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Vietnam · Self-drive loop

Northern Vietnam Loop

Hanoi → Ha Long → Ninh Binh ↺ back to start

6 days461 km of driving3 stops1 countryfrom $395 per person
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The route
Vietnam · 461 km · 6h 10m driving

Day-by-day itinerary

461 km · 6h 10m driving · round trip · 2 travelers
1
Days 1–2
Hanoi · Vietnam
Old Quarter buzz, lakes and street food.
2 nights · stays from $25/night · Things to do in Hanoi →
drive·2h 12m·166 km est·$18–$45
2
Day 3
Ha Long · Vietnam
Karst-studded bay, overnight-cruise gateway.
1 night · stays from $30/night · Things to do in Ha Long →
drive·2h 23m·181 km est·$20–$48
3
Days 4–5
Ninh Binh · Vietnam
River sampans through 'Ha Long on land'.
2 nights · stays from $20/night · Things to do in Ninh Binh →
back to Hanoi·1h 35m·114 km est·$13–$35

Know before you drive

Drive on the
right side
Transmission
Most rental cars are manual (stick shift), automatics cost more and sell out, so book early
Car for your group
compact car, A compact car is plenty
Tolls & vignettes
Tolls / vignettes vary by country (Austria, Switzerland, Czechia need a vignette sticker)
Money
Check the local currency
Driving licence
Carry an International Driving Permit if you're from outside the EU
Minimum age
Rentals are usually 21+; drivers under 25 pay a young-driver fee (~$15–30/day)
Deposit
You need a credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit
Best season
Check seasonal mountain-pass closures
Good to know
Carry an International Driving Permit if you're from outside Europe

When to go

Best months: Oct–Apr (north loops) · Feb–Aug (central coast)
Summer
Hot & humid 30–38°C with monsoon downpours
Winter
Cool, misty north (10–18°C); warm centre & south
Spring & autumn
Clear passes and green rice terraces on the loops

What to pack

Vietnam essentials
  • Rain shell (mountain showers strike fast)
  • Gloves + closed shoes for motorbike loops
  • Sun protection for open passes
  • Light layers for cool northern nights
Backpacker extras
  • Packing cubes & a padlock for hostels
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Power bank
Driving documents
  • Driving licence + International Driving Permit
  • Credit card for the car deposit
  • Phone mount & car charger
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Itinerary planned on jetlygo.com · https://jetlygo.com/road-trips/northern-vietnam-loop-6-day-self-drive-itinerary-3gowp