Gracie’s Guide to 3+ Best Experiences in Vietnam
Vietnam is a paradise for adventurers, and its Northern region offers some of the most surreal landscapes I’ve ever seen! Experiences in Vietnam vary, but here are some of my absolute favorites that are off-the-beaten-path for true adventurers. They feature peaceful homestays, epic motorbike journeys, and immersive treks through Vietnam’s most stunning areas … so if that sounds like experiences you’d enjoy, then keep reading!
3 Best Experiences in Vietnam
1. Homestay and Cycling in Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh, oh beautiful Ninh Binh! This small town in Northern Vietnam feels straight out of an Avatar film. It was perhaps my favorite place in this country, purely because I wasn’t prepared for its beauty so it truly shocked me when we arrived!
Towering limestone cliffs jut from vast, emerald-green rice fields, creating a vision so other-worldly that I felt like I stepped into another planet. I couldn’t believe this was Earth side. Cycling through these majestic cliffs is an immersive, ‘holy-shit-I-can’t-believe-this-is-real’ experience. It’s so quiet and serene, so different from the crazy hustle and bustle of Hanoi.
While many people opt for a day trip from Hanoi, I highly recommend staying at least three to four days to fully experience the magic of this hidden gem. Staying at a local homestay, where you’re embraced by warm hospitality, only adds to Ninh Binh’s charm. Ninh Binh was one of my top three favorite places in all of Vietnam, and it’s criminally underrated! The vibe is tranquil, cozy, and perfect for those looking to escape the chaos of Vietnamese cities. If you crave nature and off-the-beaten-path destinations, this peaceful village is for you.
Cycling and Exploring: Renting a bicycle is an absolute must here. It’s pure joy biking through the countryside, surrounded by misty air and colossal limestone cliffs. We stayed at the lovely Blue Garden Homestay, which provided bicycles, allowing us to ride through rice paddies right next door. It’s a slower, more immersive way to explore the area compared to motorbikes, and the fresh air and exercise make the experience more authentic.
Hiking to Hang Múa Viewpoint: Another highlight of Ninh Binh is the stunning Viewpoint Đầm Sen Hang Múa, where a steep trek rewards you with panoramic views of the entire valley. With about 500 stairs, you’ll get a good workout in, but the effort is worth it for the freaking views! We stayed at the top for a while, taking in the magnificent sight before us. The entrance fee is 100,000 VND, and I recommend going early to avoid the crowds.
Tràng An River Cruise: You MUST glide through the Tràng An River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A traditional rowboat with a Vietnamese guide will take you through emerald waters, past towering cliffs, creepy caves, and ancient temples. The experience is serene and deeply spiritual. Our guide rowed us through peaceful, quiet waterways as we sat, fully in awe.
Ninh Binh is one of the most underrated experiences in Vietnam. Spend a few days here and get off the grid. It’s worth it to stay at a local homestay and interact with kind Vietnamese people. Have I convinced you yet?
2. The Ha Giang Motorbike Loop
If you’re a thrill-seeker and looking for the ultimate Vietnamese adventure, the Ha Giang Motorbike Loop is for you!! The four-day journey takes you through some of the most jaw-dropping mountainous scenery in Vietnam. It’s gotten pretty popular in the last few years, but that doesn’t take away from the experience, trust me. Ha Giang is located so far north that it borders China, and the loop has gained a reputation for being one of the most scenic routes in Southeast Asia — it’s freaking true!
The Route and Experience: We chose Kiki Motorbikes and Tours. I believe there were ~10 people in our group, each with a local driver. Starting from Ha Giang town, you’ll wind your way through lush green mountains, rugged cliffs, and local ethnic villages. Every twist and turn reveals a new crazy view. I did the loop on a four-day, three-night guided tour, and it was hands-down one of the highlights of my entire Vietnam trip.I get why it’s one of the most popular experiences in Vietnam — all for thrill seekers of course lol.
We made friends with travelers from all over the world and bonded over shared experiences, including epic karaoke sessions during the evenings at our homestays. Vietnamese drivers loved karaoke and ‘happy juice’ and our group was awesome. We became friends with everyone and bonded over this crazy experience!
Although it’s a challenging route (not for the faint of heart), the adventure is worth it. The roads are narrow and winding, but the stunning mountain views, deep valleys, and remote villages make every minute of the journey sacred. This loop is a spiritual journey that allows you to connect with nature on a deeper level and see some of the most crazy mountain views in the world. 10/10 recommend!
3. Homestay and Trekking in Sapa
Sapa is known for its incredible rice fields and towering mountain views, making it a gem for hikers and nature lovers. While the town of Sapa itself is quite touristy, I highly recommend staying in one of the nearby villages like Ta Van for a more authentic experience. The homestays in this area have amazing accommodation and also an opportunity to experience the culture and lifestyle of the local ethnic minority groups.
Trekking through Terraced Fields: One of the best parts of staying in Sapa is the trekking. The lush green rice terraces that cascade down the mountainsides are some of the most picturesque scenes you’ll find in Vietnam. Our trek took us through misty mountain paths, past local villages where the Hmong people live, and across rushing rivers. As we kept going deeper, the views kept getting better. We even stopped for plum wine at a local homestay on the way! There are many hidden gems like this on the trekking paths.
Homestay Magic: We stayed at the BEST homestay in Ta Van village called Sapa Plum Eco House nestled in the hills with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. I cannot talk this place up enough. Our hosts were incredibly kind, cooking homemade meals that were some of the best I’ve had in Vietnam — dishes like spicy eggplant, tofu stuffed with mushrooms, and fresh yogurt with granola for breakfast. It was the perfect way to unwind after a long day of trekking … the food was farm-to-table and FRESH FRESH FRESH!
Sitting on the terrace of our bungalow, sipping a homemade lime soda while watching the sunset over the mountains, I felt a deep sense of peace and serenity. Sapa is more than just a destination — it is a place where time seemed to slow down, allowing us to reconnect with nature and ourselves! It’s one of the most peaceful authentic experiences in Vietnam.
Final Thoughts
Vietnam is full of incredible experiences, but these three adventures—cycling through the cliffs of Ninh Binh, motorbiking the Ha Giang Loop, and trekking through Sapa’s terraced rice fields—are truly the best of the best. Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures or peaceful moments in nature, Northern Vietnam has something for everyone. The best experiences in Vietnam are waiting for you … are you going to answer the call??
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