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I’m a Northerner through and through, calling Hanoi my sweet home for six years. Sure, the South of Vietnam has its perks, with the ocean never far from sight. But there’s just something so wild and untamed about the North. A bit like myself, I’d say.
Motorbike trips, rolling rice terraces, limestone mountains, and thickets of ancient forests, bun cha, egg coffee, the mayhem of the capital city, and non-stop adventure are a few of the things that spring to mind first whenever I think about this side of the country. Many travelers either pick the North or the South for a vacation (or do both but start on one side).
Considering the north? I say DO IT! I’ve compiled the ultimate two-week Northern Vietnam itinerary to set you off to the right spots. Think of them as the classics; the destinations that fame this part of Vietnam, and make the North what it is. Start in the capital city, Hanoi, and end way up in Ha Giang.
Before you get started: How to spend the ultimate four days in Hanoi.
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Getting around Northern Vietnam
The best way to travel through Vietnam is 100% by motorbike. But not everyone can ride a bike, or feels comfortable doing so. Transport is relatively cheap, in general. At least in comparison to the rest of the world. Local buses are efficient and super-duper affordable. But minivans and sleeper buses are an extremely popular way to get around Vietnam. This is how you’ll travel if on an organized tour, or even if you’ve just booked transport via a tour operator.
Days 1-3: Hanoi
It just makes the most logical sense to start this Northern Vietnam itinerary in Hanoi and end back in the capital city. For a couple of reasons: it’s the most central city for traveling to other parts of Vietnam afterward, for example, Hoi An. It’s also the easiest and most convenient locale when it comes to booking tours, day trips, etc., as most tour operators and agencies are based here, primarily, in the Old Quarter and Tay Ho. Lastly, if you want to rent a motorbike for the duration, this is the best place for it.
That being said, let’s get your two-week, adventure-loaded Northern Vietnam itinerary kicking! (Hopefully not jump-kicking any bikes here.)
Day 1
The first day of your Northern Vietnam itinerary has to be the iconic Old Quarter. It’s where most tourists stay when visiting Hanoi. Unlike possibly any place you’ve been before, get ready for your senses to go into overdrive (but in the best possible way). If there were a way to smack you in the face with a big Vietnamese pie, or rather, a bowl of pho, this would be the spot!
Expect tooting horns, locals casually cruising around with bicycles selling street food and fresh produce, older ladies and men strolling around wearing conical hats (known as ‘non la’), and swarms of backpackers, like, everywhere. The constant sound of cameras going off surrounds you, along with chitchatter and general excitement.
Walking around to explore is the best way to sightsee this part of Hanoi — and is the norm. But do watch out for motorbikes whizzing past.
Living in Hanoi, I sometimes dreaded driving in the Old Quarter because of the large number of people always present there. After a couple of years, I simply didn’t have time for slow walkers or travelers not watching where they walk. If you can’t beat them, join them, and soon I drove just like the locals.
Go shopping (each street is unique, and focuses on selling one thing in particular, for example, there’s shoe street, sunglass street, silk street). After working up an appetite, you have to indulge in Hanoi’s iconic street foods today.
Vendors and street food spots spill out onto the roadsides at every turn.
Move from the heaving center of the Old Quarter to Hoan Kiem Lake for a relaxing stroll. Then either walk or catch a taxi down to the famous Hanoi Train Street (where active trains still chug through). Snap more piccies, drink a ca phe sua da, and lap up the ambiance.
Hanoi is home to some fantastic museums, ranging from ones centered on the Vietnam War to the country’s vast history to some more cultural/artsy pursuits. Choose which museum you’d like to visit from my list of the best museums in Hanoi.
Continue with the culture vibes and definitely book tickets to a one-of-a-kind Water Puppet show! Held at the Thang Long Theatre, it’s right here in the Old Quarter. It’s well-priced (tickets are between 100k to 200k), and all ages love it.
For dinner, the local eateries or street food vendors again have you covered. Sit down for fresh nem, bowls of pho, bun ba nam bo, miến gà, etc. In case you haven’t saved it yet, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to Hanoi street food.
Then, if this is up your alley, you’re looking for something fun to do, or are traveling solo and would love to meet some new people, a Hanoi pub crawl through the Old Quarter is iconic and ridiculously fun! You can buy pub crawl tickets and make your way through a handful of pubs, the beer corner, bars, and end up at a nightclub or two. It’s an experience and a half!
Day 2
Today we’re veering out of the city for the first half of the day of this Northern Vietnam itinerary, and returning later in the afternoon. Slurp down a bowl of bun cha (a standard breakfast meal, and originating in Hanoi) early bells, and then it’s off to the Perfume Pagoda in My Duc, Hoa Binh (it’s a two-hour drive).
Arriving at limestone cliffs and waterways is refreshing and a wonderful break from Hanoi’s business. The air is fresher, and it’s a lovely introduction to Vietnam’s nature. Temples and scenic row boat rides await!
Travel tip: Pre-organise your day trip to Perfume Pagoda a few days day before. This way, everything is taken care of for you, including transport, logisitics, and activities.
Cruise along the Yen River on a local boat, drinking in the local scenery. Hương Temple, i.e., the Perfume Pagoda, is a pagoda complex with tons to explore within. Check out Thien Tru Pagoda, Giai Oan Pagoda, and catch the cable car to Huong Tich Cave. Enjoy a local lunch in Hoa Binh. Traditional must-try dishes include sticky rice bamboo shoots, buffalo meat, or pickled pig’s ear wrapped in pomelo leaves (it’s actually delicious).
Returning to Hanoi, get ready for something a little educational, interesting, insightful, and fun: a coffee workshop! I mean, you’re in Vietnam after all, the land of the famous Vietnamese iced coffee. It would be wrong of you not to partake in one during this Northern Vietnam itinerary, right?
Plenty of the city’s specialty coffee shops offer coffee workshops/classes. Or, if you’d rather organize things in advance, book a coffee workshop. Learn how to brew the perfect coffee, or how to make the country’s famous salt or egg coffee!
Tay Ho is calling for the duration of Day 2! Centered around West Lake, this part of the capital is home to Hanoi’s expat community. Dozens of cool cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops line the streets. Stroll around West Lake, break for a fresh coconut, and grab a drink from Turtle Lake Brewing Company. There are often events here, from flea markets to live music. Extend your time and stay for dinner, or grab chow from elsewhere in Tay Ho. My favorite restaurant in Tay Ho is, hands-down, Cousins.
Foodie tip: Step back in time to the colonial-era and indulge in some of Hanoi’s magnificent French restaurants in Tay Ho.
After dinner is done, hang around Tay Ho and hit up one of the cool bars, mingle, or make your way back to the Old Quarter if you’re staying here and nightcap this side. Don’t worry, you’ll have handy my list of the best bars in Hanoi!
Day 3
The first day of your Northern Vietnam itinerary was all about getting acquainted with the tourist hotspot. Day two, we ventured out beyond the city perimeters. However, today is dedicated to all of the classic sightseeing, including monuments and landmarks.
Choose whichever order you’d prefer to explore. Or take it from someone who has lived in Hanoi. I would suggest this order as it makes the most sense, location/distance-wise. Walk from the Old Quarter, taxi (car or motorbikes), or drive yourself around.
First up: the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Arrive first thing in the morning if you have any hopes of seeing the former president’s burial place. If you’re a history buff, check out some of the guided tours which are available. Afterward, stroll around this part of the city. It’s really beautiful, with many big tall trees and interesting museums as well as pagodas here and there. Next up, the Temple of Literature! (It’s a 15-minute walk.) I find that feelings of peace enwrap your entire being here.
Savor the Ba Dinh area for lunch! Amazing restaurants are located in this area.
Foodie tip 2: Read more about Hanoi’s traditional foods to get a better understanding of the local cuisine.
Or, instead of a sit-down lunch, join a delicious cooking class and learn how to make classic Vietnamese dishes yourself. It will conclude with eating the fruits of your labor, so lunch is sorted. Not much of a cook, or it doesn’t interest you? Why not join a creative leather-making workshop instead?
Although it’s a little expensive, end Day 3 of your Northern Vietnam itinerary at the Top of Hanoi rooftop bar! The views are unparalleled. Tomorrow is an early start, so get a proper night’s rest tonight.
Days 4-6: Ha Long Bay
Day 4
The most convenient way to reach Ha Long Bay is by prebooking a tour, especially if you plan on spending a couple of nights out on the water. It takes out all the stress of planning and timing. I recommend doing a two-day, one-night vibe. In my first six months of living in Hanoi, I did this, and waking up among the limestone karst wonders is still one of my fondest memories. It reminds me of a scene from the House of the Dragon.
After you’ve arrived in Ha Long Bay via minivan, you’ll offload at the docks. Here, on board your boat, where you’ll spend the night. As soon as you’re on the water, the activities begin.
A rough itinerary guide (but this may vary depending on your tour/boat) for the next day and tomorrow comprises swimming, kayaking, visiting Cap La and Cond Do islands, cruising to Thien Canh Son Cave, and stopping over at various beaches for volleyball, tanning, chilling, lunch, or short hikes.
Dinner on deck beneath the stars is mesmerizing!
Day 5
Rise with the sun and head to the deck for sunrise yoga or Tai Chi (very popular in Vietnam). Or, enjoy a leisurely lie in this morning.
Partake in some last-minute activities, which typically include a cooking class on board. Learn how to roll fresh spring rolls and make other Vietnamese dishes. Even if you did a cooking class in Hanoi, learn new recipes here. You’re on the sea, so seafood features more in Ha Long’s cuisine.
Arriving back on land, make your way to Cat Ba — the nearest city to Ha Long Bay. Check into your accommodation in Cat Ba. If you’re on a budget or generally enjoy staying at hostels for the vibes and chance to make new friends, we always stay at Woodstock Beach Camp. It’s right on the beach (where you can camp, too).
Explore Cat Ba town for the rest of the day.
Day 6
Take things easy breezy today before traveling back to Hanoi. Rent out a bicycle and cruise around town, or hire a moped and veer around the mountains. Or, hang ten at one of Cat Ba’s beaches — it’s the last ocean-y landscape you’re going to see for a while. The rest of this Northern Vietnam itinerary is all about the mountains.
Popular and easy-to-reach beaches in Cat Ba include Cat Co Beach 1, Beach 2, and Beach 3. There are restaurants and bars down here.
In the late afternoon, veer back to Hanoi, where you’ll spend the night before zooming off to your next adventure of this Northern Vietnam itinerary.
Days 7-9: Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is just short of two hours from Hanoi. Again, you have options. If you want to avoid logistical headaches, you can book a multiple-day tour of the area. Otherwise, just find local transport to get you there and back if you’d prefer to be left to your own devices. Whenever I visit Ninh Binh, we drive our motorbikes here, but that’s because we’re seasoned riders.
Travel tip: Another option is to visit Mai Chau instead of Ninh Binh. I absolutely adore Mai Chau, but many travelers desperately want to see Ninh Binh. Learn more about why I love Mai Chau from my ultimate guide to this rice paddy paradise.
Day 7
Opt for staying in Tam Coc (the main town in Ninh Binh), or veer away from the crowds and wake up on the water at a homestay in UNESCO-listed Trang An.
Prepare for your jaws to drop over the mountain temples, waterways, and limestone karst settings. One of the best things to do is a boat trip along the Ngo Dong River, and exploring Hang Ba, Hang Hai, or Hang Cả caves. Vu Lam Palace on the water is also in the Trang An area.
A second option is to take a boat to a cave that’s insanely beautiful, but not as well-known: Thien Ha Cave. It garnered the nickname, Galaxy Grotto, because of its hole in the ceiling, through which the stars or the sun shine. You have to catch a boat from Linh Coc Pier to get here, and walk a little bit once you’ve hopped off the boat.
Back on two feet, hire a bicycle and cycle around Tam Coc, flitting through rice paddies where locals are at work, and breaking to try local delicacies such as com chay or goat meat, drink a cold beer, and chat (in very broken English, no less) to the friendly locals.
Day 8
On today’s Northern Vietnam itinerary agenda is the three-tiered Bich Dong Pagoda complex with its stunning entrance at the foothill of the mountain. Its stone footpath over a lotus pond (with giant lily pads) has become a famous Vietnamese image on social media. Spend a few hours here.
Next, tackle the 500 steps to Mua Cave for the most awe-inspiring vistas over Ninh Binh. You feel worlds away. I recommend wearing hiking shoes/boots as there is a bit of climbing and walking involved for this bit, especially if you’re set on the views. The summit to the top (Ngoa Long Mountain peak) includes the staircase as well as that iconic dragon stone structure.
Travel time between the places is 20 minutes.
Day 9
If you adore wildlife, and it’s an important factor for you when traveling to new places, you’ll appreciate Cuc Phuong National Park: Vietnam’s oldest national park! That’s insane when you think about it. From Tam Coc, it’s an hour’s drive.
Greeting you is an amalgamation of limestone mountains and verdant rice terraces, stilt houses in between belonging to the Muong hill-tribe, as well as other villages, and a wonderworld of wildlife, which call the ancient forest their forever home. There are 135 mammals, like the Asian Black Bear and the Clouded Leopard, and 122 amphibians and reptiles.
You’ll find so many activities to do within the National Park. These include hiking in the forest (choose from six dedicated trails), to caverns, visiting local villages, cycling, bird watching (more than 336 bird species live here), kayaking, walking among butterfly clouds, and watching traditional dance performances.
Now, you have two options for the rest of today. Either spend one more night in Ninh Binh, or travel back to Hanoi for the night. Tomorrow you’re off to Ha Giang. Either way, you have to pass through Hanoi en route back from Ninh Binh on your way to Ha Giang. If you’re embarking on a motorbike excursion, I suggest arriving back in Hanoi tonight.
Days 10-13: The Ha Giang Loop
One of the most famous and sought-after things to do in all of Vietnam (and a sole reason why some people travel the world to the country) is to do the iconic Ha Giang Loop!
Travel tip: Before I dive into the next couple of days of our exciting Northern Vietnam itinerary, I must explain the options. Pre-organize a motorbike tour in Hanoi. Either drive the bike yourself, or there are tours where you hop onto the back of an experienced tour driver as they lead the way. Not comfy with the whole long-distance bike vibes? Catch a sleeper bus to Ha Giang or a minivan, and then rent bikes for parts of the loop when there.
Not keen on completing the Ha Giang Loop? Another option is to escape to the chilly paradise that is Sapa. Here’s how to spend three perfect days in Sapa.
Days 10-13
For the sake of this Northern Vietnam itinerary, let’s go with the idea of completing the Ha Giang Pass on bike. The following outline is a rough guide once you’ve reached Ha Giang province.
For the first leg, ride the Quan Ba mountain pass, where you’ll sightsee the famed Quan Ba Heaven Gate. Stopover at a local village for lunch, and spend the night in Du Gia, Dong Van, or Yen Minh. Enjoy homestay life, sampling local mountain cuisine.
Wake early the next morning and marvel at the low-hanging clouds floating past you. Nothing beats driving a motorbike with the early morning sunshine, simply nothing! It’s one of my ultimate feelings.
Today, tick off the Hmong King’s Palace (in Dong Van). Travel up to the Lung Cu Flag Tower. Cruise along more awe-inspiring roads, like the Ma Pi Leng Pass, Tham Ma Pass, or Can Ty Pass. Again, this depends on your tour group’s route. Stop over at the Nho Que River Viewpoint, enjoy a river boat ride, and stay overnight in another local village, for example, Du Gia Village or Mong Village.
For Day 13 of the Northern Vietnam itinerary, you’ll slowly make your way back towards the main Ha Giang City. Before then, chase down cascades like Du Gia Waterfall, or wander through Lung Khuy Cave. Lap up one last Northern Vietnam lunch at a local village, and arrive back in the city. From here, head back to Hanoi oi oi.
Day 14: Hanoi
It’s hard to believe two weeks of a Northern Vietnam itinerary are up. Rising in the capital city, enjoy a well-deserved sleep in. After an adventurous last couple of days up in Ha Giang, as well as early mornings one after the other, your body will appreciate it!
On that note, once breakfast is done, why not treat yourself to a massage to soothe any aches and pains from all the trekking and exploring? Also, I remember when I first started riding motorbikes in Vietnam…you don’t realize the muscles and body strength required to maneuver one. Plus, massages are really cheap in Vietnam.
Then, it’s time for all your lasts (unless you’re moving on to other parts of the country)! Last ca phe sua da, last quintessential Hanoian-style foods, last shopping rounds, or any sightseeing you didn’t get to do during your first three days of this Northern Vietnam itinerary.
Two of my favorite areas to meander around before you go include the French Quarter or the surroundings of the Cathedral. Both are so super quaint, filled with lovely buildings and architecture, as well as cafes, restaurants, and cool shops.
Lunch tip: If you’re a bit tired of super traditional food, have a read through my list of the best restaurants in the Old Quarter, including some lovely refined options!
Love Hanoi so much you never want to leave — I don’t blame you. Check out my 3-day Hanoi itinerary for some extra time in the capital.
We’ve covered the North, but there’s so much more to Vietnam to discover. What are your plans after this? Are you venturing way down South to Saigon? Firstly, compare Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh City to see if it’s your cup of tea (I personally prefer Hanoi). Like what you see? Use my 3-day Saigon itinerary to get going.
Keen on rather staying central? Hue is magical! Or another unique Vietnamese locale is Dalat, closer to Ho Chi Minh City side. I’ve also compiled an extensive two-week Vietnam itinerary which starts in Hanoi and ends in Saigon. Now you’ve got loads of options. Enjoy!
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