Northern Vietnam: Top 15 Most Amazing and Fascinating Destinations

Northern Vietnam is renowned for its stunning landscapes, delectable cuisine, and a wealth of popular tourist, historical, and cultural attractions. The most popular destinations such as Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh and Sapa… are also among the most visited places in Vietnam. Selecting the best places to visit in your travel itinerary might be challenging, but this following list will assist you make your decision.

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Northern Vietnam offers a diverse range of natural attractions. (Source: Collected)

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam – A historical city over 1000 years old

Honored by the World Travel Awards as “Asia’s Leading Destination in 2022”, Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam boasts a plethora of things to discover. As a result, it is always on the list of destinations not to be missed in Northern Vietnam.

Begin your journey to learn about the history and culture of Vietnam by seeing some of the main attractions, such as Long Bien Bridge, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the Thang Long Imperial Citadel.

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Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of most popular destination in Hanoi. (Source: Collected)

Hanoi is also home to a large number of temples, pagodas, and cathedrals, such as the Quan Su Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple, Bach Ma Temple, Ngoc Son Temple, and Tran Quoc Pagoda. Additionally, St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi, inspired by Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, has an amazing Gothic architectural design that draws a lot of people who come here to snap pictures.

Then stroll around Hanoi Old Quarter, which boasts numerous ancient streets with French colonial-style architecture. Here, you can have a great chance to buy souvenirs and indulge in rich, distinctive street cuisine. Bun Cha, Banh Cuon, Banh mi, and particularly Pho Hanoi are outstanding examples of the local cuisine. Then, you can take a leisurely stroll around one of 20 lakes in Hanoi to observe how the locals enjoy their free time. If you are interested in traditional handicrafts, you should visit the neighboring artisan villages to learn about their long-standing craft traditions.

For more fascinating in Hanoi, check:

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Hanoi Old Quarter is a not-to-be-missed destination when you visit to Hanoi. (Source: Collected)

Halong Bay – Natural Wonder of the World

Ha Long Bay is a well-known destination in Northern Vietnam. This destination attracts a large number of tourists to explore the poetic beauty of natural landscapes such as Ti Top island, Tuan Chau island, Bai Tu Long Bay.

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Ha Long is worth a visit once in your life (Source: Collected)

Tuan Chau Island

Located northwest of Halong Bay, Tuan Chau Island with crystal-clear water and breathtaking underwater scenery offers visitors the opportunity to dive and snorkel to see the diverse ecosystem there. With a gentler vibe, Bai Tu Long Bay is a more relaxing alternative to a crowded Halong Bay. There are numerous fascinating places to visit in this area, including the Thien Canh Son cave, Cua Van floating village, Vung Vieng village, Ban Chan island, Cap La island, and the Cong Dam area.

Ti Top island

It is a small island in Halong Bay, famous for its beautiful Ti Top Beach. Though not as large as some other beaches, the beach features crystal-clear, blue water year-round.

>>> Check out more: Best time to visit Halong bay and Best things to do in Halong bay to get ready for an amazing adventure!

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Experience the most activities: Relax, Swim on Titop beach. (Source: Collected)

Coming to Halong Bay, you should not miss Ha Long culinary delights which are a combination of fresh seafood and skillful processing techniques. Ha Long squid patties “Cha muc” are a type of food made from fresh squid with minced pork and then fried, giving it a very unique and different flavor. Acorn barnacles, a type of shellfish related to crabs and lobster, are used to make “Chao Ha”, a visually appealing porridge with a delightfully sweet flavor. The porridge has a very fragrant smell and is rich in nutrients.

To make the most of your time in Halong Bay, you can choose one from a plenty of cruise tours offered – whether you’re on a budget or willing to splurge on luxury cruise experiences. You also can spend a night or two on board to fully take in the stunning scenery, explore caves, visit floating fishing villages or kayak to small pristine beaches for swimming.

For aerial views, book a trip on a seaplane which will give you a panoramic view of Ha Long’s network of numerous islands, fishing villages, and forest-covered mountain peaks. When returning back to the land, Ha Long City is also worthwhile for a brief visit. You can savor the fresh seafood there, swim at a beach, or ride the ferris wheel or cable car at Sun World Ha Long Complex.

Ninh Binh: Immerse yourself in tranquil beauty

Ninh Binh, known as the “Land of the Ancient Capital,” is gradually becoming a tourist destination not to be missed when coming to northern Vietnam. Located in Northern Vietnam, only about a two-hour drive from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is particularly well-known for its stunning natural beauty, which will make your travel plans there truly unforgettable.

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Trang An Ninh Binh is a popular tourist destination in Northern Vietnam. (Source: Collected)

Many famous attractions can be found in Ninh Binh, including Tam Coc Bich Dong pagoda, the picturesque Trang An complex, Bai Dinh pagoda and the Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve, pagodas and historical relics in Hoa Lu, the country’s first capital. Visitors can stroll through picturesque riverside paths as well as admire golden fields, winding rivers, and the majestic beauty of stone caves.

While some prefer to visit Ninh Binh in a single day from Hanoi, it’s best to take your time and appreciate the scenery. You can ride a bike or motorbike, but make sure to go on a boat excursion, ascend Mua Cave mountain for a breathtaking panoramic view to the surroundings, explore caves and visit pagodas.

Remember to savor the unique specialties that are only found in this region of Vietnam. Scorched rice is one of many people’s favorite dishes because it is crunchy and fragrant. Goat meat dishes including steamed, roasted, and hot pot are also well-liked by a large number of people. In addition, there are other specialties like grilled pork patties and boiling mountain snails.

>>> For more fascinating in Ninh Binh, check:

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Many tourists flock to Ninh Binh to admire the majestic view. (Source: Collected)

Sapa, Lao Cai – One of the top destinations in Northern Vietnam

Another popular tourist destination in Northern Vietnam – Sapa is situated at the base of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and boasts stunning natural scenery along with diverse ethnic cultures. Sapa itself is home to many mountainous ethnic groups, including the Hmong, Dao, Muong and Tay.

In addition, Sapa is well-known for having Fansipan Peak, the highest peak in Vietnam. At the base of Fansipan Mountain is Muong Hoa Valley, which is renowned for its magnificent surroundings and stunning vistas. The centerpiece of the valley is the Ancient Stone Fields, a unique location where visitors may discover more about local history.

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Immersed in a poetic space when the clouds are covered in the summer at Fansipan peak. (Source: Collected)

The H’Mong village of Cat Cat is a must-see location in Sapa. The village is a place where people come to make a living by growing rice on terraced fields and creating traditional crafts that tourists can purchase. Besides, Ham Rong Mountain is also a famous destination, where you can see most of Sapa tourist attractions such as Muong Hoa Valley, Ta Van village, Cat Cat village, etc. Not far from Ham Rong mountain lies Sapa Stone Church, an iconic ancient symbol of Sapa. The church built by the French during the colonial era features Gothic architectural design.

>>> Check out more: Top 21+ Best things to do in Sapa for first-timers and Best time to visit Sapa

Cat Ba Island, Hai Phong – One of must-visit destinations in Northern Vietnam

Located in Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba Island is the largest island in Ha Long and also a well-liked destination with locals as well as foreigners. Cat Ba island features beautiful beaches, resorts, adventure activities and a large national park.

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Cat Ba Island & Lan Ha Bay are most popular tourist destination in Northern Vietnam. (Source: Collected)

From rock climbing and hiking to kayaking and gaming, this place offers plenty of activities for those who are energetic. You can visit Trung Trang Cave, one of more than 150 large and small ones in Cat Ba National Park. Trung Trang Cave is located in Trung Trang valley and home to many species of bats. In addition, the trails of Cat Ba National Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, are also great for hikers. Here you can explore dense forests, wetlands and enjoy Ngu Lam peak viewpoint.

For a more leisurely vacation, Hit one of the three main beaches on the island and then have a meal at one of the well-liked floating seafood restaurants along the promenade. Like Halong Bay, there are also many different boat tours available. Some of these will take you through Cai Beo, one of the oldest and most well-known fishing villages in Vietnam.

Co To island – An island with unspoiled beauty in Quang Ninh province

Co To island occupies a quite small area, with a distinctive feature that is created by the way the rocks are stacked together. Coming here, you can gaze upon the untamed yet equally beautiful natural landscape. The long white sand beaches, crystal-clear blue sea, and gentle surroundings make this an ideal location for people seeking a quiet place to unwind. This is a great location to think about if you don’t have a place to vacation yet.

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Co To island – The pristine beauty of Northern Vietnam. (Source: Collected)

Quan Lan Island, Quang Ninh province – An untouched gem of Northeast Vietnam

Situated in Quan Lan commune and Minh Chau commune in Van Don district, Quang Ninh province, Quan Lan island is part of Bai Tu Long Bay. This is a well-known, stunning island with long, white sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and a wealth of historical and cultural relics where you will be immersed in the pristine, fresh natural scenery. A trip to Quan Lan will bring an excellent opportunity to go sightseeing while swimming and getting away from the bustle of the city.

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Quan Lan island beach: The Untouched Gem of Northern Vietnam. (Source: Collected)

With its lengthy stretch of beach, big waves, and sand that is considered as “White as Snow, smooth as Velvet,” this place attracts a lot of tourists who like camping, swimming, and physical activity. Visitors are drawn to Quan Lan beach by its unspoiled beauty and revitalized natural surroundings. In Northern Vietnam, this location is likewise regarded as a top travel attraction.

Perfume Pagoda – A sacred pagoda in a charming setting

Perfume Pagoda is located in Huong Son commune, My Duc district, about 50 kilometers from Hanoi city center. Known as one of the most unique spiritual destinations, Huong Pagoda is also home to many other ancient and sacred temples and pagodas.

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Perfume Pagoda – Explore spiritual life of the Vietnamese. (Source: Collected)

A lot of people travel from different places to attend the renowned Perfume Pagoda Festival. The festival runs from January 6 to the end of March, a duration of three months. When coming here, the primary routes to follow are Thien Tru – Huong Tich, Long Van, Tuyet Son, and Thanh Son.

Mai Chau – A beautiful valley of Hoa Binh province

Mai Chau lies in the western region of Hoa Binh province, about 110 kilometers away from Hanoi. Because of its unspoiled beauty and serene surroundings, Mai Chau has grown to be one of the most well-liked travel destinations in Northern Vietnam. Traveling to Mai Chau, tourists should visit Mai Chau’s villages such as Pom Coong village, Van village, Nho village to understand more about the daily life of local people and the unique culture of the ethnic groups.

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Mai Chau: a peaceful ride in the Vietnamese countryside. (Source: Collected)

On the way to Mai Chau you will pass Thung Khe pass, an ideal place to take in the panoramic vista of Mai Chau. Passing Thung Khe pass is Mai Chau Flagpole. The stunning Mai Chau valley landscape, which features innumerable homes, rice fields, mountains, and lakes, is best seen from this location. In addition, there are also some beautiful waterfalls in Mai Chau such as Mu waterfall and Go Lao waterfall.

Moc Chau, Son La – A hidden gem in Northern Vietnam

Located less than 100 kilometers away from Son La province, Moc Chau is a great alternative to the touristy Mai Chau Valley. Springtime, when the landscape is awash with blossoming cherry blossoms, is the ideal time to visit Moc Chau. Moc Chau is a wonderful destination for tea lovers with lush green tea hills stretching to the horizon. If you come there during harvest season, you are able to see workers busy plucking tea in the hills.

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Moc Chau attracts numerous visitors every year. (Source: Collected)

Chieng Khoa waterfall, which is 12 kilometers from Moc Chau, is still untamed due to not being affected by urban development. This location is like a wonderland because of the stark white cascade and the lake’s turquoise hue. If you go further, you can reach the Nang Tien waterfall, which is situated in the middle of the primeval forest.

Many tourists are very fond of Son La’s gastronomic delicacies. Popular foods include buffalo skin salad, five-color sticky rice, grilled fish, and smoked buffalo are worth trying.

Pu Luong, Thanh Hoa province

About 160 kilometers from Hanoi, Pu Luong nature reserve is home to the Thai and Muong ethnic communities. Pu Luong occupies 17,662 hectares and is situated in the northwest of the province of Thanh Hoa. Here, you can find lush forests, large and small waterfalls, caves and mountains mixed with peaceful villages and green terraced fields every summer.

Because of its untamed and serene beauty, Pu Luong has grown to be a popular “de-stress” travel destination. This is an ideal place for tourists who want to immerse themselves in the mountains and forests to breathe fresh air without having to go to the remote Northern Vietnam regions. You can truly appreciate the majesty of nature in Pu Luong. In addition, the locals are incredibly welcoming and exude the genuineness of a traditional rural community.

Ha Giang – A should-not-miss destination with its pristine beauty

Ha Giang, the northernmost province of Vietnam, offers visitors a variety of breathtaking scenery, including limestone mountains, unusual rock formations, tree-filled valleys, and terraced fields. Most importantly, there are numerous great opportunities to explore this stunning beauty in Ha Giang because of the routes that wind across the region and pass through beautiful mountain passes.

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Ha Giang is an awe-inspiring adventure landscapes of Northern Vietnam. (Source: Collected)

Driving around Ha Giang is regarded as the best way to fully appreciate the majestic beauty of Vietnam’s mountainous region. With the twisting roads and rugged terrain, it’s advisable to go on a 3- to 5-day motorbike trip with experienced drivers who will take you to notable spots in Ha Giang.

The breathtaking vistas from the viewpoints and rest stops along the way are what visitors love most on the Ha Giang excursion. The Quan Ba Twin Mountains and Heaven Gate, Lung Khuy Cave, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Tu San Gorge, and Lung Cu Flagpole are among the regional highlights. You can consider visiting the Sunday market Meo Vac for a distinctive market experience. This is a real rural market, with its abundance of cattles and agricultural goods.

Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai – The land of most beautiful rice terrace in Vietnam

Mu Cang Chai is a small mountainous area in the west of Yen Bai province, roughly 300 kilometers from Hanoi. This place is well-known for its gorgeous scenery of terraced fields. During the ripe rice season, Mu Cang Chai is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Northern Vietnam.

Travelers could visit Tu Le commune, known for its sticky and green rice, to witness the breathtaking golden rice fields. In addition, there are also terraced fields in La Pan Tan commune, Che Cu Nha commune and De Xu Phinh commune, which were recognized as National Heritage sites in 2007.

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Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai – The land of most beautiful rice terrace in Northern Vietnam. (Source: Collected)

Every September, many visitors from everywhere come here to admire the most beautiful terraced fields in the country. Additionally, the view here is stunning during the pouring water season in May and June. Tu Le Town, Khau Pha Pass, La Pan Tan Terraced Fields, Lim Mong Village, Thac Mo, Thai Village, and other picturesque locations are among the area’s attractions.

Mu Cang Chai is not only famous for its terraced fields but also for its beautiful waterfalls. Mo Waterfall is a charming 4-tier waterfall in Mo De commune, while the 20-meter-tall Pu Nhu Waterfall is an outstanding rock structure in La Pan Tan commune.

If you are an adventure enthusiast, don’t miss visiting Khau Pha pass, one of the most winding and treacherous passes in Northern Vietnam. Coming to Mu Cang Chai, the specialty of Tu Le sticky rice is a must-try. When cooked, sticky rice takes on a unique aroma and flavor that goes well with grilled chicken or pork.

Ba Be Lake, Bac Kan – A green gem amidst the Northeast forest

The Ba Be is one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in Vietnam as well as a well-known ecotourism destination in Ba Be National Park.

Ba Be Lake is located 70 kilometers northwest of Bac Kan city. The lake is made up of three lakes: Pe Leng, Pe Lu and Pe Lam. Ba Be lies 145 meters above sea level, stretches over 8 kilometers in length, widens to about 3 kilometers in the widest point, and has a water surface area of over 500 hectares. Encircled by limestone mountains and a plethora of caverns and underground streams, the average depth of the lake is 20 meters, while the deepest point is 35 meters. The woodland is home to about 400 plant species, 300 animal species, and 50 fish species in the lake. Ba Be Lake is thus not just a majestic natural setting but also a biodiversity reservoir in Northern Vietnam.

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Ba Be is one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in Northern of Vietnam. (Source: Collected)

Ban Gioc Waterfall, Cao Bang – The most majestic waterfall in Vietnam

Dubbed the “green gem” of Northeast Vietnam, Cao Bang province is not only well-known for its beautiful natural landscape but also famous for its system of historical relics. Pac Bo Historical Complex is a famous historical site where Uncle Ho chose to work and lead the Vietnamese revolution after spending 30 years overseas. Some popular relics include Pac Bo Cave, Lenin Stream, President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, etc.

At 60 meters in height, Ban Gioc Waterfall ranks as the fourth largest waterfall in the world. It is situated in Dam Thuy commune, Trung Khanh, Cao Bang, about 331 kilometers away from Hanoi and roughly 90 kilometers from the Cao Bang city center. The Ban Gioc Waterfall originates from the Quay Son River, which starts in China and empties into Vietnamese territory at Ngoc Khe, Trung Khanh.

Ban Gioc Waterfall in q1Cao Bang fascinates visitors with its utmost magnificent beauty. Coming here, you will be immersed yourself in a fresh and quiet space to listen to the sounds of mountains, forests, waterfalls, and birds singing. The appearance of the waterfalls varies greatly depending on the season you visit: During the dry season, it comes with two waterfalls; however, throughout the wet season, the swollen water forms a single, enormous cascade.

The Buddhist Truc Lam Pagoda, built in the Vietnamese style, is located close to the Ban Gioc waterfall. From Truc Lam Pagoda, you may take in the majesty of the Ban Gioc waterfall. In addition, Nguom Ngao Cave and Thang Hen Lake are two must-see locations in Cao Bang. The most popular specialty in Cao Bang is ant egg cake. The dish is made from sticky rice, ant eggs and young leaves of the fig tree. Ant egg cake is very fatty and rich in protein.

Lang Son a Northeast province of Vietnam

The province of Lang Son in northeastern Vietnam is a popular tourist destination due to its abundance of cultural and historical relics as well as its stunning natural surroundings. Coming here, you can visit To Thi Mountain, which is connected to the legend of To Thi, a local woman; Mau Son Mountain – the highest peak in Northeast Vietnam; and Lang Son Wind Cave, which is renowned for the beauty of naturally occurring stalactites of diverse shapes and silvery iridescent rocks.

Chi Lang Pass is a well-known historical relic, preserving traces of many heroic victories of the nation against invaders in 981, 1076, 1285 and 1427. Mac Dynasty citadel, a military architectural relic, was built during the Le-Trinh conflict from the 16th and 17th centuries. The renowned Tam Thanh Pagoda, a sacred location for Buddhists to pray, is also located in Lang Son.

For gourmets, Lang Son is the ideal culinary heaven. Coming here, you can try “Khau Nhuc”, a traditional dish of the Tay and Nung ethnic people made from pork belly, shiitake mushrooms, wood ear mushrooms, minced lean meat and five-spice powder. There are further specialties including egg rice paper rolls, sour noodles, and Mau Son wine.

On your journey to Northern Vietnam, you will encounter the mysteries of history, breathtaking natural scenery, and unique cuisine. The tourist destinations in Northern Vietnam mentioned above are great destinations for you to explore the beauty of this region. Let’s enjoy your journey, have memorable memories and gain a deeper understanding of Northern culture and nature. Hopefully, this post will assist you in selecting worth-visiting travel places and getting ready for your journey!

 

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