North Vietnam Itinerary – 1-2 Week Epic Travel Guide
Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Our North Vietnam travel guide walks you through the ideal 1 to 2 week Northern Vietnam itinerary. Whether you’ve only got a few days or the luxury of time, this North Vietnam itinerary will help you make the most of your visit.
Dreaming of a trip to North Vietnam but not sure where to start? We don’t blame you – there are so many incredible destinations to visit. From the bustling metropolis of Hanoi to the sleepy villages of Ninh Binh, the soaring views from Sapa’s mountains to the stunning waters of Ha Long Bay, North Vietnam is an adventure-enthusiast’s heaven. We’re here to take some of the planning off your plate so you can get straight to the fun. In our North Vietnam travel guide, we’ll outline an ideal 1 week Northern Vietnam itinerary, as well as a 2 week itinerary for those that have more time.
Looking for more detailed guides on these North Vietnam destinations? Check out the links below:
- Two Days in Hanoi – Your Ultimate Itinerary
- Majestic Sapa: 3 Day Itinerary, Trekking, & Travel Guide
- 2 Days in Ninh Binh: Your Itinerary for an Epic Adventure
Interested in destinations like Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue instead? Check out our 1 week Central Vietnam itinerary here.
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Your 1-2 Week North Vietnam Itinerary: At A Glance
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Northern Vietnam 1 Week Itinerary
- Walking tour of the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and Ngoc Son Temple
- Hoa Lo Prison, Street Food Tour and Train Street
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
- Temple of Literature, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
- Two-day trek through the Muong Hoa Valley
- Sun World Fansipan Legend and Cat Cat Village
- Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Trang An Boat Ride, and Hang Mua Cave
- Bich Dong Pagoda, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and Foot-Rowing
2 Week Northern Vietnam Itinerary
- Two day, one night cruise of Ha Long Bay
- Four day, three night motorbike tour of the Ha Giang Loop
- Add a visit to the waterfalls, O Quy Ho Pass, and Rong May Tourist Area
Why Visit North Vietnam?
If you can only hit one region of Vietnam, North Vietnam should be your top pick. This region is home to both the country’s bustling capital city and some of its most incredible natural features, providing for a diverse and well-rounded Vietnam experience. While Central Vietnam is incredible too, North Vietnam can’t be beat when it comes to breathtaking sights. During one week in North Vietnam, you can enjoy some of the country’s best food in Hanoi, trek through iconic terraced rice paddies in Sapa, and take a boat ride through “Ha Long Bay on Land” in Ninh Binh. If you have more time, you can take a cruise on the real Ha Long Bay, ride the legendary Ha Giang Loop, and see even more stunning nature in Sapa. Sold yet? We thought so.
How To Get To North Vietnam?
You’ll start your 1 to 2 week North Vietnam itinerary by flying into Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. Getting flights here is easy, but at 16 miles (25 km) from the Old Quarter, you’ll still need to navigate Hanoi’s heavy traffic to get to your hotel. We recommend taking a Grab, Southeast Asia’s #1 rideshare app (like Uber), but you can also reach the city center by taxi, bus, or private transfer. Learn more about all of your options in our Hanoi travel guide.
How to Travel Around Northern Vietnam?
After arriving in Hanoi, you’ll be traveling across Northern Vietnam primarily by bus and train. In our North Vietnam travel guide, we recommend using 12 Go Asia to research routes and purchase your tickets. 12 Go has the most complete listing of all available transit options in Vietnam. Make sure to closely review the pickup and drop off points to avoid any unnecessary extra logistical hurdles! Heads up though – there are a LOT of route options on 12 Go Asia. If you want to avoid scouring the hundreds of options there, you can also book sleeper trains and buses on Get Your Guide or Viator. 12 Go includes routes from a lot of transit providers – all with varying quality levels – so booking with Get Your Guide or Viator also gives you the added reassurance of photos and reviews from past passengers.
Be Prepared - North Vietnam Travel Guide Tips
Before we get into your 1 to 2 week North Vietnam itinerary, we’ve got a few top travel guide tips for visiting the region:
Visa Required
Unlike many top tourist destinations, Vietnam does not provide a free visa-on-arrival for most countries. As such, you’ll need to apply for an e-Visa before arrival. You cannot enter Vietnam without an approved visa in advance, and you cannot apply for a visa from within Vietnam. (Note – some countries do get a free visa-on-arrival. See if your passport is exempt from the Vietnam visa requirement here. You may receive up to 45 days visa-free entry.)
To obtain the e-Visa, you’ll need to visit the Vietnam e-visa website and complete the application. The application is simple and straightforward, and shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to populate. You’ll need a photo of yourself and your passport, and details of your trip, including travel dates, ports of entry and exit, and the address of where you’ll be staying. Once submitted, it should take approximately four days to get approved, but we recommend submitting it at least two weeks before departure in case anything goes awry.
Pro tip: make sure that your full legal name, matching your passport, is input into the e-Visa application. Colby’s e-Visa did not include his middle name and he was not allowed to board our flight from Thailand to Vietnam, forcing him to procure an emergency visa at a steep cost of $300. Add that to flight rebooking fees and an unexpected hotel stay for the resulting overnight layover, and it turned out to be a very costly mistake.
Vietnam e-Visas cost $25 for single-entry and $50 for multiple-entry. They are valid for a period of up to 90 days. Visa fees are nonrefundable in case of non-acceptance, so make sure all of your details are input accurately before submitting.
Cash is King
While many hotels, restaurants, and activities accept credit cards in Northern Vietnam, there are still a lot of vendors that only accept cash, or accept card with a 3% fee. Plus, all it takes is a temporary internet outage for even a card-friendly vendor to become cash-only. So, be prepared and have plenty of cash on hand to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the top things to do during your 1-2 week North Vietnam itinerary.
Vietnam’s currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND), which trades with the USD at approximately 25,000 VND: $1. For simplicity, just remember that a 100,000 VND note is worth approximately $4. With a difference this big, don’t be surprised when you’re pulling millions out of the ATM! Note that ATM fees vary wildly here – we recommend TPBank and MB Bank for no-fee withdrawals. Avoid BIDV at all costs. And don’t forget our number one tip for cash withdrawals in foreign countries!
Pro tip: When offered an exchange rate by an ATM, you can – and should – always decline the rate displayed. This rate often includes a heavy markup on top of the market exchange rate. Declining the rate will not stop your transaction, but rather allow your personal bank to set the rate instead.
Northern Vietnam 1 Week Itinerary
Without further ado, let’s get into your Northern Vietnam 1 week itinerary! Visiting Hanoi, Sapa, and Ninh Binh will provide for a well-rounded experience and unforgettable memories.
Visiting Hanoi is like taking a shot of its strong, robusta coffee straight to the bloodstream. It’s a city thrumming with energy, packed with people, and rich in history. Its food scene is top notch, and it offers unique experiences you can’t get anywhere else. In short? It’s the perfect place to start your Northern Vietnam 1 week itinerary.
Begin your trip to Hanoi with a free walking tour of its Old Quarter, then enjoy a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. Learn about the legend of the Golden Turtle at Ngoc Son Temple, which will come into play when you visit the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater on Day 2. Afterwards, learn about the history of the “Hanoi Hilton” at Hoa Lo Prison, and finish your day with a street food tour and visit to Hanoi’s iconic Train Street.
On Day 2, dress conservatively and then head to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (only open until 11am) and nearby One Pillar Pagoda. Next, explore the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 1,000 years of history (also great for Vietnam War buffs). In the afternoon, enjoy the serene Temple of Literature and Tran Quoc Pagoda, then finish your day with the water puppet show, a unique cultural tradition that’s sure to put a smile on your face.
Where to Stay in Hanoi:
The most convenient area to stay in Hanoi is the Old Quarter. Check out some of our top recommended hotels below:
- Lake View Backpackers Hostel ($) – 9.5 average rating
- Hanoi Wanderlust Hostel ($) – 9.8 average rating
- Victory Legend Hotel ($$) – ⭐⭐⭐, 9.0 average rating
- Jasmine Premium Hotel & Travel ($$$) – ⭐⭐⭐, 9.2 average rating
- Lucien Hanoi Lakeside Hotel ($$$) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.7 average rating
Hanoi's Top Bars & Restaurants:
- MET Vietnamese restaurant – try their top notch bun cha, a local specialty composed of grilled pork, rice noodles, and loads of fresh veggies and herbs.
- VIET Restaurant – we highly recommend the “pillow cakes” and ca nuong la chuoi (fish grilled in banana leaves).
- SWI:P Speakeasy Bar – for quality cocktails in a chill but vibey aesthetic.
- Solar Sky Bar – a rooftop bar on top of VIET restaurant.
Can't-Miss Tours & Activities in Hanoi:
Home to the iconic terraced rice paddies Vietnam is famous for, Sapa is a must-visit for anyone who loves trekking or the outdoors. It’s a bit more touristy than other parts of Vietnam, but the friendly locals and incredible vistas make it all worth it. Travel to Sapa by overnight bus or train so you don’t miss out on a day of touring.
Once you’ve arrived in Sapa, head straight into a two-day trek through the Muong Hoa Valley. We recommend scheduling the trek for your first day as the weather in Sapa can be quite fickle. In case of any inclement weather, you’ll have flexibility to reschedule your trek for your last two days instead of your first two days. During your trek you’ll walk through rice fields and bamboo forests, swim in waterfalls, and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals at your homestay. The views are breathtaking and will quickly become a core memory from your North Vietnam itinerary.
On your third day in Sapa, summit the “Roof of Indochina,” Mount Fansipan. Aim for the morning for the best chance of clear skies to enjoy the view. Then, head to Cat Cat Village, home to the Black Hmong ethnic minority group. It’s touristy, but it’s fun and colorful, and the traditional song and dance show is worth seeing.
Where to Stay in Sapa:
For short trips, Sapa Town is the most convenient area to stay in. However, nearby villages Lao Chai or Ta Van are also worth considering – they’ll provide a more scenic escape to nature.
- Sapa town:
- Sapa Hills Hotel ($) – ⭐⭐⭐, 8.7 average rating
- Pistachio Hotel Sapa ($$) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.2 average rating
- Bamboo Sapa Hotel ($$) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.3 average rating
- Lao Chai/Ta Van:
- Maison de Lao Chai ($$) – 9.3 average rating
- Sapa Farmstay ($$) – 9.6 average rating
- Sapa Clay House ($$$) – 9.5 average rating
Sapa's Top Bars & Restaurants:
- Sapa Kitchen Art Restaurant – try the “Sapa Specialty” grilled sturgeon, served with vermicelli, herbs, and a delicious dill sauce to dip your wraps in
- Family Sapa Restaurant & Vegan – casual spot with a second-floor terrace
- Why Bar OCB – super chill bar with games and a pool table
Can't-Miss Tours & Activities in Sapa:
To round out your Northern Vietnam 1 week itinerary, finish in Ninh Binh. Ninh Binh is a hidden gem destination in Vietnam that is criminally underrated. Dubbed “Ha Long Bay on Land,” it’s packed with stunning natural vistas and outdoor activities that you can explore at a peaceful, relaxed pace. Take another overnight bus to reach Ninh Binh from Sapa – they’re surprisingly nice, we promise!
On your first day in Ninh Binh, rent motorbikes from your hotel or hostel and drive yourself to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Then, enjoy a scenic boat ride through the UNESCO-designated Trang An Landscape Complex (we recommend route 3). After, hike up Hang Mua cave for incredible sunset views.
Still with your motorbike, start your second day with a visit to Bich Dong Pagoda in Tam Coc. Add on an optional second boat ride with traditional foot-rowing in Tam Coc, then drive to Bai Dinh Pagoda, Vietnam’s largest Buddhist complex.
Beware of parking scams throughout Ninh Binh – learn more in our travel guide.
Where to Stay in Ninh Binh:
The top two areas to stay in Ninh Binh are Trang An and Tam Coc. We highly recommend Trang An for a more peaceful stay in nature. Tam Coc is also a popular option (especially with backpackers), as it’s a bit closer to the action.
- Trang An:
- Forest Sunset Hostel ($) – 10.0 average rating
- Trang An Peaceful Homestay ($$) – 9.3 average rating (Top Choice!)
- Trang An Mountain House ($$) – ⭐⭐⭐, 9.4 average rating
- Tam Coc:
- Tamcoc Backpack Chill Hostel ($) – 9.6 average rating
- Tam Coc Serenity Hotel & Bungalow ($$) – ⭐⭐⭐, 9.2 average rating
- Tam Coc Mango Homestay ($$) – ⭐⭐⭐, 9.9 average rating
Ninh Binh's Top Restaurants:
- Chef Dung – their set menu cost only 130K VND (~$5) in May 2025, and was one of our best – and biggest – meals in Vietnam.
- Forest Sunset Bar & Restaurant – unbeatable vibe, with twinkly lights, colorful lanterns, and hammocks along the bank of a lily pad pond.
Can't-Miss Tours & Activities in Ninh Binh:
2 Week Northern Vietnam Itinerary
Have a little more time to spare? We recommend adding Ha Long Bay, the Ha Giang Loop, and an extra day in Sapa. These destinations will really take your North Vietnam itinerary to the next level.
Even in a 2 week Northern Vietnam Itinerary, we wouldn’t recommend any additional time in Hanoi or changes to that itinerary. It’s well-rounded and hits all the major sites. Read the Hanoi section above or see our full Hanoi travel guide for more information.
Ha Long Bay (Days 3-4)
From Hanoi, travel east to Ha Long Bay. Famous for its emerald green waters and soaring limestone karsts, Ha Long Bay is one of the most iconic landscapes in Vietnam. So much so that the entire area has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit here centers around an overnight cruise, where you’ll get to explore the bay by boat and enjoy swimming and kayaking. Most cruises also offer cultural experiences like a Vietnamese cooking class or Tai Chi session!
After the hustle and bustle of Hanoi, this is the time in your 2 week Northern Vietnam itinerary where you can kick back and relax. No need to figure out where to stay or find the best restaurants – it’s all taken care of for you. Even your transfer to and from Hanoi is arranged as part of your cruise package. Kick your feet up and enjoy the view!
Ha Giang Loop (Days 5-8)
Time for a little adrenaline! In your extended 2 week Northern Vietnam itinerary, you have time to add on a 4-day Ha Giang Loop experience. This epic road trip features some of the most incredible mountain views in Vietnam, and in 4 days, you’ll be able to see the whole thing. But a journey along the Ha Giang Loop isn’t just about the views from the road – you’ll stop regularly to see historic buildings, explore hidden caves, swim in waterfalls and raft on rivers, and hike to scenic viewpoints. Each night, you’ll stay at small family homestays, allowing you to learn about true local life and eat incredible home-cooked meals.
The Ha Giang Loop is another section of your North Vietnam itinerary with little planning needed. You’ll traverse the Loop on an “easy rider” tour, which means you’ll play passenger princess on the back of the motorbike while a professional driver navigates the challenging route. Easy rider tours also arrange all of your homestays and include all of your meals, so you don’t need to figure out where to stay or what to eat. All you need to figure out is your arrival and departure. Some tours include pickup and/or drop-off in Hanoi or Ha Long Bay, but as you’ll be continuing on to Sapa afterward, you’ll likely need to book at least one transit on your own. Head to 12 Go Asia to find a bus route (ideally an overnight one) that fits in your schedule and gets you to Sapa.
In a 2 week Northern Vietnam itinerary, we think it’s worth spending one additional day in Sapa. You’ll do everything in Sapa we discussed above, but add an additional day to explore the nearby waterfalls, viewpoint, and adventure park.
Rent a motorbike from your hotel, hostel, or a nearby shop and start your day by picking up a picnic lunch to bring along with you. Then, drive west to Silver Waterfall. Enjoy the view after a short stair climb, then move on to Love Waterfall. After a 30-minute light hike, you’ll reach the waterfall and surrounding pool where you can swim and enjoy your picnic. Once you’re done, head back to your bike and drive to the O Quy Ho Pass viewpoint for some stunning photos. Finally, continue on to Rong May Tourist Area, an adventure park where you can walk a glass bridge that extends 3,280 ft (1,000 m) over the valley floor. Afterwards, ride a zipline, bike across a rope bridge, or brave the death swing. These activities aren’t for the faint of heart!
We’ll wrap up the 2 week Northern Vietnam Itinerary with the same two day Ninh Binh itinerary discussed above. It covers all the top attractions and still includes a little time to chill, though we won’t blame you if you want to stay longer! It was probably our favorite destination in Vietnam. See our full Ninh Binh travel guide for more information.
FAQs: North Vietnam Travel Guide
When is the Best Time to Visit Northern Vietnam?
The best time for a 1 to 2 week Northern Vietnam itinerary is March to May. While cities like Hanoi and Ninh Binh have longer visit windows, Sapa and Ha Long Bay require a bit more specificity. A visit between March and May will give you the best shot at dry, comfortable (though still hot) weather, with minimal chance of rain or fog. Plus, the rice fields will be in full bloom, providing a lush green backdrop for your new favorite photos.
Do I Need to Speak Vietnamese to Visit North Vietnam?
Definitely not. We had no issues interacting with people in the service industry in English during our time in Vietnam, though knowing a few key words will definitely win you some brownie points with the locals. Practice these ones before your trip:
- Hello – Xin chào – Sin chow
- Goodbye – Tạm biệt – Tahm bee-ET
- Please – Làm ơn – Lahm oon
- Thank you – Cảm ơn – Gahm oon
Vietnamese is notoriously tricky to pronounce, so we recommend listening to Google translate pronunciations to ensure you’ve got it right. Want to learn more? Check out our post 120+ Common Vietnamese Words and Phrases for Travel & Tourists.
Where Else Should I Visit in Vietnam?
Whether it’s on this trip or your next, we highly encourage you to check out Central Vietnam. We lived in Da Nang for 3 months and visited nearby Hoi An and Hue while there and we absolutely loved it. Check out our travel guides on these popular hotspots below:
Are There Helpful Apps I Should Download Before I Visit Northern Vietnam?
Absolutely! These are the top apps we recommend you download before your trip to Vietnam:
- Airalo – having full use of your phone while traveling is incredibly important! ESim apps like Airalo make getting cell service anywhere you travel easy and affordable. If you haven’t used it before, you can use this Airalo code to get a discount on your first purchase.
- Grab – another highly valuable app to download before you visit Vietnam is Grab, Southeast Asia’s #1 ridesharing app (like Uber). Requesting rides on Grab will be much cheaper than purchasing them on the street, and without any stress or haggling.
- Google Translate – we recommend downloading the Vietnamese language for offline use on Google Translate, so you can always communicate even if you lose cell service.
- Google Maps – for the same reason, we also recommend downloading the offline map of the city you’re visiting on Google Maps.
Do I Need Travel Insurance to Visit Vietnam?
While it’s not required, we highly recommend it, especially if you’ll be riding the Ha Giang Loop. You never know when something might go wrong, and it’s best to be prepared. We use and recommend SafetyWing, which is an especially good option for those traveling for a month or more. For as little as $56, it covers everything from lost luggage to hospital stays – a heck of a deal if you encounter any emergencies while abroad.
Final Thoughts on Your 1-2 Week North Vietnam Itinerary
Northern Vietnam is one of the most diverse and stunningly beautiful areas of the world we’ve visited. We hope this 1 to 2 week North Vietnam itinerary helps you get the most out of your time there! Make sure to check out our full travel guides for each city to find more details like opening hours, prices, and other travel tips. Let us know what your favorite parts of your North Vietnam itinerary were!
This 1-2 week North Vietnam itinerary is just the start – check out all of our Vietnam travel guides here to get inspired for your next destination, like tacking on another 1 week in Central Vietnam!
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