North Vietnam is a region full of stunning landscapes, rich culture, and deep history. It stretches from Hanoi to the mountainous areas of Sapa, Ha Giang, and Mai Chau, all the way to the limestone wonders of Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh. The topography here is diverse, with towering mountains, lush rice terraces, vast valleys, and emerald-green waters. You will also find ethnic minority communities living in remote villages, each with their own unique customs and traditions.

If you have 7 days, you can experience the best of North Vietnam—from exploring Hanoi’s bustling streets to trekking in Mai Chau and Pu Luong, cruising in Ha Long Bay, and discovering the breathtaking landscapes of Ninh Binh. This North Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days will give you a detailed guide on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your trip. 

North Vietnam Itinerary: 7-Day Overview

North Vietnam is the perfect destination if you’re a fan of culture, nature, adventure, or history. This region has everything—from bustling cities and ancient temples to stunning rice terraces and limestone mountains. If you love exploring local culture, trekking in breathtaking landscapes, or cruising through emerald waters, North Vietnam will not disappoint.

This itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors, nature lovers, adventure seekers, and cultural explorers. Whether you want to wander through the Old Quarter of Hanoi, trek through remote villages in Pu Luong, admire the limestone karsts of Ninh Binh, or relax on a cruise in Ha Long Bay, this 7-day itinerary will give you a taste of the best that North Vietnam has to offer.

North Vietnam Itinerary: 7 Days

Day 1: Hanoi 

Day 2: Hanoi

Day 3: Mai Chau  

Day 4: Mai Chau - Pu Luong

Day 5: Pu Luong - Ninh Binh  

Day 6: Ninh Binh - Ha Long 

Day 7: Ha Long - Hanoi - Departure

Highlights of North Vietnam

Hanoi: The vibrant capital of Vietnam, where ancient culture meets modern life. You’ll explore historical sites, street food markets, and lively neighborhoods.

Mai Chau: A peaceful valley with ethnic villages, green rice fields, and wooden stilt houses. It’s a great place to experience rural life and traditional Thai culture.

Pu Luong: A hidden gem with breathtaking terraced rice fields, waterfalls, and trekking trails. It’s perfect for nature lovers who want to escape the crowds.

Ninh Binh: Known as the "Halong Bay on land," Ninh Binh has spectacular limestone mountains, rivers, and ancient temples. You’ll take a boat ride through stunning landscapes.

Ha Long Bay: A UNESCO-listed wonder with thousands of limestone islands rising from the sea. You’ll spend a night on a cruise, exploring caves and enjoying the magical scenery.

North Vietnam Itinerary: 7 Days of Adventure 

Day 1: Hanoi

Hanoi is the heart and soul of Vietnam. It’s a city where ancient history meets modern energy, making it the perfect starting point for your North Vietnam adventure. With French colonial buildings, Buddhist pagodas, vibrant markets, and a famous street food scene, Hanoi will captivate you the moment you arrive.

After arriving at Noi Bai International Airport, head to your hotel in the Old Quarter or French Quarter. These areas are the best places to stay, offering easy access to major attractions.

Take some time to rest and refresh before heading out to explore.

A great way to experience Hanoi on your first day is by joining a half-day Russian Jeep Tour. You’ll ride through the city’s bustling streets, hidden alleys, and historic sites in an open-top Soviet-style jeep.

You’ll stop at the most iconic sites of Hanoi: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, the Temple of Literature, and Long Bien Bridge. You’ll also get to see Hanoi’s famous train street and get an insider’s look at local life.

This tour is fun and unique and gives you a great introduction to the city without too much walking.

Hanoi is one of the best cities in the world for street food. Try Pho (the iconic Vietnamese noodle soup), Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles), Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich with lots of ingredients), and Egg Coffee.

Day 2: Hanoi

After getting a feel for Hanoi’s bustling city life, it’s time to explore its peaceful countryside. Vietnam isn’t just about busy streets and markets—just outside the city, you’ll find lush green landscapes, old temples, and traditional villages.

Bat Trang is Vietnam’s most famous pottery village, located about 13 km from Hanoi along the Red River. This village has been producing ceramics for over 700 years and is the perfect place to learn about Vietnamese pottery-making traditions.

Things to do in Bat Trang:

• Visit the Bat Trang Museum to learn about the village’s history.
• Watch local artisans create intricate ceramic pieces.
• Try your hand at making your own pottery—a fun and hands-on experience!
• Shop for beautiful handcrafted ceramics as souvenirs.

Evening: Free Time to Explore Hanoi’s Nightlife

You’ll arrive back in Hanoi around late afternoon. After returning to the city, take some time to explore Hanoi at night.

You can visit:

• Hoan Kiem Lake—A lively spot for an evening stroll.
• Ta Hien Street (Beer Street)—The best place to enjoy Vietnamese beer and street snacks.
• Water Puppets Show—A unique art performance where they control puppets on water behind a bamboo screen, accompanied by Vietnamese folk music.

Day 3: Mai Chau

After two days in Hanoi, it’s time to experience the breathtaking countryside of northern Vietnam. Mai Chau, a small valley about 140 km southwest of Hanoi, is famous for its lush rice fields, stilt houses, and the rich culture of the Thai ethnic people. It’s an ideal destination for those looking to escape the city and experience Vietnam’s rural beauty.

How to Get to Mai Chau from Hanoi

By Private Car: The most comfortable option. It takes 3.5–4 hours and allows for scenic stops along the way.

By Bus or Shuttle Van: A budget-friendly choice, departing from My Dinh or Giap Bat Bus Stations. Tickets cost $6–$10 USD per person.

By Motorbike: If you love adventure, rent a bike and ride through the stunning countryside. The ride takes about 4–5 hours, with beautiful mountain passes along the way.

What to Do in Mai Chau on Day 3

After arriving, drop off your luggage and start exploring. Rent a bicycle and ride through lush rice paddies, quiet villages, and bamboo forests. Visit Lac Village and Pom Coong Village, where you can see traditional stilt houses and meet local artisans. Stop by a local house to try weaving and learn about the traditional handicrafts of the Thai people.

Evening: Enjoy a Traditional Dance Performance and Local Cuisine

After a delicious home-cooked dinner, watch a Thai ethnic dance performance featuring bamboo pole dances and folk songs. Try Can Wine (fermented rice wine drunk through bamboo straws)—a special drink shared during celebrations.

The best way to experience Mai Chau is by staying in a homestay. You’ll sleep in a wooden stilt house, enjoy home-cooked meals, and interact with the friendly Thai locals.

If you prefer more comfort, there are eco-lodges and resorts with private rooms and modern facilities.

Day 4: Mai Chau - Pu Luong

After a relaxing day in Mai Chau, it's time to explore Pu Luong Nature Reserve, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful hidden gems. Located about 40 km from Mai Chau, Pu Luong is famous for its breathtaking rice terraces, pristine jungles, and traditional ethnic villages.

How to Get from Mai Chau to Pu Luong

By Private Car: Takes about 1.5–2 hours on a scenic mountain road.

By Motorbike: If you love adventure, ride through twisting mountain roads with stunning valley views.

By Local Bus: Less convenient, but an option for budget travelers.

Morning: Trek Through Stunning Rice Terraces

Start the day with a trek to the terraced fields in Ban Don or Ban Hieu Village. These areas offer some of the most spectacular landscapes in Vietnam. The best time to visit is May–June (when the fields are lush green) or September–October (when they turn golden for harvest). You’ll walk through bamboo forests, rivers, and remote ethnic villages, where you can see daily rural life.

Afternoon: Visit Hieu Waterfall and Relax in Nature

Hieu Waterfall is a hidden gem in Pu Luong, surrounded by dense jungle. You can swim in its natural pools and enjoy the refreshing water.

Have lunch at a local homestay, where you can try grilled mountain chicken, bamboo rice, and wild herbs.

Evening: Stay in an Eco-Lodge

Pu Luong is home to beautiful eco-lodges that blend into the natural surroundings. Some of the best places to stay include Pu Luong Retreat, Pu Luong Eco Garden, and Puluong Treehouse.

Day 5: Pu Luong - Ninh Binh

After an unforgettable experience in Pu Luong Nature Reserve, it's time to head to Ninh Binh, one of Vietnam’s most stunning landscapes. Ninh Binh is often called “Halong Bay on land” because of its towering limestone karsts, winding rivers, and ancient temples.

How to Get from Pu Luong to Ninh Binh

By Private Car: The easiest and most convenient way. The drive takes 3.5–4 hours.

By Motorbike: A great option for adventurous travelers. The roads are scenic, but the ride is long (4–5 hours).

By Bus: The cheapest way. Take the Pu Luong Express Bus; the drive takes about 4-5 hours.

Afternoon: Boat Ride in Trang An or Tam Coc

Trang An: A UNESCO-listed site famous for its serene boat rides through caves and limestone mountains. The ride takes about 2 hours.

Tam Coc: Similar to Trang An but with a more open landscape, where you can see rice fields along the river. Best visited in May and June when the rice is golden.

Visit Hoa Lu—Vietnam’s Ancient Capital

Hoa Lu was the capital of Vietnam in the 10th century. You can visit the temples of King Dinh and King Le, which are surrounded by beautiful mountains.

Evening: Stay in a Homestay or Eco-Lodge

Ninh Binh has great eco-lodges and homestays where you can relax and enjoy nature. Some great options are Tam Coc Garden, Mua Caves Ecolodge, and Ninh Binh Valley Homestay.

Day 6: Ninh Binh - Ha Long

Today, you’ll start the day with a final adventure in Ninh Binh before traveling to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam’s most famous natural wonder.

Morning: Hike Up to Mua Cave Viewpoint

Mua Cave (Hang Múa) offers the best panoramic view in Ninh Binh. Climb 500 stone steps to reach the top, where you can see Tam Coc’s rice fields and limestone peaks. The view is breathtaking! 

After a short break, you'll have lunch and set off to Ha Long Bay!

How to Get from Ninh Binh to Ha Long

By Private Car: The most convenient way, taking about 3.5–4 hours.

By Bus: Several companies run buses from Ninh Binh to Ha Long. The journey takes 4–5 hours and costs around $10–$15 USD.

By Train: No direct train from Ninh Binh to Ha Long.

Afternoon: Arrive in Ha Long and Board an Overnight Cruise

The best way to experience Ha Long Bay is by taking an overnight cruise. You’ll sail through the stunning limestone islands, visit caves, and kayak in emerald waters. Cruises range from budget ($100 USD per person) to luxury ($300+ USD per person). Some of the best cruise routes include Bai Tu Long Bay (quieter and less touristy) and Lan Ha Bay (more off-the-beaten-path).

What to Do on a Ha Long Bay Cruise

• Go kayaking
• Visit Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave)—the biggest cave in Ha Long Bay.
• Swim at Ti Top Island
• Enjoy a Sunset Party and Fresh Seafood Dinner on board.

Day 7: Ha Long - Hanoi - Departure

Wake up early on the cruise to enjoy the sunrise over Ha Long Bay. Most cruises offer a light breakfast and morning activities, like Tai Chi on the deck or a visit to a floating fishing village.

How to Get from Ha Long to Hanoi

By Private Car: Takes about 2.5–3 hours.

By Luxury Bus/Shuttle Van: A comfortable option that costs $15–$20 USD.

By Seaplane: If you want a unique experience, take a 45-minute scenic seaplane flight back to Hanoi!

If you have time before your flight, explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter one last time for some last-minute shopping or a final bowl of pho before heading to the airport. And that concludes your 7-day North Vietnam itinerary!

What Month Is Best to Visit North Vietnam?

The best time to visit North Vietnam depends on what you want to experience. The region has four distinct seasons, and each offers something unique.

Spring (March–April): This is one of the best times to visit. The weather is cool and pleasant, with flowers blooming in the mountains. Ideal for exploring Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay.

Summer (May–August): The weather is hot and humid, with occasional heavy rains.

Autumn (September–November): Another ideal time to visit. The temperature is cooler, and the rice fields in Sapa, Hoang Su Phi, and Pu Luong turn golden (best in late September). Hanoi’s streets are also beautiful with fall foliage.

Winter (December–February): Cold and misty, especially in the mountains. Sapa and Ha Giang can get below 5°C (41°F), sometimes even snow.

Best Months to Visit: March–April and September–November for the best weather and scenery.

North Vietnam Itinerary: 7 Days Estimated Cost

Here’s a rough breakdown of the estimated costs for a 7-day trip in North Vietnam:

Accommodation (per night)

• Budget: $10–$30 (hostels, guesthouses)
• Mid-Range: $40–$80 (boutique hotels, eco-lodges)
• Luxury: $120+ (high-end hotels, resorts)
• Total for 7 nights: $70–$800

Transportation

• Flights (if needed): $50–$100 (if arriving from another city)
• Private Car (Hanoi → Mai Chau → Pu Luong → Ninh Binh → Ha Long): $300–$400
• Buses & Trains: $50–$100
• Total for transport: $100–$500

Activities & Entrance Fees

• Hanoi: Street food tour, museums, water puppet show ($20–$50)
• Mai Chau & Pu Luong: Cycling, trekking, homestay ($10–$50)
• Ninh Binh: Boat ride, Mua Cave hike ($10–$20)
• Ha Long Bay Cruise (overnight): $150–$250
• Total for activities: $200–$400

Food & Drinks

• Street Food & Local Restaurants: $5–$15 per meal
• Mid-Range Restaurants: $15–$30 per meal
• Drinks (coffee, beer, fresh juice): $1–$5
• Total for 7 days: $70–$250

Miscellaneous

• SIM card: $5–$10
• Souvenirs: $20–$50
• Tips & Small Expenses: $10–$50

Estimated Total Cost (per person, for 7 days):

• Budget travelers: $400–$600
• Mid-range travelers: $700–$1,000
• Luxury travelers: $1,200+

Tips for Visiting North Vietnam

Plan Around the Weather: Bring warm clothes if visiting in winter. Pack light and breathable clothes for summer.

Book Ha Long Bay Cruises in Advance: The best cruises sell out quickly, especially in peak season (March–April, September–November).

Use Cash, But Carry Small Bills: Many places in rural areas don’t accept cards, and small vendors may not have change for big bills.

Rent a Motorbike (Only If You're Confident): Vietnam is a motorbike-friendly country, but traffic can be chaotic. If you're not comfortable riding, hire a private driver instead.

Be Prepared for Trekking: Bring comfortable shoes for hiking in Mai Chau, Pu Luong, and Ha Long (Mua Cave hike).

Respect Local Customs: In rural areas, ask before taking photos of locals. If invited to a meal, accept it as a sign of hospitality.

Be Aware of Scams in Tourist Areas: In Hanoi, avoid overly persistent street vendors. Always agree on prices before taking a taxi or cyclo ride.

Conclusion

A 7-day trip to North Vietnam offers a perfect mix of history, nature, and adventure. Whether you want to dive into the street food scene in Hanoi, cycle through the rice fields in Mai Chau, trek through the hidden trails of Pu Luong, or relax on a Ha Long Bay cruise, this itinerary covers it all.

Planning your trip can be overwhelming, but we are here to help! Let us arrange your perfect 7-day North Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days, so you can enjoy a stress-free and unforgettable journey. Book your tour with us today!

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