Overview

Cast your mind along a narrow, twisting mountain road that sweeps under endless, rippling mountain ranges. You’ll see quiet, otherworldly villages nestled in patchworks of rice paddies or perched precariously on terraces that cut steps to the heavens. You’ll see huge limestone karsts erupting from sapphire blue seas, towering over serenely floating communities.

If you’re ever looking to get to the back of beyond, there are few places like the northern reaches of Vietnam and its massive skies that offer the same sense of isolation. Exploring this region by moped, motorbike or car offers an unbelievable feeling of freedom, as you stumble across dramatic waterfalls, tranquil lakes surrounded by jungle, and undisturbed mountain communities.

Travellers are far more of a novelty in the uppermost reaches of the highlands compared to on the coast and down at the Mekong Delta, so you’re sure to be met by warm hospitality and a smile as wide as the lush green valley you’re travelling through.

And with the standard incredible quality of Vietnamese food (and some Chinese influences seeping over the border), there’s not a lot better than setting up in a hammock with a steaming bowl of Pho and a cold beer, as you watch the sun sink into a delicate indigo haze beyond the ever-reaching mountains.

Our most popular experiences

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Local Trail Walking and Eco Retreat – North Vietnam

9 nights/ 10 days

Vietnam

This once in a lifetime trip takes you to the real Vietnam, visit the North West province and meet with locals, stay in ..

Price from

£1353 pp

Ha Giang Easy Rider

4 Days

Vietnam

Your answer to getting as far off the beaten track as Vietnam will allow you. Explore Vietnam's most beautiful, most rem..

Price from

£302 pp

8 Day Adventure in Northern Vietnam

7 Nights / 8 Days

Vietnam

Northern Vietnam is one of the most incredible landscapes on earth. Discover its highlights and get off the beaten track..

Price from

£1284 pp

View all

Local Trail Walking and Eco Retreat – North Vietnam

9 nights/ 10 days Northern Vietnam

This once in a lifetime trip takes you to the real Vietnam, visit the North West province and meet with locals, stay in ..

Price from

£1353 pp

Take me there
Ha Giang Easy Rider

4 Days Northern Vietnam

Your answer to getting as far off the beaten track as Vietnam will allow you. Explore Vietnam's most beautiful, most rem..

Price from

£302 pp

Take me there
8 Day Adventure in Northern Vietnam

7 Nights / 8 Days Northern Vietnam

Northern Vietnam is one of the most incredible landscapes on earth. Discover its highlights and get off the beaten track..

Price from

£1284 pp

Take me there

View all

Best Time to Visit Northern Vietnam

General

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November is clear, calm and beautiful. The ideal time for Ha Long Bay. If you want to avoid the crowds, May is a great time to visit, and you’re going to get more than your fill of vitamin D.

And if you want to see Bac Ha at it’s most manic, visit in late August or early September for harvest season, and prepare yourself for some seriously bustling crowds.

Top tips for visiting Northern Vietnam

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