8-days itinerary in the north of Vietnam (planning and budget)
Thinking to travel to Vietnam? Here is the best itinerary!
In January 2025, I have been to Vietnam for the first time. I have booked this trip few months before with my bestfriend from France and plan for a trip of 7 days. As we wanted a nature and mountains vibe, we have focused on the north of Vietnam and we don’t regret it at all.
We have made research about the place to visit and these were the locations we’ve wanted to visit:
- Hanoi
- Ha Giang
- Ha Long Bay
- Ban Gioc Waterfall
I have referenced below my itinerary and the budget:
Day 1 – Arrival in Hanoi
I have land from Hong Kong in Hanoi at 9am and spent the whole day to visit the city.
Day 2 – Ha Long Bay
As a 1-Day trip, we had a full day on a cruise including lunch and activities.
Price: 50 euros / person
Trip duration: from 8am to 9pm
Day 3 to 5 – Ha Giang
We were so excited about the Ha Giang Loop. It is a loop that you can do by motor. There are different options in termes of duration (3 days 2 nights – 3D2N / 4 days 3 nights – 4D3N, etc) and you can also choose to drive by yourself or to have a driver.
Personnaly, we have choose 3D2N with an easy driver and I think it was the best choice. First, beyond 3 days I think our legs and booty would hurt so much as you stay the whole day sit on the motor.
It costed 150 euros per person and all was included, such as the accomodiation and food for the whole trip.
Price: 150 euros / person
Trip duration: 3 days and 2 nights
Day 6 & 7 – Ban Gioc Waterfall
Then, we end this trip with 2 days in Cao Bang in order to visit the Ban Gioc Waterfalls at the border between Vietnam and China.
This place reminds me the landscape of my trip in the south of China, especially in Yangshuo (see my article about Yangshuo – China).
Price: 200 euros / person
Trip duration: 2 days
Total budget: 400 euros