Northern Vietnam’s Secret Charms

Perched on the banks of the Red River, Hanoi is Vietnam's capital and one of the world's most ancient cities. Its beauty lies in its liveliness of bustling streets where workshops and cafes spill out onto the streets and roadsides. As the intersection point where east meets west, Hanoi is a fascinating mix of old and new, Asian and European. With Chinese and French influences, an ancient culture, colonial architecture, broad tree-lined boulevards and beautiful lakes, the iconic architectural appearance of the Old Quarter and the elegance of the French Quarter, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature, etc... gives Vietnam’s capital city a unique charm of the ancient and modern. Hanoi is also home to one of Asia’s strong indigenous culinary traditions, with bustling wet markets and a rowdy street-food culture, as well as some five star international dining options. It is also very affordable by urban Asian standards, with the majority of hotels and restaurants offering plenty of value.

Situated atop Hoang Lien Son mountains, Sapa is a colonial-era town in northwest Vietnam overlooking the terraced rice fields of Muong Hoa Valley. At an elevation of 1,500m, this small market town shares its border with China and offers some of Vietnam's best trekking routes. Arguably offering one of the most authentic rural experiences, Sapa is rapidly becoming a mainstream destination. Sapa is also well known for its diverse cultural makeup. Tiny villages dot the hillsides and are home to different ethnic minorities, each with their own customs and culture. While some parts of this area are more remote than others, the region has been able to preserve a rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty. As a well-known holiday destination, Sapa has an all year round appeal because of its cool weather and beautiful hilly scenery. In particular, it is the only place to have snow in Vietnam in the winter.

Ha Giang Province is a mountainous region in far northern Vietnam that borders China. Nestled on the heights of the rocky mountain, it is still considered an off the beaten track destination, and a good alternative to busy Sapa. This extraordinary province has some truly awe-inspiring scenery from colossal rugged mountains and lush rice paddies to majestic rivers and mountain villages which create a mesmerizing landscape. The best way to explore is on a three or four-day trek passing through ethnic minority villages, wandering along rocky mountainsides and through terraced rice fields. It’s also the venue of a spectacular motorbike loop, a great and adventurous way to see the area at your own pace.

Halong Bay, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, is located 170km east of Hanoi. It is made up of three neighboring bays: Halong, Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long bays, although Halong Bay is undeniably the most famous and most well-known of the three. Widely considered a natural wonder of the world, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is breathtaking with thousands of majestic limestone, peaks and islets rising dramatically out of the sparkling emerald waters of the bay. The most common way to explore is by taking an overnight night cruise or day-trip which cruises among the limestone pillars and islets. Many also include an island drop off and cave explorations. Visiting floating villages in the area gives a chance to interact with the local community whose livelihoods depend on the waters. Another way to immerse oneself close up in the bay is by kayaking near and around the limestone pillars and some of the caves that are possible to enter by kayak.

Ninh Binh is a wonderful region in northern Vietnam in the Red River Delta. Breathtaking scenery, vivid green fields, flowing rivers beneath limestone mountains and caves, and a laid back atmosphere that contrasts with the bustle of Hanoi. Approximately 1.5 hours to 2 hours from Hanoi by road, Ninh Binh was once the ancient capital in the 10th to 11th centuries, and now a heaven for nature lovers. Spend time exploring the paddy fields, age old temples and pagodas on foot, cycling or taking a gentle boat ride through a network of waterways opening out on to lakes with limestone mountains towering above. While a day trip to Ninh Binh from Hanoi is easy, staying a few days means you will get more out of exploring this intriguing and charming area.