Exploring Northern Vietnam was one of the highlights of my recent trip. With only 10 days to work with, I chose to visit three popular destinations: Sapa, Ha Giang, and Cao Bang. Each place offered something different, from mountain scenery and local culture to small towns and breathtaking landscapes.
Some destinations left a stronger impression on me than others. In this post, I’ll share my experience, what I liked and didn’t like about each destination, and why Ha Giang became my favorite stop.
Exploring Northern Vietnam: My Route
Exploring Northern Vietnam takes time and patience. Most travelers begin by flying into Hanoi before continuing to destinations such as Sapa, Ha Giang, or Cao Bang.
My itinerary started in Hanoi. From there, I traveled to Sapa by sleeper bus. Travelers can also take an overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, but an additional bus or taxi ride is needed to reach Sapa Town. After two nights in Sapa, I took a bus to Ha Giang, where I spent time exploring the city and riding the famous Ha Giang Loop. From Ha Giang, I continued to Cao Bang before returning to Hanoi for my flight home.
One thing to keep in mind is that travel between destinations in Northern Vietnam can take seven to eight hours, even when the cities do not appear far apart on a map. For this reason, overnight sleeper buses are a popular option because they allow travelers to save time and avoid losing an entire day to transportation. However, because I suffer from motion sickness, I chose daytime buses instead.
If you plan to explore Northern Vietnam, be sure to allow extra time for travel between destinations.
Sapa: Beautiful but Too Touristy
Sapa was my first stop while exploring Northern Vietnam. Known for its mountain scenery, rice terraces, and trekking opportunities, it is one of the most popular destinations in the region.
There is no question that Sapa is beautiful. Even though I visited during the off-season, the surrounding mountains and landscapes were still impressive. However, the weather was cloudy and rainy during most of my stay, which limited some of the views.
What surprised me most was how crowded and touristy the town felt. The center of Sapa was busy throughout the day, with restaurants, markets, and hotels catering heavily to visitors. While I stayed a few miles outside the main area and enjoyed a quieter setting, I did not enjoy the overall atmosphere of the town.
I also found Sapa to be more expensive than I expected. In addition, finding vegan meals was more challenging than in other parts of Vietnam. As a result, I only stayed two nights before continuing my Northern Vietnam itinerary.
Although Sapa is worth visiting for its scenery, it ended up being my least favorite destination of the three places I visited. For me, the natural beauty could not make up for the crowded and commercial feel of the town.
Exploring Northern Vietnam Through the Ha Giang Loop
After leaving Sapa, I traveled to Ha Giang and spent a night at a local homestay before starting the Ha Giang Loop. This famous motorcycle route is one of the most popular ways to explore Northern Vietnam, and it quickly became the highlight of my trip.
Since I did not want to drive myself, I joined a guided tour and rode on the back of a motorcycle with an experienced driver. The tour was well organized, and there were only three travelers in my group. Despite the rainy weather, the drivers were skilled, and the guide did a good job keeping everything running smoothly.
The scenery along the Ha Giang Loop was spectacular. Each day brought mountain views, winding roads, deep valleys, and small villages. It was easy to see why so many travelers consider this one of the best experiences in Northern Vietnam.
While I enjoyed the tour, I realized that three days was more time than I needed. After a while, some of the scenery began to feel repetitive. Looking back, I think a one- or two-day tour would have been enough for me.
Even so, I would still recommend the Ha Giang Loop to anyone exploring Northern Vietnam. Riding through the mountains on the back of a motorcycle was an unforgettable experience and one of the main reasons Ha Giang became my favorite destination.
Why Ha Giang Was My Favorite
Although the Ha Giang Loop was the highlight of my trip, I also enjoyed spending time in Ha Giang City. After several days on the road, it was nice to slow down and explore the area at my own pace.
Compared to Sapa, Ha Giang felt less touristy and more authentic. The city was smaller and quieter, yet it still had plenty of restaurants, cafes, and local shops. More importantly, I found the people to be friendlier and more welcoming.
One of the best places I stayed during my Northern Vietnam itinerary was Ha Giang Go Hostel. I rented a private room for just $9 a night, and it was larger than many hotel rooms I have stayed in. It was clean, comfortable, and an excellent value.
Another reason I preferred Ha Giang was the overall atmosphere. While Sapa felt crowded and commercialized, Ha Giang felt more relaxed. I enjoyed walking around the city, visiting local businesses, and getting a glimpse of everyday life.
If I return to Northern Vietnam in the future, Ha Giang is the one destination I would revisit. However, instead of spending three days on the Ha Giang Loop, I would probably choose a shorter one- or two-day tour and spend more time exploring the city itself.
Exploring Northern Vietnam in Cao Bang
My final stop while exploring Northern Vietnam was Cao Bang. After another long bus ride from Ha Giang, I arrived in a much smaller and quieter city.
Compared to both Sapa and Ha Giang, Cao Bang had a slower pace and a more local feel. There were fewer tourists, less traffic, and a more relaxed atmosphere. While I appreciated the quieter environment, I also found it a little more difficult to find restaurants and services.
One of the highlights of my time in Cao Bang was taking a private motorcycle tour arranged through my homestay, PIA homestay. The tour included Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Vietnam, as well as a visit to a nearby temple. The scenery throughout the day was stunning and made the trip worthwhile.
As a vegan traveler, I once again found food options somewhat limited. While I was able to find meals that worked for me, it took more effort than I expected. Travelers with dietary restrictions may want to plan ahead before visiting Cao Bang.
The Highlight of My Trip
Looking back, every stop on this journey taught me something different about Northern Vietnam. Yet it was Ha Giang that left the strongest impression. Sometimes a destination simply feels right, and for me, that place was Ha Giang. It was, without a doubt, the highlight of my trip.
