If you’re seeking a luxury holiday in North Vietnam, get ready to indulge in sophisticated experiences, exceptional resorts, and stunning scenic views. Here’s how to experience North Vietnam in style.
Best place to visit for Northern Vietnam Luxury Holiday
1. Hanoi – The Heart of North Vietnam
Elements of ancient temples, busy food markets, and French-influenced architecture make Hanoi a charming destination to experience first in Vietnam. Indeed, its allure in the harmonious between past and future, old world and new world, quiet serenity and hustling ambiance, seamlessly coexist, offering a journey to true refinement.
Luxury Activities in Hanoi:
- Historical Walks: Visit iconic sites such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and the ancient One Pillar Pagoda. Opt for private guided tours or jeep adventures around the city to gain greater insights.
- Theatrical Evenings: Indulge in cultural performances like the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre or opt for a private concert showcasing traditional Vietnamese music.
- Culinary Journeys: Beyond the excellent street food, try dining at fancy restaurants such as Uu Dam – a vegetarian delicacy that serves in the ancient-inspired Hanoian home.
- Luxurious Accommodations: Enjoy world-class service at hot spot hotels like JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi or Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
2. Ha Long Bay: A Luxurious Cruise Experience
Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands is a must-visit spot for a North Vietnam luxury holiday. You can spend days at Ha Long Bay but truly, the experience is elevated with a luxurious cruise. On board, you are treated with various modern amenities such as a pool, bar, to private spa sessions.
Luxury Activities in HaLong Bay:
- Luxury cruises: Surround yourself with heaven-like scenery as you sip fine wine on some of the popular private cruises. Popular choices include The Au Co Luxury Cruise, Heritage Line – Violet Cruise, FLC Ha Long Bay Golf Club & Luxury Resort (land-based stay)
- Private island experiences: Some cruises also offer exclusive island visits where you can enjoy secluded beaches and pristine nature.
3. Sapa: Mountain Retreat in Style
Thrilling but not lacking the luxuriousness is a mountain adventure to Sapa. The region is blessed with a cool climate, lush terraced rice fields, and views of towering peaks, making it the perfect getaway for those seeking peace and beauty. Also, as a cherry on top, Sapa offers a wide range of luxurious stays that are close to ethnic communities, allowing you to immerse in the culture effortlessly without sacrificing comfort.
Luxury Activities in Sapa:
- Exclusive Trekking Experiences: Experience the wonders of Sapa through an exclusive trekking journey with an expert guide, and gain fascinating insights into the region’s culture and history.
- Witness Unmatch View: Take the cable car to the summit of Fansipan, the “Roof of Indochina.”, a one-in-a-lifetime view of the true epitome of exclusive scenery.
- Spa and Wellness Retreats: End the day with world-class spa treatments at your luxury lodge or resort where they offer high-end wellness service with Northern Highlands traditional herbal baths, and aromatherapy massages
- Luxurious Accommodations: Elevate your experience by staying at luxury properties like Bamboo Sapa Hotel, Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa, or the Topas Ecolodge – a luxury and eco-conscious choice.
4. Ninh Binh: Tranquil Luxury in Nature’s Embrace
Known as “Halong Bay on land,” Ninh Binh is a place of incredible beauty, where tranquility is beautifully displayed with elements of sounds, smells, and sights. All together, making a visit to Ninh Binh a trip of full sensory feel.
Luxury Activities in Ninh Binh:
- Private boat tour: Glide along in a traditional wooden boat to Tam Coc or Trang An, passing through caves and temples and being mesmerized by these UNESCO-recognized landscapes.
- Cultural immersion: Step back in time as you visit ancient temples like Bai Dinh and the historical Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s former capital while enjoying VIP experiences with expert guides, and be a part of a one-of-a-kind regal experience.
- Luxurious Accommodations: Opt for various high-end stays like Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh, Vedana Resort Ninh Binh, Aravinda Resort,…
5. Mai Chau: Hidden Luxury in the Mountains
If you’re looking for a quiet escape, Mai Chau offers an authentic yet luxurious experience. This region is known for its peaceful valley surrounded by lush rice paddies, rolling hills, and traditional Thai minority villages.
Luxury Activities in Mai Chau:
- Stay at High-End Eco-Lodges: Luxury accommodations like the Mai Chau Ecolodge or Avana Retreat, offer a blend of excellent extravagance amenities with eco-friendly aspects. There are private bungalows, infinity pools, and modern conveniences that merge seamlessly with the breathtaking views of the region.
- Private Cycling Tours Through the Valley: No better way to indulge in a serendipity view than private cycling sessions where you get to witness the romanticness of vibrant green fields, water buffalo, and traditional stilt houses.
- Picnic Lunches in Scenic Locations: Some tour operators or within your luxurious hotels may cater a private lunch picnic with locally inspired dishes and fine beverages, perfect if you are looking to spend quality time with loved ones.
Best Accommodation of North Vietnam Luxury Holiday
What is wonderful about North Vietnam’s luxury holiday is its diversity of accommodation that is not just high-end but also interesting such as sustainability focus or contemporary designs, catering to all preferences. Here are some of the best accommodation type for you to consider:
1. Eco-Luxury Retreats
For travelers looking for environmentally friendly options without sacrificing the luxury, there are eco-lodges and resorts nestled in breathtaking and majestic highlands mountains. For example, Sapa – a popular northern mountain comprises some of the top-notch stays such as Topas Ecolodge in Spa, Hotel de la Coupole,…offering a blend of comfort and sustainability. Mai Chau – another mountain region offers an intimate and personalized experience with its collection of villas and boutique lodges like Mai Chau Ecologe, Sol Bungalows, Ba Khan Village Resort,…
2. Contemporary City Hotels
Besides Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam and its offerings of refined hotels like Sofitel Legend Metropole or the Capella Hanoi. Close by cities like Ninh Binh or Ha Long also offer hidden gems that rival other places, ensuring luxury accommodation wherever you visit. Some popular choices are Emeralda Resort (Ninh Binh), Aravinda Resort (Ninh Binh), Ba Dinh Garden Resort & Spa (Ninh Binh), Tuan Chay Resort (Ha Long), Vinpearl Resort & Spa (Ha Long),…
3. Unconventional Accommodation
North Vietnam also includes some unconventional but luxurious accommodations such as private yacht/cruises, or luxury sleeper trains. For example, private yachts and luxury cruises in Halong Bay, like Cozy Bay, Paradise Elegance, Scarlet Pearl, Royal Palace,… offer an exclusive way to explore the stunning seascape day to night.
Whereas, luxury sleeper trains are a unique and economical way for those who want to expand their journey around or after the Northern adventure. Some popular choices include Victoria Express Train – travel between Hanoi and Lao Cai, or SJourney – 2 main cities of Hanoi and Ninh Binh for Northern Vietnam, then expanding to other regions.
Best Time to visit in the North of Vietnam
The northern climate in Vietnam is flexible with various related activities to participate in your luxurious adventure. Make the most out of your trip with the right time based on this breakdown of the best times to visit:
Spring (March to May)
Spring in North Vietnam is one of the most delightful times to visit with a typical temperature around 18–25°C or 64–77°F with low humidity, perfect for blooming flowers and a chill atmosphere.
Highlights:
- Trekking in Sapa and surrounding mountains is particularly pleasant with clear skies.
- Hanoi’s parks and lakes become lively with blossoming trees, making it a picturesque and poetic time for sightseeing.
Best Activities: Cultural tours, photography, trekking, and exploring natural reserves
Summer (June to August)
Summer is the rainy season in North Vietnam, but it has its own charm with warm temperatures of 25–35°C or 77–95°F, with occasional heavy rain showers.
Highlights:
- The rice terraces in northern mountains like Sapa and Mu Cang Chai are at their most vibrant, offering a stunning sea of green.
- Halong Bay’s waters are calm, and ideal for cruising and water activities.
Best Activities: All summer activities are recommended while trekking might be challenging due to rain, it’s still rewarding for the adventurous.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is the best time to visit North Vietnam where the atmosphere is cool and dry, with temperatures ranging from 20–28°C (68–82°F).
Highlights:
- Hanoi is at its most charming, with pleasant weather perfect for exploring markets, Old Quarter streets, and lakeside cafés.
- Ninh Binh’s landscapes are also becoming more serene and picturesque, ideal for boat tours.
Best Activities: Trekking, photography, cultural festivals, and city tours.
Winter (December to February)
Winter in North Vietnam is around 10–20°C or 50–68°F, which feels rather cool and dry, particularly in the mountainous areas.
Highlights:
- The cool weather is ideal for exploring Hanoi’s vibrant street food scene and cultural landmarks.
- Sapa’s mountain villages take on a serene, misty ambiance with occasional frost and even snow in extreme cases.
- Halong Bay’s limestone karsts look mystical under the winter fog.
Best Activities: Scenic train journeys, cultural exploration, and indulging in warm local dishes like pho and hot pot.
Unforgettable North Vietnam Luxury Holiday
Beyond the mentioned location and suggestions above, North Vietnam carries various other spots with its own charm. However, they all share the same core characteristics of elegance, calmness, and thrilling adventure, ensuring you a trip of wonderful balance.