Ha Giang
Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh City
Ha Long
Sapa
Mekong Delta
Da Nang
Hue
Hoi An
Ninh Binh
Da Lat
Nha Trang
Phan Thiet
Phu Quoc
Quang Binh
Quy Nhon
Vung Tau
Thai Nguyen
We just came back from a 15 day trip focused entirely on exploring Northern Vietnam, and we wanted to share our unforgettable experiences! This trip was planned so that we could explore everything slowly and fully, combining free days with private tours to both experience things independently and learn more about the local culture and daily life.
Our journey started in Hanoi, where we could have walked around forever. The Old Quarter is bustling, with narrow streets full of coffee shops and street food stalls. We booked a food tour and a city tour, which were absolutely worth it, we got to taste local specialties and also understand the city’s history and culture. Train Street was very interesting too, though it was closed when we visited, we could still feel the unique vibe of the city.
Next was Ninh Binh, which felt like a “heaven on Earth.” We stayed 1 night to have enough time to fully explore Trang An and visit the temples, enjoying a relaxing boat ride with stunning limestone mountains around us. This experience made us want to come back and spend more nights to explore even more hidden corners.
Then we went to Ha Long Bay, where staying overnight on a boat was a memorable experience. The bay is breathtaking, with limestone peaks rising from the water, and the scenery is incredibly romantic. The boat was a bit old but the service was good, the onboard activities and food were fine, and it was perfect for enjoying the sea and a sunrise over the bay.
After Ha Long, we headed to Pu Luong. Our Pu Luong tour included a homestay at a local family’s house, which made the experience really personal and authentically Vietnamese. The nature there is pristine, with endless terraced fields and peaceful villages. We enjoyed a traditional dinner prepared by the host family and walked in the mountains at sunrise and sunset – an unforgettable experience.
The trip ended in Sa Pa, a place we had dreamed of visiting. The weather is cool, the mountains are majestic, and the mist creates a magical atmosphere. We joined a few 1 day trekking tours, walking through villages, meeting ethnic minority people, and learning about their daily lives and culture. Even these short treks gave us a sense of peace and closeness to nature, while fitting perfectly into our 15 day itinerary.
Transportation: Since we booked services with a local travel company including private cars, transportation between destinations was all arranged, so we didn’t have to worry. But on free days, don’t forget to use Grab, which is very convenient and widely used in Vietnam.
A small tip: if you just want to see the sights, you can go on your own. But if you want to truly understand, experience, and learn about the local culture and daily life, go with a guide – it makes the experience completely different and much more memorable.
These 15 days were an incredible journey, from the bustling city life of Hanoi, the breathtaking nature of Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, and Pu Luong, to the serene and misty landscapes of Sa Pa. We fell in love with Northern Vietnam and can’t wait to come back to explore even more! 🩷
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I planned a similar trip to Hanoi, Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay in 2023 with a group of friends. I highly recommend this tour guide.
Have they already closed train street? Trains dont go through there anymore?
Hi I’m really interested in your time in pu luong and Ninh Binh. Would you mind sharing your accommodation and guides for those areas? Thank you. 🙏
Can you recommend a guide in these areas please
Great review thank you.
Sapa Limousine Bus
Ethnic minority people? Aren’t they just locals? 🤣
Could you message me? I’m a tour guide in Hanoi and I can organize tours of similar quality.
Thank you so much for sharing!
Would you mind sharing where you stayed in Hanoi as looking for recommendations