From the remarkable beauty of Sam Mountain and Halong Bay to the numerous sacred temples and pagodas, Vietnam has a lot to offer. It is a country that features everything from exotic culinary delights to breathtaking scenery. Seemingly endless, tranquil rice paddies stand in stark contrast to bustling cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi which embrace all the technology and conveniences that the modern world has to offer. The well-preserved colonial buildings of Hoi An play host to a slew of charming boutiques and tempting cafes while, further north, the local hill-tribe people of Sapa sell a wide variety of exquisite crafts and handmade trinkets. Beyond the urban areas, this diverse country is characterised by vast, verdant jungles and lush mountainous regions as well as an enticing coastline peppered with golden sand, palm-lined beaches.
With its wide boulevards, ancient pagodas and tree-lined lakes, Vietnam’s capital is also the country’s most atmospheric and beguiling city. There is an energy and charm here arising from the genteel mix of French colonialism and Asian grace and tradition. Enjoy a showcase of synchronised t’ai chi at Hoan Kiem Lake; stroll around the lively Old Quarter with its narrow streets with traders and hoards of scooters weaving in and out, and don’t miss the chance to see a water puppetry show at the Thang Long Puppet Theatre. Other places to visit include the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the Perfume Pagoda temple complex and the Hanoi Opera House in the heart of the French Quarter.
The district of Mu Cang Chai is found in northern Vietnam. This highland region of Yen Bai province, considered by many to be one of the country’s must-visit areas, offers unique landscapes and fantastic cultural experiences, including homestay accommodation options. Situated in the foothills of the mighty Hoang Lien Son mountains, the terraced rice fields of Mu Cang Chai can be explored via zig-zagging hiking or cycling trails, though motorbike tours of the region are also extremely popular. Visit traditional villages such as Mo De, Le Pan Tan, Sang Nhu and Mang Mu, where you can gain an insight into local H’mong culture, and be sure to climb to the top of Khau Pha Pass - where you can stay overnight in a guesthouse - for unforgettable views of the fields in the morning sun.
A former French Hill station, Sapa is fast becoming a trekker and tourist hotspot. Situated on the Hoang Lien Son mountain range of northwest Vietnam, the town overlooks terraced rice fields, often shrouded in heavy morning mist. Aside from the spectacular view, the town’s charm can be also be attributed to the local H’mong and Dzao hill tribe people, who trade clothing, trinkets and handicrafts in the town most days. Trekking expeditions can be arranged to nearby villages and, for the fit and energetic, Fansipan peak (Vietnam’s highest) can be climbed. Or head out onto the Tram Ton Pass for stunning scenery, stopping off en route at the Thac Bac waterfall, with its multiple cascades.
Situated in the northwestern region of Vietnam, Lao Chai is a geographically diverse province known for its mountains, rivers, waterfalls and ethnic hill tribes. The province is bordered to the east by Hoang Lien Son mountain range, part of which is Hoang Lien national park, which includes Mount Fansipan, the nation’s highest peak. This impressive mountain, along with the dragon-jaw-shaped Ham Rong Mountain, offers excellent hiking opportunities, breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, and gardens filled with hundreds of exquisite orchids. Lao Chai’s most popular destination for visitors is the charming little mountain resort town of Sapa which rests on a steep mountain slope and features an lovely suspended bamboo bridge as well as a spectacularly beautiful waterfall.
Located in northern Vietnam, not far from China's border, the small city of Ha Giang is the gateway to a breathtaking province characterised by bucolic valleys and rural communities tucked away in mountain foothills on the banks of the Lô River. The city is home to some bustling markets where you can find deals on textiles and Chinese goods. A nature lover's paradise, this destination offers excellent trekking and camping opportunities, and it is highly recommended to rent a motorbike or organise a tour and visit all of the main tourist hotspots of the region. The city is the perfect starting point to the terraced rice fields of Hoang Su Phi, fantastic hiking in the Twin Mountains, trekking through ancient forests and swimming at the local waterfall.
Located in the northernmost reaches of Vietnam’s Ha Giang Province, Dong Van is a naturally scenic district known for its majestic towering karst mountains. This unspoiled mountainous wilderness is the perfect backdrop for exhilarating outdoor activities such as trekking and mountain climbing. The town of Dong Van makes an excellent base for exploring the nearby minority villages and the surrounding visitor attractions. These include, among others: the Hmong King Palace, a fascinating architectural landmark built in the early twentieth century; Lung Cu Flag Tower perched on the top of a mountain and showcasing tools, costumes and cultural products of the area’s many ethnic groups; and the bustling local Sunday market selling local products made by the Mong, Han, Dao, Giay and Tay people.
