Fast Track service
$30 per person
At three international airports
- Noi Bai HanoiHAN
- Tan Son Nhat SaigonSGN
- Da Nang International Da NangDAD
- Skip the long immigration line when you land.
- Landing between 19:00 and 06:00: +$5 per booking.
Toward Local field guide · Northern Vietnam
Beyond Hanoi
Nine places worth the journey north of the capital and around it: Ninh Binh, Ha Long and Cat Ba, Ha Giang, Sa Pa, Cao Bang, Mu Cang Chai, Mai Chau, Moc Chau, and the Zen mountain of Yen Tu. For each one, the facts, the food, the reasons to go, what to do when you get there, and the small things locals know.
Hanoi is the start. The north is the story.
Facts checked
At a glance
The nine, side by side
Travel times from Hanoi, where almost every trip north begins. The numbers match the map and the chapters below.
Route ideas
Three ways to join them up
Most travellers pick one corner of the north rather than all of it. These loops start and end in Hanoi. Mountain days usually mean four to six hours on the road, so build in slack for weather.
What to pack
The weather, month by month
The north has four seasons, and the mountains run far colder than Hanoi. Pick a month to see average highs and lows, rainfall and what to bring.
Averages of daily highs and lows and monthly rainfall, from Vietnam's Institute for Building Science and Technology climate tables. Ha Giang is measured in Ha Giang city; the stone plateau of the loop sits 1,000–1,500 m higher and is much colder. Yen Tu is measured at Uong Bi, at the foot of the mountain.
When to go
Season by season
Spring and autumn are the safest bets almost everywhere. Summer brings heat, storms and landslides; winter is cold and often grey, but it is also when the blossom comes.
Before you go north
The practical bits
Seven things worth knowing before you leave Hanoi.
Since 1 July 2025
New names on the map
Vietnam merged its provinces from 63 to 34 and scrapped districts. Signs, menus and older maps still use the old names, while bookings, invoices and Google Maps increasingly show the new ones. On addresses you will see phuong (ward), xa (commune), dac khu (special zone), tinh (province) and TP. (city).
Heading north? Ask a local host.
Toward Local runs private tours in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Hoi An. For the north, message us with your dates and we will share what we know about routes, seasons and where to stay.
Before you landArrival Ride to your hotel Before you fly
Skip the line at the airport
Your first hour in Vietnam should be spent in the city, not in an immigration queue. Send us your flight on WhatsApp and we set up Fast Track, your ride to the hotel and your e-visa before you fly.
Airport transfer
- 7-seat car 2–3 guests, small luggage$20
- 16-seat van 3–9 guests, large or more luggage$40
- 10 guests or more A larger vehicle, arranged for your groupAsk us
Per trip, at Noi Bai (HAN), Tan Son Nhat (SGN) or Da Nang International (DAD). Between 22:00 and 06:00: +$5 per trip.
Book a transferE-Visa, single entry
$45 per person
- Send your passport details before 16:00 Vietnam time; the result comes in 4–5 days.
- Flying sooner? Ask us about urgent processing.
Prices in USD. National holidays: +40%. All times are Vietnam time (GMT+7). Send your flight and passport details early so we can process everything on time.
Ride with Toward Local
Heading south after the north?
Our local hosts are based in Saigon, Da Nang and Hoi An. When your route reaches them, here are three ways to start.
More free guides
Vietnam, mapped by locals
The same kind of guide for the rest of your route: where to eat, what to see and how to get around, from the local hosts who run our tours.
Ho Chi Minh CitySaigon Street by StreetLocal eats, check-in spots and routes across Ho Chi Minh City.Da NangDa Nang Bridge by BridgeLocal food, check-in spots and things to do across Da Nang.Hoi AnHoi An Lantern by LanternLocal eats, sights and routes on foot or by motorbike in Hoi An.Nha TrangNha Trang Bay by BayLocal restaurants, check-in spots and things to do in Nha Trang.HanoiHanoi Lake by LakeBun cha, Old Quarter eats, photo spots and walking routes in Hanoi.Phu QuocPhu Quoc Beach by BeachBun quay, snail shops, sunset bars, island trips and a pocket map of Phu Quoc.Southern VietnamBeyond SaigonMekong Delta, Phu Quoc, Mui Ne, Con Dao and more trips from Saigon.Central VietnamBeyond Da NangHue, Phong Nha, Quy Nhon, Da Lat and more trips from Da Nang.