So, you’re thinking about heading to Northern Vietnam? Excellent choice! Whether you dream of weaving through Hanoi’s organized chaos, trekking past rice terraces in Sapa, or staring at the surreal beauty of Ban Gioc Waterfall, this region delivers. And let’s be honest, Vietnam is budget traveler heaven. Good food? Dirt cheap. Accommodation? Affordable luxury. Transport? Well… an adventure in itself.
How many days should you stay? Since visas are a thing, give yourself 10-14 days to soak in the magic without rushing.
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Best Time to Visit
Wanna hike through Sapa without sweating buckets? Or cruise Halong Bay without a typhoon ruining your Instagram shots? March to May & September to November are your golden months. Expect pleasant weather and fewer tourists fighting you for the best selfie spot.
How to Get Around
Budget traveler? Buses and trains are your besties. A bit more cash to spend? A private care save time. Feeling adventurous? Rent a motorbike and pray to the Vietnamese road gods. For all your transfers, check the best deals here.
- Hanoi to Sapa: Sleeper Bus: The journey takes approximately 6-8 hours, with ticket prices starting around $15.
- Sapa to Ban Gioc: Bus via Hanoi: Traveling by bus or minivan from Sapa to Cao Bang via Hanoi costs approximately $18-35 per person and takes about 16-20 hours, so it’s better to make a stop in Hanoi. From Sapa, take a bus to Hanoi (approximately 5.5-6 hours), then another bus from Hanoi to Cao Bang (about 8-10 hours). From Cao Bang, local minibuses are available to Ban Gioc Waterfall.
- Ban Gioc to Halong Bay: Bus via Hanoi: This is a long journey. First, take a bus from Cao Bang to Hanoi, which takes about 8-10 hours. From Hanoi, you can catch another bus to Halong Bay, typically a 3-hour ride. It’s advisable to prepare snacks and plan for rest stops along the way.
- Hanoi to Halong Bay: Bus: A direct bus ride from Hanoi to Halong Bay takes approximately 3 hours. Cruise Transfer: Many cruise operators offer comfortable transfer services from Hanoi to Halong Bay, often included in cruise packages. Join a cruise here.
For all your buses transfers, check the best deals here.
Where to Stay In Northern Vietnam
Want to wake up with a view of rice terraces? Or a city skyline? Northern Vietnam has options for every budget.
Travel hack alert! Many hotels offer special deals for the U.S. and some Asian countries. Get a VPN, change your location, and score the best possible rates! Get yours here.
Hanoi:
Welcome to the chaotic symphony that is Hanoi! A place where scooters outnumber humans, street food vendors are low-key magicians, and history oozes from every crumbling French colonial building. One minute, you’re dodging traffic in the Old Quarter; the next, you’re sipping egg coffee by Hoan Kiem Lake, wondering if time even exists here. Here are my top recommendations:
Awesome Hanoi Hostel: Cheap, social, and right in the action. Expect free beer, fun vibes, and a cozy spot to recharge after a night exploring Hanoi’s crazy streets. Check availability here.
Pan Pacific Hanoi: Rooftop bar with that insane West Lake view? Check. Comfy rooms? Check. A touch of luxury without completely wrecking your budget? Absolutely. Book here.
Capella Hanoi: Old-world glamour meets modern luxury. If you’re into boutique elegance, jazz-age vibes, and over-the-top service, this is the splurge-worthy spot in Hanoi. Book your unique stay here.
Sapa:
Sapa is where Vietnam swaps its city chaos for misty mountain magic. Picture emerald-green rice terraces cascading down the hills, Hmong villagers in vibrant textiles, and the kind of fresh air that makes your lungs do a happy dance. Whether you’re trekking through the valleys or just soaking in the views with a bowl of steaming pho, Sapa is a whole vibe.
Mega View Homestay: Stay here for the view, the vibe, and the feeling of being wrapped in Sapa’s misty mountains. A warm, homey spot with an unbeatable panorama. Check availability here.
The Mong Village Resort & Spa: Traditional wooden bungalows, epic valley views, an infinity pool over the rice fields, and a spa to soothe those post-hike muscles. Rustic charm meets modern comfort. Book here.
Ville De Mont Mountain Resort: Sapa, but make it luxury. Chic villas, infinity pools above the clouds, and a peaceful retreat from the trekking crowds. Book your unique stay here.
Ban Gioc:
If Mother Nature had a flex mode, Ban Gioc would be it. Tucked near the China border, this region is all about towering limestone karsts, winding rivers, and one of Southeast Asia’s most jaw-dropping waterfalls. It’s remote, rugged, and ridiculously beautiful, a hidden gem where adventure meets serenity.
Lan’S Homestay Cao Bang Thac Ban Gioc Waterfalls: Wake up to rice field views, local vibes, and a home-cooked breakfast near the stunning Ban Gioc Waterfall. Cozy, authentic, and budget-friendly. Check availability here.
Muong Thanh Luxury Cao Bang (Mid-Range): A rare touch of luxury in the middle of rugged northern Vietnam. Comfy rooms, a solid breakfast, and the perfect spot to recharge after chasing waterfalls. Book here.
Halong Bay:
Halong Bay isn’t just a destination, it’s a dreamscape. Imagine thousands of limestone islands rising from emerald waters, mist swirling around their peaks like something straight out of a fantasy novel. Whether you’re kayaking through caves, cruising or just sipping a coconut on deck, Halong Bay is pure magic on water.
BBQ Hostel: Backpacker-friendly, social, and budget-proof. If you love rooftop BBQs, chill vibes, and meeting fellow travelers, this is your spot! Check availability here.
The Yacht Hotel by DC: Affordable yet stylish, with marina views that scream vacation mode activated. A solid pick if you want comfort without the crazy cruise prices. Book here.
Elite of the Seas: A 5-star cruise that takes luxury to the next level, think infinity pool, fine dining, and jaw-dropping Halong Bay views from your private balcony. Book your unique experience here.
Grand Pioneers Halong Bay Cruise: If you’re going to cruise Halong Bay, why not do it right? Grand Pioneers brings that perfect mix of elegance and adventure, spacious cabins with panoramic views, top-tier service, and an itinerary that lets you kayak through hidden lagoons, explore ancient caves, and soak in golden sunsets from the sundeck. Bonus: you’ll feel like royalty the moment you step on board. Book your luxury cruise here.
Best Hikes
Because Sapa is Vietnam’s postcard moment, lush green terraces, friendly locals, and fresh air. Hike through rice terraces with a local guide, book it here.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Frequentation: Busy, especially in peak season
- Length: Depends on the route (8-15 km roundtrip)
- Height: ~1500m above sea level
- Approx. time: 4-6 hours
- Tips:
- Wear good hiking shoes (aka not flip-flops).
- Avoid rainy season unless you like sliding in the mud.
Just don’t forget, travel insurance is essential for any adventure! Whether you’re hiking through remote landscapes or venturing into unknown territories, it’s there to cover unexpected mishaps, lost gear, or travel interruptions. Explore with peace of mind and focus on the journey ahead! Check options here
Highlights
Halong Bay Cruise
Thousands of limestone islands rising from emerald waters. Cruise through it, kayak around it, or just float and contemplate life. Because how else will you experience this UNESCO wonder? Join a cruise here.
Ban Gioc Waterfall
This beast is the largest waterfall in Vietnam and straddles the China border. It’s as epic as it sounds, roaring cascades, lush jungle, and the occasional bamboo raft. Hassle-free way to visit this hidden gem from Hanoi or Cao Bang: join a tour.
Ban Gioc Cave
Also known as Nguom Ngao Cave, this underground wonder has jaw-dropping stalactites and zero crowds. Nature’s very own cathedral. Join a tour from Hanoi.
Sapa Town
A misty mountain town where you can chill with a coffee or set off on epic hikes. Bonus: cheap massages after all that trekking.
Chùa Phật Tích Trúc Lâm Bản Giốc
A serene Vietnamese Buddhist temple offering breathtaking views and a peaceful spiritual retreat in the midst of nature.
Hanoi
The capital is chaotic, loud, and absolutely fantastic. Slurp up a bowl of pho, dodge scooters, and get lost in the Old Quarter.
Top Activities in Northern Vietnam
The Ha Giang Loop is a legendary motorbike adventure in northern Vietnam, offering breathtaking mountain landscapes, winding roads, and an exhilarating ride through ethnic minority villages. It’s the ultimate off-the-beaten-path experience for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike! Find a guide here.
Perfume Pagoda is famous for its scenic landscape and sacredness in the religious culture of Vietnamese people. Explore the Perfume Pagoda complex on a day trip departing from your accommodation in Hanoi, check availability here.
From Hanoi: Ninh Binh Day Trip
A must for limestone karst lovers. Reserve your spot.
From Sa Pa: The Roof of Indochina Hiking
Conquer the highest mountain in Indochina on a tour to the summit of Fansipan. Learn about local culture and traditions while trekking through the jungle on one of the most beautiful hiking routes. Book here.
Learn to make spring rolls like a pro. Join a class.
Hanoi: City Sightseeing Motorbike Tour
See the sights of Hanoi by motorbike with a local driver/guide. Book here.
Because eating is half the reason we travel, right? Taste Vietnam here.
Why Northern Vietnam Is a Solo Traveler’s Dream
Solo but never alone, Vietnam is full of fellow wanderers. Hostels are social, locals are (usually) helpful, and the street food culture means eating alone is totally normal. Solo female travelers? You’ll be fine. Common sense applies, watch your belongings, avoid dodgy alleys at night, and if a motorbike taxi seems sketchy, just grab a Grab (Vietnam’s Uber).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Northern Vietnam
Nope! Hostels from $5, street food for $1, and activities are budget-friendly. If you’re smart, $30/day is totally doable.
Packing essentials include:
- Clothing: Lightweight, breathable fabrics for daytime; a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, especially in mountainous areas like Sapa.
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes for city exploration and sturdy hiking boots for trekking.
- Accessories: A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the sun; a raincoat or umbrella during the rainy season.
- Health: Insect repellent to guard against mosquitoes, particularly in rural areas.
While Northern Vietnam is generally safe for travelers, it’s wise to take some precautions:
- Vaccinations: Ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Consult with a healthcare provider about vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and others as recommended.
- Water: Drink bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne illnesses.
- Mosquitoes: Use insect repellent and consider wearing long sleeves and pants in the evening to prevent mosquito bites, which can transmit diseases like dengue fever.
Final Thoughts About Northern Vietnam
Northern Vietnam is a chaotic, beautiful, budget-friendly, and adventure-packed destination. Whether you’re trekking Sapa, cruising Halong, or chasing waterfalls near the Chinese border, you’ll never get bored. Now, all that’s left to do? Book your trip, pack light, and embrace the madness.
