Northern Vietnam

When planning a trip to Vietnam, Northern vs Southern Vietnamese destinations are often compared and there is great debate on which region is the best. When you visit Vietnam, you will find that both areas have their own unique charms and for history and scenic beauty, Northern Vietnam is truly blessed.

Is Northern Vietnam worth visiting?

People often ask, “What is Northern Vietnam known for?” A trip to Northern Vietnam is filled with contrast, the chaotic hustle and bustle of Hanoi can quickly be replaced by the majestic scenery of Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh or the dramatic mountain panoramas of Sa Pa.

Is Northern Vietnam worth visiting? It most certainly is and needs to be on the top of every Vietnam itinerary. Most people visiting for the first time will see Hanoi and Ha Long Bay but if you have time make sure to visit Sa Pa and Ninh Binh.

Regions of Northern Vietnam

Things to do in Northern Vietnam

When creating a Northern Vietnam itinerary, you have the choice of discovering the region independently or selecting one of the fabulous Northern Vietnam tours.

Much loved Northern Vietnamese destinations include Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sa Pa, and Ninh Binh. Take a trekking adventure in Sa Pa or relax and watch a Ha Long Bay sunset on a Ha Long Bay cruise, the choice is yours.

Here is just a taste of what you will see and do when you visit these fascinating places in Northern Vietnam.

Hanoi

No trip to Vietnam would be complete without seeing Hanoi. Not only is the city the capital of Vietnam but it is also one of the best places to visit in Northern Vietnam. Hanoi has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets.

Sitting at the heart of this modern city is the Old Quarter, a place where you can step back in time and admire the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, see character filled architecture and explore the 36 Streets which are devoted to trades such as silk, bamboo, clothing, and silver.

Ha Long Bay

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take a few days to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay.

These emerald-coloured waters and towering limestone karsts are shrouded in myth and once you visit you too will fall under their spell.

Take a cruise and immerse yourself in the grandeur of the bay and enjoy a range of activities including swimming, kayaking, and caving.

Sa Pa

If you plan to spend a few days in Northern Vietnam, make sure to take a trip up to the misty mountain town of Sa Pa.

Here you can take a trek amid the mountains and terraced rice paddies to the Red Dao and Black Hmong hill tribe villages of the region. Sa Pa also has many places to stay including top class accommodation such as the Hotel de la Coupole where we prefer to stay.

Take the funicular and cable car up to Sun World Fansipan Legend and Fansipan Peak, which is also known as the “Roof of Indochina”.

Ninh Binh

Step off the beaten path to a landscape filled with gigantic limestone mountains and peaceful river streams, a place which was once Vietnams ancient capital and home to an impressive collection of Buddhist temples and pagodas.

Here you can marvel at the beauty on a sampan ride along the river or climb up to Hang Mua Peak and see breathtaking views of the Tam Coc valley.

Northern Vietnam Weather

In general, the weather in Northern Vietnam consists of four seasons with June being the hottest month and January being the coldest.

The rainy season lasts from mid-May to mid-September, during this time you can expect showers in the afternoon. The wettest months are July and August which can experience heavy rainfall, making it an unpleasant time to visit.

• Spring – February to April – 15 C to 25 C
• Summer – May to August – 30 C to 38 C
• Autumn – September to November – 24 C to 30 C
• Winter – December to January -10 C to 20 C

The best time to visit Northern Vietnam

The best time to visit Northern Vietnam will depend on which region you go to. Overall, the best time to visit is April and May for the comfortable, less sultry spring weather. The next best months are from September and October for the milder autumn weather.

To get the most out of your trip to Vietnam we share both the best and the worst months to visit Northern Vietnam. Of course, you can visit the region all year round, but you may not always find the weather to be the most pleasant.

When to visit Hanoi

The best time to visit Hanoi is during the cooler months from November to February, this time of year makes exploring the city enjoyable as the city is less humid than the summer months. Make sure to bring a jacket as the city can get cold during this time.

April to June or September and October are also good months to visit as the weather is cooler and less rainy during this period.

Worst time to visit Hanoi

Hanoi’s rainy season lasts from May to September with the wettest months being through July to September.

When to visit Ha Long Bay

The months of April and May are the best time to visit Ha Long Bay. This time of year, escapes much of the rainfall of the monsoon season. For clear skies make sure to visit Ha Long Bay from September to November.

Worst time to visit Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay’s monsoon season is from June to August. From December to March the region turns cold and misty which adds a mystical air to this already legendary landscape.

When to visit Sa Pa

Sa Pa rice paddy terraces are at their most glorious between September & October making it the best time to visit. Sa Pa is notorious for its mists that can roll through the town throughout the day, visiting between April & May gives a better chance for clearer skies.

Worst time to visit Sa Pa

Sa Pa experiences hot humid weather between June and August. Get ready to rug up from November to March as the winter weather becomes cold and chilly with a chance of snow during December and January.   

When to visit Ninh Binh

The best time to visit Ninh Binh is March to May and September to November. These months allow you to avoid the drizzly days of the rainy season.

Worst time to visit Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh has its heaviest rainfalls of the rainy season from July to August.

Northern Vietnam Map

Our map of Northern Vietnam allows you to see how spread out these popular Northern Vietnam cities and towns are. First glance of a map of Vietnam may have you thinking that the cities in Northern Vietnam are close but in fact some have vast distances between them.

Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

The distance from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay is 172km (106 miles) and takes around 3 hours to travel depending on which route you take.

Hanoi to Sa Pa

The Hanoi to Sa Pa distance is around 330km (205 miles) and takes 6 hours by bus and 8 hours on the overnight train from Hanoi to the nearby city of Lao Cai and an additional 1 ½ hours by bus to Sa Pa.

Hanoi to Ninh Binh

Hanoi to Ninh Binh is 94km (58 miles) and takes around 2 hours to drive depending on which route you take.

Vietnam Travel Essentials & Tools

After booking your flight you will need a Vietnam Visa relevant to your country. Some countries have been granted a three-month visa which is perfect for anyone wanting to explore Vietnam at a slower pace.

Check if you need a Visa for Vietnam

When taking a trip overseas, we highly recommend taking out travel insurance for any of those unexpected incidents that may turn your vacation of a lifetime into a nightmare.

Check Insurance quotes here

Before you leave home, purchase an eSim and download offline Google maps. Other handy travel Apps include Google translate and a Vietnam currency converter.

Check eSim prices here