Vietnam Circuit From North to South

To visit the country, a Vietnam circuit from north to south is the most often chosen. Indeed, the silhouette of the country, stretched lengthwise, lends itself perfectly to a discovery from north to south.

However, there are multiple ways to travel this route. There are naturally the must-sees but also more exclusive places.

What to do in Vietnam in 15 days? You can absolutely imagine a trip from north to south. Two Vietnam itineraries from one end of the country to the other can be identical as far as the locations visited are concerned. They can however be different depending on the way of exploring the places.

How to prepare your Vietnam trip from north to south?

In this article Horizon Vietnam Travel gives you the must-see destinations to visit during your first stay in Vietnam. We then point out lesser-known places. They constitute interesting alternatives or extension options for your trip. Finally we give you ideas and tips for traveling off the beaten path in every circumstance!

Once you have in mind the desired destinations you can build your Vietnam circuit from north to south based on geographical locations.

If you have little time and still want to avoid rushing through visits, it may be wise to dedicate yourself to just one part of the country. Check out our North Vietnam stay guide to learn all about it!

TOP 8 Must-Sees – North to South Vietnam Destination

The destinations below are must-sees for a Vietnam circuit from north to south. On one hand they are each renowned for their charm and their specific richness that made them famous. On the other hand they constitute logical stopping points for a route from North to South. These destinations could not be avoided. They constitute a good framework for building your Vietnam circuit from North to South. You can then add some options based on your time and your desires.

We do not have the intention in this article to give many details about the destinations. We rather give you a general overview. You can click on the name of the destinations to consult detailed information about the place.

Sapa

Destination Highlights : Mountain landscapes, terraced rice fields, meeting with ethnic minorities, trekking, nature.

380 km northwest of Hanoi, in the direction of the border of Vietnam with China, lies the misty and mountainous town of Sapa. Sapa is an accessible mountain city, just 6 hours by car or overnight train!

The city is home to five of the most famous ethnic tribes of Vietnam (Hmong, Red Dzao, Tay, Giáy, Thai and Phù Lá). Sapa attracts tourists for its breathtaking mountain views, its cooler climate, its exceptional trekking opportunities. It is also an opportunity for a stay with a representative of the ethnic minority groups.

Off the beaten path advice!

The town of Sapa is fascinating in itself, with its small picturesque streets, its cafes and its bustling markets. However Sapa is above all a good gateway to adventures in the surrounding hills and valleys!

There are beautiful magnificent places in the area to enjoy the spectacle of the mountains and admire Vietnam’s rice fields. Furthermore a stay with a local family in the surrounding villages will promise you an uncommon experience. It is a deep immersion in Vietnamese culture!

Hanoi

Destination Highlights : discovery of the country’s capital, cultural and historical sites, immersion in the old Hanoian quarters and in the life of Hanoians, Vietnamese cuisine.

Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, is like a living museum; a fascinating overview of an ancient Asian city, but overflowing with the energy and rhythm of a modern metropolis.

Motorcycles, pedestrians, street vendors, cyclos, bicycles and cars travel the narrow streets while tourists timidly attempt to navigate around them. Trying to cross the street is a challenge in itself and requires a bit of courage the first few times you do it!

Everywhere you look, there is activity and noise. All of life seems to unfold outside on the busy streets; working, eating, cooking, playing, creating, feeding children, laughing or simply sitting and chatting. You could spend days people-watching. Crowded, beautiful and bustling, sometimes frustrating – a day in Hanoi is never boring!

The old quarter of Hanoi and its 36 guild streets is a maze of colors, sounds and aromas. Perfect for a walking tour. Look at the stalls in front of shops and stands, taste the street food and find tiny alleyways to explore.

Moreover Hanoi is one of the best places in Vietnam to taste Vietnamese dishes.

Off the beaten path advice

It is simple : let yourself go and venture without a net through the winding streets of Hanoi. You will undoubtedly get lost and find a surprise at every street corner. To find your way back, you will have no difficulty finding a taxi to take you back to your starting point !

Halong Bay

Destination Highlights : Unique maritime landscapes, cruise, photo, relax, beach

It is truly the MUST-SEE of Vietnam ! A first Vietnam circuit from North to south could not exclude this place. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay, in northern Vietnam, figures on the list of all travelers.

It is known by the Vietnamese as the “Bay of Descending Dragons”. This describes the silhouette of the limestone outcrops that emerge from the water. Day cruises or overnight boat excursions are a spectacular way to discover the beauty of Halong Bay. See as many islands as possible. You can go swimming, explore caves or discover some of the most isolated and uninhabited islands while sailing in Halong Bay.

Off the beaten path advice

We must admit, to visit Halong Bay, claiming to sail off the beaten path sounds like a paradox. There are some equally beautiful and lesser-known alternatives such as Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. Check out our cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay.

It is also wise to choose your boat company carefully for the cruise. The one that will know how to distinguish itself by the number of places on the boat, an original and peaceful itinerary…

Ninh Binh

Destination Highlights : Mountain landscapes, boat and bicycle tours, trekking, nature.

Ninh Binh sums up so many aspects of Vietnam’s magnificent landscape in one place. The Ninh Binh region is especially known as the terrestrial Halong Bay, offering unique landscapes of sugar-loaf shaped mountains.

The landscape is made up of beautiful karst peaks that rise from the earth, surrounded by flat rice fields and sinuous rivers. Located at the edge of the Red River delta region, Ninh Binh includes numerous rivers and tributaries that wind through the lands and accumulate in lakes and ponds. The calm water acts as a mirror, reproducing the incredible images of the imposing peaks and blue sky.

Although Hanoi is only 3 hours away by road, it is a peaceful place away from the hustle and bustle of the cities.

Off the beaten path advice

If it is not too hot, rent a bicycle and ride the pleasant trails of the region. For the sampan cruise, wake up at dawn to avoid the tourist rush and enjoy the walk at leisure.

Hoi An

Destination Highlights : discovery of the old quarter, bicycle tour, trekking, beach, nature, local crafts.

The town of Hoi An, located on the central coast of Vietnam, is an ancient old town classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also a beach resort at An Bang. The town is located just one hour by road from Da Nang, with its international airport and its station and is a popular place in Vietnam.

The old city of Hoi An is an ancient Southeast Asian trading port dating back to the 15th and 19th centuries. The architecture and layout of the streets are influenced by a variety of countries that traded there; the Chinese, the Dutch, the French and the Indians. Today, the city is very popular with tourists and constitutes an established stop for many travelers.

Because of its history as a trading port, the city has become famous as a place to get a custom-made suit, a dress and a pair of handmade flip-flops! It is the ideal place to shop !

Off the beaten path advice

Hoi An is a picturesque ancient city where you can cycle between colorful colonial buildings, stop to buy souvenirs at the market and enjoy a quiet coffee along the river. Go to some of the quieter surrounding villages, such as the Tra Que garden, Cam An, as well as the beach resort of An Bang for a more relaxed experience.

Hue

Destination Highlights : Historical site of the Imperial Citadel, romantic boat tour

The ancient city of Hue was the capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945 under the emperors of the Nguyen dynasty. For travelers interested in architecture and culture, it is an essential destination to explore with fascinating temples, pagodas, palaces and Buddhist tombs.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993, the city has faced its fair share of damage and destruction during the history of Vietnam’s turbulent recent past. In the Vietnam War, (1947) Hue was the site of a battle between the French and the Viet Minh. Again, in 1968, during the Tet Offensive, Hue was bombed by the Viet Cong and then bombed by the Americans.

Traces of destruction in shrapnel and bullet impacts are still visible in the buildings and repair work is still ongoing today to help restore the city to its former glory.

Off the beaten path advice

Explore on foot or by bicycle, it is an excellent way to explore the ancient streets. Most tourist sites are close to each other.
The most famous attraction in Hue is the Imperial Citadel of Hue, the ancient seat of imperial government which is a must-see site and gives an interesting overview of Vietnamese history. Visit it very early in the morning for a more peaceful experience.

Saigon

Destination Highlights : discovery of the economic lungs of the country, cultural and historical sites, evening outings, Vietnamese cuisine.

Known by its inhabitants by its old name, Saigon, Vietnam’s largest city became Ho Chi Minh City in 1976 after the country’s victory over French colonial leaders (1954 – 1975).

The city is named after their leader of independence and Vietnam’s most famous and respected personality, Ho Chi Minh. You will undoubtedly see his photograph thousands of times during your stay in Vietnam, hanging above schools, businesses, streets and homes.

The city itself is an extreme juxtaposition between old and new, technology and tradition, rich and poor; a frantic whirlwind of motorcycles upon motorcycles that makes crossing the street an extremely daring undertaking!

With an expanding nightlife and plenty of culture, the city is the perfect final stop of your Vietnamese adventure.

Here is a small video curated by us that immerses you in the streets of Ho Chi Minh :

Off the beaten path advice

It is difficult to give advice for getting off the beaten path in this megalopolis. In any case you will feel a bit less like a tourist in this large city accustomed to international exchanges.

Mekong Delta

Destination Highlights : Discovery of a unique lifestyle on the water, boat and bicycle tours, exotic fruits, local crafts.

The Mekong is one of the world’s major rivers. It is the 10th longest river in the world and the 7th longest in Asia. From the Tibetan plateau, it crosses Yunnan province in China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. The extreme seasonal variations in flow and the presence of rapids and waterfalls have made this majestic and renowned river of extreme power.

The Mekong Delta is the southwestern region of Vietnam where the Mekong River approaches and empties into the sea through a network of distributors. The Mekong delta region covers a large part of Southeast Vietnam of 39,000 km. The size of the area covered by water depends on the season.

It is one of the most fertile regions in the world that hosts countless rice fields and tributaries over thousands of square kilometers of flat lands.

The region is vast, there are different ways to approach visiting the delta. Consult the article Mekong Delta Guide !

Off the beaten path advice

An overnight cruise in the Mekong Delta is truly worthwhile, as the experience of waking up early in the morning to find floating markets and floating villages around you is incredible. Small-sized boats are perfect for getting an overview of local lifestyles while relaxing in the comfort of a charming floating hotel.

Vietnam Map North to South

Here is the map with the 8 best-known destinations. As you can see the itinerary from north to south is clear and marked in this country stretched lengthwise!

TOP 10 Little-Known Destinations

Lesser-known, but equally interesting and exciting. These destinations are less easily accessible than the ones mentioned above, therefore gain even more authenticity and are destinations that assure you unique Asian experiences. You can combine some of these destinations with the must-sees for a complete adventure.

Think about asking us for a custom quote to build together the North to South Vietnam circuit that belongs to you !

Ha Giang

Destination Highlights : Remote mountain landscapes, discovery of a Vietnam cut off from the world, terraced rice fields, ethnic minorities, trekking, nature.

In Ha Giang, we are in the high mountains of Vietnam, mountains and hills extend as far as the eye can see. Steep peaks pierce a green and misty landscape and the valleys are decorated with terraced rice fields. It is fascinating to travel in the middle of these landscapes on narrow mountain roads…

Ha Giang, located at the extreme north of Vietnam is a remote region that is home to 22 ethnic minorities with their own unique languages. It is striking to note that many people you meet along the way do not even speak Vietnamese.

With an altitude that reaches up to 2000 meters, the landscape becomes “Martian”. Here, ethnic minorities plant their crops on rocky terraces. The soil is very limited in this area, so they must take advantage of every parcel of available land.

Mu Can Chai

Destination Highlights : Unique landscapes, terraced rice fields, ethnic minorities, trekking, nature.

Mù Căng Chải is located at the foot of the Hoang Lien Son mountain of Yen Bai province. It is about 6-7 hours by road from Hanoi. If you have time it is a nice destination project in your North to South Vietnam circuit. It is well known for its spectacular terraced rice fields that are best in June and September.

It is an ideal destination for lovers of nature and photography. The region is vast and visitors can plan a 2 or 3-day hike in Mu Cang Chai and surroundings.

You will be particularly impressed by the beautiful road from the Khau Pha pass with on one side winding passes and on the other beautiful terraced rice fields. A visit to Mu Cang Chai also gives you an excellent opportunity to meet, talk and stay with the family of the mountain tribes of the northwest Vietnam.

Bac Ha

Destination Highlights : Mountain landscapes, local market, terraced rice fields, ethnic minorities, trekking, nature.

It is another distant mountain destination in the north of the country. Bac Ha is a small village whose mountainous surroundings are conducive to excursions. The road is picturesque often dotted with plum and peach trees. You can visit nearby villages inhabited by the Tay, Phù Lá and H’ Mong.

Every Sunday morning, the market brings together locals from all over the region. It becomes a mixture of colors, sounds and excitement. Members of mountain ethnic groups come to shop and sell. This makes it a unique opportunity and an authentic mountain scene.

Cao Bang

Destination Highlights : Waterfalls, natural park, swimming, trekking nature.

Cao Bang is an extremely beautiful and sparsely populated frontier region of North Vietnam. This mountainous expanse is located on the border northeast with China. It is home to numerous ethnic minority communities.

Although the Ban Gioc waterfalls have become a popular attraction, this region is often overlooked by tourists. Its unique beauty and culture are therefore well preserved. The landscape here is characterized by steep mountains covered in dense vegetation, terraced rice fields and thin winding roads.

Vietnamese populations tended to avoid mountainous regions in favor of better agricultural lands in low and flat areas. These remote and hilly areas were mainly inhabited by ethnic minority communities. This is still largely the case in Cao Bang. The main groups living in the region are the Nung, Dao, Tay and H’mong.

In April 2018, the extraordinary natural beauty of the region was recognized when UNESCO made the decision to include Cao Bang in its global network of geoparks.

Vu Linh

Destination Highlights : Immense lake, boat, swimming, trekking nature.

About 150 km northwest of Hanoi, Vu Linh is a rural commune on the eastern shore of Thac Ba Lake, one of the largest artificially created lakes in Vietnam.

Formed by the flooding of the Chảy River for hydroelectric projects, Thac Ba Lake measures about 80 km in length and 10 km in width. Its clear and placid waters extend in tentacles, dotted with hundreds of hilly and wooded islets. The small commune of Vu Linh has several excellent homestays, most of which consist of picturesque wooden houses with thatched roofs on stilts over the water and cultivation fields.

The host families of Vu Linh are extremely welcoming, offering numerous lake-related activities. Such as boat excursions and assistance with local agriculture. Staying with one of the Vu Linh host families for a night or two is a very enriching escape.

Pu Luong

Destination Highlights : terraced rice fields, off the beaten path, natural park, meeting with locals, trekking nature.

Located in Thanh Hóa province, about 3 hours southwest of Hanoi, the Pù Luông nature reserve offers an idyllic Vietnamese landscape and authentic scenes of rural life. Steep limestone mountains surround a fertile river valley. The whole thing is dotted with small villages composed of wooden houses on stilts. The bright green rice fields extend from the water’s edge to the densely forested slopes, cut through by waterfalls.

Recently, Pu Luong has become an excellent destination for one or two-day hikes from Hanoi. Trekking in the forest and rice fields, cycling through the reserve and visiting numerous beautiful small villages are among the activities enjoyed by travelers. Pu Luong is among the “off the beaten path” places near Hanoi.

Ba Be

Destination Highlights : largest natural lake, bicycle, meeting with locals, trekking nature.

Ba Be National Park is located in the northeastern Bac Kan province and 250 km northeast of Hanoi. It is a refuge of extraordinary landscapes, fascinating biodiversity and rich local culture.

Ethnic minority communities live in small villages and maintain a simple lifestyle. They live off the land and fish in lakes and rivers. By venturing into the national park, you will have the opportunity to meet the local population. You will discover their history and culture. The numerous areas of the national park are steeped in mystery and legends. They are stories passed down through many generations.

The name Ba Be translates as Three Lakes, referring to the three parts of the lake: Pe Leng, Pe Lu and Pe Lam. The lake is the largest freshwater lake in Vietnam extending over more than 500 hectares. It is also the highest, at 150 meters altitude. The vast lake is surrounded by imposing karst peaks. They make up the Pia Booc mountain range and dense tropical forests.

Phong Nha – Ke Bang

Destination Highlights : Caves and lake, boat tour, archaeological site

This destination is not often scheduled in a north to south Vietnam circuit. Yet Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park is endowed with a beauty incomparable to any other part of the world.

Beneath the rich primary and secondary forests, lies a paradise of prehistoric underground caves. It is one of the largest and oldest karst formations in the world. 400 million years of formation, erosion and tectonic activity have led to one of the most remarkable cave systems in the world. The scale and beauty of the places are almost indescribable. It is an entire underground world that extends over more than 100 km.

The labyrinth includes stalactites and stalagmites of gargantuan dimensions, natural pools and rivers. There is even a cave large enough to accommodate an entire neighborhood.

Dalat

Destination Highlights : Mountain town, climate, landscapes, mountain activities, flower garden

Nicknamed the “Alps of Vietnam”, Dalat is a charming mountain town that benefits from a cooler climate than the surrounding region.

Located at 1,500 meters above sea level in southern Vietnam. It is a region where agriculture develops with a cool and dry air similar to Europe. The landscape is magnificent and resembles nothing else in Vietnam, which makes it a truly unique destination. You notice conifers like pines and firs that remind you of the French coastal coastline.

This climate even allows wine to be produced here. The region became popular when French colonists settled in the mountains. They wanted to escape the hustle and heat of the city.

For lovers of the outdoors, there are numerous activities in the Dalat area. From mountain biking to trekking, through climbing and canyoning, Dalat is a true breath of fresh air and will be a nice experience for your North to South Vietnam circuit.

Mui Ne

Destination Highlights : Beautiful beaches, sand dunes, photo, relax, fishing village

Mui Ne is a small beach resort that stretches for 10 km along the southeast coast of Vietnam. Its popularity over the years has come in waves. Favored for the curved crescent of sandy beaches and clear waters, the town exudes a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Easily accessible from Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne is a popular escape to get away from the stress of the city.

The relaxed atmosphere and high temperatures during the dry season make it an ideal place to relax on the beach.

A particularity of the region is the red sand dunes. Named for their fiery-colored sand that makes for an unusual scene. It is a fabulous place to watch the sunset. The dunes can be explored on foot and many children wait to sell you a ride on the dunes on their plastic mats…

Vietnam Islands

Because of their island nature, islands sometimes require a little more time to reach. They offer however a necessary relaxing and natural break! Let’s look at the islands of Vietnam and their beautiful beaches! A nice complement for your North to South Vietnam circuit!

Think about asking us for a custom quote. We build together the North to South Vietnam circuit that belongs to you !

Cat Ba

Destination Highlights : Beautiful beaches, natural park, trekking, access to Lan Ha Bay

Cat Ba Island is located just 50 km east of the city of Hai Phong, in northern Vietnam. Cat Ba Island is part of a chain of 366 islands located in Halong Bay. With more than 200 km2 of surface area, Cat Ba is the largest island. The island is easily accessible by speedboat. In 2005, Cat Ba was recognized as a UNESCO biosphere reserve of the Cat Ba Archipelago.

Cat Ba is the place at the intersection of forest and sea, creating a unique landscape. On this beautiful island, visitors are not only enchanted by the beautiful beaches. They can also discover mysterious nature through the island’s primary forests. Cat Ba National Park is vast 15,200 hectares of tropical forests with very rich flora and fauna.

Cat Ba is an ideal starting point for a cruise to visit the islets of Lan Ha Bay, beaches and floating villages.

Phu Quoc

Destination Highlights : Beautiful beaches, photo, relax, fishing village, bicycle or motorcycle ride, seafood and fish, swimming

Phu Quoc Island offers an idyllic vision of sandy beaches, thick jungle and clear azure waters. It is located 45 kilometers west of Ha Tien, at the extreme south of Vietnam. Phu Quoc is close to the Mekong Delta in Vietnam and 15 km from the southern border of Cambodia.

It is the largest island in Vietnam and stretches 50 km from north to south and 25 km at its widest point. A large mountain range extends along the island, reaching 603 meters at its highest point.

In a North to South Vietnam circuit, a stay in Phu Quoc fits in nicely at the end of the trip. Besides seaside activities, visitors can explore traditional villages, vast natural parks and Buddhist pagodas.

Con Dao

Destination Highlights : Beautiful preserved beaches, relax, fishing village, seafood and fish, swimming

Located off the southeast coast of Vietnam, peacefully isolated in the South China Sea is the magnificent Con Dao archipelago. Composed of 16 mountainous and steep islands, this remote part of Vietnam resembles a truly forgotten corner of the planet.

With a population of about 7,000 people and a relatively limited number of tourists, deserted beaches and deep, thick jungles make Con Dao an attractive destination. Island visitors are welcomed with phenomenal views of the rich green jungle. These are then followed by sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.

To see, The Poulo Condor Prison was a prison installed on Poulo Condor Island (now Côn Sơn). The prison was a place of confinement used by the Annamite power before French colonization.

The isolation and dark past of the islands mean that these islands have been magnificently preserved. They are practically spared from rapid tourism development in Vietnam.

What Budget for a North to South Trip?

Vietnam is one of the least expensive countries in Asia! Here accommodations, transportation and food are truly accessible on a small budget.

You can think that a budget of 30 to 40 euros per day and per person for an economical trip will allow you to stay, eat and travel.

So for a somewhat higher budget and with reasonable comfort, between 80 and 150 euros per person and per day is a fair range. This naturally depends on numerous parameters.

We recommend that you tell us about your wishes through our dedicated form and we will give you an accurate quote : ask for a custom travel quote.

Our North to South Vietnam Circuit Advice

You now have a better idea of the destinations to discover in Vietnam. Enough to build a nice North to South Vietnam circuit! To give you an idea, here are two examples of itineraries. You can add or remove the stops you wish for a 100% custom stay.

Contact our travel consultants for a custom quote !

Images of Vietnam 15 Days

This example of travel takes you on a circuit from North to South Vietnam to discover calmly the must-see sites of Vietnam. In 16 days you take the time to discover famous places while taking side roads. The warm contacts with locals are given priority.

Exploration from North to South 18 Days

To discover the must-see sites of Vietnam with stops off the beaten path. The North to South Exploration circuit will take you to visit Vietnam as a whole. Between cities, bays, mountains and cultural sites. This circuit is complete and offers you a perfect overview of this magnificent country. All the magic of Vietnam is concentrated in 18 unforgettable days.

Finally, to discover all our proposals for North to South Vietnam circuits, consult our circuit section !