Tour in the Northwest of Vietnam : Where to go? Which itinerary? What to do? How many days?

Travelers looking for genuine mountain experiences, breathtaking scenery, one-of-a-kind interactions, and sporting opportunities will always find themselves enthralled by the NorthWest. Like the entire nation, this region is full of surprises and contrasts. We strongly advise you to investigate it! Come explore the fascinating sights and activities in this amazing area with us.

I.  Why go to the Northwest of Vietnam
II. Practical information
Recommended days to stay
The best time to visit
III. Ideas for a sample itinerary tour in NorthWest Vietnam

I.     Why go to the Northwest of Vietnam

1. Northern Vietnam's North-West region is the primary area for rice cultivation.

You may visit some of Vietnam's most breathtaking rice terraces and valleys by traveling to the country's northwest. Mai Chau and Mai Hich, two stunning rice-growing valleys near to one other, are about three hours' drive from Hanoi. You may fully appreciate Mai Chau's rice-growing valley's splendor from the Thung Khe pass. A stunning checkerboard pattern of rice fields encircled by limestone mountains and dotted with tiny communities is revealed by the expansive vista. Though more remote, the village of Mai Hich is a tranquil rice-growing paradise ideal for leisurely strolls or bike excursions.

Slightly to the north are Northwest Vietnam's two largest rice-growing regions. The biggest one is Dien Bien Phu, which signifies the end of French rule in Indochina and is still significant to both the Vietnamese and the French. Explore the ruins of the well-known conflict, which are dispersed throughout the large swath of the region's main rice-producing region. Nghia Lo is the second-largest rice-growing valley in the Northwest. It is unavoidably on your route further north that you will come across breathtaking rice terraces.

From Nghia Lo, follow the renowned "photographers' route" that spans over a hundred kilometers to reach Mu Cang Chai. It is a breathtaking journey characterized by a series of rice terraces arranged in amphitheaters, meticulously crafted by generations of human hands.

An ancient health resort called Sapa, which is located further to the north, is colonial in origin. Considered to have some of the most beautiful rice terraces in the area, Sapa is well-known for them. The village of Y Ty lies close to the Chinese border and is a good option if you want a more private and uncrowded experience. Y Ty has stunning rice fields that cascade down the mountainside in a patchwork-like pattern.

Just a 4-hour drive from Hanoi, the magnificent rice terraces of the Pu Luong Natural Reserve are a sight to behold. These terraces may not grow as large as the ones previously mentioned, but they offer the distinct benefit of producing two harvests a year.

2. The Northwest of Vietnam: An Absolute Adventure Land

Hikers will find thrilling experiences in North West Vietnam's rugged terrain. Whatever your ability level, there are alternatives for everyone, from a simple stroll to a multi-day trip. The locations listed above are particularly suitable for hiking. Trekkers with experience are especially encouraged to explore Vietnam's North-West, which has some of the country's highest peaks, including Fansipan (3,143 meters), the highest peak in Indochina.

There are two large lakes in Northwestern Vietnam that are excellent for kayaking. The Hoa Binh reservoir, which is close to Mai Chau, is one. Its breathtakingly clean rivers reflect the stunning karst mountains shrouded in thick vegetation. The largest lake in Vietnam, Thac Ba, is the other lake. It's like waking up in a brand-new dawn. Silent kayaking allows you to float across its lake, which has many bowl-shaped islets dotted throughout and like a serene, reflected mirror.

3. The northwestern region of Vietnam is home to numerous ethnic minorities.

This was formerly a difficult-to-reach hilly area known as "Thai country." As a federation of lordships recognized by the Chinese, Annamite sovereigns, and subsequently by the French colonial authority, the "Thai country" was formally founded in 1640. During the Indochina War, it was acknowledged by the French as an ally against the Vietminh. The earliest ethnic group to settle in Vietnam's northwest was the Thai tribe, who mostly inhabited the lowlands. They now coexist peacefully with later-arriving ethnic groups like the Dao, Dzay, Lu, Muong, and Hmong.

You will come across ethnic groups on your walks who hold great value in their ancestors' customs. They can also be found in lively ethnic markets and, ideally, if you decide to stay with them, in their traditional homes. Many opportunities exist in the Northwest of Vietnam to stay with locals. For a more meaningful journey and to fully immerse oneself in their culture, we recommend booking a few nights with them.

II. Practical information

Recommended days to stay

To fully explore Vietnam NorthWest consider spending around 5-10 days, but feel free to customize your itinerary based on your preferences and available time.

The best time to visit

Avoiding: Tonkin's winter season, which runs from December to March, should be avoided for a more enjoyable trip. You can have unpleasant experiences during this time due to the cold, dampness, rain, and fog.

Best travel time:  Consider going in April, May, June, September, or October as an alternative. The weather is sunny throughout these months, and the rice fields are very lovely. The valleys display their colorful scenery in late May, right before harvest time. Similarly, the rice terraces further north have their single harvest in late September, but the valleys host their second harvest in late September. Though there may be sporadic storms in July and August, the rice fields have an amazing shade of gentle green. 

III. Ideas for a sample itinerary tour in NorthWest Vietnam

Example of a tour in NorthWest Vietnam in 5 days

It should be noted that exploring the Northwest of Vietnam thoroughly and without feeling rushed takes at least five days.

This is a hiker's itinerary for those who love the outdoors and taking stunning pictures. Set out on an off-the-beaten-path tour through Northwest Vietnam, starting in Hanoi, and discover spectacular scenery, including the Nghia Lo Valley's stunning rice fields. You'll stop along the route to tour communities and interact with the ethnic locals, who are all dressed in colorful traditional garb. Proceed on your journey to discover the amazing Mu Cang Chai region, which is well-known for its magnificent rice terraces, which are Vietnam's national pride, as well as a distinct indigenous culture that never fails to wow and inspire local and international photographers.

Route: Hanoi – Nghia Lo – Tu Le – Mu Cang Chai – Sapa – Bac Ha – Hanoi

Day 1: Hanoi – Nghia Lo
Day 2: Nghia Lo – Tu Le – Mu Cang Chai
Day 3: Mu Cang Chai – Sapa
Day 4: Sapa – Bac Ha
Day 5: Bac Ha – Hanoi

You can add another day to your exploration of Mu Cang Chai if you have more time.

Example of a tour in NorthWest Vietnam in 8 days

You will travel far from the bustle of the outside world on this journey, right into the heart of Northwest Vietnam. You will see the breathtaking grandeur of lush valleys and majestic rice terraces from Nghia Lo to Sapa, going via Dien Bien Phu and Mu Cang Chai. This will give you a new viewpoint on this region. Prepare yourself for wonderful surprises and deep conversations with the people as you go to isolated communities in search of an entirely genuine experience.

Route: Hanoi – Nghia Lo – Tu Le – Mu Cang Chai – Sapa – Dien Bien Phu – Lai Chau – Sapa – Bac Ha – Hanoi

Day 1: Hanoi – Nghia Lo
Day 2: Nghia Lo – Tu Le – Mu Cang Chai
Day 3: Mu Cang Chai – hiking
Day 4: Mu Cang Chai – Dien Bien Phu
Day 5: Dien Bien Phu – Lai Chau
Day 6: Lai Chau – Sapa
Day 7: Sapa – Bac Ha
Day 8: Bac Ha – Hanoi

Example of a tour in NorthWest Vietnam in 9 days

This route takes you in the opposite direction, across the Northwest. You will explore the lives of ethnic minorities in Bac Ha, Sapa, and Dien Bien Phu, beginning in Hanoi. A visit to the magnificent Mu Cang Chai region awaits, where you will be mesmerized by the imposing rice terraces that appear to reach the sky. To completely immerse oneself in Mu Cang Chai culture, we strongly suggest going on a hike through the villages and staying at an actual homestay. Visit Nghia Lo to complete your adventure, where the Thai people are deeply devoted to their rich cultural heritage, customs, and traditions.
Route: Hanoi – Bac Ha – Sapa – Lai Chau – Dien Bien Phu – Mu Cang Chai – Tu Le – Nghia Lo – Hanoi

Day 1: Hanoi – Bac Ha
Day 2: Bac Ha – Sapa
Day 3: Sapa – exploration
Day 4: Sapa – Lai Chau
Day 5: Lai Chau – Dien Bien Phu
Day 6: Dien Bien Phu – Mu Cang Chai
Day 7: Mu Cang Chai – exploration
Day 8: Mu Cang Chai – Tu Le – Nghia Lo
Day 9: Nghia Lo – Hanoi

Note: 
- Don't forget to bring trekking shoes and cameras.
- Restaurants in mountain areas (except Sapa) provide basic standard services only.

Enjoy experience a guided tour in the North-West that showcases Vietnam's most stunning landscapes!

Related article:

>> Vietnam tour 2023-2024: Where to go? Which itinerary? What to do? How many days?

>> Tour in the North-East of Vietnam : Where to go? Which itinerary? What to do? How many days?