Northern Vietnam Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Northern Vietnam tour packages
- What people love about Northern Vietnam Tours
- Travel Northern Vietnam your way
- Best tour companies for Northern Vietnam tours
- Discover Northern Vietnam tours for every budget
- Northern Vietnam tours for every type of group
- Top Northern Vietnam travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Northern Vietnam
- Contact our Northern Vietnam travel experts
- What our customers ask about Northern Vietnam Tours & Trips
The best Northern Vietnam tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaNorthern Vietnam travel expert at TourRadar
Essential Vietnam: Hanoi, Halong Bay and Beyond 5-Day
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The communications before and during the tour were great. The lodging provided was excellent and was centrally located.”
Randall, traveled in November
Hanoi's cultural landmarks like Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature blend with UNESCO-listed Halong Bay cruises. The route includes Southeast Asia's largest Buddhist temple at Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An's limestone caves by sampan boat, with stays at TK-123 Hanoi Hotel or optional 5-star Hotel du Parc.
Duration 5 days Destinations Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Halong Bay Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Legend Travel Group From $1,072
50% Off- NZ$536+$200 local paymentsYou save $536
Vietnam Family Holiday with Teenagers
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We loved this tour. He knew how to handle the teenagers on the trip, played games & was very patient with them.”
Anita, traveled in December
Cyclists ride along Hanoi's West Lake, pedal 60km through Mai Chau's ethnic villages, and paddle through Halong Bay's limestone karsts. The itinerary features KOTO restaurant, traditional homestays, and UNESCO-listed heritage sites.
Duration 9 days Destinations Hanoi, Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, Hoi An Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
50% Off- NZ$2,045
Vietnam Voyage 01 - 8 Days Northern Treasures - Depart every Thursday/Friday
1 Review by TourRadar travelers
Northern Vietnam unfolds from Hanoi's Temple of Literature to Halong Bay's limestone caves. Black Hmong guides lead treks through Sapa's rice terraces, with nights split between upscale Apricot Hotel Hanoi and Ta Van village homestay. The journey features 15 authentic meals and overnight cruise on Amanda Cruise.
Duration 8 days Destinations Hanoi, Sapa, Ta Van, Halong Bay Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wonderscape Travel From $3,074
70% Off- NZ$922You save $2,152
5-Day Northern Vietnam Highlights: Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“They've created a WhatsApp group from the beginning and she was very proactive and always responsive.”
Silva, traveled in April
Northern Vietnam's treasures await, from Hanoi's Temple of Literature to Halong Bay's 1,600 limestone islands. The trip features Trang An's UNESCO-listed caves, ancient Hoa Lu temples, and Titop Peak's panoramic views. Includes 4 nights in 3-star hotels with daily breakfast.
Duration 5 days Destinations Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Up Travel Vietnam From $554
12% Off- NZ$488You save $67
Vietnam: Hike, Bike & Kayak (8 destinations)
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I enjoyed all aspects of the tour and realise that the guide has a fine line to judge by how involved the group or individual would like to participate in the home stay experience.”
Glenn, traveled in May
Northern Vietnam comes alive through cycling West Lake in Hanoi, trekking Hoang Lien State Park, and kayaking UNESCO-listed Lan Ha Bay. Local homestays in Khau Pha and Mai Chau villages complement visits to Temple of Literature and authentic Bun Cha in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
Duration 11 days Destinations Hanoi, Sapa, Su Pan, Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Cat Ba Island Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,660
30% Off- NZ$1,862You save $798
What people love about Northern Vietnam Tours
- Essential Vietnam: Hanoi, Halong Bay and Beyond 5-Day
We spent 5 days tour to Hanoi with Legend Travel Group is truly exceptional! The highlight of the itinerary is the overnight stay on board in the stunning Halong Bay, an experience not to be missed. The tour is expertly organized and executed, with top-notch logistics and a knowledgeable guide who adds to the overall experience. The meals provided are delicious and showcase the best of Vietnamese cuisine. I was particularly impressed with the attention to detail and the care given to ensure that each traveler has a comfortable and enjoyable experience. I highly recommend this tour and the Legend Travel Group to anyone seeking a memorable and well-organized tour of Hanoi and Halong Bay.
- Vietnam Family Holiday with Teenagers
Our guide was Chi whom absolutely made our whole family relaxed and welcomed. We were able to ask any question we wanted and received a knowledgeable answer. We all thoroughly enjoyed our trip and would recommend to everyone, especially with Chi as the guide.
- 5-Day Northern Vietnam Highlights: Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay
Top highlight was Hannah's availability to arrange all details of our trip before and during our stays. They've created a WhatsApp group from the beginning and she was very proactive and always responsive. Thank you so much, Hannah!
Travel Northern Vietnam your way
The trails around Sapa lead right into the heart of mountain communities, where H'mong and Dzay families welcome trekkers into their homes. Multi-day routes wind through Hoang Lien State Park with some proper uphill sections that pay off with wide valley views. If you're after something lighter, the paths to Cat Cat village and Ta Van keep things gentle while still letting you connect with local life. Our travelers often tell us the morning walks are magical - there's something special about watching the mist float above the rice terraces. The local guides really shine here, sharing stories about minority traditions and explaining how the farming cycles work throughout the year.
See all Hiking & Trekking toursNorthern Vietnam opens up when you mix cycling, kayaking and village visits in one active trip. Hop on a bike in Mai Chau Valley and you'll pedal past working rice fields, water buffalo and Thai villages where you can really see rural life up close. The Ha Long Bay kayaking lets you slide right up to those massive limestone karsts without other tourists around. Our travelers like how the days flow - maybe cycling to a local market in the morning, then sitting down with village artisans to learn traditional crafts later on. These tours typically run 8-10 days, giving each spot the time it deserves. The bikes and safety gear get solid marks in customer feedback and our guides are good at reading the group's energy levels to adjust the pace.
Exploring Northern Vietnam by bike gives you a totally different view of both the scenery and local communities. The routes through Mai Chau Valley take you past bright green rice fields and grazing water buffalo, with stops at Thai minority villages along the way. For cyclists looking for a challenge, the mountain roads near Sapa include the famous O Quy Ho Pass with its long 20km descent. Many of our cyclists particularly enjoy riding through Ninh Binh province, where limestone peaks rise above quiet village roads and local markets. These tours come with support vehicles, quality bikes and also routes mapped for intermediate riders who can handle some uphill sections.
Explore a wide diversity of sailing tours through Northern Vietnam. We have 30 adventures that vary from 3 days to 6 days. With the greatest number of departures in July, this is also the most popular time of the year.
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Northern Vietnam tours
These three agencies stand out among Vietnam tour operators, each with their own strengths. Wonderscape Travel has built quite a following thanks to Tony, their coordinator who's known for quick responses and genuine care - you can tell from how often our travelers mention him by name in their feedback. They've got their logistics really dialed in. Realistic Asia is another solid choice, and Long Pham runs a tight ship there. What makes them special is how they handle the little details throughout the whole journey, so you're never left wondering what's next or feeling unsure. Their team stays in touch and adjusts things as needed, which our travelers really appreciate. LVP Travel rounds out the top picks, particularly for northern Vietnam trips. They've earned a strong reputation for their guides who really know their stuff - especially around Hanoi and through Halong Bay. What's nice is how smoothly everything flows from one stop to the next with them. I noticed our clients often mention the personal touch from all three companies, but each has its own way of delivering that extra care - whether it's Tony's attentiveness at Wonderscape, Long's thoughtful planning at Realistic Asia or LVP's expert local knowledge.
View operators
Discover Northern Vietnam tours for every budget
For budget-conscious exploration, the Northern Treasures tour spans 8 days combining Hanoi's rich culture with mountain activities. Our travelers really enjoy seeing Tran Quoc, Hanoi's oldest pagoda, and spending time at Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum before heading to the trails of Sapa. Nature enthusiasts consistently pick the 3-day Ba Be Lake and Ban Gioc Waterfall experience - you'll paddle through clear waters, connect with ethnic villages and get up close to Vietnam's largest waterfall. The 5-day Hanoi-Halong package blends city walks, cave exploration and also overnight cruising that our customers particularly enjoy. These tours keep costs down through shared transport and select included meals while offering comfortable 3-star accommodations.
The 13-day Exquisite Vietnam journey delivers intimate experiences in Ba Vi and Mai Chau that our luxury travelers consistently praise. You'll stay in premium resorts with private transport throughout, experiencing Halong Bay from an upscale cruise ship. The 6-day Luxury Halong Bay and Mountain Resort combination pairs 5-star Paradise Cruise ships with elegant mountain lodges - our guests love having private sundecks and gourmet dining experiences. For cultural immersion with style, the 7-day Northwest Vietnam cycling tour provides high-end bikes, luxury Mai Chau lodging and also exclusive access to remote minority villages that regular tours skip.
Northern Vietnam budget tours- Northern Vietnam luxury tours
Northern Vietnam tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
379 tours in Northern VietnamExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Northern Vietnam. We have 379 adventures that vary from 2 days to 22 days. With the greatest number of departures in September, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
213 tours in Northern VietnamOur Northern Vietnam tours blend structure with genuine local moments, ranging from 6 to 10 days to match different travel styles. The 6-day Northern route lets travelers move from Hanoi's rich heritage sites to mountain villages, where sharing meals and stories with H'mong families in Sapa brings groups closer together. Solo travelers often choose our 10-day Golden Triangle experience to meet like-minded explorers, especially while kayaking Ha Long Bay's waters and discovering Luang Prabang's quiet charm. The 9-day active tours draw young professionals in their 20s, 30s and also early 40s, with shared experiences like countryside cycling, village cooking classes, and casual chats creating natural bonds. Our guides have a way of fostering connections without forcing them - from morning Tai Chi sessions on cruise decks to evening food walks through Hanoi's maze-like Old Quarter, while leaving plenty of time for independent exploration or hanging out with newfound travel companions.
Private / Personalized
162 tours in Northern VietnamOur private tours emphasize customization, with the 6-day Northeast Vietnam trek adapting to your interests. You'll discover Ba Be Lake and Ban Gioc Waterfall at your preferred pace with guides who adjust the journey to match your style. The Sapa 4-day private experience lets you choose trek difficulty levels while including Cable Car rides to Fansipan peak and visits to Cat Cat village. For photo enthusiasts, the 10-day Heritage Fusion tour comes with private transport and guides who know exactly when to visit temples, caves and ethnic villages for optimal lighting and also minimal crowds. These tours include personal drivers, dedicated guides and the flexibility to modify daily schedules based on your preferences.
Top Northern Vietnam travel itineraries to fit your plans
Northern Vietnam packs quite a bit into 3-day trips. The Ba Be Lake and Ban Gioc Waterfall route combines lake kayaking with genuine encounters in Nung villages - our travelers often mention how much they value these authentic local interactions. Ha Long Bay tours get you onto traditional junk boats where mornings start with Tai Chi, followed by visits to floating fishing communities and kayaking near the limestone formations. For mountain experiences, the Sapa trek takes you to H'mong communities in Cat Cat village and along rice terrace trails through Lao Chai, Ta Van and other local settlements.
A week in Northern Vietnam opens up more possibilities. One popular cycling route winds through Mai Chau's peaceful valleys and Thai villages before tackling the challenging O Quy Ho Pass near Sapa. Our groups especially enjoy the local dinner scene at Than Uyen market, with comfortable lodge stays offering pools and massages to recover. Another solid 7-day option mixes Hanoi's culture with ancient capital sites in Ninh Binh and also Ha Long Bay cruising. Many travelers tell us they appreciate how this blends city exploration and temple visits with time on the water. Several tours include Sapa's mountain paths and cable car access to Fansipan Peak for sweeping valley views.
Ten days lets you really dig into Northern Vietnam and venture into nearby countries too. One route starts in Laos' Luang Prabang, following the Mekong to Pak Ou caves before heading to Hanoi and Ha Long Bay. Another interesting journey moves from Hanoi through Ha Long Bay and down to Hoi An via the Hai Van Pass. Our customers particularly like the hands-on experiences - learning to make spring rolls on cruise boats, biking through rice fields and cooking with local families. Some routes continue into Cambodia, linking Hanoi and Ha Long Bay with Angkor Wat and also the Tonle Sap Lake floating villages.
Demographics
Solo travelers connect naturally on our small group tours in northern Vietnam. The popular 10-day route takes you from Hanoi to Sapa on an overnight train, where you'll trek with fellow independent travelers through local villages and terraced rice fields. Everything's organized for you - transport, places to stay - but you've got plenty of free time to do your own thing. The Golden Triangle tour lets you explore three countries with other solo travelers; you'll paddle through Ha Long Bay, get to know Vientiane's laid-back atmosphere and explore the unique culture of Luang Prabang. Our guests often tell us how the small group setup helps them make friends while keeping that independent travel feeling they love.
Our active Vietnam tours really click with travelers in their 20s and 30s. The 9-day Vietnam Intro mixes things up nicely - you're exploring Hanoi by rickshaw one day, learning to cook local dishes the next, then trying your hand at mud fishing before cruising Ha Long Bay with your group. Another favorite has you cycling through rice fields, discovering hidden caves by kayak and spending evenings at local spots in Sapa. The guides know how to bring everyone together naturally, organizing group dinners and beach outings. You'll get plenty of organized activities but also enough free time to explore on your own or hang out with new friends from the group.
Seniors appreciate our Northern Treasures route that runs for 8 days, balancing cultural experiences with a comfortable daily rhythm. The journey opens in Hanoi, where travelers explore Tran Quoc Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum before moving to Sapa, with trek difficulty tailored to each guest's abilities. Our guides know exactly how to adjust walking speeds through Cat Cat village and Ta Van's terraced rice fields, creating a pace that works for everyone. The Hanoi heritage tour paired with an overnight Ha Long Bay cruise proves consistently popular, and Paradise Sails receives high marks from our guests for its easy access and dedicated staff. Many seniors choose our 5-day Essential Vietnam option, which weaves together city discoveries, temple visits and also tranquil cave rowing in Trang An. These itineraries stand out for mature travelers thanks to their thoughtful mix of scheduled activities and personal time, quality 3-5 star lodging and also daily schedule flexibility. The difference comes from having private drivers and dedicated guides who understand and anticipate senior travelers' preferences.
The 9-day northern Vietnam route works really well for families - our travelers tell us their kids love getting hands-on with activities like kayaking around Ha Long Bay's limestone formations and cycling through Mai Chau's countryside. The cooking classes in particular are a hit with children who enjoy learning to make Vietnamese dishes, and exploring Hoi An's ancient streets by bike gets everyone excited. Our guides know exactly how to keep teenagers interested, mixing up cultural lessons with games and activities that actually make sense for their age. Parents appreciate how we structure the days with proper downtime between activities and also keep things flexible enough to adjust when kids need a break or want to spend more time somewhere.
- Solo Travelers387 tours
- Couples26 tours
- Seniors (50+)167 tours
Best time to visit Northern Vietnam
- Summer 2025
Northern Vietnam shines during summer with three excellent tour options that our clients consistently recommend. The 8-day northern route kicks off at Hanoi's Tran Quoc Pagoda, then winds through Sapa where you'll walk alongside hill tribes through emerald rice paddies and spend nights with local families. Active travelers gravitate toward our focused 3-day Ba Be Lake and Ban Gioc trip, where you'll paddle through clear waters, venture into the expansive Nguom Ngao Cave network, and take a bamboo boat right up to Vietnam's largest cascade. The 6-day northern circuit combines culture with outdoor exploration in a way that works perfectly - travelers head out early for Sapa treks before the heat sets in, while afternoon Ha Long Bay cruises capture ideal sunset views. Our guides know exactly how to work with summer weather patterns, scheduling village visits during cooler hours, adding cooking classes in the afternoon, and catching that perfect morning light at Cat Cat village and across the terraced fields.
- popular 422 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn creates perfect conditions for exploring Northern Vietnam's mountains and valleys. Our 6-day Northern Odyssey really comes into its own this time of year - the temps make Sapa trekking particularly pleasant and you'll get beautiful evening light for photos in Cat Cat village. Cyclists often choose the O Quy Ho Pass routes where clear autumn skies make those long mountain descents even more rewarding. The 3-day Ba Be Lake tours work brilliantly in fall with ideal water levels for kayaking and also exploring limestone caves by boat. Many travelers pick our 5-day Essential Vietnam tour combining Hanoi's autumn festivals with visits to Bai Dinh Pagoda and also rowing through the mystical cave network at Trang An.
- popular 430 tours
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- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter in Northern Vietnam really shines with clear skies and cool temps. The Northern Treasures route runs 8 days and connects cultural sites with mountain exploration - you'll start at the ancient Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi before heading up to trek Sapa's villages. Nature lovers often pick the 3-day Ba Be Lake and Ban Gioc trip where you'll paddle hidden waterways and stay with local Nung families who open their homes and share their way of life. First-time visitors tend to go for our 5-day Hanoi and Halong Bay combo - you get to know the city then spend a night cruising, with most of our guests telling us the sunrise over limestone peaks was a highlight. The Mai Chau Valley cycling tours work perfectly in winter too; the weather's just right for pedaling past rice fields and stopping at Thai villages along your route.
- popular 421 tours
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- Spring 2026
Northern Vietnam offers outstanding spring tours, with our most popular 5-day cultural experiences winding through Hanoi and Halong Bay. The mild spring temperatures make exploring Tran Quoc Pagoda and navigating through Trang An's cave system particularly pleasant. Our 8-day Northern Treasures route naturally blends city discoveries with mountain excursions - you'll wander through Hanoi's Temple of Literature, hike among Sapa's villages, and then spend quiet mornings paddling in Halong Bay. Our travelers tell us that spring creates ideal conditions for both cultural visits and outdoor explorations. The itineraries feature authentic family homestays where you'll master local cooking techniques, while other routes combine cycling through Mai Chau Valley and drifting past the limestone formations of Halong Bay. Spring has become a favorite for photography enthusiasts since the soft light and comfortable climate create perfect conditions for capturing rice terraces, mountain vistas and local life.
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Contact our Northern Vietnam travel experts
Evan
Expert in Northern Vietnam at TourRadar
Evan is one of our seasoned Northern Vietnam Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Northern Vietnam tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Northern Vietnam Tours & Trips
What are the best ways to get around Northern Vietnam?
You've got several great options for exploring Northern Vietnam depending on your style and schedule. Public buses connect all the major spots and they're super affordable - you can even grab overnight buses for longer trips. If you're feeling adventurous the Ha Giang Loop is incredible on motorbike about 300km of stunning mountain roads and views that'll take your breath away. Need something more comfortable? Private cars and domestic flights are readily available and the train journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai for Sapa is actually a really cool experience.
Where can I find amazing spots in Northern Vietnam that aren't packed with tourists?
Ba Be National Park is this incredible UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that most people miss - you can take boat trips on Vietnam's largest natural lake and spend time with local Tay communities. It's pretty easy to reach by bus or car from Hanoi. Over in Cao Bang province you'll find the stunning Ban Gioc Waterfall and Nguom Ngao Cave plus chances to meet Nung ethnic groups. Pu Luong Nature Reserve is another hidden gem with beautiful rice terraces traditional villages and peaceful hiking trails way less crowded than Sapa.
What kind of authentic local experiences can I join in Northern Vietnam?
You can actually take part in some really unique cultural practices here. In Ta Phin village near Sapa local Red Dao women share their traditional herbal bath experience and explain all about their medicinal plants. When you're cruising Ha Long Bay many 5-star boats offer spring roll cooking classes right on board. And in Mai Chau you can stay with Thai families in their stilt houses go cycling around the valley and really get involved in daily village life - travelers always rave about these experiences.
What natural areas can I visit outside the cities?
There are some fantastic national parks you can easily reach from the main cities. Ba Be National Park is perfect for boat trips and kayaking on Vietnam's biggest natural lake - just hop on a bus or car from Hanoi. Cuc Phuong Vietnam's first national park is easily reached from Ninh Binh and you can check out diverse wildlife hiking trails and visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center. Cat Ba National Park on Cat Ba Island in Ha Long Bay is great for hiking exploring caves and spotting unique wildlife - just catch a ferry over and you're there.