5 Mountain Destinations to Visit in Northern Vietnam (with Infographics)

“The mountain is calling and I must go” - John Muir

If you were already familiar with the cities and beaches when researching your future Vietnam trip, you've found the right place. Vietnam's most precious gems lie in the upper North, where spectacular mountain ranges stretch as far as the eye can see. 

Scroll down to find out the best mountain destinations in Vietnam. We’ve also attached infographics with the necessary information for you to save for your visit.

1. Why The Mountains on A Vietnam Vacation?

Heinrich Harrer, an Austrian mountaineer, once said: "When I leave civilization behind, I feel safe." That might be what we all feel. 

There is something in the mountains that urban dwellers hardly understand. The sun is always shining. The breeze is pleasant. The air is cool and fresh. Nature is unspoiled.  And above all, life is simply beautiful. 

In Vietnam, mountains account for about three-quarters of the country’s area. They are home to more than 90% of the remaining forest area and 90% of the rare and precious plant and animal species in the whole country. 

It’s estimated that 24 million people are living in the mountains, of which more than one-third are ethnic minorities. They own the oldest, richest, and most well-preserved cultures in Vietnam, making their homeland a worthwhile destination once you visit the country. 

2. What To Expect on A Mountain Trip? 

There are so many reasons why the mountains in Vietnam fascinate everyone. The ethnic culture as I mentioned above is just one of them. Dramatic mountain peaks wrapped in dense white clouds, meandering rivers, breathtaking waterfalls, and astonishing terraced rice fields during harvest season, exciting trekking trails, the lively atmosphere of an upland market where ethnic people gather to chat and exchange household items - I just can’t get enough of the wonders waiting around every corner to surprise me.

In remote areas, people still wear their traditional dress. While not as trendy as those in the cities, their attire is simply stunning, with meticulous attention to detail and an incredibly perfect blend of bold colors. You can easily buy beautiful embroidered fabrics at a very reasonable price. Ethnic women here are naturally skilled craftsmen.

3. The Top 5 Northern Mountain Destinations (with Infographics)

Mountains can be found throughout Vietnam, but the most striking ones are in the north. They are about a 4 to 5-hour drive from the capital city of Hanoi. 

Here are the top 5 mountain destinations worth visiting in Northern Vietnam.

- Sapa. A Summer Resort By The French Colonialists 

Sapa is undoubtedly the most famous mountain destination in Vietnam. Established by the French as a resort in the early 20th century, it has since remained an ideal choice for a getaway from Hanoi. As expected, getting to Sapa is much easier than other lesser-known destinations thanks to better road infrastructure.  

Visiting Sapa in summer or autumn, when the mountains are bursting with color, you’ll love trekking through some of the best rice terraces in Asia and stopping by ethnic villages to witness the unique lives of the H’mong or Dao people. For a tougher challenge, conquer the rooftop of Indochina, Mount Fansipan (3,143 m or 10,330 ft above sea level), in a two-day expedition.

Bac Ha Sunday Market is a fantastic spot to experience local life. In the mountains, markets are not just for buying and selling; they’re also where people gather to share news and catch up with friends. You might see a man carrying a small black piglet in his arms to the market, and a few hours later, on your way back, spot him with the same pig. That’s when you realize his business didn’t succeed. If you stay long enough, you might see him and his pig return to the market the following week.

- Travel to Sapa from Hanoi

Located 370 km (230 mi) from Hanoi, Sapa is easily accessible by bus or overnight train. For a more adventurous journey, you can travel by motorbike. Just be sure you're an experienced rider, as the roads to Vietnam's northern mountains are full of twists and turns.

- Accommodations in Sapa

Although the town center is packed with hotels and resorts, Topas Ecolodge, located 45 minutes away, is a favorite. This resort is widely considered one of the best eco-friendly properties in Vietnam. Hotel de la Coupole MGallery and Silk Path Grand Sapa Resort & Spa are located right in the heart of the town, making them more accessible and convenient for dining and drinks. Ville De Mont Mountain Resort awarded Asia’s Leading Lifestyle Resort in 2022, is also a great choice. 

- Sapa information you want to save

- Ha Giang. The Final Frontier of Northern Vietnam 

Ha Giang had been under the radar until recent years when social media started buzzing about it. Today, young foreign tourists flock to Vietnam’s northernmost province to experience the epic Ha Giang Loop on the back of a motorbike. The ride can last up to 5 days, covering 350 km (217 mi) through mountains, high passes, deep valleys, geological faults, and gorges. One highlight is the imposing Ma Pi Leng Pass - the King of Passes in Vietnam. At a height of 1,500m, the twisty road winds along the steep limestone mountain, with the Nho Que River looming below.

Back to the relaxing side of Ha Giang, visit Dong Van Old Town, where time seems to slow down. From the hundred-year-old houses with earthy walls and brown tile roofs to the highland market, everything is tinged with the nostalgic color of time. Forty households in the old town form a small, quiet, yet close-knit residential community at the foot of rocky cliffs. 

The Dong Van Karst Plateau remains largely intact and was recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark for the third time in September 2023.

Take a 40-minute boat ride on the emerald waters of the Nho Que River, surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, to feel small in the face of nature. The terraced rice fields are just as breathtaking as those in Sapa. At the markets, you can find ethnic specialties such as beautiful linen, brocade, buckwheat cake, and Thang Co – a popular local dish. 

- Travel to Ha Giang from Hanoi:

Ha Giang is 400 km ( 249 mi) from Hanoi, and traveling by car is the best way to get there. The journey takes around 6 hours, but it’s often longer as you might want to stop along the way for some sightseeing.

- Accommodations in Ha Giang:

High-end accommodations in Ha Giang are limited compared to Sapa, so don’t forget to book early. Those looking for a wow will love P’apiu – a place to truly escape from the world, where you live among mountains and clouds. P’apiu was celebrated as Asia’s Leading Romantic Resort by the Asia Awards in October 2023, so you wouldn't want to miss it. Alternatively, great-value mid-range resorts include Palm Ha Giang Ecolodge, Panhou Retreat, and H'Mong Village Resort.

- Ha Giang information you want to save:

- Mai Chau. A World Away from Hanoi's Hustle and Bustle 

Mai Chau District is hands-down the most beautiful Vietnam mountain destination within a 3-hour drive from Hanoi. Its town is pretty touristy, but just 20 km (12 mi) away, there’s still idyllic rural life with rice fields dotted with Thai villages that ease your mind. Even though it’s a mountain district, the altitude in Mai Chau varies widely. The town’s lowest point is at 200 m (656 ft), while the highest mountain peak reaches 1,536 m (5,039 ft) in Pa Co village, where Hmong people make up 90% of the population.

The White Thai people are the largest ethnic group in this region. Thai women are skilled weavers who produce beautiful textiles and are also great dancers, as they learn traditional Thai dances from a young age. The people are very friendly and welcome you with a warm smile as if you are a close friend returning home after a long time away.

People in Mai Chau still live in wooden stilt houses, often built near streams or rivers, as the Thai people believe water brings life. Mai Chau is not a place for hard treks, but for biking, hiking, and relaxation, it ticks all the boxes. Ride a bike or hike through rice fields, cassava fields, and rural villages, immersing yourself in the peaceful way of life. When the sun sets, share a meal with the locals before settling in for the night in a traditional stilt house and waking up to the rural soundtrack.

- Travel to Mai Chau from Hanoi:

The best ways to access Mai Chau are by bus, private car, or motorbike. It is located about 140 km (87 mi) west of Hanoi. Limousine buses are also available for a more comfortable journey. 

- Accommodations in Mai Chau:

A few good resorts are located in the valley of Mai Chau, including Mai Chau Ecolodge and Mai Chau Hideaway. However, a one-hour drive up the mountain takes you to Avana, an outstanding 5-star mountain retreat. Awarded Asia’s Leading Retreat in 2021 and 2022 by the World Travel Awards, this beautiful property boasts a private waterfall right in its heart and a mindful spa nestled along the gurgling streams. 

- Mai Chau information you want to save:

- Ba Be National Park. The Million-Year-Old Pristine Nature

Ba Be National Park is a nature reserve in Bac Kan Province, northeast of Hanoi. The park spans 76 km² (29.3 mi²) of valleys, caves, rivers, waterfalls, and evergreen tropical forests. Hunting is forbidden, but villagers are allowed to fish. The region is home to some ethnic groups living in 10 villages, half of whom are Tay people who have settled in the park for over 2,000 years.

Ba Be National Park is often remembered for its limestone mountains, peaking at 1,500 m (4,921 ft) and plunging into the 6.5 km² (2.5 mi²) Ba Be Lake that dominates the heart of the park. Thanks to its untouched nature, it’s considered the green lung of Northeastern Vietnam.

If you’re looking for a Vietnam mountain destination that offers a variety of outdoor activities, you’ve come to the right place. Here, you can trek to waterfalls, bike through villages, kayak on the Nang River, visit Puong Cave, home to thousands of bats, or cruise Ba Be Lake on a local boat with a stop at An Ma Pagoda, located on a small islet in the middle of the lake. Hua Ma Cave is also worth visiting. This 800m-long (2,625ft-long) cave has been shaped by thousands of years of geological changes. No matter which activities you choose, you will be surrounded by a pristine natural setting that is both beautiful and soothing to the eye.

- Travel to Ba Be National Park from Hanoi:

Located 240 km (150 mi) northeast of Hanoi, it takes around 5 hours by car to reach the national park.

- Accommodations in Ba Be National Park:

The main overnight option here is local homestays. 

- Ba Be National Park information you want to save:

- Cao Bang. Best Off-The-Beaten-Track Treks

The final stop on our list may also be the least known to travelers. Lacking tourists due to its remote location becomes an advantage: Its rural area is praised as the most beautiful region in Vietnam with poetic landscapes of jagged limestone mountains, rolling paddy fields, and winding rivers - a reward to travelers who don’t mind a Northern Vietnam odyssey. 

Cao Bang’s biggest attraction is Ban Gioc Waterfall - the most stunning waterfall in Vietnam and arguably one of the most impressive in the world. Fed by the Quay Son River, this incredible waterfall straddles the Vietnam-China border, cascading from a height of 60 m (196 ft). It is also the fourth-largest waterfall in the world that lies along a national border.

The pleasant climate in Cao Bang invites you to embark on day treks that take you through several villages of the local ethnic groups. Mountains and jungles are plenty if you're seeking more intense exploration. What sets Cao Bang's trekking trails apart from many others in Vietnam is that you’re unlikely to encounter a tourist, not even Vietnamese. For once, the mighty mountainous Northern Vietnam is only yours to uncover.

- Travel to Cao Bang from Hanoi:

Cao Bang is 370 km (230 mi) from Hanoi. Buses from the capital to Cao Bang town usually take around 6 hours.

- Accommodations in Cao Bang:

There are a few good 3-star hotels in the city center. But if you visit the villages, staying at a homestay is a great option, as the locals have learned how to attract tourists. They are also skilled chefs, so you can always count on having good food. 

- Cao Bang information you want to save: