Although Vietnam is a beautiful land of wonders, when planning a Vietnam discovery tour and in-depth enjoyment, it would be better to prepare a tour plan based on north, central and south Vietnam. In doing so, you will have enough time to focus on the locations and plan your activities. Each region is equally mesmerizing, has its own identity and is worth experiencing.
Let us check the specialties of each region. Moving to North Vietnam, it is incredibly popular for its miraculous hill locations. The beautiful terraced rice fields of Sapa and the limestone archipelagoes of Ha Long Bay are some of the best visual treats you should never miss to explore.
South Vietnam, with its bustling cities and vast river deltas, and Central Vietnam, known for its rich history and picturesque coastal views, also have much to offer.
The North Vietnam tour holds a special place in the Vietnam tour, thanks to its awe-inspiring landscapes. As you navigate the terraced rice fields of Sapa and sail among the towering limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, you will understand why a North Vietnam tour is not just an option, but become an inevitable choice for every traveler. It is a journey that should be at the top of your Vietnam tour list, a journey you simply cannot afford to miss.
The following are some of the best locations and activities a tourist can visit and engage in while on a North Vietnam tour.
Hanoi
Let us start our North Vietnam tour in Hanoi. The lively city is one of the must-visit destinations for tourists who are heading for a North Vietnam tour. With its rich history and culture, the city bemuses you with its modernity. Tourists can see both modern and traditional life blended together, keeping the cultural values intact.
Why Hanoi is considered as a hot tourist spot in Vietnam is evident by reading through the various accolades it got recently. It has been recognized as the world's leading tourism destination by the prestigious World Travel Awards, further cementing its status as a must-visit on any North Vietnam tour. Similarly, readers of TripAdvisor users also voted Hanoi as the 4th best tourist location out of 25 world destinations in 2023. Hanoi also topped as the top culinary destination in 2024, and it is popular for its street food culture.
From a budget point of view, Hanoi is considered one of the best economic-friendly countries out of 15 global destinations, according to Wethrift. Further to the above, it is a prime location for a Photography tour as it is rich with stunning landmarks and busy markets.
Do not be surprised when CNN lavishly praised Hanoi as a romantic getaway in Southeast Asia and an enviable location for photography. With its reputation as a safe destination for female travelers, highlighted by Tripzilla, you will find Hanoi is a preferable location for female solo tourists. For a unique and memorable experience, visit Hanoi as part of your North Vietnam tour.
Mu Cang Chai
Mu Cang Chai recently ranked first in Wanderlust Storytellers' list of 25 destinations with exceptional surreal beauty, and it is a hidden gem in North Vietnam that should be a highlight of your Vietnam discovery tour.
Surrounded by mountains, this unique location is blessed with incredible cascading terraced rice fields, one of the best visual marvels one can experience in Mu Cang Chai. With beautiful photographic locations on the backdrop, tourists can trek through the wavering golden rice fields and mingle with the ethnic Hmong tribes. Visiting Mu Cang Chai as part of your North Vietnam tour lets you enjoy the cultural richness and natural beauty.
Sapa
Sapa, a charming town in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai, is a must-visit on any tour of North Vietnam. Recently ranked 5th in the 2024 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards by TripAdvisor and listed among the ‘Most Beautiful Small Towns in The World’ by Time Out magazine, Sapa offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
Its stunning terraced fields, recognized by Travel & Leisure as one of the world’s top seven tourist spots, provide a spectacular backdrop for trekking, earning it a spot among the top ten places to walk. With its cool climate, Sapa is also considered one of the most attractive “cooling off travel” destinations for 2024, making it an essential stop for travelers looking to explore the best of North Vietnam tour.
Y Ty
Do you love cloud hunting? If you want to experience the magical shapes and movements of clouds, then make it a point to visit Y Ty during your North Vietnam tours. Y Ty is a highland tourist attraction located in the Bat Xat district in Lao Cai province, ranked as the 6th top unique tourist spot in Asia by Thrillist (USA). It is a popular destination for watching the magical movement of clouds, nicknamed as the "cloud hunting land." For those who are into photography, it is an ideal location to absorb the natural beauty and store it in digital format.
Ninh Binh
If you prefer to avoid crowded tourist destinations, then Ninh Binh is the perfect choice for your tours of North Vietnam. Proudly acclaimed as Vietnam's secret, Ninh Binh ranks 4th among the top 10 less-visited wonders of the world, according to the United Kingdom's Daily Mail.
The location is also recommended as one of the top 3 most welcoming tourist spots in Vietnam, according to Booking.com. Moreover, you will not be surprised that Forbes magazines also honored this location as one of the most sought-after tourist destinations out of 23 such locations globally in 2023.
Ninh Binh is popular for its incredible landscapes and unique experiences. Tourists can explore ancient temples and majestic caves or take intake boat rides through its famous limestone karsts. It was even ranked in TripAdvisor's "Top 10 most attractive experiences in the world in 2024," making it an essential stop on any North Vietnam tour for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is a must-see destination on any North Vietnam tour. It is famed for its crystal-clear waters and thousands of limestone islands topped with lush rainforests. On November 11, 2011, Ha Long Bay was officially enrolled as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature and thus became a UNESCO World Heritage site.
According to TripAdvisor, it was vetted as the 3rd top Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards for the year 2024 by TripAdvisor out of 25 best natural tourist attractions.
Also, it is an ideal location for a Vietnam photography tour, and that is why CNN ranked it as one of the world's 25 most breathtakingly beautiful tourist spots. Further, Travel Magazine ranked it as one of the incredible tourist destinations out of 10 natural global wonders in their December edition.
Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island, a World Natural Heritage site and part of Ha Long Bay, is one of the most preferred tourist destinations for a Vietnam discovery tour. In 1994, it was enlisted in the World Natural Heritage site classification due to its stunning natural beauty and biodiversity. Cat Ba Island is also called the Green Pearl in the Gulf of Tonkin.
According to Booking.com, Cat Ba Island was voted one of the 10 friendliest tourist spots in Vietnam for the year 2023. This is due to the naive hospitality and warm welcome of ethnic locals. So, mark it on your bucket list of activities during your North Vietnam Tours.
Ha Giang
Did you know Ha Giang was honored as Asia's leading emerging tourist destination in 2023? It was also listed among the world's top 52 places to go in 2023 by The New York Times, making it a must-see on tours of North Vietnam. Another attractive highlight of Ha Giang is its wild and majestic beauty, which surprises the visitors. Visiting the breathtaking Dong Van Stone Plateau is yet another incredible location with dramatic limestone landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
As we look ahead to 2024, Ha Giang continues to shine, having been nominated as Asia's leading regional cultural destination. Ha Giang offers an unforgettable blend of natural splendor and cultural richness for those on a Vietnam discovery tour.
Cao Bang
For tourists who are looking for solitude and a break away from mechanical city life, Cao Bang is an inevitable destination to include in the North Vietnam tour. Recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark, Non Nuoc Cao Bang is a treasure trove of rich biodiversity, featuring a stunning array of flora and fauna that enchants nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Reading various media and online tour planners can help you understand its importance and why it is recognized as a global geo-national park. Cao Bang has garnered global recognition, with SkyScanner ranking it among the top trekking destinations in Southeast Asia and Insider featuring its breathtaking landscapes among the 50 best views worldwide.
Ban Gioc Waterfall, located in Cao Bang province, has been acclaimed by Travel+Leisure as one of the 21 most beautiful waterfalls in the world in 2024. Beyond its natural beauty, Cao Bang is celebrated as one of the friendliest destinations in Vietnam, according to Booking.com, and is known as the autumn paradise in Vietnam.
Coupled with the warm hospitality of the locals, Cao Bang offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking a genuine Vietnam discovery tour.
Pu Luong
Pu Luong is a travelers' paradise in the heart of northern Vietnam. It is an incredible, must-include location for a Vietnam photography tour. Watching the lush valleys, terraced rice fields, and dense forests will surprise you. It offers a tranquil escape for tourists who wish to enjoy solitude and break away from mechanical life.
Compared to other general tourist locations in Vietnam, it is a must-visit place for budget travelers and tourists who love to experience unusual things. Pu Luong is also a perfect destination for trekking and testing your endurance. It offers countless opportunities for tourists planning a Vietnam photography tour, with magnificent landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and ethnic local life.
Since it is an ecotourism destination, visitors will have immense opportunities to enjoy the undiluted beauty of North Vietnam. So, make sure to include Pu Luong in your itinerary and make your tour of North Vietnam a memorable experience.
Vivu Travel: Your Expert Guide to North Vietnam
When planning a North Vietnam tour, choosing the right tour partner ensures a memorable and hassle-free experience. Vivu Travel, a trusted local tour operator since 2006, offers exceptional and customized tour packages for Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
Why Choose Vivu Travel?
Recognized as one of the best Vietnam tour operators, Vivu Travel prides itself on providing personalized service with bilingual tour guides who have excellent knowledge about every nook and corner of Vietnam.
Vivu Travel has received numerous accolades from leading online travel platforms for its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. In recent times, TripAdvisor has recommended Vivutravel as the tour operator of the year 2024 based on customer reviews. Reading through various customer reviews, you can find what customers say about Vivutravel, their professionalism, flexibility, and attention to detail
Customized North Vietnam Tour Packages
Vivu Travel specializes in creating customized tour packages that cater to your interests and budget. Whether you are interested in a Vietnam discovery tour focused on cultural immersion or a northern Vietnam tour exploring the region's natural wonders, Vivu Travel can design the perfect itinerary.
Contact Vivu Travel
With personalized service and a commitment to delivering unforgettable travel experiences, Vivu Travel ensures that every tour is a journey of discovery and discovery. To start planning your adventure, contact Vivu Travel today and embark on a trip through northern Vietnam's captivating landscapes and vibrant culture.
Conclusion:
A Vietnam discovery tour will be incomplete if you do not include iconic North Vietnam destinations. Ensure that the breathtaking terraced rice fields in Sapa and the incredible Ha Long Bay are included in your itineraries. Whether you are drawn to its vibrant ethnic cultures, delicious cuisine, or tour-friendly locals, a journey through North Vietnam promises an unmatching, memorable experience you have ever had in your life.