Essential tips for a 10-day North Vietnam tour

Planning a 10-day North Vietnam tour opens the door to breathtaking landscapes, rich culture and unforgettable experiences. Picture yourself cruising through the emerald waters of Halong Bay, trekking across terraced rice fields in Sapa, or exploring the charming Old Quarter of Hanoi. Northern Vietnam offers a perfect blend of adventure, history and authentic local life - all within a compact yet rewarding itinerary. 

To make the most of your journey, you’ll need practical travel tips that help you prepare, stay comfortable and enjoy every destination to the fullest in Vietnam. This guide provides everything you need to know before hitting the road, including transportation advice, cultural etiquette, weather considerations and more. 

Let Hanoi Voyages be your trusted companion in designing a seamless and enriching travel experience through North Vietnam.

Best time to go to North Vietnam tour

Before embarking on a tour of North Vietnam, it's essential to choose the right time of year to travel. The north of the country has a subtropical climate, with four distinct seasons, each offering very different atmospheres depending on the region visited. 

• Spring (March to May) offers mild temperatures and generally clear skies. The rice paddies are adorned with tender green young shoots, perfect for hiking in Pu Luong or Mai Chau.

• Autumn (September to November) is the most spectacular season. The rice paddies are ripening, offering a sublime golden patchwork, particularly around Pu Luong, Mai Chau and Ninh Binh.

• Summer (June to August) is hot, humid and often punctuated by heavy rains, especially in July.

• Winter (December to February) can be surprisingly cool, especially in the mountains. In Hanoi or Sapa, temperatures can drop below 10°C.

How to organize your trips in North Vietnam

The 10-day North Vietnam tour covers a wide variety of landscapes, from the bustling city of Hanoi to the rice paddies of Ninh Binh and the emerald waters of Halong Bay. Planning your travel plans is therefore key to ensuring an authentic and enjoyable North Vietnam tour.

• Private car with driver : This is the most convenient option for a 10-day North Vietnam tour. Roads in the North can be winding or narrow and an experienced local driver knows the safest routes and actual travel times.

• Bus or minivan : Buses connect Hanoi to Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, or Halong. This option is suitable for budget travelers, but the schedule is fixed.

• By bike/on foot : Once there, in regions like Pu Luong, Mai Chau or Ninh Binh, there's nothing like a bike or a good pair of walking shoes to soak up the scenery and meet the locals.

Suggested itinerary for a 10-day North Vietnam tour

Designed as a truly immersive experience, this authentic North Vietnam tour takes you from Hanoi to Halong Bay, passing through the Pu Luong Mountains and the Ninh Binh Caves. Discover here a 10-day North Vietnam tour designed to gently explore the most beautiful activities in North Vietnam.

Day 1 - 2: Cultural immersion in Hanoi

Your 10-day North Vietnam tour begins in the thousand-year-old capital, Hanoi, a vibrant city blending colonial heritage, ancestral traditions and contemporary energy. 

• A pedicab tour through the wide avenues of the colonial quarter, the banks of Hoan Kiem Lake and the bustling alleys of the old 36 Guilds district. Hang Gai Street, nicknamed "Silk Street," is one of its highlights.

• Visit the elegant architecture inherited from the French era, notably in front of the Sofitel Legend Metropole hotel, the Hanoi Opera House and the State Bank, symbols of the colonial past.

• Visit the city's major cultural sites : Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Tran Quoc Pagoda and Vietnam Museum of Ethnography.

• Photo stop at the famous Train Street : Where the railway line brushes against the cafes, this is a North Vietnam activity that has become a cult.

• Water Puppet Show : An ancestral art typical of the Red River Delta. This show, combining theater, traditional music and popular humor, is a must-see on any tour of North Vietnam.

Day 3: Drive to Mai Chau via Duong Lam village

On the morning of the third day, head to the northern countryside. Mai Chau is an essential stop on any 10-day North Vietnam tour, as it marks the beginning of a truly immersive experience.

• Stop at Duong Lam Village : This listed village, known for its red laterite houses and preserved traditions, immerses you in a rural and authentic Vietnam. A bike ride through the shady alleys allows you to observe local life and interact with the locals.

• Meet the Thai Ethnic Groups in Mai Chau : Mai Chau is the birthplace of the White Thai minority, whose stilt houses dot the landscape. Here, scenes of daily life are a spectacle: women weaving brocade, children playing at the edge of the rice fields.

Day 4 - 5: Hiking in the heart of Pu Luong

On the fourth day, you leave the Mai Chau valley to reach a still little-known destination: Pu Luong. This nature reserve, a jewel of the North Vietnam circuit, offers a perfect balance between unspoiled nature and vibrant culture.

• Drive to Pu Luong Nature Reserve : Along the road (1.5 hours), the scenery becomes increasingly mountainous. Pu Luong, whose name means “the highest peak,” reveals landscapes of rice terraces as far as the eye can see. 

• Hiking day (Day 5) : A walk through rice terraces, mountain trails, small bamboo bridges and buffaloes immerses you in one of the most beautiful scenes of the 10-day North Vietnam tour.

• Cave break or free time in the village : At the end of the day, free time to explore the valley's caves or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of your lodge. One of the most invigorating activities in North Vietnam.

Day 6 - 7: Ninh Binh, the “Halong Bay on land”

After the mountains, it's time for the karst landscapes of Ninh Binh, often nicknamed "Little Halong on Earth." This stage offers you a different but equally enchanting atmosphere of the 10-day North Vietnam tour.

• Traditional boat ride in Tam Coc : Along the Ngo Dong River, a woman rows with her feet through three spectacular caves. It's one of the most relaxing activities in North Vietnam.

• Bike tour to Bich Dong Pagoda : On a peaceful path bordered by rice fields, reach this small pagoda leaning against a cliff.

• Visit an ancient imperial capital Hoa Lu : End the day with a visit to the dynastic temples of Dinh and Le, witnesses to the history of Vietnam in the 10th century.

• Overnight stay with a local in Tam Coc : Enjoy a warm welcome in a local home nestled among limestone peaks. An intimate getaway, ideal for immersing yourself in an authentic North Vietnamese tour.

Day 8 - 10: Heading for the legendary Halong Bay

This is the grand final stop on the 10-day North Vietnam tour: Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a spectacular end to the journey between sea and legend.

• Halong Bay Sailing : Aboard a traditional junk, you'll cruise through a maze of 1,969 limestone islets. A peaceful cruise through mythical landscapes, interspersed with stops to visit caves, kayak, or sunbathe on deck.

• Cooking demonstration and seafood dinner : In the evening, learn to cook a local dish like banh xeo, before enjoying a delicious seafood dinner in a magical setting.

• Tai Chi session at sunrise (Day 9) : A moment of absolute calm on the deck of the boat, lulled by the sounds of the sea.

• Visit the floating village of Vung Vieng : This meeting with the local fishermen reconnects you with the soul of the bay.

• Return to Hanoi in the afternoon (Day 9) : After brunch on board, you will return to Hanoi by private car for a final night in the city.

For more information about this itinerary, you can read: North Vietnam tour 10 days

👉 Ready to explore the best of North Vietnam? Let Hanoi Voyages craft a fully customized itinerary tailored to your pace and interests. 

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Recommend accommodations for your 10-day North Vietnam tour

To make the most of your 10-day North Vietnam tour, choosing the right hotel is essential. Here are top-rated accommodations across the region—each offering unique experiences, comfort and easy access to cultural and natural highlights.

Best hotels in Northern Vietnam

Hanoi Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi	Sapa Hotel de la Coupole	Ninh Binh Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort

Pu Luong Pu Luong Natura	Hanoi Movenpick Hotel Hanoi Centre	Mai Chau Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort

Top overnight cruises in Halong Bay

No 10-day North Vietnam tour would be complete without a night on the emerald waters of Halong Bay. These luxury cruises offer comfort, cuisine and unforgettable seascapes.

Cruise on the Bhaya Legend Private Charter	Cruise on the Binh Chuan Heritage	Cruise on the Prince Junk

Travel tips for your 10-day North Vietnam tour

To ensure your 10-day North Vietnam tour runs smoothly, a few practical tips can make all the difference once you arrive. Here are the essentials you need to know to fully enjoy North Vietnam activities.

Book with a trusted travel company

Organizing a full 10-day North Vietnam tour can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time in Vietnam. That’s why choosing a reputable company like Hanoi Voyages is a smart move. They offer customized itineraries, experienced local guides and 24/7 support—so you can relax and focus on enjoying the journey.

Pack smart and dress appropriately

North Vietnam’s weather can vary depending on the time of year and region:

• Bring layers: Sapa and Ha Giang can be cold in the early morning or evening, especially between November and March.

• Comfortable footwear: Essential for walking tours in Hanoi or trekking in the mountains.

• Rain gear: A light raincoat or foldable umbrella is helpful, especially if traveling from May to August.

Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent and a refillable water bottle.

Buy a local SIM card 

Staying connected is important for navigating cities or staying in touch with your travel company. Upon arrival, pick up a Vietnamese SIM card at the airport. Viettel, Vinaphone and Mobifone are reliable providers offering affordable data packages—perfect for a 10-day North Vietnam tour.

Be aware of traffic and crossing streets

Traffic in Vietnam, especially Hanoi, can feel chaotic to newcomers. Be cautious when crossing streets, walk slowly and confidently and let motorbikes move around you. It’s best to avoid rush hours and stick to pedestrian crossings when possible.

Learn more: Transportation in Vietnam: Best options for getting around

Respect local customs and traditions

Northern Vietnam is rich in cultural diversity, particularly in ethnic minority villages. Show respect by:

• Dressing modestly when visiting temples or rural communities

• Removing shoes before entering someone’s home or a pagoda

• Asking permission before taking photos of local people

Being mindful of local etiquette enhances your experience and fosters positive interactions throughout your 10-day North Vietnam tour.

With the right preparation, your 10-day North Vietnam tour will be more than just a trip—it’ll be an immersive, memorable journey. Partnering with a trusted operator like Hanoi Voyages and keeping these tips in mind will ensure smooth travels through bustling cities, peaceful highlands and magical seascapes.

Contact Hanoi Voyages today and start planning your dream adventure!