Northern Vietnam 5–7 Day Itinerary: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Pu Luong & Mai Chau
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5–7 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: able to handle multi-hour days, 6–12 km treks with short steep sections and repeated stair climbs.
Overview
This 5–7 day Northern Vietnam itinerary threads Hanoi’s history with the karst islands of Ha Long, the river-carved valleys of Ninh Binh, and the rice terraces of Pu Luong and Mai Chau. Expect a mix of city walking, overnight cruising, boat rides through caves, and gentle trekking between villages.
Northern Vietnam 5–7 Day Itinerary: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Pu Luong & Mai Chau
Select participants and date
You step out before dawn onto Hanoi’s Old Quarter sidewalks and the city is already moving—cyclos easing into service, vendors arranging steaming bowls of pho. By midmorning a small coach eases out of town and the flat rice paddies give way to the slow rise of karst towers; in the space of a day you’ll trade urban shrines for seascapes of limestone cliffs and floating fishing villages.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring good stair-ready shoes
Mua Peak involves ~400–500 steps; choose shoes with grip for wet stone and muddy trails.
Carry local currency
Small vendors, homestays and boat operators often accept only Vietnamese dong—carry at least VND 1,000,000 for incidentals.
Pack a lightweight rain jacket
Tropical downpours are common—fast-drying layers keep you moving during sea and valley excursions.
Respect mausoleum and temple rules
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and major pagodas require modest dress; plan visits around closure days (e.g., Mausoleum closed Mon & Fri).
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Water buffalo grazing in rice paddies
- White-throated kingfisher and other river birds
History
Northern Vietnam’s karst valleys and riverways have been settled for centuries; Trang An and nearby temples trace religious and agricultural practices back to early Vietnamese dynasties.
Conservation
Tourism pressure on Ha Long and Ninh Binh has increased—choose responsible operators, avoid single-use plastics, and support community-run homestays to keep benefits local.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Hanoi
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy trail shoes
Grip and ankle support for terraces, steps and muddy village trails.
Light waterproof jacket
Protects against sudden tropical showers common in spring and summer.
spring specific
Daypack with rain cover
Carry water, camera, snacks and toiletries for long transfer days and hikes.
Insect repellent and sunscreen
Lowland valleys and boat decks expose you to sun and biting insects—bring both.
summer specific