Here's your guide to what to do and see in Northern Vietnam.
1. Can you recommend a hotel in North Vietnam?
Headed north of Hanoi? Here are two standout stays that offer relaxation, design and connection to Vietnam's cultural beauty.
Tam Coc Garden Boutique Resort
Ideal for rest and cultural immersion, this charming boutique hotel lies in the heart of Ninh Binh, surrounded by dramatic limestone sculptures, rice paddies and winding rivers. Owned by a Vietnamese entrepreneur, the resort is a serene retreat with beautifully designed rooms featuring local wood and stone details. I stayed in the Deluxe Tonkin Garden Room, complete with a rain shower, soaking tub and garden views. Don't miss the floating picnic by rowboat or the ceramics and decor available for purchase. I left with a fan and several ceramic pieces. Though I didn't explore the nearby Tam Coc caves or ancient Hoa Lu, the resort itself felt like an escape into Vietnam's timeless charm.
Topas Ecolodge: Hoang Lien National Park (near Sapa)
For mountain views and eco-conscious luxury, Topas Ecolodge is hard to beat. Perched above the rice fields in the Hoang Lien National Park, each bungalow offers sweeping views of the Hmong homeland even when fog rolls in during the rainy season. Run by a GM from the U.S. (the Washington, D.C.-area where I live), the lodge blends Western comfort with local aesthetics. While the cuisine leans international, the setting is pure Vietnam. Enjoy the infinity pool, spa treatments that include the Red Dao herbal bath and outdoor lounges, as well as movie nights under the stars. Hiking tours are available, but it's just as nice to soak in the hot tub, sip bubbly and chat with fellow travelers. Bonus: the candied ginger at both front desks is dangerously good.
2. What is a must-see?
If you're in Ninh Binh, take a Tam Coc boat ride. Yes, it's touristy but worth it, especially if you've never experienced a rowboat paddled by someone using their feet! I went during the rain (not a good idea, I thought), but it actually turned out great: fewer people, a slower pace and quiet beauty all around.
Pro tips: The best time to go is May to early June, when the rice fields turn golden. Avoid crowds by going early in the morning or after 4 p.m. The scenery during the rice season is unbeatable.
If you love jade, pick up a piece while you're there. Vietnam has multiple quarries, and you can find stunning, high-quality jewelry. I found a beautiful, bright green beaded necklace for $200 at a family-run shop called Cua hang the Jade Tam Coc (Maison du Jade).
For a unique travel experience, take an overnight train in a luxury cabin. I rode from Lao Cai (near the China border) to Hanoi, and it was my first time on such a train! While it was a little cold, I enjoyed my private cabin with AC, Wi-Fi, charging ports, reading lights and comfy bedding. Book via vicsapatrain.com
3. What else makes North Vietnam so special?
Northern Vietnam is a region rich in cultural depth, shaped by the presence of 54 recognized ethnic groups who call its mountains and valleys home. During my travels, I had the unforgettable opportunity to meet members of the Red Dao (or Red Dzao) community, an ethnic minority known for its distinctive red attire, elaborate embroidery, silversmithing and ancient healing practices like herbal baths. Originally from China, the Red Dao began settling in Vietnam's northern highlands, including areas like Sapa, in the 18th century. Their unique language, beliefs and traditions remain rooted in daily life. With the help of my guide, we visited several villages where I could interact with the community, purchase their hand-stitched goods and even learn the basics of their embroidery techniques firsthand.
One of the most meaningful parts of the experience was being welcomed into a family home and weaving, where we shared a meal after our embroidery lesson. It was an intimate moment that highlighted the warmth and hospitality of the Red Dao people. Beyond the tourist spots, Northern Vietnam offers a rare and deeply personal kind of travel, one where culture isn't just observed, but shared. These encounters brought a human connection to the landscapes I had come to see, and reminded me that what makes this region truly special isn't just the beauty of its rice terraces but the people who have called these mountains home for centuries.
4. What should I avoid?
Really consider when you go. If you're not a fan of rain, avoid August, which falls in the heart of the wet season, and let me tell you that when it rains, it pours. The puddles can get deep, so pack smart: Wellington boots or waterproof shoes are a must. Beyond the weather, avoid being pretentious and lean into the culture. Vietnam is a place where openness and humility go a long way. Be curious, not judgmental, especially when it comes to food. The best way to understand what you're eating (and to fall in love with it) is to book a food tour like my Philadelphia-based travel friends Jessica and Olive did early in their trip. It'll give you context, confidence and a deeper appreciation of the flavors you'll encounter throughout your stay. They all recommended Eating Vietnam by Graham Holliday for reference.
Also, don't assume everyone speaks English. While many people in tourism do, it’s less common outside the main cities and tourist hubs. Learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases goes a long way and shows genuine respect for the culture.
