North to South Vietnam Tour

North to South Vietnam Tour

A Vietnam tour from north to south is most often preferred when it comes to traveling in Vietnam. Indeed, the silhouette of the country, all in length lends itself perfectly for a discovery of the north to the south.

However, there are many ways to travel this route. There are of course the must-sees but also more exclusive places.

What to do in Vietnam in 15 days? You can imagine a trip from north to south. Two Vietnam itineraries from one end of the country to the other can be identical in terms of locations visited.  They can, however, be different according to the way of surveying the places.

How to prepare for your trip to Vietnam from North to South?

In this article, Horizon Vietnam Travel gives you the must-see places to visit during a first stay in Vietnam.  Then we indicate you the less known places. They are interesting alternatives or extension options for your trip. Finally, we give you ideas and tips to travel off the beaten track in all circumstances!

Once you have the desired destinations in mind you can build your Vietnam tour from north to south according to the geographical locations.

If you are short of time and still want to avoid rushing to visit, it may be wise to focus on one part of the country. Please consult our North Vietnam tour guide to know everything!

TOP 8 must-see destinations in Vietnam from North to South:

The destinations below are must-see for a Vietnam tour from north to south. On the one hand they are each famous for their charm and their specific richness which made their notoriety. On the other hand they are logical stopping points for a trip from North to South. These destinations cannot be avoided. They constitute a good framework for the construction of your Vietnam tour from North to South. You can then add some options according to your time and your desires.

We do not intend in this article to give a lot of details on the destinations.  Instead, we give you a general overview. You can click on the name of the destinations to see the detailed information about the place.

Sapa:

Strong points of the destination : Mountain landscapes, rice terraces, meeting with minority ethnic groups, hiking, nature.

380 km northwest of Hanoi, towards the Vietnamese border with China, lies the misty, mountainous town of Sapa. Sapa is an accessible mountain town, only 6 hours away by road or overnight train!

The town is home to five of Vietnam’s most famous ethnic tribes (Hmong, Red Dzao, Tay, Giáy, Thai and Phù Lá). Sapa attracts tourists for its breathtaking mountain views, cooler climate, exceptional hiking opportunities. It is also an opportunity to stay with locals representing ethnic minority groups.

Tip off the beaten track!

The town of Sapa is charming in itself, with its quaint little streets, cafes and bustling markets. However, Sapa is especially a good gateway to adventures in the surrounding hills and valleys!

There are beautiful places around to enjoy the mountain scenery and admire the rice fields of Vietnam. In addition, an overnight stay in the surrounding villages will promise you an extraordinary experience. It is a deep immersion in the Vietnamese culture!

Hanoi:

Strong points of the destination: discovery of the capital of the country, cultural and historical sites, immersion in the old districts of Hanoi and in the life of Hanoians, Vietnamese cuisine.

Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, is like a living museum; a fascinating glimpse of an ancient Asian city, but bursting with the energy and pace of a modern metropolis.

Motorcycles, pedestrians, street vendors, rickshaws, bicycles and cars crisscross the narrow streets as tourists timidly try to get around them. Attempting to cross the road is a challenge in itself and takes a little courage the first few times you do it!

Everywhere you look, there is activity and noise. All life seems to be happening outside on the busy streets; working, eating, cooking, playing, creating, feeding babies, laughing or just sitting and chatting. You could spend days watching the people. Crazy, beautiful and hectic, sometimes frustrating – a day in Hanoi is never boring!

Hanoi’s Old Quarter and its 36 streets of corporations is a labyrinth of colors, sounds and smells. Perfect for a walking tour. Check out the stalls in front of the stores and stalls, taste the street food and find tiny little alleys to explore.

Also Hanoi is one of the best places in Vietnam to taste Vietnamese food.

Tip off the beaten track

It’s simple: let yourself go and venture off the beaten track in Hanoi. You will definitely get lost and find a surprise at every corner.  To find your way back, you will have no trouble finding a cab to take you back to your starting point!

Halong Bay:

Strong points of the destination : Unique maritime landscapes, cruise, photo, relaxation, beach

Halong Bay at night

It is the “must see” of Vietnam! A first Vietnam tour from North to South cannot leave out this place. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay in northern Vietnam is on every traveler’s list.

It is known by the Vietnamese as the “Bay of Descending Dragons”. This describes the silhouette of the limestone outcrops that rise from the water. Day cruises or overnight boat trips are a spectacular way to experience the beauty of Halong Bay. See as many islands as possible. You can go swimming, explore caves, or discover some of the more remote and uninhabited islands while sailing around Halong Bay.

Off the beaten track tip

We have to admit it, to visit Halong Bay, pretending to sail off the beaten track sounds like a paradox. There are some alternatives that are just as beautiful and less known such as Lan ha Bay and Tu Long Bay. Consult our cruise in the bay of bai tu long.

It is also important to choose the right boat company for the cruise. The one that will know how to differentiate itself by the number of places on the boat, an original and calm itinerary…

Ninh Binh:

Strong points of the destination: Mountain landscapes, boat and bike rides, hiking, nature.

Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh sums up so many aspects of Vietnam’s beautiful landscape in one place. The Ninh Binh region is especially known as the Land Halong Bay, offering unique landscapes of sugarloaf mountains.

The landscape is made up of beautiful karst peaks that rise out of the earth, surrounded by lowland rice fields and winding rivers.  Located at the tip of the Red River Delta region, Ninh Binh has many rivers and tributaries that wander through the land and collect in lakes and ponds. The calm water acts as a mirror, reproducing the incredible images of towering peaks and blue skies.

Although Hanoi is only 3 hours away, it is a peaceful place far from the noise and distractions of the cities.

Off the beaten track tip

If it’s not too hot, rent a bike and ride around the pleasant trails in the area. For the sampan cruise, get up at dawn to avoid the tourist influx and enjoy the ride quietly.

Hoi An:

Strong points of the destination: discovery of the old district, bicycle ride, hikes, beach, nature, local crafts.

Hoi An old town

The city of Hoi An, located on the central coast of Vietnam, is an ancient old city classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also the seaside resort of An Bang. The city is located only an hour drive from Da Nang, with its international airport and train station and is a popular place in Vietnam.

The old town of Hoi An is an ancient Southeast Asian trading port dating back to the 15th and 19th centuries. The architecture and street layout are influenced by a variety of trading countries; the Chinese, Dutch, French and Indians. Today, the city is very popular with tourists and is an established stop for many travelers.

Because of its history as a trading port, the city has become famous as a place to get a custom suit, a dress and a pair of handmade flip-flops!   It’s the perfect place to shop!

Off the beaten track tip

Hoi An is a quaint old town where you can cycle through colorful colonial buildings, stop to buy souvenirs at the market and enjoy a peaceful coffee by the river.   Head to some of the quieter surrounding villages, such as Tra Que vegetable garden, Cam An, as well as the seaside resort of An Bang for a more laid-back experience.

Hue:

Highlights of the destination: Historical site of the Imperial City, romantic boat ride

The ancient city of Hue was the capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945 under the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. For travelers interested in architecture and culture, it is a must-see destination to explore with fascinating temples, pagodas, palaces and Buddhist tombs.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, the city has faced its fair share of damage and destruction during Vietnam’s recent turbulent history. In the Vietnam War, (1947) Hue was the site of a battle between the French and the Viet Minh. Again, in 1968, during the Tet offensive, Hue was bombed by the Viet Cong and then bombed by the Americans.

Traces of destruction in shrapnel and bullet holes are still visible in the buildings and repairs are still underway today to help restore the city to its former glory.

Tip Off the beaten path

Explore on foot by bike, it’s a great way to explore the old streets. Most of the sights are within walking distance of each other.

The most famous attraction in Hue is the Hue Imperial Citadel, the former seat of the imperial government which is a must-see site and gives an interesting insight into Vietnamese history. Visit it early in the morning for a quieter experience.

Saigon:

Saigon Cathedral

Highlights of the destination: discovery of the economic heart of the country, cultural and historical sites, evening outings, Vietnamese cuisine.

Known by the inhabitants under its former name, Saigon, the largest city of Vietnam became Ho Chi Minh City in 1976 after the country’s victory over the French colonial rulers (1954 – 1975).

The city is named after their independence leader and Vietnam’s most famous and respected personality, Ho Chi Minh. You will undoubtedly see his photograph thousands of times during your stay in Vietnam, hanging over schools, businesses, streets and houses.

The city itself is an extreme juxtaposition of old and new, technology and tradition, rich and poor; a hectic blur of motorcycle on motorcycle that makes crossing the road an extremely daring feat!

With a booming nightlife and loads of culture, the city is the perfect last stop on your Vietnamese adventure.

Here is a short video edited by us that immerses you in the streets of Ho Chi Minh:

Saigon Cathedral

Highlights of the destination: discovery of the economic heart of the country, cultural and historical sites, evening outings, Vietnamese cuisine.

Known by the inhabitants under its former name, Saigon, the largest city of Vietnam became Ho Chi Minh City in 1976 after the country’s victory over the French colonial rulers (1954 – 1975).

The city is named after their independence leader and Vietnam’s most famous and respected personality, Ho Chi Minh. You will undoubtedly see his photograph thousands of times during your stay in Vietnam, hanging over schools, businesses, streets and houses.

The city itself is an extreme juxtaposition of old and new, technology and tradition, rich and poor; a hectic blur of motorcycle on motorcycle that makes crossing the road an extremely daring feat!

With a booming nightlife and loads of culture, the city is the perfect last stop on your Vietnamese adventure.

Mekong Delta Boat

The Mekong River is one of the major rivers in the world. It is the 10th longest river in the world and the 7th longest in Asia. From the Tibetan plateau, it flows through China’s Yunnan Province, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. The extreme seasonal variations in flow and the presence of rapids and waterfalls have made this river majestic and reputedly extremely powerful.

The Mekong Delta is the region in southwestern Vietnam where the Mekong River approaches and flows into the sea through a network of distributors. The Mekong Delta region encompasses a large part of southeast Vietnam of 39,000 km. The size of the area covered by water depends on the season.

It is one of the most fertile regions in the world with countless rice fields and tributaries on thousands of square kilometers of flat land.

The region is vast, there are different ways to approach the visit of the delta. Check out the Mekong Delta guide article!

Off the beaten track tip

An overnight cruise in the Mekong Delta is well worth it, as the experience of waking up early in the morning to find floating markets and villages all around you is incredible. The small boats are perfect for getting a glimpse of local lifestyles while relaxing in the comfort of a charming floating hotel.

Map of Vietnam from North to South

Here is the map with the 8 most famous destinations. As you can see, the route from north to south is very clear and marked in this long country!

Map of Vietnam from North to South

A Vietnam tour from north to south is most often preferred when it comes to traveling in Vietnam. Indeed, the silhouette of the country, all in length lends itself perfectly for a discovery of the north to the south.

However, there are many ways to travel this route. There are of course the must-sees but also more exclusive places.

What to do in Vietnam in 15 days? You can imagine a trip from north to south. Two Vietnam itineraries from one end of the country to the other can be identical in terms of locations visited.  They can, however, be different according to the way of surveying the places.

Summary

How to prepare for your trip to Vietnam from North to South?

TOP 8 must-see destinations in Vietnam from North to South:

Sapa

Hanoi

Halong Bay

Ninh Binh

Hoi An

Hue

Saigon

Mekong Delta

TOP 10 unknown destinations:

Ha Giang

Mu Cang Chai

Bac Ha

Cao Bang

Vu Linh

Pu luong

Ba Be

Phong Nha – Ke Bang

Mui Ne

Islands of Vietnam

Cat Ba

Phu Quoc

Con Dao

What budget for a trip from North to South?

Our advice for Vietnam tour from North to South

Images of Vietnam 11 /15 days

Exploration from North to South 12 /18 days

How to prepare for your trip to Vietnam from North to South?

In this article, HanVietTravel gives you the must-see places to visit during a first stay in Vietnam.  Then we indicate you the less known places. They are interesting alternatives or extension options for your trip. Finally, we give you ideas and tips to travel off the beaten track in all circumstances!

Once you have the desired destinations in mind you can build your Vietnam tour from north to south according to the geographical locations.

If you are short of time and still want to avoid rushing to visit, it may be wise to focus on one part of the country.