Complete 9-Day Itinerary for Northern Vietnam – Where to Go and What to Do

Apr 9, 2025 | Travels, Vietnam Travels | 0 comments

Table of Contents

Why Vietnam?

Traveling to Vietnam as a Filipino is an exciting and valuable experience for many reasons. As a Filipino, you’ll find that the cultural connection between the Philippines and Vietnam makes the travel feel equally familiar and unique at the same time. We have a similar history, warm hospitality, and shared food influences, which make it really comfortable for us while still offering an entirely new perspective on Southeast Asia.
Rich History
One of the key reasons to visit Vietnam is the opportunity to explore its vibrant heritage and different landscapes. whether it’s the ancient temples and UNESCO World Heritage sites, the beautiful Halong Bay, or the peaceful countryside in places like Ninh Binh. Vietnam also presents a perfect balance of modern cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, where you can immerse yourself in busy street markets, vibrant nightlife, and a thriving food scene that will excite any Filipino foodie.
Budget-friendly
Moreover, for Filipinos, traveling to Vietnam is often quite affordable, with inexpensive accommodations, local street food, and accessible transport options, making it a perfect travel options for both short trips and extended stays. As fellow Southeast Asians, you’ll find the Vietnamese people's warmth and hospitality welcoming, making your journey easy and pleasant.
Visa-free
Lastly, Vietnam and the Philippines share a bond as part of the ASEAN community, making travel easy with visa-free access for Filipino tourists for up to 21 days. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural participation, Vietnam offers something indelible for every Filipino traveler.

Main Regions of Vietnam

Vietnam is a country rich in cultural heritage, natural beauty, and historical background. Geographically, it is traditionally divided into three major regions: the Northern Region, the Central Region, and the Southern Region. Each of these regions has its own unique identity, climate, cuisine, dialects, and traditions, adding to the nation's diverse and dynamic character.
Regions of Vietnam

Northern Vietnam

In the North, you’ll find yourself immersed in dramatic natural beauty and deep-rooted culture, explore the busy streets of Hanoi, sail through the otherworldly limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay, hike the foggy mountains of Sapa, or drift along the peaceful rivers and rice paddies of Ninh Binh, often called “Ha Long Bay on land.”
Hanoi Train Street

Central Vietnam

The Central region provides a more relaxed charm, with ancient history in Hue, magical lantern-lit evenings in Hoi An, and beachside vibes in Da Nang. Perfect for travelers who love a mix of culture, food, and relaxation.

Southern Vietnam

Down in the South, the energy builds in Ho Chi Minh City, where modern city life blends with street-food chaos and French colonial charm, while the nearby Mekong Delta presents a calm detour into a setting of floating markets and lush waterways.
Whether you’re chasing mountains, beaches, or hidden gems, Vietnam’s three regions make it easy to fall in love with the journey again and again.
Among the three major regions of Vietnam, we chose to explore the Northern region first. We spent nine days traveling through this area, but it can be explored in a shorter or longer time, depending on your schedule. We’ll share our itinerary in the next section.

Northern Vietnam 9-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Hanoi City & Historical Tour

Description:
Welcome to Hanoi! Time to stretch those legs and get your steps in because this day is packed with culture, history, and crossing the street like it’s a real-life game of The Floor Is Lava. From ancient pagodas to colonial architecture and lively charm, you’ll get your first taste of Vietnam’s rich story (and delicious street food).

Places to Visit:

  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (Keep it quiet, Lolo Ho is resting!)

  • One Pillar Pagoda

  • Temple of Literature (The OG Ivy League of Vietnam)

  • Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

  • Old Quarter (Souvenir central + foodie heaven)

  • Hoan Kiem Lake (For that peaceful, “I found myself” photo moment)

👉 For more details (including hotel and transportation) about our Hanoi trip from Manila, check out our full article Our Hanoi Trip from Manila.

👉 For the full itinerary breakdown, photos, tips, and Google Maps links, check out the complete Day 1 blog post – Our First Day in Hanoi

Day 2 – Ha Long Bay Day Cruise

Description:

Today we’re switching busy streets for scenic seas. Ha Long Bay is a postcard brought to life, with towering limestone cliffs, emerald-green water, and that feeling of “Wait, am I in a fantasy movie right now?” You’ll cruise, you’ll kayak, and you’ll probably say “Wow” like 12 times.

Places to Visit:

  • Sung Sot Cave (Big cave, bigger surprises)

  • Titop Island (Hike or beach, why not both?)

  • Kayaking or bamboo boat ride (Balance skills: tested)

  • Seafood lunch on board (Bring your appetite. And stretchy pants.)

👉 For the full Day 2 blog, cruise tips, and how to plan your own Halong Bay day tour—check out: How to Experience Halong Bay in a Day: Top Sights and Best Tours

Day 3 – Ninh Binh Day Tour

Description:
Ninh Binh is what happens when Mother Nature says, “I’m gonna show off today.” Nicknamed the “Ha Long Bay on land,” this place has epic views, peaceful boat rides, and temples that look right out of a martial arts movie. Pro tip: stretch before the stairs.

Places to Visit:

  • Trang An or Tam Coc boat tour (Silent river + exciting cliffs = main character moment)

  • Bai Dinh Pagoda (Massive. Like, get-lost level massive.)

  • Mua Cave & Lying Dragon Mountain (500+ steps. You got this. We believe in you.)

  • Scenic countryside (Rice fields and water buffalo—peak Vietnam vibes)

📖 Want to read the full story with photos and travel tips?
👉 Read our full Ninh Binh day tour experience

🧡 Want to experience the same hassle-free adventure?
We booked this exact Ninh Binh Day Tour from Hanoi via Klook, and it made everything super convenient — from hotel pickup to a well-organized itinerary.
👉 Check it out and book here on Klook to lock in your tour and avoid the planning stress!

Day 4 – Sky Lotte Hanoi & More City Touring

Description:
Time to level up—literally! Start the day with panoramic views of Hanoi from the Sky Lotte deck (heights are optional, selfies are not). Afterward, enjoy more of the city’s modern and spiritual sides—with lots of chances to snack your way through the afternoon.

Places to Visit:

  • Lotte Observation Deck (Don’t look down. Or do. For the 'gram.)

  • West Lake (A peaceful walk with swan-boat potential)

  • Tran Quoc Pagoda (Zen mode: ON)

  • Street food crawl (Egg coffee tastes like dessert. You’ve been warned.)

Day 5 – Mega Grand World Hanoi & Night Bus to Sapa

Description:
Today we take a holiday during our vacation. Mega Grand World is all about lights, colors, and vibes—like Venice but with more karaoke energy. Snap your last city shots, eat one more bánh mì, and hop on the comfy overnight bus to Sapa. Sleep well—mountains await!

Places to Visit:

  • Mega Grand World Hanoi (Instagram dreams come true)

👉 Read our full guide here: Mega Grand World Hanoi Travel Guide: What to See, Do, and How to Go

  • Shopping + dining

  • Overnight bus to Sapa (Blankets + tilt-back seats = actual nap success)

Day 6 – Viettrekking & Glass Bridge Tour

Description:
Good morning, Sapa! Cooler weather, stunning views, and coffee with view of clouds —what’s not to love? Start your day in chill mode, then turn up the excitement with a walk across a GLASS BRIDGE (yes, we said glass). It’s scenic. It’s scary. It’s content-worthy.

Places to Visit:

  • Viettrekking Café (Coffee + clouds = soul healing)

  • Glass Bridge at Rong May Tourist Area (Channel your inner K-drama star—while clinging to the rails)

  • Bonus: Silver Waterfall (Optional but beautiful if you’ve got time)

👉 Read our travel options guide (from Hanoi to Sapa) here: 5 Ways to Reach Sapa from Hanoi: Travel Options + What You Need to Know

👉 Also read our top things to do in Sapa guide here: Top Things to Do in Sapa, Vietnam (Ultimate Travel Guide for First-Timers!)

Day 7 – Fansipan Tour & Sapa City

Description:
Time to conquer the "Roof of Indochina"—but don’t worry, it’s a luxury conquest thanks to a scenic cable car ride. At 3,147 meters, Fansipan offers views so good you’ll forget you’re slightly dizzy. After your mountain victory, stroll through charming Sapa town.

Places to Visit:

  • Fansipan Mountain (via cable car—your knees are safe)

  • Sun World Fansipan Legend (Epic views, cooler temps, and cultural touches)

  • Sapa Stone Church

  • Local market (Support local! Buy that handwoven scarf, you deserve it.)

👉 Also read our top things to do in Sapa guide here: Top Things to Do in Sapa, Vietnam (Ultimate Travel Guide for First-Timers!)

Day 8 – Cat Cat Village & Alpine Coaster

Description:
Back to nature with a visit to Cat Cat Village—a traditional H’mong village that’s part cultural experience, part photo op, part nature walk. And just when you think things are calming down… surprise! We’re riding an alpine coaster down a mountain.

Places to Visit:

  • Cat Cat Village (Cultural gems and cottagecore goals)

  • Local handicrafts and performances

  • Alpine Coaster (Scream first, laugh later)

👉 Also read our top things to do in Sapa guide here: Top Things to Do in Sapa, Vietnam (Ultimate Travel Guide for First-Timers!)

Day 9 – Rest & Airport Transfer

Description:
The hardest part of every trip: going home. Use this day to rest, sip one last Vietnamese coffee, and soak in those mountain views. Or panic-pack your souvenirs. Either way, it’s goodbye for now—but Vietnam’s always ready for round two.

Suggestions:

  • Chill at a café or spa

  • Travel back to Hanoi or straight to the airport

  • Last-minute pho and final deep breath before departure

👉 Also read our top things to do in Sapa guide here: Top Things to Do in Sapa, Vietnam (Ultimate Travel Guide for First-Timers!)

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