The Northeast of Vietnam is one of the most beautiful and underrated regions in the country. This part of Vietnam borders China and is home to dramatic mountains, ethnic villages, terraced rice fields, waterfalls, caves, and remote roads that stretch into the clouds.

If you're looking for wild nature, friendly locals, and experiences that go far beyond city life, this is the place to go. Many areas here are still untouched by mass tourism. You can travel through high passes, explore peaceful lakes, visit historical sites, and take part in local markets and festivals.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the best things to do in Northeast Vietnam. We’re going through every province and city and sharing honest tips and suggestions to help you plan your adventure.

Overview of Northeast Vietnam

Northeast Vietnam is a large and scenic region in the northern part of the country. It shares a border with China and stretches from the mountains near Ha Giang to the coastal areas of Quang Ninh. This region has nine provinces and cities: Lang Son, Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, Thai Nguyen, Quang Ninh, Phu Tho, and Bac Giang.

If you love nature, history, and culture, Northeast Vietnam is a great place to explore. The mountains here are high and rugged, with terraced rice fields and limestone peaks. The rivers are clean and powerful, and the ethnic communities live in traditional villages. You can hike, visit waterfalls, learn about history, or enjoy seafood by the sea. The region is less crowded than places like Hanoi or Sapa, so your trip can feel more peaceful and local.

Best things to do in Northeast Vietnam

Lang Son

Lang Son is a good place for those who want to explore history, nature, and local life.

Start with Bac Son Valley. It’s one of the best spots for photography in the region. The view from Na Lay Peak is stunning, especially at sunrise or sunset. The valley is full of green rice paddies and peaceful Tay villages. If you come during harvest time, the fields turn golden.

Next, visit Tam Thanh and Nhi Thanh caves. They are near Lang Son city and easy to reach. Tam Thanh has a small pagoda inside, while Nhi Thanh has limestone formations and a natural stream.

Mau Son Mountain is about 30 km from the city. It’s cool all year round, and you can hike, visit old French villas, and see ethnic Dao and Tay villages. It’s not as dramatic as Ha Giang, but it’s quiet and refreshing.

Dong Khe and That Khe are towns near the Chinese border. They played a big role during the First Indochina War. If you're interested in war history, you can visit the battlefields or talk to locals about the events.

Cao Bang

Cao Bang is one of our favorite provinces in the northeast. It’s remote, but the landscape is amazing, and the culture is rich.

Ban Gioc Waterfall is the main highlight. It’s wide, strong, and right on the border with China. You can rent a bamboo raft, swim, or walk around the area for different views. Come during the rainy season (June to September) if you want to see it at full power.

Nguom Ngao Cave is only 3 km away from the waterfall. It has natural limestone formations and is easy to explore on foot. Bring a flashlight if you want to go deeper.

Pac Bo is a historic site where Ho Chi Minh lived when he returned to Vietnam in 1941. You can see his simple shelter and walk along the turquoise blue Lenin Stream. It’s peaceful and symbolic.

Thang Hen Lake is in Tra Linh district. It’s quiet and surrounded by limestone peaks. If you go early in the morning, you might see the lake reflect the mountains like a mirror.

Angel Eye Mountain (Núi Mắt Thần) is near the lake. It has a big circular hole near the top that looks like an eye. It’s a unique photo spot.

If you want to meet local people, head to Phuc Sen and Phja Thap villages. Phuc Sen is famous for blacksmithing. Locals still make knives and tools by hand. Phja Thap is known for incense-making. Both villages are great for learning local crafts.

Bao Lac is a mountain town far from the city. It’s a good place to visit if you’re heading to Ha Giang or want to explore more remote areas. The market is interesting, especially on weekends, when many ethnic groups gather.

Bac Kan

Bac Kan is all about nature, and the main attraction is Ba Be National Park. The name means "Three Lakes," and the park is built around the peaceful Ba Be Lake. You can rent a boat and ride across the lake to enjoy the quiet landscape. The lake is surrounded by karst hills and forests. Local guides can take you to hidden corners or arrange a homestay with a Tay family.

Puong Cave is on the Nang River. You can visit it by boat. The cave is big, with strange rock shapes and thousands of bats inside.

Not far from there is Dau Dang Waterfall. It’s not tall, but it’s wide and powerful, especially in the rainy season. You can combine the cave and waterfall in one boat trip.

Hua Ma Cave is about 6 km from Ba Be town. It’s one of the largest dry caves in the region. There are stairs leading into the cave, and the formations inside are worth the climb.

We suggest staying at least 2 nights in Ba Be to enjoy the area. Walk around the village, try the local food, and take it slow. It’s not a place for fast travel. Bring insect repellent and wear good shoes if you plan to hike.

Ha Giang

Ha Giang is one of the most stunning and raw provinces in all of Vietnam. If you're looking for epic mountain roads, deep valleys, and unique ethnic culture, this is the place to go. It’s best to visit by motorbike or car and complete the Ha Giang Loop, which usually takes 3 to 5 days.

The highlight for many is the Ma Pi Leng Pass, with cliffs and peaks that drop sharply to the Nho Que River below. The view from the top is breathtaking. We strongly recommend taking a boat ride on the Nho Que River—you’ll float between steep limestone walls in a narrow gorge. It’s peaceful and dramatic at the same time.

The towns of Dong Van and Meo Vac are popular overnight stops. Dong Van has an old quarter with ancient houses and a Sunday market where ethnic groups trade goods. Meo Vac is more rugged but has a great mountain setting.

If you're in the area in late April or early May, you can visit the Khau Vai Love Market. It’s a one-day event where men and women from different villages meet up—some even reunite with old lovers. It’s a special mix of tradition, music, and romance.

The Lung Cu Flag Tower marks the northernmost point of Vietnam. You have to climb a few hundred steps to reach the top, but the view across the hills and into China is worth the effort.

Quan Ba Heaven Gate is the first mountain pass you cross as you leave Ha Giang City. From the top, you can see the famous Twin Mountains and the entire Tam Son valley below.

Pho Bang Village is a small, quiet town near Dong Van. It has old mudbrick houses and feels like a step back in time. Not many tourists stop here, but it’s great for photos and a short walk.

Hoang Su Phi, in the western part of Ha Giang, is famous for its terraced rice fields. They look best from September to October during harvest. It’s not part of the main loop, so you’ll need to plan extra time, but we think it’s one of the most peaceful and underrated spots in the region.

Tuyen Quang

Tuyen Quang is a quiet and green province that doesn’t get many tourists, but it’s a great stop if you like natural landscapes and peaceful vibes. The best area to visit is Na Hang–Lam Binh, in the far north of the province. These two districts are next to each other, and most people visit them together.

The biggest highlight is Na Hang Lake. It’s a huge, man-made lake surrounded by tall limestone mountains, forests, and rivers. Some people call it the "Ha Long Bay of the mountains," but we think it has its own charm. The lake is clean, calm, and still very wild. You can take a boat tour to see hidden waterfalls, small islands, and caves.

One of the most beautiful spots is Khuoi Nhi Waterfall. You can only reach it by boat and a short hike. It has many layers and a pool at the bottom where you can swim. We recommend going in the summer when the water is strong and clear.

Coc Vai Pha, a tall rock that rises straight out of the forest, is another unique place. It looks like a spear pointing to the sky. Song Long Cave is also worth visiting. It’s a big limestone cave with beautiful rock formations and cool air inside.

It takes around 5–6 hours to get to Na Hang–Lam Binh from Hanoi. Roads are narrow, but the views along the way make the drive worth it. If you want a break from busy places and a close connection with nature, this area is a great choice.

Thai Nguyen

Thai Nguyen is known mostly for tea, but if you're passing through or want to explore cultural sites near Hanoi, it's worth a short visit.

The best place to visit is the Thai Hai Ecotourism Village, about 15 km from Thai Nguyen City. It’s a living cultural space where the Tay ethnic people keep their traditional houses, clothes, language, and customs. You can walk around, help with farm work, or join a cooking activity. The village is quiet, clean, and good for a day trip or an overnight stay.

It’s not a big tourist attraction, but it’s well managed and gives you a close-up look at northern ethnic culture without needing to travel deep into the mountains. We think it’s great for families or travelers who want something calm and educational.

Quang Ninh

Quang Ninh is one of the most famous provinces in Vietnam, mainly because of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bay has thousands of limestone islands rising from the sea, and cruising here is a must-do. You can join a day cruise or stay overnight on a boat. If you want fewer crowds, go to Bai Tu Long Bay, northeast of Halong. It has the same landscape but is much quieter. Many cruises now offer trips to this area.

Yen Tu Mountain is the spiritual heart of Vietnamese Buddhism. Pilgrims come here to hike up the mountain and visit temples and pagodas. There’s also a cable car if you don’t want to walk the whole way. The area is calm and sacred, and the view from the top is amazing on a clear day.

For something different, visit Binh Lieu, a highland district near the Chinese border. It’s known for the "dinosaur spine" walking trail on the border ridge and golden grass hills in November. Not many people know about it, so it’s perfect if you want to avoid busy spots.

Co To Island and Quan Lan Island are off the coast from Van Don. These islands have clear beaches, few tourists, and simple guesthouses. Co To is more developed, while Quan Lan is more laid-back. Both are good for a few quiet days if you like the sea but want to escape the crowds of Halong City.

Phu Tho

Phu Tho is often called the land of Vietnamese roots. It’s where the Hung Kings, the legendary founders of Vietnam, are worshiped.

The Hung Kings Temple (Den Hung) is on Nghia Linh Mountain, about 90 km from Hanoi. Each year in late March or early April (on the 10th day of the third lunar month), thousands of people come to pay respect. Even outside the festival, it’s a peaceful place to walk, climb steps, and learn about Vietnamese history.

If you like nature, you can visit Xuan Son National Park, in the western part of the province. It has limestone forests, caves, waterfalls, and ethnic villages. It’s not very touristy, so bring your own supplies or stay with locals. We think it’s good for travelers who enjoy hiking and exploring less-developed areas.

Bac Giang

Bac Giang is not on most travel itineraries, but it has a few places that are interesting, especially if you’re already nearby.

West Yen Tu is on the western side of Yen Tu Mountain, connecting with Quang Ninh. It’s a quieter pilgrimage route and has beautiful views of forests and old pagodas. There’s a new cable car that helps you reach the top faster.

Khe Ro Forest, in An Lac commune, is part of a nature reserve. You can hike, camp, or visit waterfalls. It’s best for people who want simple nature and don’t need fancy facilities.

Suoi Mo Temple is in Luc Nam district. It’s a cultural site with waterfalls and religious buildings surrounded by trees. Many locals go there during spring for worship and picnics.

If you're in Bac Giang in June or July, visit Luc Ngan for the lychee season. It’s one of the biggest lychee-growing areas in Vietnam. You can walk through the orchards, taste the fruit fresh from the trees, and enjoy the countryside.

When is the best time to visit Northeast Vietnam

The best time to visit Northeast Vietnam depends on what you want to see and do. Each season offers something different, but in general, September to November and March to May are the most comfortable and beautiful times.

September to November (Autumn)

This is our favorite time. The weather is dry and cool, the skies are clear, and the mountains look amazing. If you're heading to places like Hoang Su Phi or Bac Son Valley, this is the rice harvest season, and the terraced fields turn golden. It’s great for photography and long motorbike rides.

In October and November, Binh Lieu in Quang Ninh becomes especially beautiful with golden grass hills and the famous border trail that looks like a dragon’s spine.

March to May (Spring)

This is another good time with fresh greenery and flowers. In March, you’ll see peach blossoms, plum flowers, and ban flowers (a white flower common in the north) blooming in many mountain villages. The weather starts to warm up but stays comfortable.

Festivals like the Hung Kings Festival in Phu Tho and ethnic markets in Ha Giang also take place during this season.

June to August (Summer)

This season is hot and rainy, especially in July and August. There can be landslides and heavy storms, so travel in the mountains can be risky. But if you’re visiting lakes and waterfalls like Na Hang Lake, Ba Be, or Ban Gioc Waterfall, summer is a good time for swimming and boat rides. Just be sure to check the weather before your trip.

December to February (Winter)

The weather is cold, especially in places like Mau Son, Dong Van, or Meo Vac. Sometimes it drops below 0°C, and you may even see snow or frost on the high peaks. The skies can be gray, and the landscape looks dry. Travel is possible, but it’s less green and more quiet. If you like off-season travel and don’t mind the cold, it can still be a special experience.

Conclusion

The Northeast of Vietnam is full of surprises. Some roads are long, and travel can be slow, but the rewards are worth it. You’ll meet kind people, taste local food, and see parts of Vietnam that few visitors ever do.

We hope this list of the best things to do in Northeast Vietnam helps you decide where to go and what to expect. If you're ready to explore but don’t want to plan everything yourself, book a tour with us. We offer custom trips, local guides, and honest advice. We know the region well and we’d love to help you discover it in a deeper way.

>>> Northeast Vietnam Itinerary 10 Days: Things to do