North Vietnam Tours

The tours cover Sapa, Bac Ha, Mu Cang Chai and Hoang Su Phi in the northwest, Ha Giang, Cao Bang and Ba Be Lake in the northeast, and Mai Chau and Pu Luong. Others visit Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba Island, Ninh Binh, Nam Dinh and Hanoi itself.

Most tours on this page last 2 to 3 days. There are also day trips, 4 to 5 day tours and a smaller number of 6 to 11 day routes, including a cycling tour and motorbiking tours. Ba Be Lake is about 250 km and 6 hours by car from Hanoi on the 3 day tour, so consider the road time.

The mountain tours around Sapa, Ha Giang and Mu Cang Chai focus on trekking, terraced valleys and ethnic minority villages. Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh and Hanoi are often quicker to reach by road. Spring and autumn are often pleasant in the north, but send your dates and a travel consultant will advise.

The level varies by tour. The Ba Be National Park 3 day tour is described as easy-grade, the Mai Chau Pu Luong 3 day tour includes a 5 to 6 hour trek with steep climbs, and the Ta Xua 2 day tour is called challenging. Accommodation ranges from hotels and cruise cabins to homestays, bungalows and a mountain hut.

Our tour pages say each itinerary can be adapted to your dates, pace and interests. A travel consultant can use a tour as a starting point, and some routes here already combine regions, such as Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh, or Sapa with Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh. Send a request with your dates.

Vietnam is a year-round destination, but its regions differ: the north is best from October to April, the central coast from February to August, and the south from December to April. February to April is the sweet spot for a north-to-south journey. We plan around the weather for your dates.

Citizens of the UK and several European countries can visit visa-free for up to 45 days. Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most other countries apply online for an e-visa (up to 90 days). We send you clear instructions after booking.

Yes. Every tour can use Standard 3★, Superior 4★ or Deluxe 5★ hotels, or a mix city by city. Your consultant suggests the best combination for your budget.

Yes. Your guide, driver and vehicle are private to your party; boat trips and cruises can be shared or private, as you prefer.

Hotels with breakfast, private car and driver, private English-speaking guides on touring days, domestic flights, experiences and entrance fees in the programme, and 24/7 support. International flights, visas, insurance and personal expenses are not included.