trendy
- Apricot Hotel in Hanoi
- La Paix Boutique Hotel & Spa in Sapa
- Topas Ecolodge in Sapa
- Mai Chau Eco Lodge in Mai Chau
What to Buy in Northern Vietnam: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Northern Vietnam is known for its many traditional handicrafts, ranging from textiles to ceramics. Some popular souvenirs and local products include:
- Hand-embroidered clothing and fabrics
- Silk products
- Pottery and ceramics
- Traditional conical hats
- Lacquerware
Local Culture and Customs of Northern Vietnam
Northern Vietnam is steeped in centuries-old traditions and customs. The people of Northern Vietnam are generally very friendly and welcoming, but it is important to respect local customs and traditions. A few things to keep in mind include:
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
- Remove your shoes when entering someone’s home.
- Do not touch someone’s head, as it is considered to be the most sacred part of the body.
- Learn a few words in Vietnamese to show respect.
Best Time to Visit Northern Vietnam
The best time to visit Northern Vietnam is generally from September to November and from February to April. During these months, the weather is generally cool and dry, making it perfect for exploring the region’s many outdoor attractions.
Do’s and Don’ts of Northern Vietnam
Here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Northern Vietnam:
Do:
- Dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites.
- Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases.
- Try the local cuisine.
- Respect local customs and traditions.
Don’t:
- Do not disrespect local customs and traditions.
- Do not take photos of people without their permission.
- Do not touch someone’s head.
- Do not point your feet at someone.
Safety and Health
Safety in Northern Vietnam
Northern Vietnam is generally a safe destination, with low crime rates. However, it is always important to take precautions to stay safe, such as avoiding areas known for pickpocketing and not carrying around large amounts of cash.
Health in Northern Vietnam
Northern Vietnam is a relatively safe destination from a health perspective. However, it is always important to take precautions, such as drinking only bottled water and getting any necessary vaccinations before traveling.
Getting to Northern Vietnam: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Northern Vietnam
- Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi
- Cat Bi International Airport in Hai Phong
Bus Stations Near Northern Vietnam
- My Dinh Bus Station in Hanoi
- Giap Bat Bus Station in Hanoi
Other Options
- Train travel: Vietnam Railways connects various locations in Northern Vietnam.
- Private car hire: This is a popular option for exploring the countryside around Northern Vietnam.
How to Get Around in Northern Vietnam
Getting around Northern Vietnam is relatively easy, with several options available, including:
- Taxis
- Private cars and motorbikes
- Local buses
- Trains
Where to Go Next from Northern Vietnam: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
After exploring Northern Vietnam, there are several nearby destinations that are worth visiting, including:
- Hue
- Hoi An
- Da Nang
- Nha Trang
- Ho Chi Minh City
Conclusion
Northern Vietnam is a unique and fascinating destination that has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re interested in exploring the region’s rich history and culture, taking in its stunning natural beauty, or indulging in its delicious cuisine, Northern Vietnam is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.
