An area of differences from the special colonial architecture in Hanoi to the spectacular tiered landscapes in the hills around Sapa and the marvelous beauty of the karst islands in Halong Bay, the Northern Vietnam is practically an ideal in its own right and offers travelers incredible chances to meet indigenous folk in the mountainous regions as well as live it up in one of the most exciting cities in Asia.
This is Vietnam’s huge-sky country; a place of rippling mountains, cascading rice terraces and the winnowed-out limestone topography for which the region is famous for. Halong Bay’s seascape of limestone towers is the magnificent scenery that everyone wants to admire, but the limestone connection stretches inland, to Ba Be’s sprawling lakes and the knobbly topped peaks of Ha Giang, until it segues into the evergreen hills of the highlands in the northwest. Halong bay cruise
The north of Vietnam’s cultural kaleidoscope is just as diverse not to be outdone by the scenery. In this center of hill-tribe culture, villages snuggle between green paddy-field patchworks far away from Sapa and the scarlet headdresses of the Dzao and the Black Hmong’s indigo fabrics plus dizzying color to bustling highland markets.
Coming here, you will have a full day to discover the charming capital of Vietnam. With its huge tree-lined boulevards, unique French colonial architecture, tranquil lakes and unique ancient oriental pagodas; Hanoi is a selective mix that offers something for everyone. In the evening, you should not miss a chance to watch an amazing traditional Water Puppet Performance – a special Vietnamese Art form hailing from the wet-rice culture of the Southeast Asia – before heading to the train station to get on a night train to Laocai. Travel Indochina Vietnam
Arrive at the Laocai railways station early in the morning to go on the 40km drive to Sapa – the first class travel destination in the Northwest Vietnam. After having breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a few hour resting before starting your adventure in this magnificent mountainous landscapes and home to many ethnic minority peoples. Take on a few hour trekking tour through the terraced rice fields to visit the local villages Cat Cat and Sin Chai, where you will know more about rich local traditions and daily life. Rest of the day, you will have much free time to discover the town on your own.
Prepare carefully to set out on a full day trekking tour to discover the diversity of long term culture and haunting natural beauty of Sapa. Take part in a guided hike through yawning valleys beautifully adorned with terraced rice fields and go through the distant hill tribe villages. You have three trekking opportunities to choose from: Soft trek (3 km long), medium trek (6km long) and long trek (12km long). Trekking is one of the most specific ways to discover the peaceful daily life and make friend with the diverse cultures of the Hmong, Dzao and Dzay people who call the region home. Have lunch at a hill tribe village then drive back to Laocai to catch your return night train to Hanoi.
Travel lovers.
Read more:
