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Mountains, terraced rice & island bays
The North
From the stone passes of Hà Giang to the still waters of Hạ Long Bay — the north is the cradle of the country, where history and nature meet.
Most journeys begin in Hà Nội and radiate outward — a night train toward the mountains, a slow boat among the karst, a motorbike loop that climbs above the clouds. The distances are short; the changes are enormous.
It is also the country's oldest heart: Hà Nội's tile-roofed old quarter, the flooded karst of Tràng An, and a thousand years of dynasties written into the land.
Don't miss
Places that make the region
01Hạ Long Bay
Quảng NinhTwo thousand karst islands rising from jade water.
02The Hà Giang Loop
Tuyên QuangThe legendary road across the northern stone plateau.
03Sa Pa & Mù Cang Chải
Lào CaiTerraced valleys glowing gold in the harvest light.
04Tràng An & Tam Cốc
Ninh BìnhSampans thread cave tunnels between still valleys.
05Hà Nội
Hà NộiThe thousand-year capital around Hoàn Kiếm Lake.
At the table
What you'll eat
Northern cooking is quiet and precise: a bowl of phở at first light, bún chả over charcoal at noon, and an egg coffee in a hidden old-quarter café when the evening cools.
The North food guide →When to go
Month by month
| Hà Nội | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg high (°C) | 20° | 22° | 24° | 28° | 32° | 34° | 34° | 33° | 32° | 30° | 26° | 22° |
| Avg low (°C) | 14° | 16° | 18° | 22° | 24° | 26° | 26° | 26° | 25° | 22° | 19° | 15° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 20 | 20 | 35 | 105 | 165 | 265 | 255 | 275 | 245 | 155 | 60 | 20 |
Highlighted months are the most comfortable window. · 30-year climate normals (WMO 1991–2020) — long-term averages, not a forecast.
Daily budget
What a day here costs
Backpacker
~$25–40/day
Hostels or guesthouses, street food and local buses.
Mid-range
~$60–120/day
3-star hotels or boutique stays, restaurant meals, ride-hailing and a guided day trip now and then.
Comfort
~$150+/day
4–5-star stays, private drivers and guides, cruise cabins and fine dining.
Reference ranges per person per day, excluding international flights. Hà Nội, Đà Nẵng and Sài Gòn run toward the top of each band; small towns toward the bottom.
Full Money & Costs guide →Book this region
Stays, experiences & tours
Everything you need to actually go — places to sleep, things to do, and the trips that run here.
Where to stay793
See all →Things to do13
See all →
Trips that go here51
See all →4 days · AdventureHà Giang LoopLimestone passes & ethnic villages by motorbikeFrom ~$230See the day-by-day →2 days · CruiseHạ Long Bay CruiseTwo days at anchor among the karst islandsFrom ~$270See the day-by-day →1 day · Food tourHanoi Street FoodAn evening eating through the old quarterFrom ~$35See the day-by-day →8 days · AdventureHà Nội, Đà Nẵng, Ho Chi Minh & Phú Quốc DiscoveryExplore Vietnam from north to south, discovering Hà Nội's ancient culture, Hội An's charming lantern-lit streets, Ho Chi Minh City's historical depth, and the island adventures of Phú Quốc, including Grand World and Vinpearl Safari.From $810See the day-by-day →5 days · BeachExplore Vietnam's NorthExplore Hà Nội's rich history and vibrant Old Quarter, enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show, then cruise Hạ Long Bay's limestone karsts, visiting Sung Sot Cave and Titov Island, before discovering local craft villages.From $440See the day-by-day →1 day · CultureHà Nội's Historic HighlightsExplore Hà Nội's rich history and culture on this 1-day tour, visiting the Ho Chi Minh Complex, ancient Tran Quoc Pagoda, the revered Temple of Literature, and strolling through the bustling Old Quarter.From $15See the day-by-day →1 day · AdventureHạ Long Bay Luxury Day Cruise from Hà NộiEmbark on a luxury day cruise from Hà Nội to Hạ Long Bay, exploring the majestic Sung Sot Cave, climbing Titov Island for panoramic views, and enjoying kayaking or a bamboo boat ride at Luon Cave.From $100See the day-by-day →5 days · AdventureHà Nội, Ninh Binh & Hạ Long Bay AdventureDiscover Hà Nội's cultural depth at the Museum of Ethnology and Temple of Literature, explore Ninh Binh's Bái Đính Pagoda and Tràng An boat ride, then enjoy a Hạ Long Bay cruise to Sung Sot Cave, concluding with AEON Mall and Mega Grand World.From $490See the day-by-day →5 days · BeachHà Nội & Hạ Long Bay DiscoveryExplore Hà Nội's rich history and vibrant culture, discover the architectural wonders of Mega Grand World, cruise through the majestic limestone karsts of Hạ Long Bay, and visit the traditional Quang Phu Cau Incense Village over 5 days.From $410See the day-by-day →9 days · AdventureNorthern Charm to Southern Splendor: Hà Nội, Sapa, Hạ Long, Đà Nẵng & Mekong DeltaExplore Vietnam from north to south, discovering Hà Nội's history, ascending Fansipan by cable car in Sapa, cruising Hạ Long Bay, visiting Đà Nẵng's Marble Mountains, and experiencing the Mekong Delta's waterways.From $870See the day-by-day →9 days · AdventureNorthern & Southern Vietnam Highlights: Hà Nội, Hạ Long Bay, Ho Chi MinhExplore Vietnam's vibrant north and south, from Hà Nội's ancient culture and Hạ Long Bay's limestone karsts to Ho Chi Minh City's history and the Mekong Delta's river life, including craft villages and iconic tunnels.From $1,000See the day-by-day →4 days · AdventureHà Nội, Ninh Binh & Hạ Long Bay DiscoveryExplore the vibrant capital of Hà Nội, discover the spiritual Bái Đính Pagoda and scenic Tràng An grottoes in Ninh Binh, and immerse yourself in the natural grandeur of a Hạ Long Bay cruise visiting Sung Sot Cave and Titov Island.From $390See the day-by-day →6 days · AdventureNorthern Vietnam: Hà Nội, Hạ Long Bay, Ninh Binh & SapaExplore Northern Vietnam's wonders, from Hà Nội's vibrant heart to Ninh Binh's ancient Hoa Lu and Tam Coc's scenic waterways, then cruise Hạ Long Bay's limestone karsts before discovering Sapa's H'Mong culture and Fansipan's peak.From $590See the day-by-day →5 days · AdventureHà Nội & Sapa Discovery with Ethnic Villages & Mountain ViewsExplore Hà Nội's rich history and vibrant culture, then journey to Sapa for immersive treks through ethnic villages like Cat Cat and Ta Van, surrounded by captivating mountain scenery.From $400See the day-by-day →3 days · AdventureSapa Mountain Discovery from Hà NộiJourney from Hà Nội to Sapa, exploring Cat Cat Village, trekking through terraced rice fields to Lao Chai and Ta Van, and visiting Silver Waterfall and Cloud Dragon Glass Bridge, immersing in mountain landscapes.From $210See the day-by-day →7 days · CultureHà Nội, Hạ Long Bay & Central Vietnam DiscoveryExplore northern and central Vietnam, from Hà Nội's historic sites and a serene Hạ Long Bay cruise to Đà Nẵng's Bà Nà Hills Golden Bridge and the charming Hội An Ancient Town.From $680See the day-by-day →4 days · AdventureHà Nội, Hạ Long Bay & Ninh Binh DiscoveryExplore the best of Northern Vietnam, from Hà Nội's vibrant capital to an overnight cruise on Hạ Long Bay, discovering limestone islets and caves, before experiencing the scenic landscapes of Ninh Binh.From $310See the day-by-day →9 days · AdventureNorthern & Central Vietnam Discovery: Sapa, Hạ Long, Hội AnExplore Vietnam from north to central, conquering Fansipan in Sapa, cruising Hạ Long Bay, discovering ancient Hội An, and walking the Golden Bridge at Bà Nà Hills over 9 days.From $920See the day-by-day →10 days · AdventureHà Nội, Sapa, Hạ Long & Ninh Binh DiscoveryExplore Vietnam's North from Hà Nội, trekking in Sapa's terraced landscapes, cruising the limestone karsts of Hạ Long Bay, and discovering Ninh Binh's ancient capital with Múa Cave and Tam Coc boat journey.From $980See the day-by-day →6 days · AdventureHà Nội, Hạ Long Bay & Phú Quốc Island AdventureExplore Vietnam's vibrant capital, Hà Nội, with its historic sites and Old Quarter, cruise the majestic Hạ Long Bay, then relax on Phú Quốc's islands with a thrilling cable car ride and water park fun.From $820See the day-by-day →9 days · AdventureHà Nội, Sapa, Hạ Long & Ninh Binh DiscoveryDiscover northern Vietnam, exploring Hà Nội's historic Ho Chi Minh Complex and vibrant Old Quarter, trekking Sapa's ethnic villages, cruising the iconic Hạ Long Bay, and experiencing the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and Tràng An's scenic landscapes.From $960See the day-by-day →9 days · CultureHà Nội, Ninh Binh, Hạ Long, Đà Nẵng & Hội An DiscoveryJourney from Hà Nội to Hội An, exploring Ho Chi Minh Complex, a Tràng An boat trip, a Hạ Long Bay cruise, the Golden Bridge in Bà Nà Hills, and the ancient charm of Hội An, including a lantern boat ride.From $890See the day-by-day →1 day · CultureNinh Binh Highlights: Bái Đính, Tràng An, Múa CaveJourney from Hà Nội to Ninh Binh for a day exploring the vast Bái Đính Pagoda, enjoying a serene boat trip through Tràng An's unique cave system, and visiting Múa Cave for panoramic views.From $50See the day-by-day →8 days · AdventureNorthern Peaks to Southern Waters: Hà Nội, Hạ Long, Đà Nẵng & Ho Chi MinhExplore Vietnam's diverse landscapes from Hà Nội to Ho Chi Minh City, featuring a luxury cruise on Hạ Long Bay, the iconic Golden Bridge at Bà Nà Hills, the charm of Hội An ancient town, and the historic Củ Chi Tunnels.From $790See the day-by-day →8 days · AdventureHà Nội, Hạ Long Bay, Đà Nẵng & Ho Chi Minh City HighlightsExplore Vietnam's diverse landscapes from Hà Nội, cruising Hạ Long Bay and visiting Ninh Binh's Tràng An, then fly south to discover Đà Nẵng's Bà Nà Hills and Ho Chi Minh City's Củ Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta.From $780See the day-by-day →4 days · AdventureHà Nội, Ninh Binh & Hạ Long Bay: Cultural & Natural WondersExplore Hà Nội's charm, discover Ninh Binh's natural beauty with Bái Đính Pagoda, a Tràng An boat ride, and Múa Cave climb, then embark on a luxurious cruise through the stunning limestone karsts of Hạ Long Bay.From $410See the day-by-day →12 days · AdventureHà Nội, Hạ Long, Sapa, Đà Nẵng & Phú Quốc DiscoveryExplore Vietnam's diverse landscapes from Hà Nội to Phú Quốc, cruising Hạ Long Bay, trekking Sapa's villages, visiting Đà Nẵng's Golden Bridge, and discovering Phú Quốc's wildlife and islands over twelve days.From $1,300See the day-by-day →9 days · BeachHà Nội, Hạ Long Bay & Hội An Cultural JourneyDiscover the vibrant culture of Vietnam from Hà Nội's historic sites and ancient craft villages to an overnight cruise on Hạ Long Bay, concluding with the charm of Hội An Ancient Town, lantern making, and a street food experience.From $800See the day-by-day →3 days · CultureHà Nội & Hạ Long Bay Luxury Cruise with Cave DiningExplore the vibrant streets of Hà Nội, embark on a luxurious 5-star overnight cruise through Hạ Long Bay with a romantic setup, and enjoy a unique dining experience inside the ancient Dragon Pearl Cave over three days.From $360See the day-by-day →5 days · CultureHà Nội, Ninh Binh & Hạ Long Bay DiscoveryExplore the vibrant crafts of Hà Nội's Quang Phu Cau and Chuong villages, enjoy leisure time in Ninh Binh to discover Hoa Lu and Tràng An, then embark on a luxurious overnight cruise through Hạ Long Bay's iconic limestone karsts.From $510See the day-by-day →5 days · CultureHà Nội, Ninh Binh & Hạ Long DiscoveryExplore the cultural heart of Vietnam, from Hà Nội's ancient craft villages and conical hat makers to the serene landscapes of Ninh Binh, culminating in a luxurious overnight cruise through the stunning limestone karsts of Hạ Long Bay.From $370See the day-by-day →4 days · AdventureHà Nội & Hạ Long Bay Luxury CruiseExplore Hà Nội's charm before embarking on a luxurious 5-star overnight cruise through Hạ Long Bay, discovering Sung Sot Cave, Titov Island, and enjoying a unique dining experience at Dragon Pearl Cave over four days.From $340See the day-by-day →4 days · CultureHà Nội & Hạ Long Bay Twin Night LuxuryExplore Hà Nội's charm before embarking on a luxurious overnight cruise through Hạ Long Bay, discovering Sung Sot Cave and Titov Island, then enjoy a unique dining experience at Dragon Pearl Cave.From $280See the day-by-day →6 days · AdventureNorth Vietnam Classic Loop: Hà Nội, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Hạ LongExplore North Vietnam's diverse landscapes from Hà Nội's Old Quarter to Sapa's mountains, the tranquil waterways of Ninh Binh, and an overnight luxury cruise on Hạ Long Bay.From $460See the day-by-day →6 days · AdventureHà Nội, Sapa, Ninh Binh & Hạ Long Bay AdventureDiscover North Vietnam's diverse landscapes from Hà Nội's Old Quarter to Sapa's mountains, Ninh Binh's serene waterways, and an overnight cruise amidst Hạ Long Bay's limestone karsts.From $370See the day-by-day →3 days · AdventureHà Nội & Hạ Long Bay Golf & CruiseDepart Hà Nội for Hạ Long Bay to enjoy a round of golf, a unique dining experience in Dragon Pearl Cave, and an overnight luxury cruise exploring Hạ Long Bay's iconic caves and islands.From $250See the day-by-day →4 days · CultureHà Nội & Hạ Long Bay: Two Nights on a Luxury CruiseDiscover Hà Nội's charm before embarking on a luxurious 5-star cruise through Hạ Long Bay, exploring Sung Sot Cave, kayaking around Trinh Nu Cave, and enjoying a unique dining experience in Dragon Pearl Cave.From $470See the day-by-day →3 days · AdventureHà Nội to Hạ Long Golf & CruiseDepart Hà Nội for Hạ Long to enjoy 18 holes of golf, an exclusive dinner inside Dragon Pearl Cave, and an overnight luxury cruise exploring Hạ Long Bay's limestone islets and Titov Island.From $240See the day-by-day →4 days · AdventureHà Nội & Hạ Long Bay Ambassador CruiseExplore Hà Nội's urban charm before embarking on a luxurious Ambassador Cruise for two nights in Hạ Long Bay, discovering Luon Cave, Sung Sot Cave, and swimming at Ba Trai Dao.From $420See the day-by-day →6 days · AdventureHà Nội, Hạ Long Bay & Sapa AdventureExplore the vibrant capital of Hà Nội, cruise overnight through Hạ Long Bay's limestone karsts, discover the ancient Dragon Pearl Cave, and relax amidst the serene mountains of Sapa – 6 Days.From $500See the day-by-day →6 days · CultureHà Nội, Hạ Long Bay & Sapa Mountain RetreatExplore the vibrant capital of Hà Nội, embark on an overnight cruise through Hạ Long Bay's limestone karsts, and unwind in the serene mountain landscapes of Sapa, discovering local villages and panoramic views.From $380See the day-by-day →7 days · AdventureHà Nội, Sapa, Ninh Binh & Hạ Long Bay Family AdventureExplore northern Vietnam, from Hà Nội's charm to Sapa's terraced hills, Ninh Binh's serene landscapes with sampan rides, and a luxurious overnight cruise through the limestone karsts of Hạ Long Bay.From $400See the day-by-day →3 days · CultureHà Nội & Hạ Long Bay Honeymoon CruiseExperience Hà Nội's charm with a 5-star stay before embarking on a luxury overnight cruise in Hạ Long Bay, complete with a private balcony suite, romantic amenities, and fine dining, culminating in a unique cave dining experience.From $520See the day-by-day →3 days · CultureHà Nội & Hạ Long Bay Cruise - A Romantic EscapeDiscover romantic Hà Nội with a stroll through the Old Quarter, then embark on a lavish Ambassador Cruise in Hạ Long Bay featuring a private balcony suite, and enjoy a unique dining experience inside the Dragon Pearl Cave.From $310See the day-by-day →9 days · CultureGrand North: Hà Nội, Sapa, Mai Châu, Ninh Binh & Hạ Long BayExplore Vietnam's Grand North, from Hà Nội's vibrant Old Quarter to Sapa's majestic mountains, Mai Châu's serene rice paddies, and a lavish overnight cruise on Hạ Long Bay.From $650See the day-by-day →9 days · AdventureGrand North Vietnam: Hà Nội, Sapa, Mai Châu, Ninh Binh, Hạ LongExplore North Vietnam from Hà Nội to the mountains of Sapa and Mai Châu, then discover the karst landscapes of Ninh Binh and enjoy an overnight cruise among Hạ Long Bay's limestone islets.From $510See the day-by-day →3 days · CultureHà Nội & Hạ Long Bay Overnight EscapeDiscover the best of Northern Vietnam with an escape to Hà Nội and an indulgent overnight cruise on Hạ Long Bay, exploring limestone islets, Luon Cave, and Titov Island before a unique cave dining experience.From $290See the day-by-day →3 days · AdventureHà Nội & Hạ Long Overnight EscapeDiscover Hà Nội's Old Quarter, enjoy a luxury overnight cruise on Hạ Long Bay visiting Luon Cave and Titov Island, and experience a unique dining event at Dragon Pearl Cave.From $250See the day-by-day →2 days · AdventureHà Nội & Hạ Long Bay DiscoveryExplore Hà Nội's Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, then embark on a luxurious Ambassador Day Cruise through Hạ Long Bay, visiting Sung Sot Cave and Titov Island for swimming and panoramic views.From $160See the day-by-day →2 days · CultureHà Nội & Hạ Long Bay Day Cruise AdventureExplore Vietnam's capital city, Hà Nội, at your own pace before embarking on an Ambassador Day Cruise through Hạ Long Bay, discovering Sung Sot Cave and swimming at Titov Island.From $110See the day-by-day →2 days · TrekkingSa Pa Valley TrekTwo days on the rice terraces with a local guideFrom ~$110See the day-by-day →
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