My North Vietnam Tour Experience
Tour of Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh & Sapa in Vietnam
North Vietnam had been on our wish list for years, but nothing could have prepared us for just how special it would feel to experience it first-hand. In October 2024, as the rains eased and the cooler, drier days arrived, Simon and I joined a small group of fellow Travel Counsellors and their partners for a journey through the north of the country: from the buzzing streets of Hanoi and the emerald karsts of Ha Long Bay to the serene rivers and rice paddies of Ninh Binh and the cloud-fringed peaks around Sapa. Travelling independently but coming together in Hanoi, we quickly slipped into a shared rhythm of early starts, long days and unforgettable moments. Our base in the Old Quarter placed us right in the heart of the city’s organised chaos: scooters weaving like water around pedestrians, streets named for the trades they once hosted, and locals whose warmth and easy smiles made us feel welcome from the very first evening. From slurping noodles at a tiny local bar and paying the equivalent of a few dollars for dinner and beer, to wandering around Hoan Kiem Lake at dusk and watching trains brush past the doorways of cafés on the famous Train Street, Hanoi was a thrilling introduction to Vietnam’s capital. Yet this trip was about far more than just one city. In a matter of days we would be exploring hidden backstreets by vintage Jeep, cruising through the jungle-clad limestone islands of Ha Long Bay, gliding along the Tam Coc River between rice paddies and caves, and riding an overnight sleeper train into the mountains. We stayed in handpicked hotels and resorts, met local guides who shared stories of resilience, tradition and family, and stood at the summit of Fansipan, the “Roof of Indochina”, breathing in the thin, cool air and vast alpine views. What struck us most throughout was the sense of contentment and community that infused everyday life, whether in Hanoi’s bustling alleyways or Sapa’s hill villages. North Vietnam wrapped us in its culture, flavours and landscapes in a way that felt authentic and deeply moving. In this blog, I will share our journey through Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh and Sapa, along with the experiences and insights that mean I can now confidently help you craft your own unforgettable adventure in this remarkable corner of Southeast Asia.
In October 2024, Simon and I joined three fellow Travel Counsellors and their partners for an unforgettable journey through North Vietnam. We chose October as it marks the beginning of the dry season, bringing cooler temperatures and far fewer rain showers—perfect conditions for exploring.
Although we all travelled separately, we arrived in Hanoi on the same day and quickly came together for what would become a true trip of a lifetime.
Discovering Hanoi
Our base was the welcoming GM Premium Hotel, ideally located in the heart of Hanoi's bustling Old Quarter. After checking in and meeting everyone, we wasted no time heading out on foot to explore this fascinating city.
One of the first things we noticed was how genuinely happy everyone seemed. The locals greeted us with warm smiles everywhere we went. It was a real eye-opener to see how such welcoming people, many living very modestly, radiated happiness and kindness.
Crossing the road in Hanoi deserves a story of its own! The locals explained that traffic lights and road rules are more of a suggestion than a strict rule. The secret is simply to keep walking steadily without stopping. At first, it felt like a leap of faith, but remarkably, the endless stream of scooters effortlessly flows around you.
We soon found ourselves playing a game—counting the maximum number of people travelling on a single scooter. The winning count was six! We saw one family with a small child perched on the handlebars, two toddlers standing on the footplate, another child sitting on the driver's lap, a baby in a sling and an older child riding pillion. Those scooters certainly earn their keep!
After our long journey, we were ready for dinner and found a traditional local noodle bar. We enjoyed delicious, authentic food, accompanied by local Hanoi beer, for around US$5 between us all. We couldn't believe how affordable everything was.
Our evening continued with a leisurely walk around beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, home to the picturesque Ngoc Son Temple, reached via the iconic red Huc Bridge. At the northern end of the lake stood the famous Shark Jaw Café and Restaurant, once one of Hanoi's most photographed landmarks. Sadly, it has since been demolished to make way for the planned expansion of the surrounding square.
No visit to Hanoi would be complete without experiencing the famous Train Street. Watching trains squeeze through the narrow gap between homes and cafés was incredible. We enjoyed it so much that we returned later that evening when the neon lights, lively bars and buzzing atmosphere made it even more magical. One of our favourite spots was the balcony at Hanoi 1990's, where we relaxed with a cold Hanoi beer while watching the trains pass beneath us. If beer isn't your thing, the famous Vietnamese egg coffee is well worth trying.
Exploring Hanoi by Vintage Jeep
The following day, we met our wonderful guides from Wide Eyed Tours, for an unforgettable backstreet Jeep tour.
Travelling in open-air Vietnam War-era Jeeps, we ventured through hidden alleyways and vibrant neighbourhoods, stopping at carefully selected local eateries to sample authentic dishes that have been passed down through generations.
Along the way, we visited the historic Long Biên Bridge, built by the French in 1902 and repeatedly bombed during the Vietnam War. Today it stands as a powerful symbol of Vietnamese resilience. We also travelled into the surrounding countryside to visit a farming cooperative, giving us a fascinating insight into rural Vietnamese life.
One of the most interesting things we learned was that the 36 streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter are traditionally named after the goods once sold there—Flower Street, Fan Street, Silk Street, Silver Street and Paper Offerings Street, to name just a few.
Paper Offerings Street introduced us to one of Vietnam's most fascinating traditions. Rather than following one particular religion, many Vietnamese people practise ancestor worship. Paper replicas of money, clothing, mobile phones and even full-size scooters are burned as offerings, symbolically sending them to loved ones in the afterlife. Nearly every home and shop we visited had a small family shrine dedicated to their ancestors.
As part of our stay, we also inspected a selection of hotels across Hanoi, giving me valuable first-hand knowledge that will help me recommend the perfect accommodation for future clients.
Cruising Ha Long Bay
Our next adventure took us to the breathtaking Ha Long Bay, where we packed an overnight bag and boarded our cruise.
Sailing amongst more than 1,600 towering limestone islands draped in lush jungle was simply spectacular. The dramatic scenery reminded us of the landscapes from Jurassic Park and is undoubtedly one of the world's great natural wonders.
Ninh Binh – Vietnam's Hidden Gem
From Ha Long Bay, we travelled to the beautiful Ninh Binh region, staying at the stunning Emeralda Resort Tam Cốc.
We explored Hoa Lu, Vietnam's ancient capital, visiting its historic temples before enjoying a peaceful two-hour sampan boat ride along the Tam Coc River. Our traditionally dressed oarswoman skilfully rowed entirely with her feet as we drifted past towering limestone cliffs, emerald rice paddies and through three natural caves—an experience unlike any other.
Later, we climbed the 500 steps to Mua Cave's Dragon Mountain viewpoint. Although the climb was challenging, the panoramic views across the surrounding countryside made every step worthwhile.
The Overnight Train to Sapa
The following day, we returned to Hanoi and boarded the overnight sleeper train to Sapa.
The boys occupied one four-berth cabin while the girls settled into another. It proved to be a surprisingly comfortable and enjoyable journey, and I even had the unique opportunity to experience travelling through Train Street from inside the train rather than watching from the cafés outside. It was quite amusing seeing so many faces peering into our carriage as we rolled slowly through.
After a good night's sleep, we arrived refreshed in the beautiful mountain town of Sapa, close to Vietnam's border with China.
Sapa and the Roof of Indochina
Our home in Sapa was the magnificent Silk Path Grand Sapa Resort & Spa, perched high on one of the town's hills with stunning panoramic mountain views.
We visited the colourful Cat Cat Village, home to the Hmong people, where we admired traditional costumes, historic wooden buildings, picturesque bridges and the beautiful Cat Cat Waterfall. Watching demonstrations of traditional crafts made it a photographer's paradise.
The following morning brought one of the highlights of the entire trip.
We travelled on the spectacular Sun World cable car to the summit of Fansipan, Vietnam's highest mountain at 3,147 metres above sea level. Often referred to as the "Roof of Indochina", the cable car journey took us through the clouds before emerging into brilliant sunshine at the summit.
A funicular railway carried us to the very highest point, where the thinner air certainly made breathing more challenging. The summit is home to magnificent temples, intricate statues and a giant Buddha, while on a clear day you can even look across into China. The views were simply breathtaking.
Farewell to North Vietnam
After our incredible time in Sapa, we returned to Hanoi for one final night at the GM Premium Hotel, where our main luggage had been safely stored while we explored northern Vietnam.
The following morning, it was time to say goodbye to our fellow Travel Counsellors and their partners as everyone continued their own adventures. Some flew to Ho Chi Minh City, others to Phú Quốc Island or Hong Kong, while Simon and I travelled onwards to Phnom Penh in Cambodia to begin the next exciting chapter of our Southeast Asian adventure.
North Vietnam completely exceeded our expectations. From the warmth of its people and its incredible food to its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural traditions, every day brought a new adventure. It's a destination I would recommend wholeheartedly to anyone looking for an unforgettable blend of culture, scenery and authentic travel experiences.
