TOP 10 BEST PLACES IN NORTHERN VIETNAM TO VISIT

From majestic mountains to blue beaches, Vietnam is known as one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia. To make your journey to explore Vietnam easier, we suggest the top 10 best places in northern Vietnam worth visiting.

1. Hanoi –  One of the best place to visit in northern Vietnam

Tops the list of the best places in Northern Vietnam is Hanoi. Hanoi is an ideal destination for those who love the intersection of traditional and modern culture. This city owns many famous places such as Hanoi Old Quarter – which preserves the beauty of 36 ancient streets of Hanoi or Temple of Literature – the first university in Vietnam. Don’t forget to visit Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum – the resting place of President Ho Chi Minh and walk around Ba Dinh square. For tourists who love to learn about unique architecture, do not miss the opportunity to visit the One Pillar Pagoda – the most famous pagoda in Vietnam or Hanoi Cathedral built in classic Gothic architecture and inspired by Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Besides, Long Bien Bridge is also a check-in location not to be missed. In particular, if you come to Hanoi on weekends, go to Hoan Kiem Lake – the pride of Hanoi capital to visit and participate in entertainment activities around the lake. Hopefully, this list of the best places in Hanoi will help you have a memorable trip.

Hanoi is a top destination in north Vietnam to experience street food. The delicate processing and harmonious combination of ingredients make visitors eat it once and remember it forever. Pho Ha Noi captivates visitors with its soft noodles, elegant broth, green onions and herbs. Bun Cha (Kebab Rice Noodle) is also a must – try dish, served with rich marinated meat pieces and sweet and sour dipping sauce and various vegetables. In addition, Cha ca La Vong also captivates visitors with its crispy golden crust served with attractive dipping sauce. It would be a mistake to walk around Hanoi’s Old Quarter without enjoying a cup of egg coffee. The rich cream layer and fragrant coffee aroma create a very special flavor that you will definitely love. Don’t forget to enjoy Hanoi street snacks such as banh mi, West lake fried shrimp cakes or Trang Tien ice cream. All the dishes create a diverse culinary culture, making Hanoi the best place in Northern Vietnam.

Coming to Hanoi, visitors can also experience many attractive activities. Visit traditional villages in Hanoi such as Bat Trang Pottery village, Dong Ho painting craft village and make a product yourself. These are all top attractive destinations in the journey to explore Vietnam. Don’t forget to experience walking around Hoan Kiem Lake by cyclo or watching folk art performances like water puppetry, ca tru, etc. If you love to explore, Melon Travel provides you with experiences to explore Hanoi in your own way such as exploring Hanoi by Vespa motorbike, viewing the capital from above by double-decker bus or visiting Hanoi by Jeep car. All of these experiences will bring you memorable memories.

2. Ha Long – Natural wonder of the world

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage, Ha Long Bay is one of the best places in North Vietnam with attractive destinations not to be missed. This city owns beautiful beaches such as Bai Chay – an artificial beach with a length of nearly 1 km or Tuan Chau beach with charming scenery. Besides, with its majestic and pristine beauty, Ha Long has become the best place in Northern Vietnam to explore mysterious caves, deep in the limestone mountains at sea such as Sung Sot Cave, Dau Go Cave, Luon Cave, Thien Cung Cave. Exploring these caves, visitors will have the opportunity to see the beauty of limestone stalactites formed thousands of years ago. Don’t forget to visit Bai Tu Long Bay – where there are hundreds of limestone islands and charming beaches or Lan Ha Bay – where there are more than 100 small sandy beaches. In addition, if you want to see the panoramic view of Ha Long, don’t forget to visit Ti Top Island – one of the most beautiful islands in Ha Long Bay.

Ha Long is a place you must-visit in northern Vietnam to enjoy delicious dishes. Tourists cannot miss squid patties – a dish made from fresh squid with a strong flavor of the sea or mantis shrimp noodle, when eaten, you will feel the delicious taste of seafood and the chewiness of vermicelli or Quang Dong fried rice – a dish made from ingredients such as rice, shrimp, coconut and spices. Don’t forget to try Ha Long Yogurt, made from pure fresh milk and can be eaten with fresh fruits such as mango, strawberry, pineapple, etc.

Famous as the top destination in north Vietnam, there are many attractive activities in Ha Long. Kayaking is one of the most enjoyable relaxing activities here. Visitors will be able to row on the water and get closer to the preparation of natural limestone blocks. If you are a lover of water activities, don’t forget to participate in scuba diving and swimming at Lan Ha Bay. If you want to see Ha Long from above, a seaplane is the perfect choice for you. The Seaplane will give you a comprehensive view of the most beautiful location in about 25 minutes. In addition, visitors also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in local life when participating in activities such as visiting floating fishing villages or pearl villages. Also, don’t miss the chance to see Ha Long on the luxury cruise. With attractive entertainment activities, Ha Long has become one of the best places in northern Vietnam.

3. Ninh Binh – Journey back to Nature

Famous for its pristine natural beauty and unique cultural heritage, Ninh Binh has become one of the must – visit in north Vietnam. Coming to Ninh Binh, visitors cannot miss the opportunity to admire outstanding destinations such as Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex – recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage or Hang Mua, a famous check-in location with beautiful picturesque scenery. Known as “Ha Long on land”, Tam Coc – Bich Dong is also a place that tourists should visit because of its wonderful beauty. If you are a nature lover, don’t forget to visit Cuc Phuong National Park – the largest primeval forest in Vietnam. In addition, Ninh Binh has famous destinations such as Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Bai Dinh Pagoda,..

 

Coming to Ninh Binh, visitors must definitely try attractive dishes that are meticulously prepared such as Ninh Binh scorched rice – a popular dish made from rice served with special sauce or goat, a dish rich in nutrients. Don’t forget to try Nho Quan wine – a traditional wine made from fermented rice and aged in jars. There are other specialties such as boiled mountain snail, To Nhu vermicelli noodles, etc. These dishes with attractive flavors truly reflect the culinary culture passed down through many generations here. Therefore, it is not surprising that Ninh Binh is on the list of the best places in north Vietnam that you must definitely visit on your journey to explore Vietnam. 

In addition to beautiful nature, Ninh Binh has many attractive activities for tourists such as kayaking at Trang An or experiencing eco-tourism and culture at Van Long Lagoon. Here, visitors will have the opportunity to watch the Delacour’s Langur and thousands of flying butterflies creating a beautiful scene. Charming natural landscapes and attractive dishes have made Ninh Binh the best place in Northern Vietnam that tourists must visit.

4. Ha Giang –  Must – see in Northern Vietnam

Famous for its wild and majestic beauty, Ha Giang is one of the best places in Vietnam. Ha Giang offers visitors unforgettable experiences with attractive locations such as Ma Pi Leng Pass – where visitors can view the majestic limestone mountains and Nho Que River. Recognized by UNESCO as a Global Geopark, Dong Van Karst Plateau promises to bring interesting experiences. Don’t forget to visit Dong Van Ancient Town – home to many ethnic groups to immerse yourself in their daily life. In addition, Ha Giang also owns many other attractive destinations such as Hoang Su Phi – a famous place with terraced fields, Sung La Valley – the setting of the famous movie “Pao’s Story”, Lung Cu Flag Tower, a check-in location not to be missed or Yen Minh Pine Forest.

Ha Giang cuisine also captivates tourists with its appeal and sophistication. Prepared with natural spices, dishes in Ha Giang are very rich and attractive such as five-color sticky rice, dried buffalo meat, and grilled sausage. Each dish brings visitors unforgettable experiences.

Coming to Ha Giang, visitors must definitely try outdoor activities such as boating on the Nho Que River, experiencing the daily life of local people at Dong Van market or checking in at the Ha Giang 0km landmark. In October every year, don’t forget to go to Ha Giang to immerse yourself in the vast buckwheat flower fields. In particular, do not miss the wonderful experiences at the Ancient House Homestay to better understand the culture and life of local people. These unique experiences are what make Ha Giang a must-visit places in northern Vietnam.

5. Sapa – One of the best places to visit in Northern Vietnam

Located at the foot of  Hoang Lien Son mountain, Sapa is the tourist center of the North with beautiful natural scenery. If you have the opportunity to come to Sapa, don’t miss famous tourist destinations such as Fansipan peak – the highest mountain peak in Vietnam, Cat Cat village – where you can learn about the life of the H’mong ethnic people. Ham Rong Mountain – an ideal place for you to see most attractions such as Ta Van village, Sapa stone church, Muong Hoa valley. Don’t forget to visit Silver Falls – the most beautiful waterfall in Vietnam, Rose Valley – a romantic and ideal place for couples or Sun Plaza – a complex of shopping, entertainment and hotel centers located in the square. Sa Pa. If you are a nature lover, explore charming places such as O Quy Ho Pass in Sapa, Hau Thao Sapa, Ta Phin Village, Ma Tra Village, Lao Chai Village, etc. With the above attractive locations, Sapa deserves to be voted as one of the best places to visit in the North. 

Sold along the roads in Sapa, roasted chestnuts will be the perfect choice for your trip. The sweet taste of chestnuts makes it a specialty here. In May or June, when tourists come to Sapa, they will enjoy plums served with salt. Walking around the market, visitors will experience a dish made from horse organs, stewed bones and raw vegetables – thang co. Coming to Sapa, visitors should not miss the opportunity to enjoy attractive dishes such as five color sticky rice, grilled chicken, grilled duck, buffalo meat, etc. One of the most popular dishes with tourists is salmon hotpot. Fresh fish mixed with sweet and sour broth.

If you are an adventure lover, Sapa is the best place in North Vietnam for you. You can participate in exciting outdoor activities such as bungee jumping, zipline sliding, and walking on the transparent glass bridge at Rong May Glass Bridge. In addition, visitors can also immerse themselves in nature with activities such as trekking through villages in Sapa or climbing Fansipan mountain.

6. Hai Phong – Vibrant City by the Sea

Known as the “city of red phoenix flowers”, Hai Phong is the best place in northern Vietnam with beautiful scenery. If you are a nature lover, visit charming beaches such as Do Son beach, Cat Ba Island, Hon Dau Island, Vu Yen Island, Long Chau Island, Bach Long Vy Island. Each island has its own unique features, ensuring visitors will not regret coming here. In addition, if you like to explore historical relics and landscapes, go to famous places such as Hai Phong Museum – where historical artifacts are kept, Tuyet Tinh Coc or Mangrove Ecological Area Dai Hop commune.

Hai Phong is the top destination in northern Vietnam to enjoy delicious and attractive dishes. Among Hai Phong specialties, spicy bread is the dish most loved by tourists because of its unique flavor. In addition, visitors should try other famous dishes such as Ha Lung grilled fish – an attractive dish made from fresh pork and squid, red jellyfish salad – a dish that brings visitors extremely delicious flavors, especially crab cake soup with red rice noodles – a dish that Hai Phong people love. Each dish has its own flavor, giving visitors unforgettable experiences. Therefore, Hai Phong is always a name on the list of must-visit places in northern Vietnam.

7. Cao Bang – Top places in northern Vietnam 

Famous for its peaceful and poetic beauty, Cao Bang has become a top destination in North Vietnam with attractive attractions such as Pac Po Cave – Ho Chi Minh’s refuge during the arduous struggle for Vietnamese national independence. Next to the cave are Lenin Stream and Karl Marx Mountain – ideal places to check in when coming here. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Quay Son River – the most poetic river in Vietnam, Ban Gioc Waterfall – one of the largest waterfalls in Southeast Asia. Located near Ban Gioc waterfall is Phat Tich Truc Lam Pagoda – a quiet and peaceful temple. Cao Bang also awaits visitors with other famous places such as Khuoi Ky ancient stone village – a cultural heritage of the Tay people, Nguom Ngao Cave – where visitors will see uniquely shaped stalactites or Mat Than Mountain – a breathtaking natural wonder located in Cao Chuong. If you are a Nature lover, visit Phia Oac National Park – where you can explore diverse nature or Khau Coc Cha Pass – the pass is known as “the most audacious pass in Vietnam“

Cuisine in Cao Bang is very diverse and rich. Coming to this charming land, visitors should not miss the opportunity to enjoy delicious dishes such as Cao Bang roasted duck – a dish that is a harmonious combination of fresh duck meat, crispy skin and typical spices, Cao Bang sausage – a dish made from wild boar meat marinated with ginger juice and many other spices, dong glass noodles – made from beetroot and handmade, che lam – made from sticky rice flour, roasted peanuts, ginger and malt. In addition, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy other specialty dishes such as Sour Pho, Grilled agarwood fish, ant egg rice cake, Trung Khanh chestnut, Cao Bang steamed rolls. Delicious dishes and unique flavors are the factors that help Cao Bang become one of the best places in northern Vietnam.

Coming to Cao Bang, visitors will experience interesting activities such as boating on the Quay Son river, admiring the charming landscape of Cao Bang or admiring the artistic light show at Ban Gioc Waterfall. In addition, visitors can participate in picnicking, camping, trekking, and SUP rowing activities at Ban Viet Lake.

8. Moc Chau – The top ideal destination for nature lovers

Located 200 km west of Hanoi, Moc Chau is famous for its vast tea fields, where visitors can observe the tea production process and enjoy delicious cups of tea. Located at an altitude of 2000 meters, Dinh Pha Luong is the highest peak in the Moc Chau plateau, where you can see the beauty of both Vietnam and Laos. Coming to Moc Chau, visitors must definitely visit the heart-shaped Green Tea Hill, Ban Ang Pine Forest – one of the most famous forests in Vietnam, bringing visitors tranquility and interesting experiences, Glass Bridge Moc Chau – where visitors can admire the majestic mountain panorama, Ta Xua – a famous check-in place to see the clouds or Man Na Ka Valley – where visitors can enjoy delicious products from plums. With these famous locations, Moc Chau deserves to be one of the best places in northern Vietnam.

Moc Chau is famous for attractive dishes such as deep fried calf – a unique dish made from veal, served with vegetables and soy sauce, smoked buffalo meat – the meat is marinated with pepper, chili and ginger first. When placed on fire to smoke or corn alcohol – a famous drink in Moc Chau. In addition, Moc Chau is also famous for products made from milk such as cow’s milk, milk candy, etc. Moc Chau cow’s milk is sold throughout Vietnam and exported abroad.

As the best places in northern Vietnam, Moc Chau has many attractive activities such as picking strawberries at Chimi Farm Strawberry Garden, participating in the “Moc Chau Fruit Picking Festival” at the end of May every year, organizing a BBQ party at Chieng Khoa Waterfall or Check-in at the S-shaped street 

9. Mai Chau – Best places in northern Vietnam 

Located in Hoa Binh province, Mai Chau is famous for its charming natural landscape and vibrant culture. Let Melon Travel suggest to you the Top 7 attractive destinations in Mai Chau. Thung Khe Pass is a famous pass with impressive cliffs and mist-covered peaks. On the way from Thung Khe Pass to Tong Dau intersection, you will come to a famous check-in location, Mai Chau Flagpole. Located in the Pu Kha mountain range, Mo Luong cave is a place you must visit with a large cave system extending more than 500 meters into the heart of the mountain. Besides, Mai Chau also welcomes you with other locations such as Go Lao Waterfall, Ban Lac – charming destinations offering a unique homestay experience, where the Thai ethnic group lives. Another must-see attraction on your trip to Mai Chau is Pam Coong village – where you will be immersed in the vibrant culture of the local people. In addition, don’t forget to visit Pa Co market – a bustling market that usually takes place every Sunday morning.

Mai Chau is blessed with fertile land and rich flora and fauna, so the dishes here are very attractive and delicious. Coming to Mai Chau, don’t forget to enjoy special dishes such as sticky rice – a favorite dish of most tourists when coming here, mountain snails, crispy fried stream fish served with rice, charcoal-grilled hill chicken or grilled meat roll in pomelo leaf. The delicious taste and variety of spices have become a tourist attraction in Mai Chau. It is not surprising that Mai Chau became the best place in northern Vietnam.

10. Bac Kan – Ideal location in Vietnam travel itinerary

Referring to Bac Kan tourist destinations, Ba Be Lake is always on the list of must-check-in places. Ba Be Lake was formed nearly 200 million years ago and is made up of 3 lakes Pe Lam, Pe Leng, and Pe Lu. Located on the Nang River, Puong Cave is also a hot spot, where visitors can see uniquely shaped stalactites running along the 300m long river. In the Bac Kan area, there are also many historical relics and national landscapes such as Ang Toong cave, Na Nooc Waterfall, Khuoi Cuong relic – where Uncle Ho once visited, the French Council house… For tourists If you love exploring nature, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Tham Phay Cave – a cave known as “Son Doong” of Ba Be district or Kim Hy Nature Reserve – where there is a rich flora and fauna ecosystem. The tourist route here includes 7 destinations: Minh Tinh Cave, Tat Chat Waterfall, Bat Cave, Khuoi Cai Waterfall, Nam Cao Cave, Lung Sien, Nghien Vu Muon Forest. With its diverse and charming nature, Bac Kan deserves to be on the list of the best places in northern Vietnam.

Bac Kan is famous for its delicious local cuisine such as Banh Gio – a dish made from rice, with meat, wood ear mushrooms and spices inside. Besides, there are also sour shrimp, grilled fish from Ba Be lake – the shrimp is incubated for 45 days and the fish meat is cleaned and grilled on charcoal. Bac Kan tangerine is a specialty fruit, rich in juice, mild sweet and sour taste and attractive aroma. Enjoy Shan Tuyet tea when coming to Bac Kan to immerse yourself in the cool flavor of tea leaves.

Bac Kan is home to many ethnic minorities, so when you come here, you can immerse yourself in the lives of local people, learn how to do daily tasks such as taking care of tangerine gardens, learning to prepare dishes, local specialties or participate in ethnic festivals. All of these activities will bring you memorable experiences. 

From vast plains to majestic mountains, Northern Vietnam is not only a top destination for visitors to immerse themselves in beautiful natural landscapes but also a place to explore a culture rich in national identity. Hopefully, the list of the best places in Northern Vietnam that Melon Travel suggests promises to bring visitors unforgettable experiences.