In Vietnam, you can hike through highland valleys, terraced rice paddies and towering limestone mountain ranges. The Northern Vietnam is practically a destination in its own right and offers wonderful opportunities to meet indigenous folk in the mountains as well as live it up in one of Asia’s most exciting cities in Vietnam’s capital Hanoi. A region of contrasts – from the refined colonial architecture in Hanoi to the best mountainous views in Sapa and the sublime beauty of the karst islands in Halong Bay. We believe that after reading this article, you will gain more knowledge about the best places to visit in North Vietnam in the first trip during 5 days.
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The first 2 days in Hanoi
As the nation’s capital, Hanoi is an architecture and has been the political and both of the eastern and western culture for over a thousand years, with a wealth of sights to explore. Up on arrival in Hanoi, we will be welcomed by car and driver, transferred to hotel in the city center, check in and relax.
The second days with Hanoi City Tour - Night train to Sapa
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| Photo by falco |
Ho Chi Minh Complex
The first destination in this city is Ho Chi Minh complex which combines other sites like his Mausoleum, former residence, the impressive house around, his garden and the One Pillar Pagoda. However, you should check the schedule because it opens only from 8.00-10.30 every day, accepting Monday and Friday so you will visit the surrounding area of this complex. When visiting here, you must wear formal clothes and do not make noise during the time.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
You move to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. The museum is displayed the memory tools of 54 officially recognized ethnic groups in Vietnam. Thus, you will know more about the culture and Vietnamese people. Especially, you should note the opened-time of some destination, example, the museum of Ethnology is closed on Monday so the alternative site to visit for you is Hoa Lo prison.
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| Photo by quocdungphm |
Hanoi Old Quarter
You should take a cyclo tour of Hanoi Old Quarter will complete your trip to Hanoi. You can grace the views of Hoan Kiem lake when sitting on a cyclo. Hanoi Old Quarter is constructed both of the old-styled and modern-styled like full of antique brick houses and the dynamic atmosphere of the modern city. You should remember that Vietnam is a tropical country so you can follow the weather forecast before discovering on the beach.
On the next two days in Sapa
The northern province of Vietnam is also the most prominent destination of Vietnam. With that being said, Sapa offers some of the best mountainous views in Southeast Asia, especially when you weave your way through the imposing Fansipan mountain - "roof of the Indochina".
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| Photo by myeviajes |
No one knows the ethnic minorities in Sapa takes how long to turn the mountain into the gorgeous terraced fields. Just know that the terraces were exploited from hundreds of years. Terraced fields also marked the process of sedentary, bringing more prosperous life for the household.
You will arrival at Cat Cat village and are welcomed by an experienced local guide – a village of Sapa town. Before having a trekking, you should take 15 minutes for a rest. After that, you will trek to Sin Chai village. Sin Chai is a village of the Red Dao ethnic people, whose women wear beautifully embroidered clothes with distinctive silver jewelry and an enormous red turban.
Continuously, you will cross rice terraces fields belonged to Sin Chai village which is the place inhabited by the Red Dao ethnic group. You should have a small break when hiking, not only keep healthy but also admire the stunning views of the terraces fields. Especially, you will immerse yourself with the ripe rice terraces if you have a chance to visit it in September. It is so impressive moment in your trip. On the trekking way, you will discover the daily life, daily routine of the inhabitants, and you will meet Red Dao ethnic, they normally work in their field or garden.
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| Photo by halongwave5 |
After a night of rest at the hotel you will continue to explore two villages Lao Chai and Ta Van, the villages of the H’mong and Dzay. The day is devoted to a beautiful hike through the breathtaking scenery of Sa Pa valley. Start by road that descends in the wake of the street Cau May (6 km) En route, admire the rice terraces hidden behind mist of the morning, a truly awe-inspiring sight.Follow a small track and cross Muong Hoa River and pass well tended rice terraces on your way to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai. Continuing through the colorful rice terraces you will reach the village of Ta Van Giay . As you continue your trek along the Muong Hoa River you will cross a small suspension bridge, roughly 2km from the settlement. Here you can discover a fascinating collection of rock carvings. These engravings depict some beautiful images of man, stilt houses and some beautiful decorative patterns. We lunch in a home in the village. After lunch the walk continues through a bamboo forest to visit Red Dao ethnic minority village. After taking a rest nearby a waterfall to refresh, you start climbing uphill to a road where the car is ready for your journey back to Lao Cai railway.
On the last day in Halong Bay
You will waste 3.5 hours to catch up Hon Gai Port from your hotel. Your tour guide will lead you to get on the cruise, their staff will bring for you the Welcome Cocktail.
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| Photo by petto123 |
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay is one of the best places to visit in North Vietnam. This destination is famous for hundreds of stunning islands which inhabited only by monkeys and feature dozens of caves and innumerable deserted beaches.
On this time, you will enjoy the buffet lunch on the cruise during discovering hundreds of islets. They will offer a meal including many delicious Vietnamese foods and great drinks while the junk moves slowly toward to see some of the islands and islets with names such as Incense Burner, Stone Dog, and Fighting Cock, the last the symbol of Halong Bay. The upper decks offer stunning views of the surrounding scenery.
After lunch, visit the Thien Cung (Heavenly Palace) Cave to marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites of the grotto. Enjoy an optional kayak tour, or swim off peaceful beaches if time allows. Along the way, there will be ample opportunities to take beautiful photos of the rock arches, sheer cliffs, white sand beaches, and peaceful coves of the islands.
A unique journey to discover the highlights of northern Vietnam in 5 days. Irresistible attraction, book now: https://sapatoursfromhanoi.com/tour/north-vietnam-unique-tour-5-days-4-nights/
