Northern Vietnam is a region renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and diverse cultural heritage. Join us on a journey to discover the hidden gems and breathtaking destinations of this fascinating region. 10 Must-Visit Tourist Destinations in Northern Vietnam:
Hanoi
Skipping Hanoi when visiting Northern Vietnam is unthinkable. This city is a treasure trove of national heritage preserved for thousands of years, not only with magnificent historical sites and beautiful landscapes, but also renowned for its unique cuisine and refined culture of the capital. Make sure to book a hotel in Hanoi for a convenient trip to explore and indulge in the unique cuisine of the “City of the Ascending Dragon”.
Ha Long Bay – Quang Ninh
Ha Long Bay – a picturesque natural wonder, like an imaginary fairyland in the earthly realm. This is a captivating tourist destination with a special allure that attracts both domestic and international tourists. Here, visitors can admire the prominent natural islands on the water surface, explore mysterious caves, immerse in idyllic beaches, and experience the unique culture of local fishing villages. Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Ba Hang Fishing Village, Soi Sim Beach, Ti Top Island, Sung Sot Cave, Me Cung Cave, Luon Cave, Tien Ong Cave, Ba Ham Lake… are must-visit destinations when exploring Ha Long Bay.
Sapa
The cool and fresh atmosphere with cold temperatures is a unique and wonderful experience for both domestic and international tourists when visiting Fansipan – the highest mountain peak in Vietnam.
Fansipan is not only the highest mountain peak in Vietnam but also the highest in the whole Indochina, boasting majestic and pristine beauty. With impressive height, you will feel like touching the fluffy white clouds. However, Fansipan is not the only tourist spot in Sapa. Other destinations such as Stone Church, Ham Rong Mountain, Muong Hoa Valley, Ancient Rock Field… are also unique and worth exploring on your trip.
Thung Nai – Hoa Binh
Located in the heart of Hoa Binh Lake, Thung Nai is a unique destination with the beauty of a beautiful island. Here, you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural scenery, as if standing in the middle of a “dry Halong Bay”. The majestic mountain ranges and the crystal-clear water of Thung Nai create a completely new and captivating space for visitors.
Thung Nai is not only a famous tourist spot, but also carries a peaceful and emotional beauty. Visitors coming here will not only enjoy the stunning landscapes, but also feel the tranquility and friendliness of the local people. Every step to Thung Nai is like a journey of discovery and new experiences, taking visitors into an indescribably beautiful world.
Cat Ba – Hai Phong
Cat Ba – the fairy island in Hai Phong, known for its enchanting natural beauty bestowed by nature. When you come to Cat Ba, you will find an ideal destination to escape the summer heat. Not only can you immerse yourself in the cool sea water, but you can also explore the wild nature at Cat Ba National Park – a unique experience not to be missed.
Co To – Quang Ninh
Co To – the beautiful paradise island in the North, famous for being one of the most beautiful and special islands. With pristine beaches, smooth white sand and clear blue sea, Co To has attracted not only domestic tourists but also international visitors. When you visit Co To, you can relax and stay at luxury hotels in Quang Ninh, enjoy the beautiful scenery and participate in exciting activities.
Co To is a place where visitors can fully enjoy the fresh air of the sea, swim at pristine beaches, or participate in interesting activities such as squid fishing at night, climbing to the lighthouse peak to admire the surrounding scenery. The feeling of immersing in the majestic and untouched space of Co To is a unique experience that brings unforgettable memories for visitors.
See more: Travel to Nha Trang – Discover the Paradise of Vietnam’s Central Coast
Ninh Binh
With its pristine nature and picturesque landscapes, Ninh Binh is becoming a popular tourist destination in the North of Vietnam, just about 100km away from Hanoi. Especially, visiting the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, where many mysterious historical relics are preserved, is an unforgettable experience. In addition, Ninh Binh also boasts unique attractions such as Bai Dinh, Trang An, and Tam Coc Bich Dong, which attract thousands of tourists here every year.
What is special is that you can visit Ninh Binh at any time of the year. However, the best time is from January to March according to the lunar calendar, when the weather is not too cold nor too hot, allowing tourists to admire the beauty of pagodas and temples at the beginning of the year. If you come in April or May, you can experience the season of butterflies in Cuc Phuong National Park, or the end of May and June to get lost in the golden ripe rice fields or the vast lotus ponds amidst the rocky mountains. Regardless of the season, Ninh Binh always carries a simple, mysterious, and enchanting beauty that captivates people’s hearts.
Mai Chau – Hoa Binh
Mai Chau – a dreamy, unique, and attractive region in the Northwest, is not only known for its majestic mountains and forests, but also for the friendly and warm-hearted people. Here, tourists can experience the mesmerizing beauty of cherry blossoms, pure white apricot blossoms, or the ethereal beauty of ban flowers in the blooming forests. The fresh and poetic atmosphere of the Northwest mountains makes tourists feel relaxed and unforgettable in the moments immersed in the pristine nature of Mai Chau.
Moc Chau – Son La
Moc Chau Son La – the secret of cheap, unique, and appealing travel in the North. With its vast green tea hills, high plateau full of vitality, and white silk-like cabbage flowers, warm cups of corn wine, Moc Chau is not only a soul-stirring destination for tourists but also a “holy land” of photography enthusiasts.
Dong Van – Ha Giang
Dong Van Plateau – the unique beauty of Northern Vietnam with its majestic landscapes, terraced fields stretching to the horizon, and the rich culture of the Northwest ethnic people. This is an ideal destination for those who are passionate about photography. When visiting Dong Van, tourists will have the opportunity to experience beautiful landmarks such as Thien Huong village, Sa Phin, Sung La with traditional houses of the ethnic people, the Lolo ethnic village under the shadow of Lung Cu flagpole, Dong Van Fort with its unique architecture, Ma Pi Leng – one of the most famous passes in Vietnam, along with Dong Van town with its ancient wooden houses. These are definitely the attractions that capture the attention of photography enthusiasts and those who love the mountainous culture of the North.
Ban Gioc Waterfall – Cao Bang
Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang is a unique destination famous for its majestic beauty, located at the junction of the Vietnam-China border, attracting tourists from both countries. Mother Nature has bestowed Ban Gioc Waterfall with stunning beauty, with a fresh and peaceful atmosphere. The sound of the waterfall flowing blends with the vast mountains and forests, creating an enchanting atmosphere. It is a unique destination for relaxation and admiration of the pristine and majestic beauty of the mountains in Cao Bang region.
See more: Travel to Cao Bằng – Discover the Natural Beauty and Unique Cuisine of Cao Bang
Ba Be Lake – Bac Kan
Ba Be Lake is a famous ecotourism destination in Northeast Vietnam, and also an attractive destination in Northern Vietnam in general. If you have the opportunity to visit the North, this is a must-visit place that will not disappoint you.
At Ba Be Lake, you will experience a fresh atmosphere, with beautiful scenery of lush green mountains and fields. This place is also known for its local specialty dishes that you can discover and experience the distinctive culinary culture of the region.
Moreover, Ba Be Lake is also the home of many different ethnic minorities, allowing you to broaden your knowledge about the cultural diversity of the ethnic groups in Northern Vietnam. You can learn and experience the culture and customs of the local people through cultural exchange activities, visiting traditional villages, or participating in community-based tourism activities.
Dien Bien
Dien Bien is not only a wonderful tourist destination for its natural landscapes, but also a culturally significant location with rich historical heritage. Dien Bien is one of the regions in Vietnam with a deep historical significance.
Dien Bien is also a land of diverse ethnic minority cultures, with unique traditional villages, weaving, pottery, animal husbandry, and agriculture that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the ethnic communities. Visitors can experience and learn about the local culture, customs, and traditions of the ethnic minorities through cultural exchange activities, visiting traditional villages, or participating in community cultural experience activities.
With its unique historical and cultural values, Dien Bien is an attractive destination for travelers who are interested in exploring and learning about the history and culture of Vietnam.
Ha Giang
Ha Giang – An exciting journey to explore the Northern region for adventurous young travelers
Located only about 300km northeast of Hanoi, Ha Giang is a unique and ideal tourist destination for young adventurers who are passionate about exploring. This place promises to offer unforgettable experiences amidst the majestic rocky plateau, historical Lung Cu flagpole, or the beautiful triangular flower paradise.
The journey to explore Ha Giang will take you through challenging roads and immerse yourself in the grand beauty of Sủng Là valley, where you can admire the terraced rice fields. At the same time, you cannot miss the opportunity to taste the local specialties such as fish sauce and other cultural dishes of Dong Van people.
What’s special is that to fully experience the beauty of Ha Giang, you only need a relatively affordable budget, around 2 million VND, and you can enjoy memorable moments and satisfy your travel passion in this land.
Ha Giang is currently a prominent destination for young adventurers who love exploration, offering unique and unforgettable travel experiences, as well as opportunities to discover and learn about the culture and unique landmarks of Northern Vietnam.
Ba Vi National Park – Hanoi
Ba Vi National Park is an ideal destination for tourists who want to enjoy the majestic natural landscapes of mountains and forests, while also participating in outdoor activities and experiencing the local culture. The park is located in the Ba Vi mountain range, about 50km west of Hanoi, and is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Visitors to Ba Vi National Park can explore the diverse flora and fauna, hike to the mountain peak for panoramic views, visit the temples and pagodas nestled in the mountains, or take a dip in the mineral-rich hot springs. The park also offers a range of outdoor activities such as camping, trekking, bird watching, and butterfly watching.
In addition to the natural beauty, Ba Vi National Park also has cultural and historical significance, with temples and pagodas that are important religious sites for local people. Visitors can learn about the local customs and traditions through cultural activities and interactions with the local communities.
Ba Vi National Park is a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a perfect combination of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural experiences for visitors.
Mu Cang Chai – Yen Bai
Mù Cang Chai in Yen Bai province is an attractive destination for travelers who love the pristine beauty of the Northwestern mountains of Vietnam. Located about 300km from Hanoi, Mù Cang Chai offers breathtaking natural scenery and opportunities to explore famous landmarks in the area.
Tú Lệ town is a notable destination in the journey of discovering Mù Cang Chai. Located on the Mù Cang Chai plateau, with traditional wooden houses and terraced rice fields stretching out, it creates a picturesque scene like a painting. Visitors can explore the life and culture of the Hmong ethnic minority people living here.
Khau Pha Pass is a famous mountain pass in Mù Cang Chai, with an elevation of about 1,200m above sea level. From the top of the pass, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Mù Cang Chai from above, with its lush green terraced rice fields extending endlessly, creating a stunning and awe-inspiring landscape.
La Pan Tan terraced fields are a must-visit destination in Mù Cang Chai. This is where visitors can admire the beauty of the lush green terraced rice fields, considered one of the most beautiful rice fields in Vietnam. La Pan Tan terraced fields are also an ideal destination for photography enthusiasts, capturing the most beautiful moments of this land.
Bản Lìm Mông and Bản Thái are two Hmong ethnic villages located in Mù Cang Chai, where visitors can learn about the culture, customs, and way of life of the ethnic minority people living here.
