How to plan a trip to North Vietnam – The best North Vietnam itinerary

You are going to plan a trip to North Vietnam this year, there are tons of questions and concerns. Don’t worry, we are here with you to help you answer these questions and plan a perfect trip to Northern Vietnam. This post includes information for both first-timers and second-timers in Vietnam with detailed North Vietnam itinerary

You don’t need to spend several days researching information because you are going to find key information that you need as the comprehensive guide to plan the trip to North Vietnam

Planning when to go in North Vietnam – Best time to visit North Vietnam

What’s the weather like in North Vietnam?

There are four distinct seasons in North Vietnam: spring, summer, fall and winter

Winter is cold and dry from late November to late January. The temperature in Hanoi and its vicinities (Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay) ranges from 10 to 18 degrees Celsius, while mountainous regions like Sapa, Moc Chau, Mu Cang Chai, Hoang Su Phi, Mau Son Mountain, and Cao Bang are much colder. The temperature is sometimes negative and snowy. 

Don’t think it is like your country. Lots of my guests think that the real feel should be the same, but it turns out to be much colder than expected.

This time is not ideal for water activities like kayaking, swimming, etc….

Spring runs from February to April, and temperatures range from 20 to 29 degrees Celsius. February is still cold. But March and April are a lot warmer. It has light rains here often due to high humidity so it’s foggy and misty.  In late Feb to early April, the weather can be “Nom” –  a phenomenon when everything in your house is wet due to high humidity.

My advice is not to try to go somewhere pretty early to see the view, for example, hiking the Mua viewpoint in Ninh Binh, the view will be ZERO. For cruising in Halong, Lan Ha Bay, or Bai Tu Long (especially on an overnight cruise), you should have fewer expectations for the view of the limestone. Keep praying hard to get good weather with sunshine. 

The last two weeks of April, the weather is getting better with more sunshine, less rain, and not too hot. 

Summer is from May to August. This is the hottest time of the year; temperatures range from 25 to 37 degrees Celsius, but the real feel is hotter than that. May is hot, but too hot. June and July are the hottest times of the year, and also the monsoon season. In coastal regions like Lan Ha Bay, we call it “Mua Gio Nam” (the season of wind from the Southeast), with stronger winds and rougher seas. 

The boat cruise in Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, or Bai Tu Long Bay can be cancelled due to bad weather (The local authority decides if the cruise is allowed to go or not) 

Don’t get me wrong. Places like Sapa, Hoang Su Phi, Mu Cang Chai, with high altitudes, are still much cooler than Hanoi. It’s still a good place for doing trekking trips. Just the gap between daytime and nighttime temperatures can be 8 to 10 degrees Celsius. If you have young kids, you need to be careful 

As an exception, places in the Northwest like Mai Chau, Son La, and Dien Bien can be pretty hot, like Hanoi, even though they are at high altitudes. 

Most foreign tourists are okay with strong waves, but to be extra careful, they should take motion sickness pills before the boat tour in Lan Ha Bay. Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, the water is calm,

Last two weeks of August, it isn’t too hot but rains heavily more often in August since we call it “Mưa Ngâu” – There is an interesting story behind it. 

Autumn (fall) is from September to early November. Lots of people feel like this is the best time to see North Vietnam. The temperature ranges from 18 to 30 degrees Celsius. 

For September, it may take heavy rain, so you need to be careful if you are going to Hoang Su Phi, Mu Cang Chai, Sapa, Pu Luong, Mai Chau during the rice harvest season because of landslides due to heavy rain. Some days in December, the temperature can be over 30 degrees Celsius, but it isn’t very often. 

When is the best time to see North Vietnam?

September to early February is the best time to see North Vietnam in my opinion.

The last two weeks of April

March and April are the second priority; it is just misty and foggy sometimes. 

Summertime, from May to August, is for students, family trips, backpackers, and young travellers.

It doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t travel to other periods because the weather is changeable. There is always a solution to replan the itinerary. 

The best time to go also depends on where you like to go, so research the weather in your destinations. 

Should I visit North Vietnam during the Lunar New year?

You may find tons of articles online that “Don’t visit North Vietnam during Tet” since restaurants, bars, and cafes will be closed. Well, it isn’t completely true. If you stay in major cities like Hanoi, especially the Old Quarter, it isn’t a big deal since it is a major tourist hub. Just fewer options. Starting the 3rd of Jan (Lunar Calendar), many restaurants and cafes will reopen. 

Take advantage of this time by booking a guided tour with a home visit to local families to learn more about Vietnamese culture and traditions during the New Year. It can be a highlight of your trip.

Please note that due to a shortage of suppliers, the tour price may be 30-40% higher than usual. Please understand that we need to pay at least double the tour guide’s fee, plus the extra costs of transportation and other services.

Some tourist attractions in Hanoi may be closed during the first 1 to 3 days of the New Year, except for temples and pagodas, as the Vietnamese have the custom of visiting holy places to pray for good luck and good health for the New Year.

Visa to Vietnam

There are a ton of articles that provide detailed information about visas for Vietnam. You can easily Google it. I just wrote down personal tips to get a visa in Vietnam

Double-check the information of your full name (even each letter), order of the full name, and entry date (pretty important, it can be later than the flight date but not before (You may not enter Vietnam or pay a high fee for fine), date of birth, year of birth, etc….

In case your visa has errors, contact visa agents for urgent visa services from 4 hours to 1 day (The government office is closed during weekends: Sat and Sun) 

Print the visa document in case your phone has a problem

Use a single passport to apply for a visa if you travel to multiple countries in Southeast Asia, such as Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand.

Apply for an evisa a month ahead of time, in case there is a problem, you still have time to fix it. 

Money Matters and ATMs in Vietnam

I have written a detailed article about ATMs in Vietnam, you can find every single detail in the link below

Read more : ATMs in Vietnam: The complete guide

Just some tips for those who take the guided tour

Pay the balance in USD, EUR, AUD, or the currency you agree with the tour companies in Vietnam to save 3.5%-4% on bank fees.

Some of the hotels will charge you 3% extra to pay via credit card (don’t be surprised)

If you pay for the tour via PayPal, you had better add a couple of dollars to cover the loss on the tour company’s side for the following reasons.

• It takes 3 days to withdraw money to our bank account
• The exchange rate is 5% lower than the bank exchange rate
• It costs 3 USD to withdraw money to our bank account

Budget for a traveller per day in Vietnam

Note : This table is just for reference, it depends on your travel style, budget, type of activities and tours etc….

This price is per person, based on twin sharing, for solo travelers, the accommodation cost will be double.

Where to exchange money

Gold shops with the best rate. The one at Ha Trung Street is the top priority, and then Hang Bac Street is the best place to exchange money in Hanoi.

For all regions in  North Vietnam, Hanoi is the best place for money exchange with a good rate.

Packing list when travelling to North Vietnam

• Suncream
• Sung glasses
• Insect spray
• Swimsuits
• Waterproof bag for phone and bag
• Towels
• A pair of sneakers
• A pair of thongs
• Jacket
• shorts
• Long-sleeved shirts
• T-shirts
• Cash in  your currency 
• Phone charger
• Original Passport (Also some of the copies)
• Evisa letter (If available)
• Travel insurance

Best areas to stay in each location in North Vietnam

Hanoi

Old Quarter: The best place for those who want to experience Hanoi at its best. A ton of shops, restaurants, bars, cafes and local eateries. You can easily find English-speaking rickshaw drivers, shopkeepers and more

Tay Ho District near To Ngoc Van street: Popular place to stay for expats, but less crowded and quieter than the Old Quarter of Hanoi

Ninh Binh

Tam Coc: known as a tourist hub with mini-marts, hotels, homestays, restaurants, cafes, etc…..? I often recommend this place to guests. There are homestays/bungalows about a 10-15 minute walk to the town for those who like to stay away from the bustle and hustle of the town

Trang An: With a few homestays/guest houses and bungalows, away from the main tourist trail, super quiet and tranquil settings at night

Ninh Binh: If you plan to take a train down South to Dong Hoi, Hue or Danang, 

Halong 

Vuon Dao: Backpackers may like staying in this neighbourhood, as it is the centre of the tourist town. You can walk to Sunworld and the nearby beach

Cai Dam : Less busy than Vuon Dao, but there are many restaurants, mini marts, etc…. 

Halong city: Away from all the main tourist spots where locals live; it will take 20-30 minutes to get to them. 

Sapa

Sapa town: The best area for tourists

Lao Chai or Ta Van village: Good for those who take a trek and spend the night in the village.

Mai Chau

The quieter area of Mai Hich, Buoc village, Na Phon, Na Thia, Van village (not for party tourists). Or you can choose to stay in the popular Lac 2 village, which is quieter than Lac 1 village. 

Pu Luong

Don village is the main tourist hub with lots of restaurants, cafes, homestays and bungalows

Muong village and Hieu village are quieter areas 

How to book an accommodation in North Vietnam

Agoda, Booking.com, Hotels.com 

Those are reputable booking platforms for hotels, resorts, homestays, guest houses and hostels. It’s easy, fast and convenient. You can choose to pay cash or by credit card at the hotel. Beware that credit card payments with an extra 3 per cent on top of the price won’t be stated in the booking sites’ conditions.

American Express isn’t widely accepted, so Visa and Mastercard cards are alternatives.

Airbnb

I feel like it’s a growing trend. Many of my guests, such as couples and families, choose to stay in an Airbnb instead of a hotel. Amenities and facilities are pretty much the same as hotels, but the price is a lot cheaper

Tips when booking accommodation

Booking directly with local businesses to support them. It’s also a good option for those who have special room requests, like next-door, with a balcony and others that won’t be shown on the booking sites (I won’t say any of the requests as mentioned)

Double-check with your accommodation a week in advance during the peak season (Christmas, New Year) and the high season (March, April) in case of overbooking. 

Confirm with your accommodation options to settle payment in VND, USD or other currencies or by credit card. …..

Breakfast time in case of you are leaving the hotel early for a guided tour

If you leave the hotel before breakfast, please ask your hotel to help prepare a takeaway breakfast.

North Vietnam itinerary – How to plan a trip to North Vietnam

North Vietnam itinerary for those who have a limited-time budget

• Hanoi: day trip
• Ninh Binh day trip 
• Halong Bay/Lan Ha Bay/Bai Tu Long Bay day trip from Hanoi

Typical North Vietnam itinerary with a short time period

• Hanoi day trip
• Ninh Binh day trip
• Overnight trip on Halong/Lan Ha bay/Bai Tu Long bay 2 days 1 night

1 week North Vietnam itinerary

• Hanoi: 2 days
• Ninh Binh: 2 days
• Overnight boat tour Halong/Lan Ha bay/Bai Tu Long bay 3 days 2 night

10 days North Vietnam itinerary

• Hanoi: 2 days
• Ninh Binh: 2 days
• Overnight boat tour Halong/Lan Ha bay/Bai Tu Long bay 3 days 2 night
• Sapa/Mai Chau/Pu Luong : 3 days 2 night

2-week North Vietnam itinerary

• Hanoi: 2 days
• Ninh Binh: 2 days
• Overnight boat tour Halong/Lan Ha bay/Bai Tu Long bay 2 days 
• Mountainous regions: Hanoi – Ba Be Lake – Cao Bang – Ban Gioc waterfall – Ha Giang loop: 8 days

Another option with a mountainous region tour is Hanoi – Mu Cang Chai – Sapa: 6 days trip

I have written a detailed article about the North Vietnam itinerary in the link below

North Vietnam itinerary : Ultimate guide

You will find everything you need to know to plan a trip to North Vietnam in terms of itinerary

Avoids popular scams in North Vietnam

Shoe shine scam

The shoe shine man points at your shoes and says, “Your shoes are dirty, grab your shoes and shine them and ask for money.

How to avoid: Just walk away when you see him/her

Pineapple scam

The vendor just put a bamboo pole on your shoulder, put a conical hat on your head and asked you to take a photograph, then you get charged 5 to 10 USD to buy the pineapples

How to avoid: Just put it down and walk away

Donut lady scam

The doughnut lady gives you a doughnut. You think she is so kind and just grabs a bite. Later, you have to buy a couple of doughnuts for 5 to 10 USD.

How to avoid: Walk away

Pedicab (rickshaw scam)

You may get charged double the price of 20 USD to 25 USD for 45 minutes to 1-hour ride around the Old Quarter

Tips: Ask the hotel staff to help with negotiating the price before taking a rickshaw. If not, make a deal in advance before hopping on a rickshaw. 

Pro tips for eating and drinking in Vietnam

• Don’t drink tap water
• Drink less  ice 
• Don’t eat raw meats
• Don’t drink too much “Bia Hoi” in vendor stores because some of them might be of good quality, which gives you a headache 
• Asking for the price ahead of time unless you see the menu with a price tag
• Don’t eat too many fresh herbs at local eateries if you have a weak stomach. 

What to buy in North Vietnam as souvenirs

Hanoi: Silk, Lacquerware, tablecloth, ceramic, Fake North Face bags and jackets

Ninh Binh: embroidery painting (small one), embroidery bag, Nageia fleuryi pair of chopsticks (Cuc Phuong national park)

Sapa: Ethnic handicrafts like Handmade Jewelry And Accessories

Halong Bay: Cultural Pearl 

Over to you 

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Lastest update: 17th of August, 2026