Northern Vietnam Complete Guide 2026: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa, Ninh Binh and the Ha Giang Loop
Browse more guides: Vietnam travel | Asia destinations Northern Vietnam Complete Guide 2026: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa, Ninh Binh and the Ha Giang Loop TL;DR I keep coming back to Northern Vietnam because the geography changes every three hours of road. From Hanoi I can reach Halong Bay by lunch, a karst river skiff in Ninh Binh by dawn, and Fansipan at 3,143 m by the weekend. This 2026 guide covers Hanoi, Halong plus Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha, Cat Ba, Sapa with Mu Cang Chai and Fansipan, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, the 300 km Ha Giang loop, and Perfume Pagoda. I include current eVisa rules, Halong cruise reforms after 2024, costs in VND with USD and INR, three itineraries from five to twelve days, plus food, phrases and small etiquette habits. Why 2026 Is the Right Year for Northern Vietnam I have watched the north change since my first visit, and 2026 sits at a useful crossroads of access and quality. Vietnam's eVisa programme, expanded in August 2023, now grants citizens of most coun...