โ›ฐ๏ธ 10 Epic Days in North Vietnam: Unique & Active Itinerary

A high view of small green mountains surrounded by water fields.

The northern region of Vietnam, one of Southeast Asia’s most popular destinations, is home to lush mountains, iconic emerald bays, and terraced rice fields.

Ten days is enough time to visit the capital city of Hanoi, see the region’s natural beauty, and go on unique adventures.

I spent two adventurous weeks in Vietnam, and here, I share amazing things to do and tips on optimizing your trip itinerary. This post covers:

  • ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ 10-day optimized itinerary
  • โญ๏ธ Top attractions in the region
  • ๐Ÿ“ Vietnam map with key places
  • ๐Ÿ’Ž Firsthand travel tips
  • ๐Ÿ  Where to stay
  • โœ๏ธ Vietnam trip planner

Planning a trip? Here’s what to know about Vietnam.

Lists By Lukiih is readers-supported. If you buy through an affiliate link on this post, I may earn a small commission. Thanks!

Vietnam Itinerary Route

This itinerary takes you to some of northern Vietnam’s best places:

  • Ninh Binh โ€“ known as the “Ha Long Bay on Land.”
  • Ha Giang โ€“ a region known for its epic motorbike road trip.
  • Ha Long Bay โ€“ the stunning world-famous bay (I recommend a less touristy alternative for this itinerary).
  • Hanoi โ€“ the bustling and traditional capital of the country.

About This Vietnam Itinerary

This northern Vietnam itinerary efficiently sequences attractions and activities the country is famous for. It gives you the opportunity to:

  • Meander through beautiful mountains on a motorbike
  • Enjoy the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay in a quieter area
  • Eat your way through several authentic restaurants
  • See panoramic views of green rice fields and rice terraces
  • Experience a unique, off-the-beaten-path activity (optional)
River with emerald water with a small temple inside the water and limestone mountains in the background.
Trร ng An River in Ninh Bรฌnh.

5 Essential Tips for Visiting Vietnam

Before getting into the itinerary, here are practical tips to know when traveling to Vietnam.

โœˆ๏ธ 1. Fly into Hanoi.

Centrally located in northern Vietnam and home to the only international airport in the region, Hanoi is the ideal entry point to other popular areas in the region:

  • Ninh Binh โ€“ two hours south of Hanoi
  • Ha Giang โ€“ six hours north of Hanoi
  • Ha Long Bay โ€“ three hours east of Hanoi

๐Ÿš™ 2. Download the Grab app.

Grab (iOS, Android) is the major ridesharing app in Southeast Asia. It works similarly to Uber and is usually more affordable than flagging down a taxi in Vietnam.

A lot of areas in Vietnam will also have tuk-tuks. Grab generally has competitive pricing, so use Grab prices as a baseline for negotiations with tuk-tuks.

๐Ÿงป 3. Bring toilet paper.

Many public bathrooms in Vietnam do not have toilet paper, so it’s a good idea to always carry some in a small bag.

Many restrooms in Vietnam are squat toilets. Face towards the hood or hole of the toilet.

๐Ÿ‘Ÿ 4. Cross the streets with confidence.

One of the biggest culture shocks for foreigners visiting Vietnam is crossing the streets in major cities. Vehicles, especially in Hanoi, do not stop for pedestrians, even when the walk signal is on.

You’ll need to learn how to cross the streets: Step into the street while keeping an eye on oncoming traffic and walk straight in a predictable path with a consistent pace so that vehicles can go around you.

Person crossing a street while many cars and motorbikes drive around them.
Crossing streets in Hanoi. (Photo by my friend, AnnaJoy.)

๐ŸฆŸ 5. Bring mosquito repellent.

Vietnam’s humid climate makes it a haven for mosquitos. Bring and wear mosquito repellent to decrease the spread of mosquito-borne illness.

I tend to get bitten, and I find that this insect repellent lotion works better than the spray alternative (per the CDC: โ€œDEET offers the best protection against mosquito bites.โ€)

Learn other practical tips when traveling to Vietnam.

Vietnam Map

This map has all the recommended places in the Vietnam travel itinerary below.

10-Day Itinerary for Vietnam

Below is a great way to spend ten days in Vietnam. To help you plan efficiently, Iโ€™ve included suggested times for each activity based on my firsthand experience.

The Vietnam trip planner below has this itinerary prefilled.

Day 1 โ€“ Hanoi (2 days)
โœˆ๏ธArrive at Hanoi airport and settle downMorning
๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ณVisit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum1โ€“2 pm
๐Ÿ’งWalk around Hoan Kiem Lake2:15โ€“3 pm
๐ŸœGo on a Hanoi street food tour6โ€“9:30 pm
Day 2 โ€“ Ninh Binh (2 days)
๐ŸšŒTravel to Ninh Binh7:30โ€“9:30 am
โœจVisit the Bai Dinh Pagoda9:30 amโ€“12:30 pm
๐Ÿ›ถTake a boat ride on Trang An or Tam Coc River2โ€“3:30 pm
โญ๏ธVisit Bich Dong Pagoda4โ€“5 pm
Day 3 โ€“ Ninh Binh (2 days)
๐Ÿ‰Climb Lying Dragon Mountain and see the Mua Cave10 amโ€“12 pm
๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ณVisit the ancient capital, Hao Lu 1:30โ€“4:30 pm
๐ŸšŒTravel back to Hanoi 5โ€“7 pm
Day 4 โ€“ Hanoi (2 days)
๐Ÿ“š Visit the Temple of Literature10โ€“11 am
๐Ÿ‘ŸWalk around Old Quarter and have lunch11 amโ€“2 pm
๐Ÿš‚Check out Train Street2โ€“3 pm
โœ‹Enjoy an affordable massage3โ€“4 pm
๐Ÿ’งSee a traditional Water Puppet Show4โ€“5 pm
๐ŸšTravel to Ha Giang City on a sleeper bus7 pm โ€“ morning
Days 5-7 โ€“ Ha Giang Loop or Sa-Pa (3 days)
๐Ÿ๏ธ Option 1: Road trip on the Ha Giang Loop
Option 2: Hike through Sa Pa
All day
Days 8-9 โ€“ Lan Ha Bay (3 days)
๐ŸšŒ Travel to Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay8โ€“11 am
๐Ÿšข Explore the bay through an activityAll day
Day 10 โ€“ Departure (1 day)
๐ŸšŒTravel back to Hanoi 9โ€“12 pm
โœˆ๏ธDepart or head to Central VietnamAfternoon

All prices mentioned in this post are in USD ๐Ÿ’ต .

Hanoi (Days 1 & 4)

Fly into Hanoi and start your northern Vietnam trip there.

๐Ÿœ Why Visit Hanoi?

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is one of Vietnam’s most visited destinations and the second largest city behind Ho Chi Minh City. It has a vibrant local community, a rich history, and an endless number of shops.

It boasts several streets of authentic food, which I recommend taking advantage of on your own or through a reputable street food tour.

A man walking through a city street with motorbikes parked around the edge.
A quieter street in Hanoi.

โœˆ๏ธ Getting to Hanoi

Hanoi is at the center of northern Vietnam, so the best way to get there is by flying into its airport, Noi Bai International Airport.

Once in Hanoi, you can get around on foot (primarily in the Old Quarter area) or use the Grab app if you’re uncomfortable walking around the hectic streets.

โœจ Top Attractions in Hanoi

With two days in Hanoi, below are the tourist attractions worth checking out. These are listed in the order of the itinerary above:

  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum โ€“ The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is Hanoi’s most famous site. It houses the preserved body of the revolutionary President Ho Chi Minh, who united Vietnam. Admission is free.
A woman standing in front a box-shaped, gray building with columns that says "Ho Chi Minh."
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
  • Hoan Kiem Lake โ€“ Located in the heart of Hanoi, the lake is surrounded by pagoda gateways (Ngoc Sฦกn Temple is the most popular one) and offers a break from the chaotic streets. Admission is free.
A woman standing on a bridge in front a decorated Asian gate.
Ngแปc Sฦกn Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake.
  • Hanoi Street Food Tour โ€“ Hanoi is known for authentic, local food and is lined with restaurants and shops.

Most restaurants are not English-friendly, and food poisoning is a concern, so the best way to try different foods is through a well-rated street food tour, as I did.

A lettuce wrapped around a crispy pancake with vegetables inside.
Hanoi street food tour.
  • Temple of Literature โ€“ This temple is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Hanoi and is a popular photo spot.
  • Old Quarter โ€“ Old Quarter is Hanoi’s main business and tourist hot spot. It’s composed of 36 streets where you can see many historical sights and shops.
  • Train Street โ€“ Train Street is a famous, narrow street where a train runs close to a handful of shops and cafes.

For many years, Train Street has had a “closed” sign warning visitors not to enter. However, as of 2024, you can still enter the street despite the sign. Locals typically stand near the entrance, offering to take tourists in for a small fee, but you can walk in on your own.

Train tracks running through a street of closely-placed buildings.
Closed signs for Train Street.
  • Water Puppet Show โ€“ Water puppet is a traditional Vietnamese performance in which a dozen puppeteers control puppets while standing in water.

See more details on each Hanoi attraction.

Return to itinerary โ†‘

๐Ÿ  Where To Stay in Hanoi

The best place to stay in Hanoi is within walking distance of Old Quarter, which is the main business and tourist hot spot.

I stayed at Bi Eco Suites Hanoi, just outside of Old Quarter. It required me to walk a bit to get to where all the action was, but I liked staying in a quiet corner of the city. The rooms were spacious and modern.

A narrow alleyway surrounded by plants and motorbikes.
Entrance to Bi Eco Suites Hanoi.

๐Ÿ€ Lukiih’s Tips for Hanoi

Here are my overall tips for visiting this city:

  • Learn to cross the streets โ€“ As mentioned, Hanoi can seem chaotic to visitors. Motorbikes and vehicles drive in all directions and do not stop for pedestrians. It’s essential to learn how to cross the streets here.
  • Limit your time in Hanoi โ€“ Hanoi is a bustling city with poor air quality, so if youโ€™re hoping to spend most of your trip in more beautiful places in Vietnam, I would only spend one to two days in Hanoi.
  • Don’t skip the food โ€“ The street food tour in Hanoi was one of the highlights of my trip.
A street with over a dozen motorbikes lining the sidewalk.
A motorbike-filled street in Hanoi.

Return to itinerary โ†‘

Ninh Binh (Days 2-3)

On your second day in Vietnam, travel south for a change of scenery.

โ›ฐ๏ธ Why Visit Ninh Binh?

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ninh Binh is called the โ€œHa Long Bay on Landโ€ because of its green rice paddies and limestone cliffs.

It’s known for its rivers, green rice fields, mossy pagodas, and limestone karsts. Ninh Binh is a blend of a typical Vietnamese city and natural landscapes.

River with emerald water with a small temple inside the water and limestone mountains in the background.
Trร ng An River in Ninh Bรฌnh.

๐ŸšŒ Getting to Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is located two hours (about 58 miles) south of Hanoi. You can get there by bus or train (a one-way ticket will cost between $8 to $15).

Many Vietnam transportation websites are challenging to navigate and are not English-friendly. Check Google Maps for trustworthy bus and train companies.

Ninh Binh can also be visited on a long day trip. (I did a day trip but wished I had stayed longer.) I booked this Ninh Binh day tour to prioritize the Bai Dinh Pagoda and Trang An boat trip.

โœจ Top Attractions in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is known for several attractions and activities. These are listed in the order of the itinerary above:

  • Bai Dinh Pagoda โ€“ Bai Dinh Pagoda is the second-largest pagoda in Vietnam, located within a massive complex with several other temples, parks, and lakes. Admission is free.
A woman holding a straw hat standing next to a body of water with lush trees in the background.
Bai Dinh Pagoda complex.
  • Trang An or Tam Coc River โ€“ These are two popular scenic rivers surrounded by lush trees and limestone karsts. Visitors typically take an hour-long boat rides passing through caves.
Multiple wooden boats on an emerald water river through limestone mountains.
Trร ng An River boat ride.
  • Bich Dong Pagoda โ€“ Bich Dong Pagoda is an ancient mountainside Buddhist temple surrounded by lush greenery. Admission is free.
  • Lying Dragon Mountain and Mua Caves โ€“ The Mua Caves area features a 500-step climb to the top of Lying Dragon Mountain, which offers panoramic views of Tam Com.
A woman standing on a steep mountain stone overlooking a watery field view.
Lying Dragon Mountain in Mua Caves.
  • Hao Lu โ€“ Hao Lu is an ancient capital with a history in the feudal system. If you want to skip one attraction in Ninh Binh, I would skip this one.

Return to itinerary โ†‘

๐Ÿ€ Lukiih’s Tips for Ninh Binh

Here are my overall tips for visiting this small city:

  • Stay overnight in Ninh Binh if possible โ€“ Ninh Binh is a beautiful place to escape chaotic Hanoi. If I could re-do my Vietnam trip, I would have spent an extra full day in Ninh Binh and one less day in Hanoi.
  • Expect tourism โ€“ Ninh Binh is much quieter than Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, but it’s still a tourist hot spot. Don’t expect to be the only one visiting the pagodas and rivers, especially during the high season.
  • Choose a day tour that fits your interests โ€“ There are many Ninh Binh day tours to choose from, and they provide more or less the same things (e.g., transportation, buffet lunch, tour of popular sites). Choose tours based on the areas you want to visit.

Return to itinerary โ†‘

Ha Giang Loop (Option 1 for Days 5-7)

On your fifth day in Vietnam, head north for an epic adventure.

๐Ÿ”๏ธ Why Do the Ha Giang Loop?

The Ha Giang Loop is an epic three- to four-day motorbike road trip through the rural mountains of northern Vietnam.

The loop is typically one of the highlights of Vietnam, as visitors travel through winding roads and beautiful mountain passes.

A woman holding a flower with rice paddy and mountain views in the background.
On the Ha Giang Loop.

๐Ÿ๏ธ How To Do the Ha Giang Loop

The Ha Giang loop starts in Ha Giang City, located six hours (170 miles) north of Hanoi.

If you’re an experienced motorbike driver, you can do the Ha Giang loop on your own at your own risk. If you don’t have experience, doing the loop with a tour operator is significantly safer.

See how to plan and prepare for the Ha Giang Loop.

A dozen people posing with mini hearts on the edge of a mountain.
My Ha Giang loop tour group.

๐Ÿ€ Lukiih’s Tip on the Ha Giang Loop

The Ha Giang loop was one of my most memorable and unique experiences. The mountains and views are stunning.

I share my Ha Giang loop tips here.

Return to itinerary โ†‘

Sa Pa (Option 2 for Days 5-7)

If riding a motorbike through the rural mountains of Vietnam doesnโ€™t sound appealing, visit Sa Pa instead.

A remote town west of Ha Giang City, Sa Pa has rice paddies, mountains, and a vibrant community of ethnic groups. It is the perfect place for nature lovers looking to hike, ranging from one to three-day treks.

Top attractions in Sa Pa include Cat Cat VillageMuong Hoa Valley, and Fansipan Mountain.

A rice terrace next to some mountains.
Sa Pa. (Photo by my friend, Alison Lau.)

Return to itinerary โ†‘

Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay (Days 8-9)

Round out your Vietnam trip with a visit to the famous emerald waters.

๐Ÿ’ง Why Visit Ha Long Bay/Lan Ha Bay?

Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most iconic attractions, featuring emerald waters surrounded by limestone cliffs.

Lan Ha Bay is part of the world-famous Ha Long Bay, but it’s also its own distinct area. I recommend visiting this bay instead.

Like its famous counterpart, Lan Ha Bay has beautiful limestone cliffs and emerald waters, but itโ€™s a lot less popular and, therefore, more tranquil, less polluted, and has fewer junk boats.

A limestone cliff jutting out of emerald water.
On a boat in Lan Ha Bay.

๐Ÿ“ Getting to Lan Ha Bay

When traveling to Lan Ha Bay, visitors tend to stay on Cat Ba Island, which is approximately three hours (about 90 miles) east of Hanoi.

You can get to Cat Ba Island by bus or charter seaplane. I took a bus from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island, which cost $28 for a round trip.

โœจ Top Activities in Lan Ha Bay

Whereas the primary thing to do in the famous bay is to take a Ha Long Bay cruise, Lan Ha Bay offers a lot more activities, including:

A woman near an ocean pointing across at a set of building with mountains in the background.
Cรกt Bร  Island right before sunset.

๐Ÿ  Where To Stay on Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island is a small and contained island, so there’s no really bad place to stay in.

I stayed with Dai Thuy Hotel, a no-frills hotel with good customer service. The rooms are nothing special, but it worked for me as I spent most of my time outside.

๐Ÿ€ Lukiih’s Tips on Lan Ha Bay

Here are my overall tips for visiting this lesser-known bay:

  • Visit Lan Ha Bay over Ha Long Bay โ€“ While Lan Ha Bay is part of Ha Long Bay, it’s not the iconic area that most people think of. If you like being active, I highly recommend choosing Lan Ha Bay over its counterpart.
  • Try rock climbing above water โ€“ Lan Ha Bay is one of the few places in the world where you can deep water soloing (aka rock climbing above water), even as a beginner. This is a great off-the-beaten-path experience.

See how to deep water solo in Vietnam.

A woman climbing up a dark limestone rock over water.
Climbing up a limestone islet in Lan Ha Bay.

Return to itinerary โ†‘

Depart From Hanoi (Day 10)

On your last day in northern Vietnam, make your way back to Hanoi.

From Hanoi, take an international flight home or continue your trip to Hoi An and Da Nang in Central Vietnam.

How much will a trip set you back? I share my travel expenses in this Vietnam budget breakdown.

A street decorated with brightly-lit lanterns at night.
Hoi An in Central Vietnam.

Vietnam Trip Planner

To make your travel planning easier, download the trip planner below and use it as a starting point. The planner has country-specific travel information, an itinerary, a packing list, and a map with key places pinned.

The trip planner is built on Notion, which I use for all my travel planning (I genuinely love this tool). If you don’t have Notion, creating an account is free.

Three Notion template screenshots are shown: travel information, itinerary, and map + packing list templates.
Preview of Vietnam trip planner for 2024.

If you have any questions or thoughts, feel free to leave a comment below.

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