1-Week North Vietnam Itinerary: Hanoi, Ha Giang, and Ninh Binh

If you only have one week in North Vietnam, don’t stress—you can still see the highlights!

This itinerary keeps things simple but fully loaded!

You’ll have three days soaking up the chaos and charm of Hanoi, three to four days conquering the stunning Ha Giang Loop, and a day trip to the peaceful countryside of Ninh Binh.

It’s the perfect mix of urban energy, breathtaking mountain views, and a taste of North Vietnam, all wrapped up into one amazing week!

And hey, if you can squeeze in a few more days, even better—I’ve got suggestions for that too.

Hanoi Day 1: Train Street, Old Quarter, and Lake Stroll

Welcome to Hanoi! Start your day with one of the city’s quirkiest experiences: Train Street. Grab a coffee at one of the tiny cafes lining the tracks and wait for the train to whizz by.

It’s a tight squeeze, but that’s part of the thrill. Before you go, check out my guide to Train Street in Hanoi, so you know what to expect—things have changed a lot recently.

After the train excitement, head over to the Old Quarter. Wander through the chaotic streets filled with scooters, market stalls, and endless shops selling everything from souvenirs to street food.

Try Hanoi’s famous food like bun cha (grilled pork with noodles) or a banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) from a local vendor—it’s cheap, it’s delicious, and it’ll fuel you for the day.

By evening, make your way to Hoan Kiem Lake. This is where locals come to relax, exercise, or just hang out. The lake takes on a magical vibe at sunset, and you can wander around the “floating” Ngoc Son Temple.

Hanoi Day 2: Cafes, French Quarter, and Night Market Fun

Hanoi is known for its café culture, so spend the morning checking out some of its best spots.

Whether you’re a fan of strong Vietnamese coffee or curious about egg coffee (yes, it’s as creamy and weirdly delicious as it sounds), you’ll find a café that hits the spot.

Need ideas? Here’s my list of the best cafes in Hanoi, perfect for chilling, working, or people-watching.

In the afternoon, take a stroll through the French Quarter. This area is a little more elegant than the Old Quarter, with wide boulevards, colonial buildings, and landmarks like the Hanoi Opera House.

If you’re into museums, the Vietnamese Women’s Museum is nearby and offers a fascinating look at the role of women in the country’s history.

If it’s the weekend, end your day at the Hanoi Night Market. It’s loud, colorful, and a bit chaotic—basically, peak Hanoi. Shop for souvenirs, grab some street food, or just soak up the energy.

Then grab a cheap beer, sit in a plastic chair, and watch the chaos at Beer Street.

Hanoi Day 3: Culture and Optional Adventures

It’s your last full day in Hanoi, so let’s dive into some of its cultural highlights.

The Temple of Literature is a popular spot—it’s Vietnam’s first university, and its serene courtyards and traditional architecture are a peaceful escape from the city’s buzz.

If history’s your thing, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to learn about the country’s revolutionary leader.

For lunch, take a street food tour or join a cooking class to learn how to make some of Vietnam’s iconic dishes. It’s a fun, hands-on way to wrap up your time in the capital.

Still hungry for more? My list of things to do in Hanoi has plenty of extra ideas to squeeze in before you go.

I lived in Hanoi, Vietnam, as a digital nomad for a few months, so you’ll definitely need some more time to see everything on my list.

Ha Giang Loop: 3-4 Days

The Ha Giang Loop is hands-down one of the most epic adventures in Vietnam.

Picture winding mountain roads, jaw-dropping views, and tiny villages where life moves at a slower pace. It’s a motorbiking dream, but even if you’re not a rider, you can hire a driver (aka a local driver) to take you along.

Side note: Garrett has motorcycled around the world and has said this route is in his top 3! It’s truly that incredible.

What to Expect:
Once you’re in Ha Giang, rent a motorbike (or book a driver) and get ready for the ride of your life.

The loop typically takes 3-4 days, depending on how much time you want to spend exploring.

Highlights include:

• Dong Van: This charming town is a great spot to rest, grab some food, and soak up the local vibes.
• Ma Pi Leng Skywalk: Strech your legs on this epic walk along a mountainside with stunning views.
• Dốc Thẩm Mã: Epic winding road that you can view from above.
• Lung Cu Flagpole: A quick detour takes you to the northernmost point of Vietnam.

I’ve got a detailed Ha Giang Loop guide with all the tips you need to make the most of this moto trip!

Ninh Binh: Day Trip

Ninh Binh is the perfect escape from Hanoi’s chaos. Known as the “Halong Bay on Land,” it’s all about towering limestone karsts, lush green rice fields, and peaceful rivers.

How to Get There:
Book a guided tour (here’s one I recommend!). It’s an excellent day trip from Hanoi that will bring you to all the highlights.

If you plan to stay for a night, you can take an Uber, bus, or train down.

Where to stay:
If you decide to stay for a night—I stayed at Rubyhomestay. It’s an easy, simple spot in town with a pool, lovely hosts, and a home-cooked breakfast to wake up to.

More options to stay in Ninh Binh

What to Do:

• Trang An: Take a boat ride through caves, past towering karsts, and along scenic rivers. It’s a must-do!
• Mua Cave (Lying Dragon Mountain): Climb the steep stairs to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and a perched temple—it’s worth the sweat.
• Bich Dong Pagoda: A cool temple set in a cave and a beautiful field down the road where you can see tons of birdlife.

Want more details? Check out my guide to Ninh Binh.

North Vietnam Itinerary Add-Ons

Got longer than a week? Awesome. Here are other spots to head to next!

• Sapa: Famous for its terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages, this is a hiker’s utopia and a great place to experience culture.
• Halong Bay: Literally one of the most famous places in Vietnam and a can’t miss! You can take a trip from Hanoi and make it easy.
• Ban Gioc Waterfall: Near the Chinese border, this is one of Vietnam’s most stunning waterfalls—it’s massive, dramatic, and worth the trek.
• Cao Bang Geopark: Surrounding Ban Gioc, this UNESCO-recognized park offers otherworldly landscapes of karsts, caves, and peaceful rivers. You can pair this with the waterfall above.
• Ba Be National Park: A lush escape with waterfalls, caves, and Vietnam’s largest natural lake. Perfect for kayaking, trekking, or just unwinding in nature.
• Pu Luong Nature Reserve: Less touristy than Sapa, this hidden gem is home to serene rice terraces, stilt houses, and quiet trails.

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