North vs South Vietnam: Which Should You Visit?
TL;DR
North or South Vietnam? We’ve been to both – but if we had to choose, we’d pick the north for its dramatic landscapes, mountain adventures and that feeling of getting closer to the Vietnam we came to see.
North or South Vietnam? Vietnam is a long country, and unless you have several weeks, you probably won't be able to see it all.
So where should you go?
The answer depends less on which region is "better" and more on what kind of trip you want.
We’ve travelled through both, and if you made us choose, we’d personally pick the north. It has something about it that feels closer to the Vietnam we had imagined before our trip: dramatic landscapes, small towns, mountains, rice terraces and lots of opportunities to get out and explore.
But the south has plenty going for it too – especially if you want beaches and city vibes.
- North or South Vietnam – Which Should You Choose?
- North vs South Vietnam at a Glance
- North or South Vietnam: The Cities
- So, North or South Vietnam?
North or South Vietnam – Which Should You Choose?
Choose North Vietnam if You Want…
Dramatic Landscapes & Outdoor Adventures
Northern Vietnam is the region to choose for limestone mountains, rice terraces and spectacular scenery.
North Vietnam is particularly good if you want your trip to involve more than sightseeing. Think trekking, cycling, boat cruises, and motorbike trips.
A Classic Backpacking Route
The classic route combines the capital Hanoi, the limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh, as well as trekking in Sapa – and the Ha Giang Motorbike Loop adds an even bigger adventure.
Choose North Vietnam if Landscapes and Adventure Are Your Priority!
Our Northern Vietnam itinerary focuses on some of the country's most iconic destinations and works particularly well for travellers who want to explore independently while mixing in organised tours.
Choose South Vietnam if You Want…
Beaches
If you want to add proper beach time to your Vietnam trip, South Vietnam has the advantage.
Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s quintessential island paradise, but other southern Vietnam beach towns like Nha Trang or Mui Ne have their draw as well.
Cities, Food and History
Ho Chi Minh City gives you markets, Chinatown, street food and nightlife, while further north the route takes you to Hoi An's lantern-lit old town and Hue’s imperial sights.
Itinerary
2 Day Hoi An Itinerary + Map
You have 2 days in Hoi An, we have the perfect itinerary for you!
Carina
Choose South Vietnam if You Want a Mix of Cities, Beaches & History
Our 10-day South and Central Vietnam itinerary packs in Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc, Hoi An and Hue.
That means you can combine big-city sightseeing, local experiences, beaches, food and history without spending your entire trip in transit.
North vs South Vietnam at a Glance
North Vietnam |
South Vietnam |
|
Best for |
Landscapes & adventure | Cities & beaches |
Highlights |
Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Ha Giang | HCMC, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc, Hoi An, Hue |
Landscape |
Mountains & rice terraces | Mekong Delta & beaches |
Culture |
Historic cities, rural areas & ethnic minorities | Cities, imperial history & Vietnam War |
Adventure |
Trekking, biking & mountains | Boat trips, water & beach activities |
Ideal for |
10 days | 10 days |
North or South Vietnam: The Cities
Still struggling to choose? Start with the two cities you'll most likely encounter when planning your route: Hanoi in the north and Ho Chi Minh City in the south.
They offer very different experiences, from Hanoi's atmospheric Old Quarter and historic sights to Ho Chi Minh City's fast-paced streets and nightlife.
We've compared the two in detail here: That comparison can help you decide which region makes more sense for your trip.
So, North or South Vietnam?
Honestly, if we had to choose just one, we'd pick North Vietnam.
We’ve travelled through both regions, and the north is the one that stayed with us more. There’s something about the combination of dramatic mountains, rice terraces, small towns and the sheer amount of landscape you can explore that feels closer to the Vietnam we had imagined before our trip. It also feels like a place where you can easily step away from the big cities and spend a few days immersed in the countryside.
That doesn’t make the south less worth visiting. Quite the opposite: South Vietnam is the better choice if you want beaches, big cities, food, and history.
So our very personal verdict:
Choose North Vietnam for the landscapes and adventure. Choose South Vietnam for history, beaches and city life.
And if you have three weeks or more? Do what we did and see both.
Our 3-week Vietnam itinerary travels from north to south, so you get the best of both regions without having to choose.
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