Northern Vietnam offers a spectacular variety of landscapes and experiences — from soaring limestone mountains to peaceful rice terraces and vibrant ethnic cultures. Depending on the season, your interests, and the time you have, you’ll find countless ways to explore the region.
In this guide, we share our best tour ideas and must-do experiences, from short day trips to 7-day adventures, so you can easily choose the option that fits your plans.
Lan Ha bay – Ninh Binh – majestic karst peaks
If you only have a few days in Northern Vietnam and you’ve never visited Halong Bay, this itinerary is perfect for you.
This 3-day, 2-night tour will take you to discover Lan Ha Bay and Ninh Binh, also known as the “terrestrial Halong Bay.”
You will sail aboard one of our traditional junks in the southern part of Cat Ba Island, a much lesser-known area of Halong Bay. You will then continue on to Ninh Binh, where you will explore the province’s must-see sites. With this itinerary, you focus on the essentials — ideal if you have limited time in Northern Vietnam.
Lan Ha Bay seen from above, Vietnam. Photo: Mathieu Arnaudet
Why choose this itinerary?
It allows you to discover one of the most iconic features of Northern Vietnam’s landscapes: the famous karst peaks. You’ll find them in Halong Bay, but also rising from the land in the Ninh Binh region. Although Ninh Binh is called the “terrestrial Halong Bay,” don’t be mistaken — it is not a bay. It is inland, and you will need to drive about 4 hours from Cat Ba to Tam Coc, where you will stay overnight.
Which destinations?
Instead of visiting the main Halong Bay, we suggest exploring Lan Ha Bay, which is much quieter than the main Halong Bay area. In this zone around Cat Ba Island, the boats are smaller (you can still find traditional junks), and there is real local life, including floating fishing villages. You will stay in the village of Tam Coc, from where you can easily visit the main sites of Ninh Binh with your guide — either by car or by bicycle.
At the top of Hang Mua mountain in Tam Coc. Photo: Mathieu Arnaudet
What makes this excursion special?
You will cruise through Lan Ha Bay on one of the last traditional junks of Halong Bay — either the Quatre Saisons or the Romance boat. This will add a unique charm to your trip, making it truly a must-do experience in Northern Vietnam.
Best season to enjoy it
Autumn (October and November) and the month of April are the most favorable times to take this excursion and visit Halong Bay. These are transition seasons: temperatures are ideal (around 25–30°C) without being too high, and humidity levels are relatively low. Summer (late May to late August) is marked by intense humid heat, typhoons, and — because of school holidays — large crowds in Halong Bay. Winter (late December to March) tends to be foggy and rainy, which may affect the overall experience.
Discover the full detailed itinerary: Learn more about the tour.
Nghia Lo – Mu Cang Chai – the terraced rice fields
Here is another excursion not to be missed! In just three days, you will discover a spectacular region mainly inhabited by the Thai and Hmong ethnic groups.
You will begin your immersive stay in Nghia Lo, home to the Thai people (both White and Black Thai). The locals, known for their warm hospitality, will be happy to share their cultural traditions with you — from clothing to traditional music. You will spend the night in a homestay for a more authentic experience. You will also explore the Nghia Lo Valley and its beautiful tea fields (still largely unknown to most travelers!).
You will then continue your journey into the mountains toward Mu Cang Chai district, where you will find what are perhaps the most breathtaking terraced rice fields in Northern Vietnam. There, you will meet the Hmong people, who typically live on the mountain slopes. They are the ones who carve these impressive stepped rice fields!
In just three days, you will gain an excellent overview of local life in Northern Vietnam.
Terraced rice fields of Mu Cang Chai. Photo: Mathieu Arnaudet
Why choose this tour?
Two main reasons: the landscapes and the immersion in local communities.
First, the landscapes — in Mu Cang Chai, you will discover incredible terraced rice fields sculpted by local ethnic groups. You will explore them on foot with your guide.
Then, the immersion: in Nghia Lo, you will stay with a local family and experience daily life firsthand, especially through hikes and village visits.
What destinations are included?
Nghia Lo
Nghia Lo is a small town located 150 km northwest of Hanoi, between the Red River and the Black River. It lies in the Muong Lo Valley, surrounded by mountains reaching up to 1,500 meters in altitude.
The town is historically known for being the site of a famous battle during the First Indochina War between Viet Minh forces led by General Giap and French forces commanded by General de Lattre. After the French victory, General Giap was forced to postpone his Northwest campaign. A unique detail about the “French” battalion stationed here? It was composed mainly of soldiers from the Thai minority! Indeed, this valley is the ancestral land of the White Thai people, known for their traditional clothing. Wanting to defend their territory, many enlisted alongside the French troops in Northern Vietnam.
Today, of course, relations have long since normalized — and that is for the best!
The Thai people remain a major ethnic group in Yen Bai Province, especially in Nghia Lo.
Visiting Nghia Lo today means discovering a culture still proud of its identity. By staying in a homestay, your host family will explain what makes Thai culture unique. Nghia Lo also offers stunning landscapes: rice fields in the valley and tea plantations overlooking it. These tea hills are little known, but we can assure you they are well worth a stop!
Mu Cang Chai
Mu Cang Chai district is located in Yen Bai Province, about 300 km from Hanoi. Although lesser-known compared to Sapa, Mu Cang Chai offers breathtaking landscapes that we highly recommend discovering!
The Hmong people living in the district have developed a unique rice cultivation technique that allows them to farm steep slopes. This method ensures optimal water flow and effectively combats soil erosion. However, it requires a significant amount of manual labor! These techniques not only work exceptionally well but also create a spectacular visual landscape for visitors.
The road between Nghia Lo and Mu Cang Chai is even called “the photographers’ road” because the scenery is so magnificent.
Admiring the landscape of Mu Cang Chai. Photo: Mathieu Arnaudet
What makes this excursion unique?
It offers a condensed experience of Northern Vietnam for those who don’t have time for a longer trip: you will stay with a local family, see the magnificent terraced rice fields, and more. Above all, it’s an excellent alternative to visiting Sapa, which has unfortunately become very touristy.
Best season to enjoy it
Without a doubt, September, when the rice is ripe and ready to be harvested. In Mu Cang Chai, there is only one harvest per year, taking place from mid-September to mid-October.
June is also recommended, as it is the moment when the terraces are filled with water. However, be careful: the weather is extremely hot at this time of year, so proper sun protection and hydration are essential.
From November to May, the fields lie fallow, which makes the landscape less spectacular and less photogenic.
Discover the detailed itinerary of the tour: Learn more about the tour.
Mai Chau – Pu Luong – a preserved haven of peace
While the Mai Chau valley can be explored in two days and one night, we recommend combining it with a visit to the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, located just a few kilometers away.
An off-the-beaten-path destination, Pu Luong is a natural haven of tranquility.
Located in a region inhabited by the Thai ethnic minority, in the districts of Quan Hoa and Ba Thuoc in Thanh Hoa Province, about 180 km from Hanoi, Pu Luong Nature Reserve has almost everything to offer! You can hike through a spectacular natural setting: forested hills, limestone karsts, rivers, pristine waterfalls, and terraced rice fields.
The province emphasizes eco-tourism development, with homestays and eco-lodges designed to respect the environment. We can only encourage this direction!
Sampan ride in Pu Luong. Photo: Mathieu Arnaudet
Why choose this circuit?
For travelers visiting outside the summer and autumn seasons, the Mai Chau and Pu Luong option is a wonderful way to experience rural life in Northern Vietnam. For everyone else, Pu Luong remains a peaceful and verdant haven that we recommend to all!
Destinations
Mai Chau
Mai Chau District is located in Hoa Binh Province, which borders Hanoi. This province is home to many ethnic minorities such as the Muong (the largest group), White Thai, and Hmong. Being close to Hanoi, it already offers the opportunity to explore a wide variety of Vietnam’s minority cultures.
In addition, the landscapes of the province, especially the Mai Chau valley, are breathtaking: rivers, hills, and rice fields coexist beautifully. In this valley, you can take your time and explore the surrounding villages by bicycle.
Lush landscape of Mai Chau. Photo: Mathieu Arnaudet
Pu Luong
An off-the-beaten-path destination and an ideal first stop near Hanoi, Pu Luong is a natural haven of peace.
Located in a region inhabited by the Thai ethnic minority, in the Quan Hoa and Ba Thuoc districts of Thanh Hoa Province, 180 km from Hanoi, Pu Luong is a nature reserve that has almost everything to offer! You can hike amidst a spectacular natural setting: wooded hills, limestone karsts, rivers, pristine waterfalls, and terraced rice fields.
The province focuses on developing eco-tourism with homestays and eco-lodges that respect the environment, a direction we fully support.
In the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, the rice fields are harvested twice a year, in May–June and in October. Do not miss visiting during these periods under any circumstances!
Terraced rice fields in Pu Luong. Photo : Mathieu Arnaudet
What makes this excursion special?
You will have the opportunity to stay in beautiful eco-lodges—rural hotels that are perfectly integrated into their natural surroundings. Mai Chau and Pu Luong now offer several of these comfortable accommodations. We recommend combining one night in an eco-lodge with one night in a homestay, especially in the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, which remains very authentic.
Best season to enjoy it
In the plains, there are two rice harvests per year, meaning the fields are full of rice for most of the year. The only fallow period is from mid-October to the end of January. If you are traveling in Northern Vietnam in February or March, we particularly recommend this excursion.
Discover the detailed itinerary of the tour: Learn more about the tour.
Bac Ha – Hoang Su Phi – Immersion with ethnic minorities
This excursion takes you to the far north of Vietnam, offering an experience that will truly transport you. You will explore the Bac Ha region, especially its famous market, before continuing to Hoang Su Phi, an off-the-beaten-path area renowned for its breathtaking beauty.
Why choose this tour?
Simply for the cultural immersion and the sense of being somewhere completely different. You will depart Hanoi by train toward Lao Cai. A car will be waiting to take you to the Bac Ha market. Afterwards, you will head to Hoang Su Phi and its stunning terraced rice fields. Hoang Su Phi is still difficult to access, which is why few travelers visit. This gives you the rare chance to experience a truly immersive journey—just as Vincent Désombre did in December 2018, documenting the local life in a touching video.
Which destinations?
Bac Ha
Located in Lao Cai Province, Bac Ha has a population of around 50,000 people. The town is best known for its Sunday market, where people from the various ethnic groups of the province gather. The “Flower Hmong” are the main hosts of this market, as they represent the majority population in Bac Ha.
Visiting the market offers a unique opportunity to see many people wearing their traditional attire in one place. It’s a vibrant, colorful spectacle that makes the Bac Ha market so special. But there’s more than just the market—our tours can also take you on hikes along the surrounding trails. During these excursions, you can sample local specialties, such as the region’s famous plums.
Bac Ha market. Photo : Mathieu Arnaudet
Hoang Su Phi
The Hoang Su Phi district, located in Ha Giang Province near the Chinese border, is a mountainous area that remains largely off the tourist radar. Here, you will likely encounter some of the most breathtaking terraced rice fields in Vietnam, alongside warm-hearted locals and unspoiled natural landscapes.
Less accessible than Sapa or Mu Cang Chai, Hoang Su Phi remains off the main tourist routes, offering an authentic and tranquil experience in northern Vietnam.
Terraced rice fields in Hoang Su Phi in september. Photo : Mathieu Arnaudet
Read our complete guide on Hoang Su Phi: Hoang Su Phi Article
What makes this excursion special?
It’s truly about immersion. You will experience daily life in the region, both by visiting the Bac Ha market and, most importantly, through hiking and staying with local families in Hoang Su Phi. This circuit offers a genuinely authentic experience.
Best season to go
While the Bac Ha market is held every Sunday year-round, Hoang Su Phi is at its most colorful between June and November. The rice harvest takes place around October, so we strongly recommend taking this excursion from mid-September to the end of October.
Discover the detailed itinerary: Learn more about the circuit
The Ha Giang Loop – spectacular landscapes
Long largely untouched by tourism, the region has opened up in recent years, revealing its breathtaking scenery. You won’t be disappointed exploring this mountainous area, where rocky mountains, valleys, and rivers coexist.
Traveling along the loop, you’ll admire how the road winds along the mountain slopes. During your journey through this region, mainly inhabited by the Hmong people, take your time to enjoy sights such as the Dong Van Karst Plateau, Vietnam’s first geological park, and the Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of the highest passes in Vietnam, reaching 2,000 meters above sea level.
Mountain Road in Ha Giang. Photo: Mathieu Arnaudet
Why take this circuit?
Ha Giang is quickly becoming a must-visit destination, on par with Halong Bay or Sapa. It’s best to explore it before it becomes too touristy. The scenery is spectacular and will leave you in awe!
Destinations
There are many stops along the Ha Giang Loop: markets like Sa Phin, villages such as Lung Tam or Du Gia, and valleys like Mau Due. We recommend taking your time and planning at least 5 days to fully enjoy these discoveries.
Suggested 1-week itinerary:
Day 1 (Wednesday): Depart from Hanoi and arrive in the village of Nam Dam (Ha Giang area) in the afternoon – overnight with a local family.
Day 2 (Thursday): Depart Nam Dam for Sung La. Stops at Long Kuy Cave and Lung Tam village. Overnight in the Sung La valley.
Day 3 (Friday): Head towards Lung Cu. Stops at Sa Phin (you may catch the market) and the Hmong King’s palace. Overnight near Lung Cu.
Day 4 (Saturday): Travel to Dong Van, stopping for lunch. Afternoon: continue to Meo Vac via Ma Pi Leng Pass. Optional short boat ride on the Nho Que River. Arrive in Meo Vac late afternoon.
Day 5 (Sunday): Meo Vac market for breakfast, then travel to Du Gia, passing through the stunning Mau Due valley. Overnight in Du Gia.
Day 6 (Monday): Hiking around Du Gia. Second night in Du Gia.
Day 7 (Tuesday): Return to Ha Giang. Take the bus back to Hanoi. On a private tour, you can depart directly from Du Gia without returning to Ha Giang city. Arrival in Hanoi either late afternoon or the next morning.
What makes this excursion special?
It’s undoubtedly the diversity of experiences offered: as mentioned above, the Ha Giang Loop features many different stops, and your guide will be delighted to take you off the beaten path to visit various villages.
Best season to enjoy it
October and November are the two best months to go: the intense heat has passed, allowing you to fully enjoy the landscapes before winter and the cold arrive.
You now know all the best excursions to do in northern Vietnam. Don’t hesitate to contact us to customize your trip!
