Northeast Travel Guide
Tu San Canyon and the Nho Que River, seen from Ma Pi Leng Pass, Ha Giang. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
The Northeast is Vietnam's dramatic northern frontier: the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay rising from the Gulf of Tonkin, and behind them the high mountain passes of Ha Giang, Cao Bang and Lang Son. It is the least developed of the northern regions, and the most adventurous.
Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, anchors the region: around 1,600 limestone islands and islets in an emerald sea, best explored on an overnight cruise. Inland, the Ha Giang Loop has become one of Southeast Asia's great motorbike journeys, threading the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark past the Tu San Canyon, the deepest gorge in Vietnam.
Key destinations in Northeast
Ha Long BayUNESCO-listed karst seascape: some 1,600 limestone islands, best seen on an overnight cruise.
Ha Giang LoopThe great northern motorbike loop: Ma Pi Leng Pass, the Dong Van karst plateau and Hmong market towns.
Ban Gioc WaterfallOne of the world's largest border waterfalls, on the Chinese frontier in Cao Bang.
Bai Tu Long BayHa Long Bay's quieter northeastern neighbour: the same karsts, far fewer boats.
Dong Van Karst Plateau GeoparkUNESCO Global Geopark of limestone peaks and Hmong villages around Dong Van.
Ba Be LakeVietnam's largest natural lake, in Ba Be National Park: boat trips and Tay stilt-house villages.
Nho Que RiverThe emerald river threading the Tu San Canyon below Ma Pi Leng Pass.
Hover a region to explore it. Click a city pin to open its guide.
Top Cities & towns in Northeast
Regional food
- Cha muc (grilled squid patties, the Ha Long speciality)
- Banh cuon with cha muc at the morning markets
Getting there
Most travellers reach the region from Hanoi: about 170 km to Ha Long by expressway bus or private car, around 2.5 hours. Van Don International Airport serves the bay directly. The Ha Giang Loop starts in Ha Giang City, an overnight sleeper bus from Hanoi's My Dinh station.