Unveiling the hidden gems of Northwest Vietnam

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.

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.

Nestled in the heart of Yen Bai Province, Nghia Lo is a picturesque town celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and deep cultural roots. Encircled by verdant mountains, it captivates visitors with its iconic terraced rice fields—an enduring symbol of Vietnam’s rural charm. The town boasts a vibrant mix of ethnic communities, notably the Thai minority, whose traditions and way of life enrich the area's cultural mosaic. As a gateway to the region’s natural splendor and heritage, Nghia Lo invites travelers to experience the rhythms of traditional living and the warmth of its people.

Nestled in the mountains of Northeastern Vietnam, Mu Cang Chai is a rural district in Yen Bai province famous for its spectacular terraced fields - an agricultural masterpiece formed over centuries. Not only possessing beautiful landscapes, the region is also rich in culture, reflecting the traditions of the H'mong people through cuisine, folk art and music. Thanks to the seasonal changes in landscape, from lush green fields in summer to brilliant yellow in early autumn, Mu Cang Chai attracts photographers from all over the wold who are eager to capture its majestic natural beauty.

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.