NORTHERN VIETNAM ❤️ Ultimate Travel Guide [2024]

Welcome and enjoy your holiday in Vietnam!

Few countries in such a short space of time have changed as much as Vietnam. Its been 40 years since the end of the Vietnamese War , a war which was proof of the durability and resilience of the Vietnamese people. It is a country in a state of constant evolution and is now easier to access than ever before. The roads are upgraded, hotels spring up left right and centre, Vietnamese entrepreneurial spirit is alive again in a thriving socialist market economy. And tourists and travelers from all the world are welcome, you can also visit Vietnam from March 15, 2022.

Vietnam completely opened to international tourism on March 15, 2022.
More information and conditions for entry here: How to get a visa to Vietnam?
(Vietnam no longer requires vaccination against Covid and no test for Covid 😉)

Vietnam is stunning – a real gem, arising almost miraculously from the ashes of war.

• • The number of foreign tourists visiting the country in the last years is still slowly growing (except for the years 2020-2021). Everyone is talking about rice paddies and sugar, about white beaches, friendly people,  beautiful mountains, nature and pagodas, historical sites, and of course about business.
  • The Vietnamese people have said a quick goodbye to their bitter past,  and now focus on the future and the overall prosperity of their country. From the unification of North and South Vietnam in 1975 , the Socialist Republic of Vietnam was born. Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and it is also a major economic engine, the most visited place with a rich culture and transport hub of northern Vietnam, with a population over 8 million people.

In the country ruled by the Communist Party, which has allowed private business.

• • In the country ruled by the Communist Party, which has allowed private buIn reality, however, the movement towards a market economy widening the gap between rich and poor people. The average monthly income for urban residents is around 100-300 USD. But in the poorest provinces workers can earn eg. Only 30 USD per month, and that’s a big difference between the inhabitants. It illustrates the growing divide between urban and rural residents of Vietnam.
  • There is a great difference between the southern and northern Vietnam, deep psychological abyss that were still long before US-Vietnamese war began, and is colored by the Vietnamese culture.

BOOK TICKETS + FLIGHTS in Vietnam ➜

Residents of the northern Vietnam are considered cautious, thrifty nation.

• • But they do not respect laws and miss dynamics and entrepreneurial know-how. On the contrary, it can not be said of their compatriots in the south. Not surprisingly, that this fact is significant in the economy: south Vietnam growth engine, and boasts the lower unemployment and the higher average wage. Increasingly glitzy city of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) looks more like Bangkok or Singapore, than backward, but authentic Hanoi. Northern Vietnam is compared to the south in the development of backward.

Vietnam has a large number of places to visit in the north and also in the south.

• • Despite the charm of cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh, it is the country of remarkable landscapes, so most visitors will be in northern Vietnam totally impressed. Vietnam occupies a narrow strip of land, that hugs the western border of Cambodia and Laos, surrounded by rugged mountains, and the South China sea to the east and the borders to the north with China. The population is currently approximately 97 million (2018) and is growing.

HOTELS in VIETNAM (Up to 60% Discount) ➜

54 ethnic minorities is recorded in Vietnam – they live mainly in the mountains.

• • Each trip to the remote mountainous areas of northern Vietnam has also focused on the visit of ethnic minorities who live here. Beautiful colorful tribal costumes, ancient customs in communal longhouses are waiting for those visitors who will go trekking into these villages. Most of the ethnic population live in the north in the mountains along the Chinese border. If you go north, you will come with them definitely in touch.

Fascinating mountains and valleys, rice fields, lakes and national parks.

• • In these mountains you will see fascinating insights on the rice terraces, fields and the beautiful mountain valleys and mountain ridges. Surely you will want to visit the highest mountain in Vietnam – Fan Si Pan with a height of 3144 m in Sapa (Hoang Lien national park). Another very interesting and less crowded spot at the north is Dong Van Karst Global Geopark in Ha Giang province.

  TRAINS to LAO CAI – SAPA (+Tickets) ➜

  • It is a home to many ethnic minorities of Vietnam. Ha Giang is a home to many ethnic minorities of Vietnam and one of the remotest and most beautiful places in northern Vietnam. We could tell „must see“ place. Another very nice and interesting place is also Cao Bang province. The best way how to explore these sites is to rent a motorbike.

You can see the true natural treasures of Vietnam in the National parks.

• • Regarding wildlife and nature, there appeared in recent years several previously unknown species of plants, birds and animals. It tells of the natural wealth and biodiversity of Vietnam. Diverse flora and fauna can be seen mostly in national parks of northern Vietnam. In northern Vietnam, it is roughly about 10 major National parks and some smaller parks. One of the most beautiful parks is the Hoang Lien Son national park in the north between the provinces of Lao Cai and Lai Chau and already mentioned Dong Van Karst Global Geopark in Ha Giang province.

Where and when to travel in Vietnam? The universal answer is probably not.

• • Like most travelers, you may ask the most common questions. In my opinion, however, there is no universal simple answer. It all depends on what you like, what you want to see, and the most important – how much time do you have. Do you want to see history, authenticity, or do you like mountains, nature? Or do you want to spend a classic holiday in Vietnam? Northern Vietnam can be enjoyed mostly by classic backpackers, but everything is possible in this country. Read carefully these articles > 16 most interesting places in the north. Please read the articles if you do not want to miss anything, there are also some hidden gems of northern Vietnam.

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Holiday in Vietnam, but also classic adventure for backpackers.

• • Northern Vietnam is, in my opinion, an ideal place for backpackers who do not want to travel with a travel agency. It offers many places where tourists do not drive and this part of Vietnam is huge. However, tourism in Vietnam is improving and modernizing and offering also a luxurious holiday. In the north, however, unfortunately, it is focus on places like Sapa, Ha Long, Hanoi. There are exceptions, but if you search for them, you will not find them much. Let’s see what the future will bring and how Vietnam will change, I think it will be very interesting.

Vietnam is not just a nice pictures, nice scenery and travel fun.

• • As Vietnam has gone through continuous urbanization for years, modernizing so ubiquitous pictures will unfortunately not be good pictures for you. You will often see underbuildings, refurbishment, new buildings, hotels, but also the ubiquitous mess and garbage. When traveling in Vietnam, you will definitely find yourself in such situations, and it is good to know in advance, so that you will not be a bit shocked. We could say „Vietnam is under construction“ 🙂

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A new hotels and tourist resorts in Vietnam will continue to grow.

• • You will notice major changes mainly in tourist and visiting places that are changing and changing. New roads and transportation routes are also being built, and sometimes traveling on a motorbike is very demanding and tiring, especially in mountainous areas, where some roads may be still in poor condition. However, you will be rewarded in the mountains with fantastic scenery (but sometimes unfortunately the mess) that you will remember for a long time.

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❱ History ❰

North Vietnam was created after the defeat of the French colonial forces in the First Indochina War and was recognized by the Geneva Accords of 1954, which temporarily divided Vietnam into two parts. The country was led by the Vietnamese Communist Party, with Ho Chi Minh as its leader. During the Vietnam War, North Vietnam fought against South Vietnam and its ally, the United States, until the fall of Saigon in 1975, which marked the end of the war. After the war, North Vietnam and South Vietnam were reunited, forming the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, which is still governed by the Communist Party of Vietnam today.

❱ Geography ❰

North Vietnam is a region located in the northern part of Vietnam. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the west, and the Gulf of Tonkin and South China Sea to the east. The region is characterized by mountainous terrain, including the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, which includes Vietnam’s highest peak, Fansipan. The Red River Delta, which includes the capital city of Hanoi, is located in the northeast of the region. Other major cities in North Vietnam include Hai Phong and Thai Nguyen. The region is also home to several national parks, including Ba Be National Park, Cuc Phuong National Park, and Cat Ba National Park, as well as the famous natural wonder of Ha Long Bay.

❱ War ❰

North Vietnam played a significant role in the Vietnam War, a conflict that lasted from 1955 to 1975. It was a communist state that fought against South Vietnam and its allies, including the United States. North Vietnam’s military strategy was based on guerrilla warfare and a reliance on the Ho Chi Minh Trail, a network of roads and trails used to transport soldiers and supplies from North Vietnam to the battlefields of the south. The war ended in 1975 with the fall of Saigon and the reunification of North and South Vietnam under communist rule. The war had a profound impact on North Vietnam, causing significant damage to the region’s infrastructure and economy.

❱ Culture ❰

North Vietnam is home to the largest ethnic group in Vietnam, the Kinh people, who make up the majority of the country’s population. The region also has significant populations of ethnic minorities, including the Hmong, Dao, and Tay peoples. North Vietnam has a rich cultural heritage, with traditional arts and crafts that have been passed down through generations. These include lacquerware, silk weaving, and pottery, as well as traditional musical forms such as Ca Tru and Quan Ho. The region is also known for its cuisine, which is characterized by its use of fresh herbs and vegetables, rice noodles, and a wide variety of meats and seafood. Some of the most popular dishes in North Vietnam include Pho, Bun Cha, Cha Ca La Vong.

❱ Tourism ❰

North Vietnam is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful natural scenery, rich history, and unique cultural experiences. Tourists can also experience traditional cultural activities such as water puppet shows, traditional festivals, and traditional handicraft villages. North Vietnam has a range of accommodation options, including luxury resorts, budget hotels, and homestays with local families, offering visitors a chance to experience local life and culture.

❱ Politics ❰

North Vietnam was a state with a communist regime during the Vietnam War, which lasted from 1954 to 1975. After the war, North Vietnam was united with South Vietnam to form the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, a one-party socialist state led by the Communist Party of Vietnam. Today, Vietnam remains one of the few countries in the world with a communist government. The country has made significant economic and social progress since the end of the Vietnam War, with rapid economic growth, improvements in healthcare and education, and increased political stability. However, the government has been criticized for limiting political freedoms and human rights, including freedom of expression, association, and assembly.

❓ FAQ + TIPS – Travel and explore northern Vietnam:

1. How you can book tickets, private cars or flights for Vietnam?

• • You can search and book tickets or flights for Vietnam online on Baolau or 12go.asia.
  • There is a largest offer of train, bus, ferry tickets and flights for Vietnam.

2. How to book international flights to Vietnam?

• • You can search and book international and cheap flights + hotels and other deals with Cheapoair.

3. Where to search and book hotel or homestay for Vietnam?

• • You can search and book hotel, homestay, bungalow or house online with Booking or Agoda.

4. Where to search and book a private tour / activity in Vietnam?

• • You can search and book your private tour, activity, boat trip with Klook.

5. Where do you keep your luggage in Hanoi?

• • If you want to keep your luggage in Hanoi you can try Radical Storage. This service offers a few places in the city center of Hanoi, it is a cheap and your luggage will be safe.

6. What are the most visited places in northern Vietnam?

• • The most visited and tourist sites in northern Vietnam are Sapa, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh. NOTE: I recommend to visit also another non-tourist places in northern Vietnam.

7. How to move and explore northern Vietnam?

• • There are various ways how you can travel in northern Vietnam. You can use buses, train, private car/minivans or plane. Read this article: Transportation in Vietnam.

8. What is the capital of Vietnam?

• • The capital of Vietnam is Hanoi, located in southern part of northern Vietnam. It is also a good starting place for exploring northern Vietnam. The main airport is Noi Bai International Airport.

9. Is IDP (International Driving Permitt) in Vietnam necessary?

• • Yes, if you want to drive a motorbike in Vietnam, you have to obtain your IDP in your country, do not drive a motorbike without your IDP, you should be penalized.

10. What is the most popular railway route in northern Vietnam?

• • The most popular railway route is from Hanoi to Lao Cai (trains to Sapa). There are sleeper tourist trains and travel time to Lao Cai from Hanoi is about 8 hours.

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