Northern Vietnam Experiences & Local Activities | Not In The GuideBooks

Overview

Cast your mind along a narrow, twisting mountain road that sweeps under endless, rippling mountain ranges. You’ll see quiet, otherworldly villages nestled in patchworks of rice paddies or perched precariously on terraces that cut steps to the heavens. You’ll see huge limestone karsts erupting from sapphire blue seas, towering over serenely floating communities.

If you’re ever looking to get to the back of beyond, there are few places like the northern reaches of Vietnam and its massive skies that offer the same sense of isolation. Exploring this region by moped, motorbike or car offers an unbelievable feeling of freedom, as you stumble across dramatic waterfalls, tranquil lakes surrounded by jungle, and undisturbed mountain communities.

Travellers are far more of a novelty in the uppermost reaches of the highlands compared to on the coast and down at the Mekong Delta, so you’re sure to be met by warm hospitality and a smile as wide as the lush green valley you’re travelling through.

And with the standard incredible quality of Vietnamese food (and some Chinese influences seeping over the border), there’s not a lot better than setting up in a hammock with a steaming bowl of Pho and a cold beer, as you watch the sun sink into a delicate indigo haze beyond the ever-reaching mountains.

Our most popular experiences

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8 Day Adventure in Northern Vietnam

7 Nights

Vietnam

Explore Hanoi - busy markets and delicious street food
Discover the magnificent caves of Ha Long Bay
Visit Mai Chau and walk the Cham river suspension bridge
Stay in boutique eco lodges

Price from

£1209 pp*

3 Day North Vietnam Adventure

2 Nights

Vietnam

Full Board
All guided tours included
Overnight cruise on a luxury boutique boat in Lan Ha Bay

Price from

£437 pp*

Local Trail Walking and Eco Retreat – North Vietnam

9 Nights

Vietnam

Explore Hanoi - busy markets and delicious street food
Visit Trang An UNESCO site and take a train ride to Hanoi
Enjoy a sampan boat ride and guided cycle tour
Stay at a luxury eco-lodge in Sapa

Price from

£2729 pp*

View all

8 Day Adventure in Northern Vietnam

7 Nights Northern Vietnam
- Explore Hanoi - busy markets and delicious street food
- Discover the magnificent caves of Ha Long Bay
- Visit Mai Chau and walk the Cham river suspension bridge
- Stay in boutique eco lodges
Price from

£1209 pp*

Take me there
3 Day North Vietnam Adventure

2 Nights Northern Vietnam
- Full Board
- All guided tours included
- Overnight cruise on a luxury boutique boat in Lan Ha Bay
Price from

£437 pp*

Take me there
Local Trail Walking and Eco Retreat – North Vietnam

9 Nights Northern Vietnam
- Explore Hanoi - busy markets and delicious street food
- Visit Trang An UNESCO site and take a train ride to Hanoi
- Enjoy a sampan boat ride and guided cycle tour
- Stay at a luxury eco-lodge in Sapa
Price from

£2729 pp*

Take me there

View all

What our travellers are saying...

Leaving Hanoi we were collected at the hotel by shuttle bus & went to Cat ba national park hiked for approximately 3-4 hours to a homestay where we spent our first night, the second day we travelled to Halong bay stayed overnight on a “cruisie” which my daughter and I had to ourselves. The captain preparing the freshest taste bud tingling food for us, you would struggle to get that kind of quality in many restaurants.Views from the boat amazi

Julian

Leaving Hanoi we were collected at the hotel by shuttle bus & went to Cat ba national park hiked for approximately 3-4 hours to a homestay where we spent our first night, the second day we travelled to Halong bay stayed overnight on a “cruisie” which my daughter and I had to ourselves. The captain preparing the freshest taste bud tingling food for us, you would struggle to get that kind of quality in many restaurants.Views from the boat amazi

Julian

Leaving Hanoi we were collected at the hotel by shuttle bus & went to Cat ba national park hiked for approximately 3-4 hours to a homestay where we spent our first night, the second day we travelled to Halong bay stayed overnight on a “cruisie” which my daughter and I had to ourselves. The captain preparing the freshest taste bud tingling food for us, you would struggle to get that kind of quality in many restaurants.Views from the boat amazi

Julian

Leaving Hanoi we were collected at the hotel by shuttle bus & went to Cat ba national park hiked for approximately 3-4 hours to a homestay where we spent our first night, the second day we travelled to Halong bay stayed overnight on a “cruisie” which my daughter and I had to ourselves. The captain preparing the freshest taste bud tingling food for us, you would struggle to get that kind of quality in many restaurants.Views from the boat amazi

Julian

Best Time to Visit Northern Vietnam

General

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November is clear, calm and beautiful. The ideal time for Ha Long Bay. If you want to avoid the crowds, May is a great time to visit, and you’re going to get more than your fill of vitamin D.

And if you want to see Bac Ha at it’s most manic, visit in late August or early September for harvest season, and prepare yourself for some seriously bustling crowds.

Top tips for visiting Northern Vietnam

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