Northern Vietnam
The northern land, stretching to the Gulf of Tonkin and covering the central-northern region, has been the capital of the Viet people for thousands of years—from the eras of Van Lang and Au Lac 2800 years ago to the present day. In other words, this land is the cultural cradle and the very heart of Vietnamese identity. Its significance is often compared to the Po River and the Po Valley in Italy, making it a premier attraction for anyone visiting Northern Vietnam.
The region is divided into three parts: the Northwest, the Northeast, and the Red River Delta, defined by their unique geographical variety and ethnic diversity.
The “Mosaic of Tribes” allows you to experience a timeless way of life in just a few days. You will be moved by the sight of traditional earthen houses with wooden roofs in the high mountains (the H’Mong), or stilt houses made of wood and thatched with palm leaves (the Black Thai, White Thai, Tay, Muong, Nung). You’ll see women in vibrant traditional dress working the fields with children on their backs, and encounter the most beautiful, innocent smiles. Here, people live in harmony with nature and their livestock—pigs, chickens, and buffaloes—sharing every life event together.
Furthermore, a complete visit to Northern Vietnam offers breathtaking landscapes where the earth meets the sky. Highlights include the Tram Ton Pass (2,049m) and the legendary Fansipan Peak (3,143m). The endless rice terraces of Tu Le, Mu Cang Chai, Sapa, and Hoang Su Phi are a photographer’s dream; forgetting your camera in these areas would be a true sin!
An amphitheater of mountains surrounds the Red River Delta, where the enchanting capital of Vietnam—Hanoi—is located. The name Hanoi originates from its geography: “Hà” means River and “Nội” means Inside; thus, Hanoi is the city “inside the rivers” (the Red River and the Day River). The Red River forms a vast agricultural plain, considered the cradle of wet rice civilization. The life of the inhabitants has always been tied to the land; the image of conical hats and slender backs bent over the fields is a staple of local memory. These plains are occasionally dominated by marvelous karst cliffs reminiscent of Halong Bay, earning the area the nickname “Halong Bay on Land.”
Finally, exploring Northern Vietnam also includes discovering the majestic Halong Bay, often regarded as the 8th natural wonder of the world.
Administrative Divisions of the North:
Northwest (6 provinces): Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Dien Bien, Hoa Binh, Lai Chau, Son La. Located on the right bank of the Red River.
Northeast (9 provinces): Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Lang Son, Tuyen Quang, Thai Nguyen, Phu Tho, Bac Giang, Quang Ninh.
Red River Delta (10 provinces): Bac Ninh, Ha Nam, Hanoi, Hai Duong, Hai Phong, Hung Yen, Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh, Thai Binh, Vinh Phuc.
Hanoi: The capital and largest city in the North.
Major Port Cities: Hai Phong and Quang Ninh.
Halong Bay: (Meaning “Descending Dragon”) A UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its extraordinary beauty.
Halong Bay (which means “the descending dragon”) is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its extraordinary beauty.
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We wish you a pleasant journey in Vietnam!
