You should spend your first 2 days of the North Vietnam itinerary in Hanoi. Hanoi’s atmospheric Old Quarter with 36 streets, beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake and classic colonial architecture will leave you enchanted. There are excellent museums and art galleries to tour and the most well-known about this town is their street food.

Walk around Hanoi's Old Quarter is a must-do, you can experience the city's bustling atmosphere. Pull up a chair at one of many charming cafes to watch life unfold and gain a sense of the city’s timeless rhythm; but there are special cafes that allow you to sit next to the train rail, enjoying your Vietnamese cafe here must be a core memory.

Discover the must-see attractions that define the essence of Hanoi

Here are some must-try foods in Hanoi

- Pho: Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su (10 Ly Quoc Su street) / Pho Suong (24B Trung Yen alley)

- Bun cha: Bun cha Hang Quat (74 Hang Quat street) / Bun cha Dac Kim (1 Hang Manh street)

- Cha ca Thang Long (6B Duong Thanh street)

- Desserts at Xoi che Ba Thin (1 Bat Dan street)

But seriously, just head to the restaurants that have many locals eating. Local cuisine here is so diverse that you should try as much as you can.

Hotel recommendations in Hanoi

To explore the cultural attractions and best local food conveniently, you can look for the hotels in the Old Quarter area. Below are some of cozy hotels.

- Soleil Boutique Hotel: 221 Hang Bong street

- O’Gallery Premier Hotel & Spa: 122 Hang Bong street

- JM Marvel Hotel & Spa: 16 Hang Da street

Not far from Hanoi waits the fairy tale landscape of Ninh Binh, where sheer limestone cliffs rear straight up from paddy fields, and rowboats will bring you on a mesmerizing journey through river caves. You can research about the destinations listed below, and book a tour from Ha Noi that offers you transportation, hotels, trips and a tour guide to explore the peaceful landscape and rich biodiversity to the fullest.

Discover the must-see attractions that define the essence of Ninh Binh

- Trang An and Tam Coc are the highlights of Ninh Binh, offering scenic boat rides through towering limestone karsts and tranquil rice paddies.

- Bai Dinh Pagoda is also a must-visit for its impressive size and stunning architecture.

- Cuc Phuong National Park and Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve are perfect for those looking to get closer to nature, while Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and Phat Diem Cathedral showcase Vietnam's rich cultural heritage.

- Other notable attractions include Tuyet Tinh Coc, Thung Nham Bird Park, Bich Dong Pagoda, Thai Vi Temple, and Non Nuoc Pagoda, making Ninh Binh an ideal destination for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike.

No visit to the North is complete without a cruise on Halong Bay to soak in the sight of thousands of islets and the bay’s deep emerald green waters.

- Ha Long Bay is a renowned destination for travelers from all over the world. With its stunning scenery and natural beauty, it offers a range of activities and attractions for tourists to enjoy.

- If you do not want to be on a cruise, you can book a day-tour to explore the various islands and caves here, such as Ti Top Island, Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave, and Dau Go Cave. We also recommend you to experience the unique culture of Cua Van Floating Village and take in the panoramic views of the bay from Bai Tho Mountain.

- Besides, Tuan Chau Island is a popular spot for water sports, while Ha Long Night Market offers a vibrant atmosphere to indulge in the local cuisine. For those looking to escape the crowds, Bai Tu Long Bay is a quieter alternative with equally impressive scenery. Meanwhile, Quang Ninh Museum provides insights into the history and culture of the province.

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However, Northen Vietnam has many more destinations to explore. If you have fallen in love with the cities and people here and would like to spend a few more days, check out Ha Giang and Sapa; or add them to your wish-list for the next time!