A tour to Northern Vietnam offers charming cities such as Hanoi, scenic bays, and lush rice terraces.
Join TourCompass on a fascinating journey through a region where great cultural experiences and breathtaking landscapes go hand in hand.
From the buzzing streets of Hanoi and the breathtaking rice terraces of Pu Luong to the majestic limestone karsts of Bai Tu Long Bay and the lovely beaches of Phu Quoc. A journey full of atmosphere from beginning to end.
Experience Hanoi’s urban buzz, cycle through the lush valleys of Mai Chau, and sail through the Trang An caves in Ninh Binh and among limestone karsts in Ha Long Bay. The tour concludes in charming Hoi An.
Experience the charm of northern Vietnam’s vibrant cities, breathtaking landscapes, and traditional village life, combined with the atmospheric Ho Chi Minh City and the lush river scenery of the Mekong Delta.
Experience Vietnam’s many contrasts – from the charming capital of Hanoi and the limestone cliffs of Lan Ha Bay to the imperial city of Hué and the atmospheric Hoi An, known for its lanterns, beaches, and cultural charm.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Vietnam: explore Hanoi’s charming Old Quarter, cruise between the limestone cliffs of Lan Ha Bay, feel the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, and experience local life in the Mekong Delta.
Northern Vietnam offers a wealth of natural beauty and cultural experiences that will captivate every traveller.
Here, you can admire the sight of jade-green limestone cliffs as you sail through UNESCO-protected bays, or soak up the remarkable views while cycling among stunning rice paddies or hiking through the region’s distinctive terraces. You can also explore Northern Vietnam’s atmospheric towns, where magnificent architecture, colourful markets, and warm encounters with the locals come together to create an unforgettable travel experience.
Join us on a tour to Northern Vietnam – and bring home memories that will last a lifetime!
A tour to Vietnam is always a magical experience. Vietnam’s attractions are wonderfully diverse, and in Northern Vietnam, you’ll find some of the country’s most impressive highlights.
Below, you can read more about some of the attractions waiting for you on a tour to Northern Vietnam.
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is undoubtedly one of the most atmospheric cities in Asia. Elegant colonial buildings and ancient temples stand side by side, offering a striking contrast to the hum of the city’s busy traffic.
On a sightseeing tour of this charming city, you might visit the Huc Bridge, the Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Temple of Literature, which offers a fascinating glimpse into Hanoi’s history and rich cultural heritage. You can also look forward to discovering Hanoi from a traditional cycle taxi known as a cyclo, taking you through the city’s old trading quarter, where colourful shops and aromatic food stalls line the lively streets.
Hanoi is also a fantastic place to explore Vietnam’s incredible food culture. You can also settle down in one of the small cafés along the iconic Train Street, where the trains pass by at just an arm’s length, creating a truly special atmosphere – a place where your senses and adrenaline alike come alive.
If you dream of panoramic views over lush rice terraces glowing golden in the sun, Northern Vietnam is the perfect place to go.
Sapa is without a doubt one of the most popular places in Northern Vietnam for witnessing the country’s iconic rice terraces. On a hike through this mesmerising landscape, you’ll be captivated by the sweeping views of terraced hillsides cascading down the mountains in graceful green layers. In Sapa, you’ll also encounter some of the region’s colourful ethnic communities, giving you an authentic insight into local everyday life.
During a visit to Pu Luong, one of Vietnam’s most untouched and atmospheric natural areas unfolds before your eyes. Here, the rice terraces stretch out like soft green carpets towards the forest-covered mountains, inviting you to unwind and embrace the tranquillity of the surroundings. The view is especially magical during the rainy season, when the sky and mountains reflect in the flooded fields, creating a fairytale-like landscape.
In the Mai Chau Valley – one of Vietnam’s most beautiful valleys – you can look forward to an idyllic cycling trip through lush green rice fields, framed by striking limestone mountains. In addition to the breathtaking scenery, an excursion to Quyet Thang, located about 1½ hours away, offers a meaningful insight into our social sustainability project, which aims to improve the living conditions of the local villagers.
Northern Vietnam is renowned for its spectacular bays, where thousands of limestone cliffs rise dramatically from the emerald-green sea – a sight that leaves most visitors utterly spellbound.
Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO world heritage site, is undoubtedly the most famous of Vietnam’s bays. The landscape here is adorned with more than 1,600 lush limestone islands that rise majestically from the crystal-clear waters. A mini cruise through the bay brings you right up close to this mesmerising natural wonder.
In Lan Ha Bay, you can enjoy the same UNESCO-protected beauty as Ha Long Bay, but in calmer and less visited surroundings. Here, you can embark on a boat trip through the bay, where lush limestone islands, idyllic lagoons, and pristine white sandy beaches await discovery, or get even closer to nature’s wonders on a peaceful kayaking trip.
Bai Tu Long Bay remains relatively untouched and is less well known than the other bays, allowing you to marvel at the dramatic limestone formations in a tranquil atmosphere. In addition to its enchanting natural beauty, a boat trip here also offers an authentic glimpse into local life when you visit some of the traditional fishing communities in the area.
Ninh Binh is often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land”, and it’s easy to see why once you arrive. With forest-clad limestone cliffs rising gracefully above mirrored rivers, the landscape unfolds like a living postcard, captivating every traveller who visits.
You can explore the UNESCO-protected landscapes on a cycling tour that takes you, among other places, to the scenic Van Long Nature Reserve, and round off the experience with a relaxing boat trip in a traditional sampan, bringing you close to the beautiful caves of Trang An.
Although Vietnam is one country, you’ll quickly notice a distinct difference between the north and the south – in their climate, nature, and culture alike.
The weather is without doubt one of the most significant factors distinguishing a tour to Northern Vietnam from a tour to Southern Vietnam. Northern Vietnam has changing seasons with cool winters and warm summers, while Southern Vietnam enjoys a tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures throughout the year and more clearly defined dry and rainy seasons. Furthermore, the dry and rainy seasons fall at different times in the north and the south.
In terms of nature, there are also clear contrasts between north and south. In Northern Vietnam, dramatic mountain ranges, idyllic bays, and lush rice terraces dominate the scenery, while Southern Vietnam transforms into a more tropical setting with palm-fringed sandy beaches and fertile river landscapes.
The long separation of North and South Vietnam during the 20th century has led to distinct cultural differences that continue to shape both regions today, making a tour through the country wonderfully diverse. While Northern Vietnam is often associated with a more traditional and conservative lifestyle, Southern Vietnam welcomes you with a more open and informal atmosphere.
In short: both Northern and Southern Vietnam are remarkable in their own ways, and you’re guaranteed unforgettable travel experiences no matter which part of the country you visit. If you find it difficult to decide between the two regions, we offer several tours that allow you to experience Vietnam from the north to south on the very same journey.
Generally, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are considered the best months to visit North Vietnam. During these times of year, the climate is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for hiking and sightseeing throughout most of the region.
That said, you can easily visit Northern Vietnam at other times of the year too. If you travel there during the summer months (June to August), you can expect warm temperatures and lush landscapes, though in exchange, rainfall tends to be more frequent. In winter (December to February), the climate is drier but noticeably cooler – particularly in the mountain regions, where temperatures can drop considerably.
Read more about Vietnam’s best time to visit.
When you travel to Northern Vietnam with TourCompass, you’re choosing a tour operator with in-depth knowledge of the region. We travel regularly throughout Vietnam, so we know exactly what makes each tour truly special – from the iconic attractions to the lesser-known hidden gems.
All our tours to Northern Vietnam are package holidays that include flights, hotels, transport, and a carefully planned programme of activities. This means you can leave the practical details to us and instead focus on immersing yourself in the many experiences awaiting you along the way. On most of our tours, there’s also free time scheduled so you can add your personal touch to the journey.
At TourCompass, we place great emphasis on creating adventures with purpose. Together with our local partners, who have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry, we are dedicated to involving local stakeholders and ensuring that our visits also bring value to the local communities and cultures we encounter in Vietnam.
Vietnam is one of our most popular destinations, and thousands of guests have already discovered the country with us – will you be the next?
Peaceful bays, rolling rice terraces, and evocative cities – a tour to Northern Vietnam truly has it all!
Would you like to experience the enchanting contrasts of Northern Vietnam? Then don’t hesitate to contact our experienced travel specialists, who are ready to help you set off on your next great adventure.
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TourCompass – From tourist to traveller
Emily loves to travel and is extremely passionate about helping others achieve their travel dreams.