Northern Vietnam Tours & Trips
Ever dreamed of kayaking through Halong Bay's limestone karsts or trekking Sapa's terraced rice fields? Northern Vietnam brings everything from Hanoi's busy streets to the Fansipan summit, Mai Chau's valleys to the ethnic villages of the highlands. Check out old Hoa Lu and cruise Lan Ha Bay. It’s the true wonder of Vietnam.
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Hendrik • traveled in December, 2025
All up a fantastic experience. Worth every $ Food on the La Casta cruise was excellent.
3-Day Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay 5 Star Cruise - J
Jeff • traveled in June, 2026
Tai Ngo was the best tour guide I could've hoped for. Showed me all the great places in Hanoi, and the itinerary wasn't set in stone, so there was no pressure or rush, just a great time. Tai was able to answer all my questions and showed me the best spots to eat, and the Vietnamese coffee is awesome! Halong Bay is incredible, and even though the weather didn't cooperate most of the time, the trip was still fantastic and well worth it. I highly recommend Tai Ngo and Up Travel to make your Vietnam holiday the best it can be. I really needed help with the language and navigation in the old city, and I was made to feel very comfortable with Tai's help. You won't be disappointed, a guaranteed great time!
5-Day Northern Vietnam Highlights: Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay - T
Taylor • traveled in August, 2025
This was a fun cruise!! For our first day, we boarded a small transfer boat for a 45 minute ride on the bay to get to the ship. They transferred our luggage for us, but it was on the same boat with us! We went for a lunch buffet, which was great. Then we checked into our rooms. It was a little toasty at first, but we got the AC going and by the end of the day, it was perfect for the rest of our cruise. We went on a brief excursion to a cove where we got in a rice boat and a local towed us around for 45 minutes before heading back to the boat. They had options on the boat of what to do, but it was easy to stay entertained with the beautiful view. The next day was a different, smaller boat for the whole day. We were the only ones from our cruise doing 3 day 2 night but honestly looking at both schedules, we think you need to do the 3 day 2 night! We transferred from Hanoi and the time just wouldn’t be worth it if you didn’t have the 48 hours!! Everyone on board was very nice and welcoming. It’s clear that the staff takes pride in their boat and their work! We enjoyed everything.
Halong - Lan Ha Bay 3 Day 2 Night 5-Star Cruise & Private Balcony Cabin
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Table of contents
- The best Northern Vietnam tour packages
- 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
The best Northern Vietnam tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaNorthern Vietnam travel expert at TourRadar
3-Day Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay 5 Star Cruise
84 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Communication was great and the tours were well organised. Our cruise was lovely and hosts were fabulous.”
Kathy, traveled in March
This luxurious 3-day tour of Northern Vietnam, rated 5.0/5 by 65+ travelers, starts in Hanoi's Old Quarter. UNESCO-listed Trang An's tranquil rivers and Bai Dinh Temple Complex precede stays at Ninh Binh Bungalow. A 5-star cruise through Ha Long Bay includes kayaking at Ba Trai Dao Beach and cooking classes. Total costs around $300.
Duration 3 days Destinations Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Hoa Lu District, Halong Bay Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Ha Long Bay Lux Cruises Tours From
- US$270
5-Day Northern Vietnam Highlights: Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The food was delicious, thanks to our cook Jessi! Can't wait to try to make the recipe again at home.”
Aleksandra, traveled in December
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 Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian Operator Up Travel Vietnam From $380
12% Off- US$334You save $46
Halong - Lan Ha Bay 3 Day 2 Night 5-Star Cruise & Private Balcony Cabin
71 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The boat is wonderful, elegantly decorated (no frills), the food is excellent, and the cabins are magnificent.”
Carlos, traveled in August
This deluxe cruise from Hanoi showcases Northern Vietnam's finest views. Halong Bay's limestone karsts tower overhead, while cycling through Cat Ba rainforest to Viet Hai village offers inland adventures. Private balcony cabins, gourmet dining, and daily kayaking through hidden caves create memorable moments.
Duration 3 days Destinations Hanoi, Halong Bay Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Ha Long Bay Lux Cruises Tours From
12% Off- US$320
The Beauty of Northern Vietnam in 8 Days
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The variety of experiences was amazing—city tours, cultural visits, hikes, boat rides, and even a cooking class option.”
Lucas, traveled in December
Northern Vietnam's finest attractions await: Hanoi's Temple of Literature, Sapa's 12km mountain trails, Tam Coc's mystical caves, and Halong Bay's limestone formations. Luxurious stays at 4-star hotels include Tirant Hanoi, Amazing Sapa Hotel, and La Pandora Cruise.
Duration 8 days Destinations Hanoi, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch Operator Vietnam Tour Fun From $521
31% Off- US$359+$250 local paymentsYou save $162
Essential Vietnam: Hanoi, Halong Bay and Beyond 5-Day
23 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Pick up drop off, being met by Mr Danny, the timing was impeccable and Halong Bay tour excellent.”
Ian, traveled in June
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, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Legend Travel Group From $382
30% Off- US$267+$259 local paymentsYou save $115
Vietnam: Melody Of Mountain and Sea In 8 Days
33 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Always there to answer any questions, quick response, helpful.”
Martin, traveled in April
Northern Vietnam unfolds over 8 days for around $1,100. The route winds through Hanoi's Tran Quoc Pagoda, includes a cruise on UNESCO-listed Halong Bay aboard Le Journey, and ventures into Sapa's rice terraces. Accommodations feature 3-5 star properties including Mina Hotel and Amazing Hotel Sapa, rated 4.9/5 from 10+ reviews.
Duration 8 days Destinations Hanoi, Sapa, Ta Van, Su Pan Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch Operator Realistic Asia From $536
32% Off- US$364+$199 local paymentsYou save $172
The Best Of Northeast Vietnam - 7 Days / 6 Nights
92 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great food, great info, and a perfect way to see the city!”
Jeff, traveled in October
Ha Giang Province's dramatic peaks and UNESCO-listed Dong Van Geopark reveal northern Vietnam's hidden wonders. Ban Gioc Waterfall cascades majestically, while Ba Be Lake's karst-studded waters welcome kayakers. Tay culture thrives in Phuong Do village homestays, Thai Nguyen's tea plantations stretch endlessly, and Nguom Ngao Cave's limestone formations inspire awe.
Duration 7 days Destinations Hanoi, Ha Giang, Cao Bang Age Range Ages 13+ Operator Crossing Vietnam Tour From
32% Off- US$1,280
Travel Northern Vietnam your way
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Top Northern Vietnam travel itineraries to fit your plans
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Demographics
Solo Travelers359 tours- Couples407 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)7 tours
- Seniors (50+)199 tours
Best time to visit Northern Vietnam
- Summer 2026
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.
- 442 tours
- popular 455 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
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 457 tours
- 456 tours
- 455 tours
- Winter 2026 / 2027
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 449 tours
- 202 tours
- 193 tours
- Spring 2027
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.
- popular 194 tours
- 188 tours
- 181 tours
Contact our Northern Vietnam travel experts
Esteban
Expert in Northern Vietnam at TourRadar
Esteban 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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