Northern Vietnam Attractions – Journey to the North

The North region serves as the cradle of our millennia-old cultural heritage. Travelers exploring Northern Vietnam attractions will uncover mesmerizing natural landscapes and remarkable architecture. This blog will introduce about 3 of the most beautiful places in Northern Vietnam you can’t miss.

1. Sapa

Sa Pa is an ideal destination all year round, it is located at the base of the majestic Hoang Lien Son range and only 5-6 hours away from Hanoi by highway. You can spend about 3 days and 2 nights to explore famous destinations in Sa Pa such as Ham Rong Mountain, Cat Cat Village, Sa Pa Stone Church, Fansipan peak, etc. by trekking or by vehicles.sapa

Time to visit Sapa

Sa Pa has a cool climate, making it suitable for year-round travel. However, it’s best to avoid the stormy season from June to early August due to extreme weather conditions that can cause flash floods, landslides, and debris flows.
From February to May, Sa Pa’s spring season bursts with vibrant flowers like cherry blossoms, peach blossoms, and plum blossoms. Summer, from June to August, sees tourists flocking to Sa Pa to escape the heat and admire the lush green terraced fields.
Autumn, from September to November, dresses Sa Pa in a golden hue as the rice fields ripen, and the weather gradually turns cooler. Winter, from December to February, offers a chance to catch snow and frost on the mountain peaks, adding a touch of winter magic to the landscape.

How to visit Sapa

You can book a limousine or a passenger bus from My Dinh Station to travel from Hanoi to Sa Pa, with ticket prices ranging from 230,000 to 350,000 VND per person, depending on the seat class. The journey takes about 5-6 hours.
If you prefer to travel by train, take the Hanoi – Lao Cai route. The train ride takes approximately 7-9 hours, after which you need to catch a bus or taxi to Sa Pa’s town center. Train ticket prices vary from 160,000 to 800,000 VND, depending on the seat class and type of train.
For those driving themselves, take the Noi Bai – Lao Cai Expressway and then turn onto Road 4D to reach Sa Pa. The road is easy to navigate, but be sure to pay attention to traffic signs and adhere to speed limits. During cold, rainy weather with fog and slippery roads, ensure your tires, brakes, and lights are thoroughly checked before departing. The drive takes about 5-6 hours. Depart from Hanoi no later than 12:30 PM to avoid arriving in Sa Pa after dark.

2. Ha Giang

Ha Giang is a province in northeastern Vietnam, known for its serene riverfront and stunning landscapes. Ha Giang is a northern Vietnam attractions that is visited by many tourists.
It is celebrated for its tranquil scenery, featuring forested mountains, mystical caves, and beautiful valleys. Additionally, the province boasts winding passes offering breathtaking views of shimmering terraced fields, rolling hills, and meandering rivers.
Visitors to Ha Giang can spend 3 days and 2 nights exploring Quan Ba Heaven Gate, Yen Minh Town, Dong Van Old Quarter, Meo Vac, Lung Cu Flag Tower, and the Nho Que River. You can visit our website to learn more about many tours to Ha Giang suitable for each audience and personal interests.

Time to visit

You can visit Ha Giang at any time of the year. Many people prefer to go during the autumn when the rice fields turn golden. The best time to visit is in October, November, and December. In May, the terraced fields glisten with water during the flood season. However, in June and July, many travelers tend to avoid this destinations due to the frequent summer rains.

How to visit Ha Giang

Travelers have the option of choosing between sleeper buses or high-quality limousine services, depending on their budget. However, opting for an overnight sleeper bus is recommended to save time and preserve energy for longer exploration journeys. Ticket prices for buses from Hanoi to this place and vice versa range from 200,000 to 300,000 Vietnamese dong per trip.
Upon arrival in Ha Giang City, you can rent a motorbike for independent exploration at a rate of 150,000 to 300,000 Vietnamese dong per day. Conversely, if time and physical stamina are limited, or if your group includes elderly individuals or young children, it’s advisable to hire a 7 to 16-seat van for convenience.

3. Ha Long Bay

One of the most northern Vietnam attractions is Ha Long Bay. It’s located in Quang Ninh Province, is a renowned tourist destination approximately 160 km from Hanoi. This destinations boasts a picturesque bay, designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites, diverse tourism activities, and delectable cuisine. It is celebrated not only domestically but also globally.

Time to visit Ha Long Bay

Ha Long City, situated in the northern region, experiences all four seasons. From April to June, the weather is warm with minimal rainfall, while June to August sees hot, sometimes stormy, conditions. September to December brings gradually cooler temperatures. Each season in Ha Long has its own charm. Summer invites visitors for swimming and sunbathing, while spring and autumn offer cooler weather, perfect for engaging in outdoor activities or exploring entertainment venues. The peak season runs from June to August, characterized by bustling crowds, particularly on weekends.

How to visit Ha Long Bay

Travelers have various transportation options from Hanoi. Apart from using personal vehicles, there are Limousine services available for door-to-door transportation upon request (such as Phuc Xuyen, Van Don Xanh, Halong Travel) with ticket prices ranging from 180,000 to 220,000 VND per person. Additionally, you can catch a coach bus at various stops within the city of Hanoi, with ticket prices around 150,000 to 200,000 VND per person.

Conclusion

Northern Vietnam stands as the birthplace of our ancient cultural heritage, offering travelers a captivating blend of mesmerizing natural landscapes and impressive architectural wonders. As you plan your journey to explore the north of Vietnam, consider adding these three must-visit destinations to your itinerary. No matter which destination you choose, please check out our tours.
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