Northern Vietnam, the cradle of thousand-year-old wet rice civilization, has always been a dream destination for both domestic and international tourists. This region boasts majestic and magnificent natural landscapes, rich traditional culture, ancient architectural works, and diverse cuisine. A journey to explore Northern Vietnam promises unforgettable travel experiences, from bustling cities to pristine mountains, from romantic beaches to peaceful villages. Let “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel the World) guide you through the most beautiful and famous tourist destinations in Northern Vietnam, which are sure to captivate anyone who sets foot here.
Hanoi – The Thousand-Year-Old Capital
When it comes to Northern Vietnam tourism, Hanoi, the heart of the country, is a must-mention. The capital city of Hanoi is not only the political, economic, and cultural center but also a place where the nation’s long-standing historical and cultural values converge. In Hanoi, visitors can admire ancient architectural works such as the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam, the One Pillar Pagoda, Hoan Kiem Lake, and Hanoi Old Quarter. Each location carries its own historical stories and unique cultural values.
Hanoi Old Quarter – Preserving the essence of Vietnamese culture
Moreover, Hanoi attracts tourists with its unique street food culture. You can easily find delicious, flavorful traditional dishes such as pho, bun cha, bun dau mam tom, com (young rice flakes), and banh cuon (steamed rice rolls) on every street and alley in Hanoi. Strolling through the ancient streets, enjoying street food, and feeling the slow, elegant pace of life of Hanoians is an interesting experience that you should not miss.
Hoan Kiem Lake – Symbol of Hanoi Capital
Co To Island – The Green Pearl of Quang Ninh
If you are looking for a tourist destination in Northern Vietnam with blue sea, white sand, and golden sunshine, then Co To Island (Quang Ninh) is a great choice. Co To is known as one of the most beautiful islands in Northern Vietnam, with its pristine, fresh, and charming beauty. In Co To, you can immerse yourself in the blue sea, sunbathe on long stretches of fine white sand, explore colorful coral reefs, and enjoy fresh seafood.
Co To Beach – A popular tourist destination
In addition to swimming and exploring nature, you can also participate in many other interesting activities in Co To, such as night squid fishing, climbing to the Co To lighthouse to admire the panoramic view of the island from above, and visiting historical sites such as Co To Church and Uncle Ho’s Monument. Co To is an ideal destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and return to peaceful nature.
Co To Lighthouse – A great panoramic viewpoint
Sapa – The Charming Misty Town
Sapa (Lao Cai) is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Northern Vietnam, especially for those who love cool climates and majestic mountain scenery. Sapa is known as the “misty town” because it is covered in mist all year round, creating a magical and poetic beauty. In Sapa, you can admire the green terraced rice fields stretching across the hillsides, conquer Fansipan peak – the roof of Indochina, and explore Cat Cat village, Ta Phin village, Silver Waterfall, and Love Waterfall.
Sapa Terraced Rice Fields – Unique beauty of Northern Mountains
Sapa is not only famous for its beautiful natural scenery but also a cultural crossroads of many ethnic minorities such as H’Mong, Dao, Tay, and Giay. You can learn about the unique culture and customs of these ethnic groups by visiting highland markets, interacting with locals, and enjoying the unique cuisine of the Northwest mountains. Especially, Sapa in winter also has snowfall, creating a very romantic and unique scene.
Sapa Town – An attractive destination for tourists in all seasons
Ba Vi National Park – Green Space near Hanoi
Ba Vi National Park (Hanoi) is an ideal tourist destination in Northern Vietnam for those who want to find a green, fresh space to relax and immerse themselves in nature. Located not far from the center of Hanoi, Ba Vi is a large primeval forest with a rich and diverse flora and fauna system. In Ba Vi, you can explore the three main peaks: Vua Peak, Tan Vien Peak, and Ngoc Hoa Peak, and visit historical sites such as Thuong Temple, Trung Temple, Ha Temple, the ancient church, and the French prison.
Ba Vi National Park – A popular check-in spot for young people
Ba Vi National Park also has many other interesting activities such as mountain climbing, trekking, camping, campfires, and sports. You can also visit other attractive attractions in the national park such as the cactus greenhouse, Ao Vua tourist area, and Khoang Xanh – Suoi Tien. Ba Vi is a suitable destination for families, groups of friends, and nature lovers.
Ba Vi Ancient Church – A destination with historical marks
Moc Chau – Green Plateau
Moc Chau (Son La) is a tourist destination in Northern Vietnam famous for its beautiful natural scenery, cool climate, and green tea hills stretching endlessly. Moc Chau is likened to “Da Lat of the North” because of its fresh, cool air and poetic landscapes. In Moc Chau, you can admire the endless green tea hills, white mustard flower gardens, peach blossoms, plum blossoms blooming in spring, Dai Yem Waterfall, Doi Cave, and Ang Village pine forest.
Moc Chau Tea Hills – A destination attracting tourists
Moc Chau is also home to many ethnic minorities such as Thai, H’Mong, and Dao. You can learn about the culture and customs of these ethnic groups by visiting villages and enjoying specialties such as veal, grilled stream fish, and nam pia (a unique dipping sauce). Moc Chau is an ideal destination for those who want to enjoy fresh air, explore nature, and learn about highland culture.
Moc Chau Pine Forest – Romantic and peaceful space
Ba Be Lake – “The First Lake of Vietnam”
Ba Be Lake (Bac Kan) is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Northern Vietnam, known as “the first lake of Vietnam.” Ba Be Lake is located in Ba Be National Park and is the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam with pristine, majestic, and poetic beauty. In Ba Be Lake, you can experience the feeling of floating on a boat to admire the lake scenery, explore Puong Cave, Dau Dang Waterfall, Ba Goa Island, and Tien Pond.
Ba Be Lake – Beautiful natural scenery
Ba Be Lake not only has beautiful natural scenery but is also associated with many legends and unique culture of the Tay people. You can learn about the culture and customs of the Tay people by visiting villages around the lake and enjoying specialties such as grilled Ba Be lake fish and sticky rice. Ba Be Lake is an ideal destination for those who want to explore pristine nature and learn about local culture.
Ba Be Lake – An attractive destination for nature lovers
Cat Ba – Pearl Island of Hai Phong
Cat Ba (Hai Phong) is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Northern Vietnam, especially in the summer. Cat Ba is a beautiful archipelago with many pristine beaches, romantic Lan Ha Bay, biodiverse Cat Ba National Park, and many magnificent caves. In Cat Ba, you can swim, kayak, climb mountains, explore primeval forests, visit fishing villages, and enjoy fresh seafood.
Cat Ba – A famous resort in Northern Vietnam
Cat Ba is not only an ideal beach resort destination but also a place with many exciting entertainment activities. You can join cruises to explore Lan Ha Bay, scuba dive to see coral reefs, hike in Cat Ba National Park, and visit Than Cong Fortress. Cat Ba is a suitable destination for all types of tourists, from families and couples to groups of friends and explorers.
Cat Ba Beach – An ideal destination for summer
Ninh Binh – Ancient Capital Land
Ninh Binh is a tourist destination in Northern Vietnam increasingly loved by many tourists for its picturesque landscapes, ancient historical and cultural relics, and unique cuisine. Ninh Binh is known for many famous scenic spots such as Trang An, Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Hoa Lu ancient capital, and Cuc Phuong National Park. In Ninh Binh, you can admire the majestic limestone mountains, winding rivers, green rice fields, and explore ancient architectural works.
Ninh Binh – Home to many famous scenic spots
Ninh Binh not only has beautiful natural scenery but is also a land rich in historical and cultural traditions. You can learn about the history and culture of Ninh Binh by visiting historical sites such as Hoa Lu ancient capital, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and Phat Diem Stone Cathedral, and enjoy specialties such as com chay (crispy rice crust), mountain goat, and Yen Mac fermented pork roll. Ninh Binh is an ideal destination for those who want to explore natural beauty and learn about Vietnamese history and culture.
Tam Coc – Bich Dong – Picturesque water-mountain scenery
Tam Dao – Second Da Lat of the North
Tam Dao (Vinh Phuc) is known as the “second Da Lat of the North” because of its year-round cool climate and poetic natural scenery. Tam Dao is an ideal tourist destination in Northern Vietnam for those who want to escape the summer heat and find a quiet, fresh space. In Tam Dao, you can admire the ancient stone church, Silver Waterfall, Rung Rinh Peak, Heaven Gate, and Tam Dao Square.
Tam Dao – A famous tourist area in Vinh Phuc
Tam Dao not only has beautiful natural scenery but also many luxury resorts, hotels, and restaurants, meeting the relaxation needs of tourists. You can enjoy Tam Dao specialties such as chayote, hill chicken, and wild boar, and enjoy the cool, fresh air of the mountains. Tam Dao is a suitable destination for short trips and weekend getaways.
Tam Dao – Ideal resort space
Thung Nai – “Ha Long Bay on Land” of Hoa Binh
Thung Nai (Hoa Binh) is likened to “Ha Long Bay on land” because of the pristine and majestic beauty of mountains and rivers. Thung Nai is a tourist destination in Northern Vietnam suitable for those who want to find a peaceful, relaxing space and immerse themselves in nature. In Thung Nai, you can take a boat trip on Hoa Binh Lake, admire the majestic mountains, visit Thac Bo Cave, Ba Chua Thac Bo Temple, and Ngoi Hoa village.
Thung Nai – Picturesque river and mountain scenery
Thung Nai not only has beautiful natural scenery but also many water-based entertainment activities such as swimming, kayaking, and fishing. You can also enjoy Hoa Binh specialties such as grilled Da River fish, hill chicken, and bamboo shoots. Thung Nai is an ideal destination for weekend trips and picnics with family and friends.
Thung Nai – "Ha Long Bay on Land" of Hoa Binh
Dong Van – Majestic Stone Plateau
Dong Van (Ha Giang) is a tourist destination in Northern Vietnam famous for the majestic and pristine beauty of the stone plateau and the unique culture of ethnic minorities. Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark is recognized by UNESCO as a Global Geopark, with unique geological landscapes, majestic limestone mountains, deep ravines, and magnificent terraced fields. In Dong Van, you can conquer Ma Pi Leng Pass, Lung Cu flagpole, Dong Van Old Quarter, Vuong Family Mansion, and highland markets.
Dong Van Stone Plateau – Majestic scenery of Northern Mountains
Dong Van not only has beautiful natural scenery but is also home to many ethnic minorities such as H’Mong, Dao, Tay, and Nung. You can learn about the culture and customs of these ethnic groups by visiting villages, markets, and enjoying specialties such as thang co (horse meat stew), men men (corn porridge), and egg rolls. Dong Van is an ideal destination for those who love to explore pristine nature and highland culture.
Dong Van Old Quarter – Ancient beauty in the heart of the stone plateau
Mai Chau – Peaceful Valley
Mai Chau (Hoa Binh) is a tourist destination in Northern Vietnam famous for the peaceful and poetic beauty of the valley and the unique culture of the Thai ethnic people. Mai Chau is surrounded by green mountains, vast rice fields, and charming villages. In Mai Chau, you can cycle around the valley, visit Lac village, Poom Cong village, Mo Luong cave, Go Lao waterfall, and enjoy the culture and cuisine of the Thai people.
Mai Chau – Attracting a large number of domestic and international tourists
Mai Chau not only has beautiful natural scenery but also fresh, cool air and friendly, hospitable people. You can stay at charming homestays in the villages, participate in cultural activities such as sap dance and Thai singing, and enjoy specialties such as com lam (bamboo-tube rice), hill chicken, and sticky rice. Mai Chau is an ideal destination for those who want to find a peaceful, relaxing space and experience local culture.
Mai Chau Valley – Peaceful and poetic beauty
Ha Long Bay – World Natural Wonder
Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh) is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Northern Vietnam in the world, recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site. Ha Long Bay has majestic and magnificent beauty with thousands of large and small limestone islands rising from the emerald green sea, magical caves, and beautiful beaches. In Ha Long Bay, you can take a cruise to admire the bay scenery, explore Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, swim at Bai Chay beach and Ti Top beach, and visit fishing villages on the bay.
Ha Long Bay – Magnificent natural landscape
Ha Long Bay not only has beautiful natural scenery but also many exciting entertainment activities such as kayaking, mountain climbing, scuba diving, and paragliding. You can also enjoy fresh seafood and explore local culture. Ha Long Bay is a must-visit destination when traveling to Northern Vietnam, promising to bring you memorable and unforgettable experiences.
Ha Long Bay – World Natural Wonder
Northern Vietnam has many other attractive tourist destinations waiting for you to explore. With diverse natural beauty, unique traditional culture, and gentle, hospitable people, Northern Vietnam will surely bring you a wonderful and memorable travel journey. Plan your trip to Northern Vietnam today to discover the interesting and wonderful things that this land has to offer!