Vietnam has a way of capturing hearts. For us, it was love at first sight — so much so that we’re already planning our return. Northern Vietnam, in particular, left us spellbound. The mix of raw natural beauty, ancient charm, and vibrant city energy made this trip one of our all-time favorites.
If you’re planning your own adventure, consider this guide a companion for exploring four unforgettable destinations: Hanoi, Sapa, Ninh Binh, and Halong Bay. Each offers something unique — from bustling streets to quiet rice terraces and dreamlike seascapes.
Hanoi: The Gateway to the North
Hanoi is more than just a starting point — it’s the cultural heartbeat of Northern Vietnam. With its motorbike-filled streets, historic Old Quarter, and an endless array of street food stalls, Hanoi makes for the perfect base before venturing outward.
Getting there:
Fly directly into Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport (HAN). If you’re coming from Ho Chi Minh City, local carriers like VietJetAir connect the two cities for as little as $25 per ticket.
How long to stay:
Give yourself at least 2–3 nights to explore before branching out. We stayed at the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake, which was comfortable but a bit removed from the action. Next time, we’d stay in the Old Quarter — that’s where Hanoi truly comes alive.
Recommended stays:
- Budget: Hanoi Antique Legend Hotel – $35/night, central Old Quarter.
- Mid-range: Hanoi La Siesta Central Hotel – $85/night, stylish and perfectly located.
- Luxury: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi – $230/night, a historic landmark dating back to 1901.
Sapa: Rice Terraces in the Clouds
If there’s one place that feels like the edge of the world, it’s Sapa. Verdant rice fields climb the mountainsides, villages dot the valleys, and during harvest season, the fields glow golden.
Getting there:
Sapa has no airport, so you’ll need to travel by train, bus, or private car from Hanoi.
- Train: $20–$30, 8–10 hours overnight. Arrives in Lao Cai, then transfer 45 minutes to Sapa.
- Bus: $25, about 6 hours, direct drop-off in Sapa Town.
- Private car: $150–$200, 4–5 hours, door-to-door service.
Where to stay:
One word: Topas Ecolodge. Nestled deep in the mountains, it’s worth the extra distance from Sapa Town. One night is magical, two nights even better. Other options include:
- Eco Palms House – $75/night, tranquil with views over rice terraces.
- Sapa Horizon Hotel – $70/night, central with mountain vistas.
- Aira Boutique Sapa Hotel – $130/night, perched dramatically on a hillside.
Ninh Binh: Vietnam’s Hidden Gem
If you’ve ever wanted to step into a movie scene, Ninh Binh is it. Towering limestone cliffs rise over rivers and caves — so cinematic, in fact, that Kong: Skull Island was filmed here. Despite falling ill during our stay, it ended up being one of our favorite stops.
Highlights: Trang An boat rides, Mua Caves lookout, and Bich Dong Pagoda tucked into the cliffs.
Getting there:
You’ll almost always pass through Hanoi. From there, Ninh Binh is about 1.5–2 hours by car.
- Train: $5, just over 2 hours.
- Bus: $7, 1.5 hours.
- Private car: $60–$80, 1.5 hours, flexible with stops.
- Day-trip: $80–$140, with guide, activities, and transport.
Where to stay:
- Tam Coc Bungalow – $33/night, riverside charm.
- Mua Caves Ecolodge – $26/night, right at the base of the caves.
- Tam Coc Garden – $133/night, a resort surrounded by rice paddies.
If you can, stay 2–3 nights. We booked only 2 and regretted not extending.
Halong Bay: A Floating Dream
We saved Halong Bay for last — and it turned out to be the most relaxing part of the trip. Cruising among emerald waters and limestone islands feels like slipping into a painting.
Getting there:
Most cruises offer pickup from Hanoi (3.5 hours). If coming from Ninh Binh, it’s easiest to route back through Hanoi first.
How long to stay:
A 2-day, 1-night cruise is usually enough, though we opted for 3 days, 2 nights. Cruises bundle activities like kayaking, cave visits, or cooking classes.
Cruise options:
- Paradise Luxury Cruise – $265/night, stylish and reliable.
- Alisa Premier Cruise – $285/night, all rooms with private balconies.
- Hera Cruise – $515/night, ultimate luxury with tailored experiences.
Travel Tips & Lessons Learned
- Luggage: If you’re traveling with heavy bags, it’s easiest to return to Hanoi between destinations. Backpackers can move more flexibly, but buses and trains get crowded fast.
- Cash: The exchange rate hovers around 23,000 VND to $1. To simplify, think: 20,000 = $1, 200,000 = $10, 500,000 = $25, 1,000,000 = $50.
- Scams: Taxi meters can “mysteriously” skyrocket, and bus drop-offs may not be where you expect. Always agree on the final price before confirming, and keep valuables close.
- Essentials: Insect repellent is a must, especially in Sapa and Ninh Binh.
Final Thoughts
Yes, Northern Vietnam takes effort to navigate — long rides, tricky logistics, bargaining, and the occasional scam. But every moment of awe outweighs the hassle. We were welcomed with warmth, made friends along the way, and stood before landscapes that took our breath away.
Our route looked like this: Hanoi → Sapa → Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Hanoi → Halong Bay → Hanoi → Home. If we had more time, we would have added Hoi An, Hue, or Da Nang. But even with just these four stops, Northern Vietnam gave us memories to last a lifetime.
For anyone considering the trip — go. You’ll return home a little dustier, a little wiser, and a lot more enchanted.
