| Travel guide Northern Vietnam off the beaten track
The best tips to let you experience the most beautiful of Vietnam
Vietnam is a large and particularly elongated country, so it is inevitable to make choices: Will you go to the north, south or the central part of the country? Of these options, Northern Vietnam is the most beautiful for those who love beautiful nature and rich culture. The bustling streets of Hanoi, the karst rock formations of Ha Long Bay, and the rice fields of Sapa are world-famous!
But Northern Vietnam also offers adventurous travelers the unique opportunity to step off the beaten tourist path and discover hidden gems that are only accessible to those who venture into the unknown. How to do that? And what are the most beautiful places? It will all be revealed here, so keep reading!
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Why Northern Vietnam?
Northern Vietnam is a region in Vietnam which is known for its beautiful landscapes, impressive mountain ranges, picturesque villages, and colorful ethnic minority communities.
It includes popular destinations such as Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa, but also lesser-known places like the Ban Gioc Waterfall and the Dong Van Karst Plateaus. What makes Northern Vietnam so special is the combination of breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural traditions.
Northern Vietnam offers a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else in Vietnam. It is an area rich in history and culture, with many minorities having preserved their own language, customs, clothing, and traditions.
With the abundance of homestays in Northern Vietnam, as a traveler, you are invited to participate in the daily life of these communities, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the local culture and way of life.
Moreover, Northern Vietnam also offers a range of adventurous activities such as trekking through the mountains, abseiling in the world’s largest caves, cycling through picturesque villages, and sailing through stunning bays. It is a region that is perfect for travelers who like to step off the beaten path to experience something new and exciting.
We did this at the end of 2022 and have compiled the most beautiful places and routes for you.
Best off the beaten track destinations in Northern Vietnam
Hanoi
Of course, we cannot ignore Hanoi in this regard. Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and a great place to start your journey through Northern Vietnam. You will most likely arrive in Vietnam by plane here as well.
This vibrant city is a blend of traditional and modern culture, with historic temples and monuments, narrow streets, excellent restaurants, and markets. It is also a great place to enjoy the bustling street life of Vietnam.
Enjoy some of the best Bahn-Mi’s in the world at Bahn-Mi 25, try a Vietnamese “egg coffee” at Giang Cafe, overcome all your traffic fears and relax with a cocktail next to the famous railway track at Train Street.
Although Hanoi may not deserve the title “off the beaten track”, it is certainly a place not to be missed during your North Vietnam trip. Moreover, it is so centrally located that all the places listed below can be easily reached from Hanoi.
>> Still looking for a nice hotel in the old quarter of Hanoi? We had good experiences with Luxury Old Quarter Hotel & Gym
> Want to learn more about what to do in Hanoi? We wrote this blog about it.
Quang Phu Cau Village
This vicinity certainly goes for Quang Phu Cau Village which is located about 30 km from Hanoi. You can easily travel here for half a day by car, taxi or bus.
Quang Phu Cau Village is known for its traditional production of incense sticks and offers an interesting and unique stop for travelers seeking an off the beaten track experience in Northern Vietnam. The village has a rich history dating back many generations, in which the craft of making incense sticks has been passed down from parent to child.
Watching the local residents make incense sticks by hand, from mixing ingredients to rolling and drying the sticks, is fascinating. The production process is a true art and a must-see for photographers. In the morning, the villagers set out the incense sticks to dry in the streets and squares, creating very colorful scenes.
Quang Phu Cau Village, unlike many tourist hotspots in Vietnam, is an authentic and unspoiled destination that has not yet been flooded by tourists. Most villagers do not speak a word of English! Something to keep in mind. It is therefore a great place for travelers looking for a unique experience in Vietnam.
> Want to learn more about Quang Phu Cau Village? We wrote this blog about it.
Ha Giang Loop
After visiting Quang Phu Cau Village, we recommend traveling further north from Hanoi to Ha Giang, the starting point of one of the most adventurous off-the-beaten-track routes in Northern Vietnam: the Ha Giang Loop.
This 300-kilometer loop takes you through the mountains of Ha Giang, offering stunning views of the rice terraces, local ethnic minorities, picturesque villages, and brings you to the border with China. The Ha Giang Loop is a great alternative to Sapa, which has become too touristy and has outgrown its status as an ‘off the beaten track’ destination.
You can discover the Ha Giang Loop per motorbike, by yourself, or with an organized tour with an easy-rider or by car. It is a challenging ride with many hairpin turns and steep slopes, but it offers incredible views and a chance to experience what it’s like to travel through the mountains of the beautiful Dong Van Karst Plateau of Northern Vietnam.
The villages along the route are home to various ethnic minorities, such as the Hmong, Tay, and Dao, each with their own language, clothing, and customs. This also provides great opportunities for travel photography! Moreover, along this route, you will likely stay in different homestays in the villages for an extra authentic experience.
Lan Ha Bay
After a beautiful but challenging visit to the Ha Giang Loop, it’s time to relax on a cruise along limestone cliffs. Everyone naturally thinks of Ha Long Bay for this, but we recommend the less-known Lan Ha Bay !
Lan Ha Bay is a stunning bay located to the south of the famous Ha Long Bay. While it may not be as well-known as Ha Long Bay, it is a wonderful destination to revel in the natural beauty of Vietnam. With its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking limestone islands, it provides a serene and tranquil experience, perfect for those seeking a quieter and more intimate setting away from the crowds.
Lan Ha Bay can be easily reached from Hanoi and provides stunning views of Vietnam’s scenery. We chose to cruise through Lan Ha Bay with Dora Cruise which proved to be a great choice for those who, like us, enjoy luxurious experiences.
In this area, most cruises offer similar activities such as kayaking, swimming, and sunbathing on the beaches of the many small islands. However, there is a difference in the level of luxury and whether you make a stop at the beautiful Cat Ba Island, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is usually only included in three-day cruises.
> Want to know more about cruising Lan Ha Bay? We wrote this blog about it.
Tam Coc
Did you enjoy Lan Ha Bay? Then Tam Coc is another destination you don’t want to miss. Tam Coc is a beautiful destination in the north of Vietnam, located about two hours south of Hanoi. It is located in the Ninh Binh province and lies adjacent to its namesake capital city.
Tam Coc is often described as a breathtaking natural area due to the impressive limestone mountains and rice fields that surround it, which is why it is also known as “Ha Long Bay on land”. When visiting Tam Coc, you can take a traditional boat ride on the Ngo Dong River, where you will sail through caves and along beautiful landscapes.
In addition to the boat trip, Tam Coc offers plenty of other activities. You can enjoy walking or cycling through the rice fields and explore the beautiful surroundings. Furthermore, there are several temples and pagodas worth visiting, such as the Bich Dong Pagoda and the Thai Vi Temple. Also, don’t forget to climb the nearly 500 stone steps of the Hang Mua Viewpoint for an unforgettable sunset.
>> Because Tam Coc is only a 2-hour drive from Hanoi, it is also possible to do these activities during a day trip from the capital.
Phong Nha
Okay, our final ultimate tip for an off the beaten track North Vietnam tour, technically may not be in the north, but in the central part of the country. However, you won’t want to miss Phong Nha and its amazing national park!
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a must-visit destination in Vietnam for nature lovers and adventurers. Located in the Quang Binh province, the park is known for its vast cave system, some of which are among the largest in the world. The park is also home to a diverse ecosystem, including rare animals and plants.
One of the highlights of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is the Phong Nha Cave. This beautiful cave is over 7 kilometers long and has a stunning underground river. In addition to the Phong Nha cave, there are numerous other caves to explore in the park, such as the Paradise Cave and the Dark Cave. You can explore these caves in various ways, such as hiking, kayaking, or ziplining.
Phong Nha National Park offers various caving expeditions for both novice and experienced adventurers. Do the Cha Loi Cave-expedition for the limestone formations and crystal-clear lakes, the Hang Va-expedition for a more adventurous experience, or the Hang En-expedition where you can spend the night in a cave.
But whether you go on a caving expedition or visit the easily accessible caves, Phong Nha is an unforgettable experience for anyone who loves adventure and nature.
>> Want to learn more? About Phong Nha we also wrote a seperate blog.
Best time to visit North Vietnam
Most travel websites will indicate that the best time to visit North Vietnam is from October to April. The weather is generally dry and cooler during this period, which makes traveling and exploring the region more comfortable. During the summer months, the weather is humid and hot, which can make traveling less comfortable.
However, keep in mind that ‘cooler’ in some cases can really mean ‘cold’. Especially during the winter months from November to February, temperatures can drop to a few degrees above freezing at night. It can also be quite cold during the day, especially in the mountains. This is something we experienced firsthand during our tour of the Ha Giang Loop.
So, it’s important to bring warm clothes if you’re traveling to North Vietnam in the winter. In the summer months (June to August), it’s usually hot and humid, with temperatures that can rise above 30 degrees Celsius.
The Ha Giang Loop is actually best visited during these summer months. Yes, it may rain more, but our guide assured us that these are showers that don’t last all day, as is often the case in the winter months. Also, the rice paddies are in bloom during this time, and the homestays with minimal insulation will offer more comfortable accommodations.
How to travel Northern Vietnam?
There are various ways to travel through Northern Vietnam, depending on your budget, preferences, and time. You can choose to travel by public transport, such as buses or trains, or rent a motorbike and drive around yourself. It is also possible to travel with an organized tour or hire a private driver to take you around.
Traveling by public transport is a cheap option but can be uncomfortable, especially on long distances. If you have the choice between the night bus or the night train, always go for the train! It is much more comfortable. Bus drivers in Vietnam can’t resist honking all the time, making sleeping very challenging.
Renting a motorbike is a fun way to explore the region, but it requires experience with riding a motorbike and can be dangerous on the unpaved roads in the mountains, as well as in the busy cities. Also, in Vietnam, as a motorcyclist, you are never insured.
An organized tour offers comfort and convenience, but is almost always more expensive.
If you choose to hire a private driver, you have the advantage of traveling at your own pace and getting off the beaten path. It is also a comfortable and safe way to travel. However, it is important to find a reliable driver beforehand, as traffic in Vietnam can be chaotic and some drivers clearly contribute to this.
We used a combination of these transportation methods for our Vietnam trip and looked at what worked best for us at each place or activity. For this, we always checked both Google Maps and 12go-asia.
If you want to explore the middle and/or south of Vietnam in addition to the north, you can’t really avoid taking a domestic flight. These are often not expensive and easy to find via Skyscanner.
Hi! We are Samira & Maurits, two travel enthusiasts with an enormous passion for photography.
With our free travel guides, we hope to inspire you and help you plan your dream holiday. We also provide important tips and tricks for making new journeys, but also for capturing those precious memories in your own travel photos.
All the photos on this site were taken by us (unless it says otherwise underneath a picture).
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