North Vietnam Tours

North Vietnam trips offer a rich array of highlights, including the vibrant capital city of Hanoi, with its bustling Old Quarter and historical sites such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature. Another must-see is Halong Bay, renowned for its stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters, perfect for a scenic cruise. Sapa, with its terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages, provides a glimpse into rural life and breathtaking landscapes. Additionally, the ancient city of Ninh Binh, often referred to as "Halong Bay on land," offers stunning scenery and the historic Trang An complex.

Northern Vietnam itineraries offer opportunities to see a variety of wildlife in different natural settings. In the national parks such as Cuc Phuong and Ba Be, you can encounter diverse flora and fauna, including rare species like the Delacour's langur and numerous bird species. Halong Bay is home to marine life, and while cruising, you might spot dolphins, fish, and various seabirds. In the rural and mountainous regions, you can see water buffalo, traditional livestock, and sometimes even wild pigs. These wildlife experiences add a unique dimension to your tour, allowing you to connect with Vietnam's natural heritage.

If your trip includes multiple days of hiking, you can bring hiking shoes. Otherwise, a good pair of sneakers will suffice.

Accommodations on those adventures range from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses, providing options to suit various preferences and budgets. In major cities like Hanoi, you can find high-end hotels with modern amenities, as well as charming boutique hotels that offer a more personalized experience. In places like Halong Bay, you might stay on a traditional junk boat, enjoying a unique overnight cruise. In Sapa and other rural areas, homestays with local families are the best-seller choice, offering an authentic cultural experience and a chance to connect with the local community. No matter where you stay, our accommodations are selected to provide comfort and convenience throughout your tour.

The walks and hikes offered in our tours are of easy to moderate difficulty level and typically last for 3-5 hours per day. However, the duration and difficulty of the hikes depend on your fitness level. You can shorten or extend the duration of the hikes according to your preferences. This private program can be customized on-site.

All our tours are private and tailor-made, and we can certainly customize the itinerary by combining must-see sites with off-the-beaten-path excursions. Feel free to let us know your preferences, and our advisors will be able to accommodate your every request.

It's certainly the North, which comprises the Northeast and Northwest mountains. Located along the country's Laotian and Chinese borders, Northern Vietnam's mountains boast incredibly wild and breathtaking landscapes: limestone peaks and vast rolling hills as far as the eye can see, lush valleys with stunning terraced rice fields, winding roads and switchbacks on the mountain slopes. It's also the only region where the culture of minority ethnic groups remains strongly present: traditional villages, unique customs, colorful attire, and vibrant weekly markets. The region is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts, those interested in ethnic culture, and travelers looking to venture off the beaten path.

Among the country's three regions, the North, the Central, and the South, it's the North that is the most beautiful and interesting. For your first exploration, don't forget to visit the ancient capital of Hanoi, the land-based Halong Bay in Ninh Binh, and, most importantly, Halong Bay on a cruise. If time allows, take a detour to the Northern mountains, such as Sapa or Pu Luong, to discover stunning landscapes and diverse, authentic cultures.

Terraced rice fields can be found in the Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Mu Cang Chai, and Sapa regions.

In Mai Chau and Pu Luong, there are two rice seasons each year: the first season is from February to May, and the second lasts from June to October.

As for Mu Cang Chai and Sapa, there is only one rice season per year, from May to September.

During the rest of the year, even though the fields may be empty, visits are still possible because these destinations not only feature rice fields but also pristine forests and, most importantly, ethnic villages with their traditional houses.

In general, the best time to visit Northern Vietnam is from September to November and from March to May. During this range of months, temperatures remain very pleasant, and there is less rainfall.