Planning a trip to North Vietnam? You're in for a unique adventure filled with misty mountains, a vibrant culture, and some spectacular landscapes that Southeast Asia has to offer. Whether you're chasing the cascading beauty of Ban Gioc Waterfall, exploring lush tea fields, or winding your way through the northern highlands, this guide will help you prepare every step of the way.
And before you book your flight, don’t skip the visa section below—it’s crucial. A small mistake in the process can lead to a major headache (we learned that the hard way).
History
Vietnam borders China to the north, the South China Sea to the east and south, and Cambodia and Laos to the west. Its capital is Hanoi, while Ho Chi Minh City is the largest metropolis.
With a history dating back to the 7th century B.C., Vietnam was home to the Van Lang State and the Red River Civilization. Over centuries, it faced repeated foreign invasions, particularly from Chinese dynasties, shaping a resilient national identity.
The Communist Party's founding in 1930 led to Vietnam’s independence in 1945. Despite war and division, patriotism, unity, and perseverance remain core values driving its development toward prosperity and justice.
Visa Advice for Vietnam
Depending on your nationality, you’ll likely need a visa to enter Vietnam. Be warned—the processing time is usually 3 to 5 working days. When we visited in December 2024, it actually took six working days, so don’t leave this to the last minute!
When applying for your visa, make sure to enter your hotel or residence details exactly as requested. In some cases, if the information isn’t specific enough, your visa could be delayed or even declined while they request further clarification. In some countries, it’s fine to just list the street you’re staying on—but that won’t fly here. You need to be precise and accurate with your accommodation details.
Once you receive your visa, note that it officially states you must present a printed copy at immigration. We learned this the hard way—standing at the airport with only a digital version and less than an hour before boarding. We asked the check-in staff if a printout was really necessary, and they confirmed: “It will be checked before boarding.” No one at the airport would print it, and the nearby hotels wouldn’t help either. But we did manage to find a hotel a short Uber ride away and managed to make it back in time for our flight. Talk about last minute stress though!
And, of course, after all that drama, no one ever checked the visa. While this requirement might be outdated, the official guidance still says a hard copy is needed—so it’s best to be prepared.
Here is the official visa page.
Weather
Winter in North Vietnam lasts from November to April, bringing dry weather with temperatures averaging 17–22°C. T the coldest months are typically from January to March. Summer is from May to mid-October and is usually hot, humid, and wet!
We visited in late November, and Hanoi, as well as areas near the China border, felt quite cold, averaging 15–18°C. The dry season left the landscape less vibrant, with lower water levels in streams. However, despite being winter, we still found the humidity noticeable. A lot of the time we found it was really overcast, the sun was barely visible and everything felt a bit grey.
Transport
Most people traveling in Vietnam will rave about how easy it is to travel by scooter, and it’s true—you’ll see hundreds of scooters everywhere in the city. It’s certainly an efficient way to get around. However, if you’re planning to visit regions outside the city and prefer to drive a car, it is possible to rent one.
When we visited Vietnam we started our trip in Hanoi. Before arriving we did a lot of research online as to whether it is possible to rent a car without having to have a driver as well. It was hard to tell online whether renting a car without a driver was possible as most listings seemed to include one. But I have good news—it is entirely possible! I found a reliable company run by Mr. Ho from Car For Rent Hanoi.
Mr. Ho is polite and professional and was great to rent a car from, I highly recommend his services. I actually found his company when deep-diving into a Reddit thread when trying to find a driver-less rental option, I messaged him directly on WhatsApp, and he replied quickly with all the necessary information. He speaks perfect English, which is reassuring when renting a car from a small business in a foreign country, at least there are no unwelcome miscommunication surprises! He also had all the correct paperwork, he met us in person upon arrival, and made the process smooth. We had no issues returning the vehicle and got our deposit back without any hassle.
So, if you’re looking for a car rental service with a reliable, English-speaking local—and you don’t want to book a driver—Mr. Ho is your guy!
If you do want a driver then I would recommend comparing the prices of all the rental agencies online and contacting them by WhatsApp for a quote. You will likely need to pay a deposit to secure the booking.
One piece of advice if you choose to drive yourself in Vietnam: it’s chaotic, but it does flow. The most difficult part, in my opinion, is navigating the traffic lights. Even when you have a green light, it seems like everyone else does too. You just have to find your way through the intersection. If you drive slowly, no one will honk at you or get road rage. People are used to a bit of chaos on the roads, so take your time as you adjust.
Be especially careful when driving in the rain or outside the cities. Drivers tend to behave more recklessly in these conditions. One day, I passed three major crashes involving completely wrecked vehicles—all within the span of an hour. These were often the result of speeding and overtaking on blind corners.
A common driving tactic in Vietnam is honking. It’s not aggressive; rather, it's a way to let you know that someone is behind you and likely about to overtake. So if someone is honking like crazy, they’re not asking you to pull over—they just want you to be aware of their presence.
Another thing I noticed is that people often flash their headlights as a greeting. The first few times it happened, I thought I had forgotten to turn my own lights on, or that there was an accident or police up ahead, so I slowed down. But now I know—it’s usually just a friendly “hello.” Don’t be alarmed!
Some locations may require other modes of transport! Like getting to our accommodation here...
Locations
Ban Gioc Waterfall - one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking natural wonders and the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia. While it can be visited year-round, September is the ideal time to experience its full beauty. October and November also offer great views, though the harvest season may leave the surrounding landscape less vibrant.
Entry is simple and hassle-free—tickets can be purchased on arrival at the booth for 45,000 VND.
The Long Cốc tea hills in Vietnam are picturesque too, shaped by generations of skilled farmers. From above, these lush green hills resemble giant, inverted bowls. Quite mesmerizing to look at! Throughout this area are local houses so be mindful to respect the area and leave no trace behind. If you enjoy water-buffalo there are many here, helping in the tea plantation!
The ever-changing light and atmospheric conditions create endless opportunities for stunning shots so the Long Cốc tea hill are definitely worth a visit! Unfortunately in the season we were there, the mist was really low and we had a schedule to keep so we didn't wait around for the conditions to get better.
Drones
According to Vietnam's national aviation authority, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), flying a drone is legal in Vietnam, but we recommend being aware of and compliant with the drone regulations listed below before doing so, I did read online that you need to apply for permits to bring the drone into the country, we brought two in and did not apply for permits for either and didn’t get asked any questions on entry.
Currency
The local currency is Vietnamese Dong, there are multiple cash machines so you should have no problem getting out money. Especially in the main airport. We got a lump sum there for our travels and all places we visited accepted cash.
Language
Vietnamese is the sole official and national language of Vietnam. In larger cities, about 50% of people speak some English, but translation apps are the most reliable way to communicate if you don’t speak Vietnamese. However, learning a few basic phrases is a polite gesture as a foreign visitor, and in my experience, it is always appreciated.
Useful Phrases:
• Hello/Hi – Xin chào (Pronounced: Zin chow)
• Goodbye – Tạm biệt (Pronounced: Taam byeet)
• Thank you – Cảm ơn (Pronounced: Gam-urn)
• Please – Vui lòng (Pronounced: Voo-ee long)
WiFi & Mobile Networks
If you arrive at Hanoi Airport, you can easily pick up a SIM card from Viettel inside the terminal before you leave. They offer various plans and handle the setup for you. Don’t be surprised if they take your photo—it’s a standard security measure when making a purchase.
We used this service and can recommend it. It worked well, providing full coverage everywhere we traveled without any issues. However, we did receive numerous scam calls and texts, which is apparently common with new numbers. Unless you're expecting a call, it's best to ignore unknown numbers.
Adapters
For Vietnam there are three associated plug types, types A, B and C. Plug type A is the plug which has two flat parallel pins, plug type B is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin and plug type C is the plug with two round pins. Vietnam operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Emergency Information
Hopefully you won’t need this information but it is always good to know the local emergency numbers. 115 is the number for emergency medical calls. The number 115 is often called when there is a case related to injury or illness. Particularly in the case of an injury related to a crime or traffic accident, people should call 113 first, then call 115.
Final Thoughts
North Vietnam is a region of contrasts—ancient traditions, serene landscapes and lively street life, quiet mountain villages and bustling cities. Whether you're cruising through Ha Long Bay, hiking among terraced rice fields in Sapa, or getting lost in the charm of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, this part of the country leaves a lasting impression.
Max Rive is most driven by seeking new perspectives in the natural world and capturing them in his own distinguished style. Max's powerful portrayals of his interactions with the mountains has earned him international recognition in the outdoor community.
Madison McCardle is a passionate landscape photographer driven by curiosity and a desire to capture the true essence of each place she explores. Through her lens, she seeks new perspectives that reveal the beauty and authenticity of the world.
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