Northern Vietnam holidays offer some of the country's most alluring landscapes. Situated just a few hours from energetic Hanoi, picturesque Mai Chau offers a tranquil escape, with lush paddy fields surrounded by spectacular rock formations. Trek along peaceful green paths or cycle through traditional villages to discover this rural valley. At Ninh Binh, glide through a network of waterways in a sampan boat amid the dramatic limestone karst scenery, as you explore the caves and valleys of this beautiful region. Trailfinders offers a range of Northern Vietnam holidays and our expert travel consultants are a mine of information about what to do here, often with first-hand travel experience. Whether you want to explore Vietnam on a private tour with an expert guide, join a sociable small group tour, or are simply looking for advice on the best place to stay on a luxury beach break – they are the perfect people to ask.
Nobody offers more ways to explore than with Trailfinders.
Here's a snapshot of some of our most popular holidays staying in this region of Vietnam. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click on the link below them to see our complete range of holidays and tours in the destination
Hanoi, Halong Bay & Beyond
Private Tour
7 days / 6 nights
Combine the hustle and bustle of the capital with stunning rural landscapes on this private tour of northern Vietnam.
With hundreds of cave systems and incredible underground rivers, the Phong Nha National Park is a fascinating area to explore and can be perfectly added between Hanoi and Hue.
Ultimate Vietnam: Big Cities, Beaches & The Best Views Ever
Guided Small Group Adventure Tour
16 days / 15 nights
If you aren’t looking for the most immersive Vietnam experience ever, stop reading these words because this 16-day, hostel-based adventure covers it all.
More than 30 million Vietnamese can't be wrong – handle-bar height gives you the best view of Vietnam! On this seven-day cycling trip through the north, you’ll meet locals and experience their culture in a way that otherwise wouldn't be possible.
Each region of Vietnam boasts its own attractions and the north is no different. Cycle through Mai Chau's peaceful villages, or visit Pu Luong Nature Reserve, which has similar landscapes but is relatively untouched by tourism and has a more traditional air. Here dramatic terraces dotted with bamboo waterwheels overlook small villages, home to distinct cultures that have inhabited this area for generations.
In Ninh Binh cruise along narrow rivers into cavernous grottos, hike up Hang Mua Peak or clamber through one of the many caves. If you have time the ancient capital of Hoa Lu has numerous temples, pagodas and tombs to explore.
To the south, the Phong Nha National Park is scattered with hundreds of underground grottos and winding rivers, and is a fascinating place to explore.
See the tiles below for a little more information on each destination. Alternatively, if you are looking for some inspiration, give us a call and speak to one of our expert travel consultants?
Ninh Binh
With meandering waterways and hundreds of limestone karsts clad with dense greenery, this picturesque region is often referred to as the 'Halong Bay of the land'. Cruise the narrow rivers into cavernous grottos, hike up Hang Mua Peak and clamber through one of the many caves as you discover Ninh Binh's natural wonders. If you have time the ancient capital of Hoa Lu is well worth a visit to explore its numerous temples, pagodas and tombs.
Mai Chau & Pu Luong
With a patchwork landscape of lush rice fields and small villages surrounded by forested hills, this peaceful region feels a world away from the bustle of Hanoi.
Phong Nha National Park
Century's of flooding have carved out one of the world's largest cave systems in Phong Nha and these epic caves have an otherworldly feel. Scattered with hundreds of underground grottos and winding rivers, the Phong Nha National Park is a fascinating and exciting area to explore. Whilst these caves are the key attraction this region also offers some excellent trekking and a fascinating war history.
We feature a great range of accommodation in this region, with something to suit all tastes. Maybe you are looking for a simple hotel that is well located for local restaurants, or perhaps you prefer a resort with a tranquil setting, surrounded by rice fields?
What you won't find here are thousands of hotels to wade through. We've done the hard work for you and selected the best places to stay and our travel consultants are on hand to help, often with first-hand experience.
Mai Chau Ecolodge
Northern Vietnam
Designed to reflect the local stilt house style, this charming lodge is set on a secluded hillside with lovely views over the Mai Chau Valley.
Occupying a scenic position in the heart of Tam Coc wharf, surrounded by spectacular limestone karsts, this delightful property is an oasis of calm and the perfect base from which to explore the enchanting region of Ninh Binh.
Built in the style of a traditional Vietnamese village, the Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh offers a charming base from which to explore the area of Ninh Binh.
Located in the heart of the beautiful Mai Chau Valley surrounded by lush paddy fields and forested mountains, Sol Bungalows offer peaceful modern accommodation.
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