17 day itinerary
Vietnam North
Itinerary
Vietnam's northern region is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant cities. With 17 days to explore, you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty and local life. Here’s a fun and engaging itinerary that includes parks and green spaces, along with some must-see attractions!
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
- Morning: Arrive in Hanoi. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
- Afternoon: Stroll around . Enjoy the serene atmosphere and visit .
- Evening: Explore the . Try some street food like Pho or Banh Mi.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour
- Morning: Visit the and the . Don’t miss the beautiful gardens!
- Afternoon: Head to the , Vietnam’s first university, surrounded by lovely gardens.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional water puppet show.
Day 3: Hanoi to Ninh Binh
- Morning: Travel to Ninh Binh (about 2 hours by car).
- Afternoon: Explore by boat, surrounded by stunning limestone karsts and rice paddies.
- Evening: Relax in your hotel and enjoy local cuisine.
Day 4: Ninh Binh Exploration
- Morning: Visit , a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a boat ride through the caves and lush landscapes.
- Afternoon: Hike to for panoramic views of the countryside.
- Evening: Return to Ninh Binh town for dinner.
Day 5: Ninh Binh to Mai Chau
- Morning: Depart for Mai Chau (about 3 hours by car).
- Afternoon: Check into a homestay and explore the beautiful valley. Take a bike ride through the rice fields.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional dinner with a local family.
Day 6: Mai Chau Trekking
- All Day: Go on a guided trek through the surrounding hills and villages. Experience the local culture and stunning landscapes.
- Evening: Relax at your homestay and share stories with fellow travelers.
Day 7: Mai Chau to Sapa
- Morning: Depart for Sapa (about 4 hours by car).
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore . Visit the local market.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner with a view of the mountains.
Day 8: Sapa Trekking
- All Day: Take a guided trek to Cat Cat and Ta Phin villages. Experience the breathtaking terraced rice fields and meet the local ethnic minorities.
- Evening: Return to Sapa for a cozy dinner.
Day 9: Sapa to Bac Ha
- Morning: Travel to Bac Ha (about 2 hours by car).
- Afternoon: Visit the (if it’s Sunday) or explore the surrounding countryside.
- Evening: Stay overnight in Bac Ha.
Day 10: Bac Ha to Ha Giang
- Morning: Depart for Ha Giang (about 4 hours by car).
- Afternoon: Explore and visit the local park for a leisurely walk.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 11: Ha Giang Loop
- All Day: Start your adventure on the Ha Giang Loop. Visit the stunning landscapes of and . Stop at local villages along the way.
- Evening: Stay overnight in .
Day 12: Ha Giang Loop Continued
- All Day: Continue the loop, visiting the for breathtaking views. Explore the local markets and enjoy the scenery.
- Evening: Return to for the night.
Day 13: Ha Giang to Hanoi
- Morning: Travel back to Hanoi (about 6 hours by car).
- Afternoon: Relax in , a lovely green space in the city.
- Evening: Enjoy a leisurely dinner in the city.
Day 14: Hanoi to
- Morning: Depart for (about 2.5 hours by car).
- Afternoon: Board a cruise and explore the stunning limestone islands. Swim or kayak in the emerald waters.
- Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner on the boat.
Day 15: to Hanoi
- Morning: Continue exploring . Visit or .
- Afternoon: Return to Hanoi.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in the .
Day 16: Hanoi to
- Morning: Depart for (about 2.5 hours by car).
- Afternoon: Explore the park, visit the , and hike through the lush forest.
- Evening: Stay overnight in a bungalow in the park.
Day 17: Cuc Phuong to Hanoi
- Morning: Enjoy a morning hike in Cuc Phuong, soaking in the natural beauty.
- Afternoon: Return to Hanoi. Last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
- Evening: Depart from Hanoi or enjoy one last dinner before your flight.
Tips:
- Make sure to check the weather and pack accordingly, especially for Sapa and Ha Giang.
- Try to learn a few Vietnamese phrases; locals appreciate the effort!
- Don’t forget your camera; the landscapes are breathtaking!
This itinerary balances adventure, culture, and relaxation, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy Vietnam's beautiful parks and green spaces. Enjoy your trip! 🌿✈️
