North Vietnam Tours: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa and Ha Giang
Limestone bays, karst rice fields and mountain villages — how to see the north well, which tour fits your time, and how the north differs from the south.
Quick answer
A North Vietnam tour usually links Hanoi, Ninh Binh and an overnight Halong or Lan Ha Bay cruise in 5–7 days, adding Sapa or Ha Giang for mountains. Our private northern tours run from 3 to 14 days, starting from US$290 (4-day trek) and US$890 (6 days with Sapa and Halong Bay). Go October–November or March–April for the best weather.
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| Tour | Length | Price per person | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best of Northern Vietnam | 6 days | From US$890 | Hanoi, Sapa and Halong Bay |
| North Vietnam for Adventure | 9 days | From US$1,250 | Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, mountains |
| The Epic North: Sapa & Ha Giang | 6 days | On request | Treks, homestays, Ma Pi Leng Pass |
| Sapa to Halong Bay Adventure | 5 days | On request | Mountain treks, then a junk cruise |
| Northern Vietnam Trek: Mai Chau – Pu Luong – Ninh Binh | 4 days | From US$290 | Valleys, villages, Trang An boat |
| Ha Giang Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey Trek | 7 days | From US$1,250 | Remote trekking and rare primates |
| Trekking Fansipan Mountain | 8 days | From US$1,250 | Summit trek of Indochina's highest peak |
| Sapa to Cao Bang Biking Adventure | 14 days | From US$3,000 | Long-distance cycling, Ban Gioc waterfall area |
| North Vietnam Wildlife & Primates | 3 days | On request | Cuc Phuong National Park, Van Long wetlands |
Every tour is private, with your own guide and driver, and can start any day. "From" prices are per person sharing, as published on each tour page in October 2026.
The classic northern route
- Hanoi (2 nights): the Old Quarter, Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and an evening street-food walk.
- Ninh Binh (1 night): the Trang An rowing boat and Mua Cave at sunset, about 1.5 hours from Hanoi. See our Ninh Binh guide.
- Halong or Lan Ha Bay (1 night): an overnight cruise with kayaking and a cave visit, about 2.5 hours from Ninh Binh. Our cruise guide explains how to choose.
- Sapa (2 nights, optional): village treks through the rice terraces, 5.5–6 hours by road from Hanoi. See Sapa trekking.
- Ha Giang (3–4 nights, optional): the Ma Pi Leng Pass and limestone plateau near the Chinese border. See the Ha Giang Loop guide.
North vs South Vietnam: what is different for travelers
| North (Hanoi) | South (Ho Chi Minh City) | |
|---|---|---|
| Climate | Four seasons; cool to cold Dec–Feb, hot and humid in summer | Tropical: hot all year, dry Dec–Apr, rainy May–Nov |
| Landscape | Limestone bays, karsts, mountains and terraces | The flat, watery Mekong Delta and islands |
| Food | Subtle and savory: pho, bun cha, cha ca | Sweeter, more herbs: com tam, hu tieu, banh xeo |
| Atmosphere | Older, more traditional, the political capital | Faster, more commercial and cosmopolitan |
| History to see | Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoa Lo Prison, Temple of Literature | War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Cu Chi Tunnels |
Historically, Vietnam was divided at the 17th parallel from 1954: the communist Democratic Republic of Vietnam in the north and the US-backed Republic of Vietnam in the south. The war ended in 1975 and the country was formally reunified in 1976. Today the old dividing line runs through the DMZ, which you can visit from Hue on a battlefield tour.
From our guides in Hanoi
- Pack a warm layer from December to February. Hanoi can feel colder than the thermometer says, and Sapa can drop near freezing.
- Choose Lan Ha Bay if you want fewer boats around you; it is reached from Hai Phong and is part of the same seascape.
- Avoid the mountains in heavy rain. From July to September landslides can close roads to Sapa and Ha Giang for a day or two; leave a buffer day.
- Do Ha Giang with a driver unless you are an experienced motorbike rider; the passes are steep and traffic includes trucks.
Frequently asked questions
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