Northern Vietnam is home to the perfect combination of majestic nature, diverse culture, and rich cuisine. From the rice terraces that stretch out in Mu Cang Chai to the high peaks of Fansipan, each destination offers a different and colorful picture. Visitors not only find stunning scenery, but they also have the opportunity to explore the rich and profound culture of ethnic minorities. Let’s explore things to do in Northern Vietnam with Karst Plateau, a fascinating tourist destination as well as interesting activities that you should not miss during your journey to explore this land.
1. Explore Ha Giang Loop
Ha Giang Loop is a wonderful and colorful journey
Ha Giang Loop is one of the things to do in Northern Vietnam that any traveler should experience at least once. This is a long route of about 350 km, usually taking 3 to 4 days to explore by motorbike. This road takes you through beautiful majestic mountains, limestone mountain ranges, deep mountain passes, lush green rice fields, and many ancient villages of ethnic minorities such as H’Mong, Dao, Lo Lo, Tay, etc.
Prominent places:
- Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate: An ideal place to admire the scenery and take photos with the majestic image of the twin mountains.
- Lung Cu Flag Tower: The symbol of Ha Giang with a wide panoramic view.
- Ma Pi Leng Pass: A spectacular mountain pass with stunning natural scenery.
- Dong Van Old Town: A place that preserves unique cultural and historical values.
Besides the natural scenery, culture, and cuisine are also factors that add to the attractiveness of Ha Giang. Visitors can enjoy special dishes such as Thang Co, corn wine, bamboo-tube rice, dried buffalo meat, sour pho, etc.
When exploring Ha Giang, you will have the opportunity to participate in many interesting experiences such as trekking through the villages and learning about the cultures of the H’Mong, Red Dao, and Tay ethnic groups. One of the unique experiences is to take part in the local people’s festivals, where you can enjoy traditional dances, poetic recitations, and unique local specialties. That is why it has become one of the most beloved things to do in Northern Vietnam by travelers.
Tips for travelers:
To explore the Ha Giang loop conveniently, you should pay attention to the following:
- Choose the right time, from October to April is the dry season and the best weather.
- Make sure to have an international driving license if you drive a motorbike yourself.
- Prepare lightweight luggage, only bring necessary items.
- Don’t forget to equip the necessary protective gear when driving through mountainous passes.
Exploring the Ha Giang Loop will definitely be an unforgettable experience for those who love travel and exploration.
2. Explore Ha Long Bay
A cruise on Ha Long Bay is truly one of the most impressive things to do in Northern Vietnam for every visitor
Ha Long Bay, one of the natural wonders of the world, is one of the things to do in Northern Vietnam that you shouldn’t miss. With its fascinating limestone islands and stunning seascape, Ha Long Bay offers unforgettable travel experiences.
Activities on the sea:
When participating in a tour to visit Ha Long Bay, tourists can experience many interesting activities such as:
- Overnight cruise: Exploring by cruise is one of the most popular experiences, where you can relax and admire the surreal scenery of the bay.
- Kayaking: This is a favorite activity for many people, allowing you to explore small islands and mysterious caves.
- Explore the caves: Ha Long Bay is famous for its beautiful caves such as Sung Sot Cave, Dau Go Cave, and Thien Cung Cave.
- Visit the fishing villages: One of the interesting experiences is to visit the famous fishing villages and learn about the local people’s lives.
Prominent destinations:
- Sung Sot Cave: Famous for its stunning stalactite system.
- Ti Top Island: Where you can relax on the pristine beach or climb to the top of the island to admire the panoramic view of the bay.
- Dog Rock and Dinh Huong islet: Famous landmarks of the bay.
- Ba Trai Dao Beach and Minh Chau Beach: Ideal places to relax and swim.
3. Visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital of Vietnam, is one of the indispensable destinations when it comes to things to do in Northern Vietnam
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is an essential part when it comes to things to do in Northern Vietnam. This place not only stands out with its ancient architecture but also preserves a rich culinary culture.
Cultural and culinary experience:
When you come to the Old Quarter, you will feel the bustling and vibrant life of the town. The restaurants, bakeries, and handicraft products on both sides of the street will provide you with a unique culinary experience.
Famous dishes:
- Pho Hanoi: The symbol of Hanoi cuisine, with a rich and flavorful taste.
- Bun Cha: A famous dish with fragrant grilled meat.
- Banh Mi: The perfect combination of French and Vietnamese culinary culture.
Prominent attractions in the old town:
- Hoan Kiem Lake: The heart of the Old Quarter, where many cultural activities take place.
- Dong Xuan Market: The largest market in the Old Quarter with a variety of products.
- Quan Chuong Gate: An ancient city gate, a symbol of Hanoi with high historical value.
- Hang Ma Street: This place displays all kinds of handicraft products, lanterns, folk toys, masks, drums, etc.
Night activities:
The Old Quarter is not only beautiful during the day but also has a different charm at night. You can participate in the night market in the Old Quarter, where many unique culinary and cultural activities take place.
- Night market in the Old Quarter: Open from 6 pm to 11 pm on weekends, it is an ideal place for you to enjoy local specialties and street food.
- Pedestrian street: A bustling area with many cultural and street art activities.
Hanoi brings visitors a sense of closeness and friendliness, being one of the most attractive things to do in Northern Vietnam.
4. Visiting terraced fields in Sa Pa
The endless steps stretch across the hillsides, creating a beautiful and peaceful natural picture
The terraced fields in Sa Pa are one of the prominent destinations that cannot be missed when exploring Northern Vietnam, and they are also the best things to do in Northern Vietnam. This place is not only famous for its majestic natural scenery but also for preserving the unique cultural values of ethnic minorities.
The beauty of Sa Pa:
The terraced fields of Sa Pa are formed through the farming practices of the local people. In the autumn, when the rice turns golden, the fields are filled with the reflection of light, creating a magnificent painting. This season usually takes place from September to October, which is the ideal time for tourists to visit and experience this beauty.
Prominent tourist destinations:
- Muong Hoa Valley: A place with the largest terraced fields in Sa Pa, attracting visitors with its peaceful beauty.
- Sapa Night Market: An opportunity to enjoy delicious cuisine along with entertaining activities, or to interact and chat with local people.
- Y Ty: A remote destination with magnificent scenery, also a paradise for travel enthusiasts.
Trekking through the villages:
Trekking through the villages in Sa Pa is an exciting experience for those who love exploring nature and culture. There are many famous trekking routes, from short walks through Cat Cat village to longer trips to Lao Chai, Ta Van, or even climbing to the top of Fansipan. This is definitely one of the things to do in Northern Vietnam that cannot be missed.
- Trekking from Sapa to Cat Cat Village: An easy route for all ages, only about 4 km.
- Trekking to Lao Chai and Ta Van: This route is about 12 km long and is for those who like to explore longer.
- The way up to Fansipan: A more challenging trek, requiring good physical fitness and can last about 2 days.
5. Visit the Mai Chau mountainous area
Mai Chau is a peaceful valley, one of the things to do in Northern Vietnam suitable for those who love peace and want to experience the life of ethnic people
Mai Chau, a place with stunning landscapes and diverse cultures, is one of the things to do in Northern Vietnam that is suitable for those who love tranquility and want to experience the life of the Thai ethnic people.
Activities in Mai Chau:
Mai Chau offers many interesting activities, from long trekking to visiting ethnic villages. These activities not only allow you to appreciate the beauty of nature but also explore the unique culture of the local people.
- Trekking through the valleys: Explore the natural beauty of the countryside.
- Stay at homestays: Immerse yourself in the local people’s way of life at homestays.
- Interact with locals: Learn traditional handicrafts and enjoy traditional cuisine.
- Participate in outdoor activities: Cycle around the fields, and take a stroll around the village.
Culinary and resort experiences:
Mai Chau cuisine is another attractive highlight. Visitors can enjoy many delicious dishes such as:
- Dried Buffalo meat: A famous specialty dish.
- Grilled stream fish: Fresh and delicious food prepared simply but very attractive.
- The resort experiences in Mai Chau, from homestays to luxurious resorts, are a great opportunity to learn about the local culture and also a time to relax.
6. Visiting Mu Cang Chai
The ideal time to visit Mu Cang Chai is around September-October when the rice begins to ripen
Mu Cang Chai is a small district in Yen Bai province, famous for its stunning terraced rice fields, and is one of the must-visit destinations in Northern Vietnam if you love photography or want to admire the majestic natural beauty.
The terraced fields:
With about 2,200 hectares of terraced fields, Mu Cang Chai brings mesmerizing natural landscapes to tourists. The ideal time to admire the golden fields and attract a large number of visitors for sightseeing and photography is during the autumn season from September to October.
Prominent places:
- La Pan Tan: A place with beautiful terraced fields like paintings.
- Khau Pha Pass: One of the four major mountain passes in Vietnam, where you can enjoy stunning landscapes.
Ripe rice season and the best time:
The ripe rice season in Mu Cang Chai is an ideal time to experience the beauty of the golden rice fields. Additionally, the water pouring season from May to June is also a worthwhile time to visit, when the water surfaces reflect the surrounding scenery.
Trekking and Photography Activities:
This area offers many attractive trekking routes, allowing you to explore villages, rice fields, and pristine nature. Beautiful photography spots like Khau Pha Pass and the surrounding areas of La Pan Tan will provide you with valuable and stunning photos.
7. Ban Gioc Waterfall
Ban Gioc Waterfall is one of the interesting destinations when you are looking for things to do in Northern Vietnam
Cao Bang, with its wild and magnificent beauty, is one of the interesting destinations when you are looking for things to do in Northern Vietnam. This place is most famous for Ban Gioc Waterfall – one of the widest and most beautiful waterfalls in the country, offering tourists a wonderful natural experience.
The most beautiful waterfall in Vietnam
Ban Gioc Waterfall is about 30 meters high and 300 meters wide, located on the border between Vietnam and China. It is not only famous for the beauty of the water but also for the stunning natural landscape with green limestone mountains and golden rice fields surrounding the waterfall.
Activities at Ban Gioc Waterfall:
- Boating: Near the waterfall to experience the grandeur and the sound of rushing water.
- Taking photos: With stunning scenery, the waterfall becomes an ideal destination for virtual life enthusiasts.
Northern Vietnam is not only a place of majestic beauty with mountains, terraced fields, and natural wonders, but also a region rich in cultural heritage and diverse cuisine. Each destination offers unique and meaningful experiences for travelers. Let the things to do in Northern Vietnam inspire you to explore and enjoy this memorable journey. Don’t forget to follow for more information and interesting articles on Karst Plateau to prepare for your next adventures!