12 Most-EPIC Things To Do in Northern Vietnam

Northern Vietnam is loaded with beautiful nature, experiences and culture. This list will help you to find the best things to do in Vietnam as well as how to prepare your adventure.

Northern Vietnam has earned its name as one of the most versatile and golden places to visit on earth. It has a lot to offer when it comes to the tourist attractions.

It actually has everything for everyone when it comes to likes and favorite places to visit, foods to eat, and scenery among others. It is a serene tourist destination which is envied by even the frequent travelers.

This is your guide to the best FUN things to do in Northern Vietnam. A complete guide, a guide to see what do Vietnamese for fun, what to eat in Northern Vietnam.

#1: Wander the Old Quarter of Hanoi

Photo by David McKelvey

Located in northern Vietnam, Hanoi is such a joy to wander. For us, the Old Quarter is the highlight of Hanoi. It can be a bit chaotic, with crowded sidewalks and streets, exotic, colorful food for sale, and motorbikes zipping everywhere. But that is all just part of the experience.

If you are traveling to Vietnam for your first time, try not to make Hanoi your first stop. It can be overwhelming at first (but that is also part of its allure).

Photo by Marco Verch Professional Photographer and Speaker

#2: Search for Vietnam’s best pho in Hanoi

Pho is a Vietnamese staple – a quick, tasty meal made from four simple ingredients: clear stock, boiled beef, rice noodles and herbs or green onions. In Vietnam, you’ll find it served on street corners and upscale restaurants and in every family home.

Hanoi has gained a reputation as the pho capital of Vietnam. Every restaurant here boasts a secret recipe – and you'll find one of the best at Pho Thin on Lo Duc in the historic French Quarter. This unassuming pho house, with wooden benches and laminated tables, does things a little differently – such as stir-frying the beef in garlic before adding it to the soup. Local foodies insist it gives the pho an unusual smokiness, not found in other restaurants. Pho Thin is always packed.

Photo by ippoippo

#3: Enjoy coffee – over and over again!

Vietnam is a country you will start to get into the coffee world as well.

TRY IT!

There are many wonderful coffee shops around Hanoi Old Quarter. But, you can get a regular coffee basically everywhere and it will be fantastic!

You can try the typical Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk, coffee with egg or coffee with coconut. YUMMY!

Photo by einalem

#4: Water puppet show

One of the best things to do in Vietnam and Hanoi with kids is this one: A water Puppet theatre!

See a unique art form that originates over 1,000 years ago in the Red River Delta. In the past, water puppetry showed the daily life of villagers such as farming, fishing and romance. Now, watch plays about ancient Vietnamese legends, myths and history.

Photo by Juliana Ng

#5: Boating along the Ngô Đồng River in Ninh Bình

Literally meaning “three caves”, travelers visiting Tam Cốc-Bích Động will be stunned by the Hang Cả, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba caves that are situated on the Ngô Đồng River in northern Ninh Bình province. Bích Động refers to a beautiful pagoda complex built in the fifteenth century. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and will take your breath away with its limestone mountains, lazy rivers, serene rice fields and bright blue skies. The gorgeous natural beauty makes this area a top destination in Vietnam.

Photo by shankar s.

#6: Cruise Halong Bay

Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most recognizable sites. Towering limestone mountains lie scattered in the emerald waters of the bay. Two and three day cruises are offered. If you have the time, the three day cruise lets you explore farther into the Halong Bay, for a more authentic, memorable experience.

A trip on Halong Bay would be more perfect with a well organized unit. Check out the top BEST HALONG BAY CRUISE to find the best option for you.

Photo by Arian Zwegers

#7: Boating on Ba Bể Lake

This beautiful lake is the largest in Vietnam. Nestled among surrounding mountains, Ba Bể Lake sits northeast of Hanoi. There are boat tours that will take you out into the smooth waters during the day where you can watch the mist rise off the water in the morning, admire the clear waters in the afternoon, and gaze at a romantic sunset in the evening. This dreamy location makes for an idyllic scenic trip so make sure to bring your camera.

Photo by Jos Dielis

#8: Biking through Mai Châu Town

This enchanting town is perfect for anyone seeking a true local experience in Vietnam. Similar to authentic homestays in Sa Pa, the local Thai people in Mai Châu offer lovely homestays and the opportunity to experience the local culture and cuisine. Traditional music shows are also put on in the evenings by the locals. Check out Mai Chau’s local tour company for booking information.

Photo by Giang A Phon

#9: Trekking through Ha Giang

Ha Giang province borders China in northern Vietnam. This remote, stunning location is perfect for travelers seeking a multi-day trekking experience. Trekking tours through Ha Giang range from 5-13 days and itineraries include touring breathtaking rice terraces, limestone karsts, and visiting minority villages. The view from the province’s Ma Pi Leng Pass is surreal. Trekking Ha Giang offers an excellent selection of tour packages, from quick hikes to two-week adventures. Note that the price depends on tour length and group size.

Photo by Vietnam Typical Tours team

#10: Biking and Trekking Tours in Sa Pa

If Phan Xi Păng is a little too daunting, you can easily spend several days touring Sapa, widely known as one of the most beautiful locations in Vietnam. The town is largely made up of ethnic minorities such as the H’Mong, Tay and Dao peoples. You can book your tour through tour company Sapa O’Chau, which also offers authentic homestays and sees profits going back into the community.

Photo by Vietnam Typical Tours team

#11: Conquering Fansipan by cable car

Too unfit to trek up Fansipan? Fret not! You can still bask in the picturesque Fansipan mountain with a ride up the Sunworld Fansipan Legend cable car. The ride guarantees enthralling sceneries of Muong Hoa Valley and the Hoang Lien Son Mountain range. Fun Fact: The Sunworld Fansipan Legend cable car has been recognised by the Guinness World Records Organisation as the longest non-stop three-rope cable car.

Once you step your foot into the Fansipan cable cabin, you will eager to contemplate the 3000 meter – underneath magnificent landscape: endless clouds, terraced fields of the local ethnic group, Muong Hoa green valley hidden behinds dangerous and sheer rocks of Hoang Lien Son mountain chain, etc. All that things would bring you a sensation of flying on a new land, which is very special and excited.

#12: Find romance at Sapa’s love market

Sapa town has become increasingly popular with tourists, but there are still old traditions hidden in its secret corners. One of those is the Love Market, where Dao (and H’mong) men and women come from miles around to sing songs of love to each other. It was originally held at the end of trading at the Saturday markets, but over-zealous visitors taking intrusive photos has driven the tradition underground.

The Love Market still exists, but now it takes place in secret locations in the dead of night, well away from the gaze of visitors. But if your interest is genuine and you can find a local willing to trust you, the romance can still be found.

BONUS: The most selected tour package from early 2019 to now.

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