Northern Vietnam Guide: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Sapa
Golden Tropics Travel · Updated
Northern Vietnam packs a lot into a short trip: a busy, historic capital, limestone islands rising from the sea, and mountain valleys of rice terraces. It is only a short flight from Kuala Lumpur, so it suits a week-long holiday.
Hanoi
Hanoi's Old Quarter is a maze of narrow streets, each once known for a single trade, with scooters, street stalls and cafés everywhere. Hoan Kiem Lake sits at its edge, with the red Huc Bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple.
- The Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda
- A water puppet show, a traditional northern art
- Train Street, where trains pass between houses (access is sometimes restricted)
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has around 1,600 limestone islands and islets. Most visitors see it on a day cruise or an overnight boat, with stops for caves, kayaking or a viewpoint climb. It is about two and a half to three hours from Hanoi by road. Cruises can be cancelled in bad weather, especially during the storm season.
Ninh Binh and Sapa
- Ninh Binh, often called Ha Long Bay on land: rowing boats through caves and rice fields at Trang An or Tam Coc
- Mua Cave viewpoint, a stair climb with views over the valley
- Sapa: rice terraces and villages of the Hmong and Dao peoples, usually greenest in summer and golden at harvest around September
- The Fansipan cable car to the top of Indochina's highest mountain
Seasons, food and tips
- The north has a real winter: Hanoi can be cool from December to February, and Sapa can be cold, so bring a jacket.
- Spring and autumn are usually the most pleasant; summer is hot and wet.
- Try pho, bun cha and egg coffee, but many dishes use pork or pork stock.
- Hanoi has a few halal restaurants; tell us your dietary needs when you book.
- Malaysians can usually visit Vietnam visa-free for up to 30 days. Check the latest rules before you travel.