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Vietnam (North)
Vietnam is a stunning blend of bustling cities, serene countryside, and rich history. Explore Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Ho Chi Minh City for an unforgettable Southeast Asian adventure.
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Summary
Did you know?
Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Halong Bay features over 1,600 limestone islands, making it one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.
Overview
Months
January, February, March, April, November, December, October
Vacation type
Beach, Couple, Family, Party, Mountains, Rainforest
Expenses
<100€, 0-50€, <150€, <200€, Over 200€
Temperature
25-30°C, 10-20°C, 20-25°C
Rainfall
0-50mm, 50-100mm
Safety
Safe
Continent
Asia
Currency
Vietnamese đồng
Languages
Vietnamese
Currency Converter
When to visit
The best time to travel to North Vietnam is during the spring (March to April) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasant, rainfall is low, and the skies are clear, making it perfect for trekking in the mountains and cruising the bays.
Summer (May to August) is extremely hot, humid, and marks the heavy rainy season, which can cause sudden floods in the mountains and boat cancellations on the coast.
Winter (December to February) gets surprisingly cold; high-altitude regions can see frost or light snow, while the capital becomes heavily overcast and misty.
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Plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Climate Data
Peak Season: March to April (Spring) / September to November (Autumn)
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 6 to 8 hours.
Rain Frequency: 5 to 8 days per month.
Rainy Hours per Day: 1 to 2 hours.
Intensity: Light, passing showers.
Duration: Very short. The skies clear up quickly, leaving crisp and comfortable air behind.
Off-Peak Season: May to August (Summer) / December to February (Winter)
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 4 to 6 hours.
Rain Frequency: 14 to 20 days per month (Summer) / 8 to 12 days (Winter).
Rainy Hours per Day: 2 to 4 hours (Summer) / Constant light drizzle (Winter).
Intensity: Heavy, torrential downpours and typhoons in summer; constant misty, freezing drizzle in winter.
Duration: Summer storms hit hard in the afternoon and cause flash floods. Winter grayness can linger for weeks without seeing the sun.
Climate Chart
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Data Source: Global Historical Climatology Network
ClimateCharts.net
Weather, Crowds and Costs
Per one person
Tourist Season: March-April / September-November
Budget Vacation ($30-50/day)
Accommodation: $10-15/night (hostels, simple local homestays).
Food: $5-10/day (street food like pho, banh mi, local draft beer).
Activities: $5-10/day (temple entry fees, renting a bicycle).
Transportation: $5-10/day (local buses, renting a scooter).
Other Costs: $5/day (bottled water, iced coffee).
Mid-Range Vacation ($70-130/day)
Accommodation: $35-65/night (boutique hotels, eco-lodges).
Food: $15-25/day (sit-down restaurants, indoor cafes).
Activities: $10-25/day (guided walking tours, boat rowing fees).
Transportation: $5-10/day (ride-hailing apps like Grab).
Other Costs: $5/day (laundry, snacks).
Luxury Vacation ($200-500+/day)
Accommodation: $100-250+/night (luxury colonial hotels, premium eco-resorts).
Food: $40-80/day (fine dining, French-Vietnamese fusion).
Activities: $50-150+/day (overnight luxury cruise, private guided history tours).
Transportation: $30-70/day (private drivers, comfortable limousine vans).
Other Costs: $20+/day (spa treatments, cocktails).
Off-Peak Season: May-August / December-February
Budget Vacation ($25-40/day)
Accommodation: $8-12/night (discounted hostels).
Food: $5-10/day (local markets, street stalls).
Activities: $3-8/day (indoor museums).
Transportation: $5-10/day (buses).
Other Costs: $4/day (rain ponchos).
Mid-Range Vacation ($50-100/day)
Accommodation: $25-50/night (discounted hotel rooms).
Food: $10-20/day (indoor dining).
Activities: $10-20/day (cooking classes).
Transportation: $5-10/day (Grab cars).
Other Costs: $5/day (hot tea).
Luxury Vacation ($150-350+/day)
Accommodation: $80-180+/night (luxury hotels at low-season rates).
Food: $30-60/day (hotel restaurants).
Activities: $40-100/day (indoor cultural shows, spa packages).
Transportation: $20-50/day (private transfers).
Other Costs: $15/day (souvenirs).
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You can find accomendations that fit your trip and budget on Booking.com, Vrbo and Hotels.com
Best Regions to visit
Cities
1. Hanoi
- The bustling capital of Vietnam. It is famous for its chaotic Old Quarter, narrow streets filled with motorbikes, and deep French colonial architecture.
2. Sapa
- A high-altitude mountain town in the far northwest. It is the best base for trekking through stunning, endless green rice terraces and meeting local ethnic minority tribes.
3. Ninh Binh
- Often called "Halong Bay on land." It is a peaceful, rural area filled with towering limestone karsts rising straight out of bright green rice paddies.
4. Ha Giang
- A remote town in the extreme north. It serves as the starting point for the most spectacular, dramatic mountain drives in all of Southeast Asia.
Hanoi
Did you know?
The Oldest University in Vietnam is Here – The Temple of Literature in Hanoi dates back to the 11th century, making it the oldest university in Vietnam.
Islands
1. Cat Ba Island
- The largest island in Halong Bay. It serves as an excellent, cheaper base for boat tours and has its own national park with dense jungle trekking.
2. Co To Island
- A beautiful island further out in the Gulf of Tonkin. It is popular for its white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and fresh seafood.
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Find the perfect place to stay in any of these top cities and islands with Booking.com, Hotels.com and Vrbo – offering entire homes and apartments for a comfortable and private experience.
Things to see
Natural Attractions
1. Halong Bay
- A UNESCO World Heritage site where thousands of jagged limestone pillars covered in jungle rise directly out of the emerald ocean water.
2. Ban Gioc Waterfall
- A massive, multi-tiered waterfall sitting exactly on the border between Vietnam and China, surrounded by stunning karst peaks.
3. Ba Be Lake
- The largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam. It is located high in the northern mountains, surrounded by thick forests and limestone cliffs.
Historical and Cultural Sites
1. Temple of Literature
- Located in Hanoi. It was built in 1070 as Vietnam's first national university and is a beautiful, peaceful complex of traditional Vietnamese architecture.
2. Hoa Lo Prison
- A museum in Hanoi built by the French to hold political prisoners, later used to hold American pilots during the Vietnam War.
3. Trang An Landscape Complex
- Near Ninh Binh. A stunning area where you can take a small rowboat through networks of ancient river caves hidden beneath massive mountains.
Unique Experiences
1. The Ha Giang Loop
- Renting a motorbike to drive a multi-day mountain loop in the extreme north. The roads are incredibly steep, winding, and offer the best views in the country.
2. Cruising Lan Ha Bay
- Taking a wooden junk boat through a quieter, cleaner alternative to Halong Bay, where you can kayak directly through limestone sea caves.
3. Train Street in Hanoi
- Sitting at a tiny cafe right next to active train tracks hidden in a narrow residential alley, watching the massive train pass just inches away.
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The best way to explore major cities and must-see attractions is by booking guided tours.* They offer convenience, local insights, and often save time when visiting popular sights.
Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Unique Accomondations/Foodspots
Accommodations
Capella Hanoi
Location: Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
A decadent, ultra-luxury boutique hotel designed by visionary architect Bill Bensley, celebrating the glamorous theatricality and legendary artists of the 1920s opera era just steps from the historic Hanoi Opera House.
Restaurants/Bars
The Hudson Rooms
Location: Capella Hanoi, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
A sophisticated, 1920s New York-inspired railway-themed lounge and restaurant celebrated for its premium artisanal oyster selections, sophisticated vintage spirits, and dramatic views overlooking the capital.
Tours to do
1. The Extreme North Loop
- Starting in Hanoi, taking a sleeper bus to Ha Giang, and riding a motorbike for four days through the most dramatic mountain passes near the Chinese border.
Best Time: September to November.
Average Cost: $200 – $400 per person
2. The Red River Delta and Karst Route
- Heading east from Hanoi to cruise the limestone islands of Lan Ha Bay, then traveling south to take rowboats through the flooded rice fields of Ninh Binh.
Best Time: March to May.
Average Cost: $250 – $500 per person
Ha Long Bay
How to get around
1. Domestic Aviation
- Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways provide cheap, frequent connections linking Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
2. The Reunification Express
- The historic railway that runs the length of the country between Hanoi and Saigon, offering safe, scenic sleeper train journeys.
3. Limousine Vans and Sleeper Buses
- High-roof vans with reclining leather seats are the fastest way to connect nearby hubs like Hanoi to Ninh Binh or Halong Bay.
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You can find great car rental deals for your vacation on Expedia *
Did you know?
The Famous "Coffee Egg" – Northern Vietnam is known for its unique egg coffee, made with egg yolks, condensed milk, and coffee.
What to eat
1. Pho
- A flavorful noodle soup made with beef or chicken, herbs, and spices.
2. Banh Mi
- A Vietnamese sandwich made with a baguette, meat, vegetables, and herbs.
3. Spring Rolls
- Fresh or fried rolls filled with shrimp, vegetables, and vermicelli noodles.
4. Com tam
- Broken rice served with grilled pork and various sides.
5. Che
- A sweet dessert made with beans, fruits, and coconut milk, enjoyed as a treat.
Flights
Flight prices are approximate and vary by departure city, airline, and booking time. Check airlines or travel platforms for the latest details.
* Please note: All prices are rough estimates for orientation purposes only and may vary by region.
Main Airport: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
Flight Prices and Seasons:
From Europe
- Average Round-Trip Cost: €500 to €900.
- Cheapest Months: January to March and September to November.
- Peak Prices: June to August and December holidays.
From North America
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $700 to $1,200.
- Cheapest Months: January to March and September to November.
- Peak Prices: June to August and December holidays.
From Asia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $200 to $600.
- Cheapest Months: January to March and September to November.
- Peak Prices: June to August and December holidays.
From Australia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $400 to $900.
- Cheapest Months: January to March and September to November.
- Peak Prices: June to August and December holidays.
From Africa
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $500 to $1,000.
- Cheapest Months: January to March and September to November.
- Peak Prices: June to August and December holidays.
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You can find the best flight deals with Skyscanner or plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Airport Location
Visa
1. Visa Requirement
- Citizens of the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia need a visa to enter Vietnam, unless they qualify for a visa exemption.
2. Visa-Free Entry
- Some nationalities can enter visa-free for stays of up to 15 to 30 days, depending on the country.
3. Visa Application
- Travelers can apply for a Vietnam visa online (e-Visa) or through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
4. Types of Visa
- Common visa types include a Tourist Visa: Valid for tourism, allowing stays of up to 30 days.
5. Processing Time
- E-visa applications are typically processed within 3 business days; consular visas may take longer.
6. Duration of Stay
- Tourist visas generally allow for stays of 30 days; extensions may be available.
7. Health Requirements
- No specific vaccinations are generally required for entry, but travel insurance is recommended.
8. COVID-19 Regulations
- Check for any current COVID-19 entry requirements before traveling, as regulations may change.
Important things to know
1. Payments
- The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas.
2. Tap Water
- Tap water is generally not safe to drink. Bottled water is recommended.
3. Electricity
- The voltage is 220V, and plug types A and C are used.
4. Tipping in Restaurants
- Tipping is appreciated, usually around 5-10%.
5. SIM Cards
- Local SIM cards are available from providers like Viettel and Mobifone.
6. Driving Side
- In Vietnam, people drive on the right side of the road.
Souveniers
1. Silk Products
- Northern Vietnam is known for its silk production. Beautiful silk scarves, ties, and dresses, often handwoven, are elegant and affordable souvenirs.
2. Lacquerware
- Vietnamese lacquerware is beautifully crafted and often features intricate designs. Items such as bowls, trays, and jewelry boxes make sophisticated gifts.
3. Vietnamese Coffee
- Vietnam is famous for its coffee, particularly robusta beans. You can buy bags of ground coffee or traditional drip coffee filters, along with condensed milk for making the famous Vietnamese coffee.
Lacquerware
*AI-generated illustration
Location
Reviews
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