Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay and the northern mountain routes each need a different pace. The strongest routes give the capital proper time, then choose the landscape that is worth the extra road or hotel change.
Hanoi works best when the first day is not overloaded. A lake, one or two major landmarks, a good street walk and time to settle into the city usually make a stronger start than a long monument list.
From Hanoi, northern Vietnam opens into very different trips: the limestone country of Ninh Binh, an overnight cruise in Ha Long or Lan Ha Bay, or the longer mountain roads toward Mai Chau, Son La, Dien Bien and Ha Giang.
Combine the Old Quarter with Hoan Kiem Lake, Ba Dinh or another part of the city so travellers see more than one version of Hanoi. One well-paced route is usually more enjoyable than trying to cover every major monument in a single day.
A night in Ninh Binh gives more choice over the boat route and leaves time for Hoa Lu, Bich Dong, cycling or a quieter evening in the countryside. It also avoids turning Hanoi, Ninh Binh and the bay into one continuous transfer day.
Ha Long and Lan Ha differ as much by vessel as by route. Check cabin mix, twin availability, boarding arrangements, activity level and disembarkation time before selecting the cruise—especially when a domestic flight follows the same day.
Mai Châu, Pù Luông, Mộc Châu, Sơn La and Điện Biên have very different road times and hotel standards. Choose the route around how much driving the group will enjoy, then give each stop enough time to justify the extra hotel changes.