Northern Vietnam is one of the three geographical regions within Vietnam including Northern Vietnam, Central Vietnam and Southern Vietnam.
Of the three geographical regions, the oldest is Northern Vietnam, where the Vietnamese culture originated over 2,000 years ago in the Red River Delta, though Vietnamese people eventually spread south into the Mekong Delta.
Most visitors to the North Vietnam arrive in the country’s capital, Hanoi – the city is abuzz with sights, sounds, smells, and fabulous food – a delight to the senses! Narrow laneways lead to hidden cafes, ancient temples sit beside towering modern buildings, and swarms of motorbikes zip around serene lakes. Hanoi also has dozens of museums as well as the mausoleum and former home of Ho Chi Minh, the country’s most important political figure.
After braving Hanoi, most visitors head to Sapa, where the Hmong ethnic minority has embraced the oodles of tourists drawn to the area’s dazzling green rice terraces. Expect homestays, mountain treks and cheeky sales kids cracking jokes.
Adventurers should consider visiting Ha Giang – it’s Vietnam’s northernmost province and possibly the country’s best-kept secret. And of course, no trip to the north would be complete without that moment of awe as you sail by your first limestone karst in Halong Bay. See less-visited natural wonders inland at Ba Be National Park and Ninh Binh Province.
