About Northern Vietnam, some background info
Northern Vietnam is the area around Hanoi and towards China. It is really worthwhile with lots to see and do in a small area, especially for nature lovers. You may find very colorful people here and many wear the famous, typical "Non La" leaf hat. Not many people speak good English, but almost everyone has a mobile phone and knows how to use Google translate.
Unlike other destinations, you only need two to three full weeks or so here to see and do the most important things. You can of course combine with other destinations like more of Vietnam, or continue to Kunming in China by train.
Hanoi, the capital
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, but Hoh Chi Minh in the South is the largest city. Hanoi is busy, like all of Vietnam, but nice and pleasant. Its French and Chinese history has left some reminders in shape of interesting architecture. There is lots of shopping for branded (fake?) articles like shoes and rain coats.
When here, you should not skip the one touristy attraction that Hanoi is famous for: the “Train Street”. This is a normal track on a normal route, but very close to buildings left and right. It is astonishing to see the train pass here. All those tourists are just waiting with a beer and a spring roll in hand, talking to each other and having fun. It really is a must-do, even if it is silly.
Sapa and the hills
This is the most Northern part of Vietnam, not far from neighbour China. The landscape is amazing. Several colorful tribes still live here, amidst the hills and many rice terraces.
Sapa is in the middle of it and easily accessible by bus or train from Hanoi. Many years ago it was a small, untouched tribal village, but those days are gone. Nowadays the village turned into a small touristy city with hotels in all comfort categories, restaurants, massage parlours and bars.
The landscape did not change. It is still beautiful to walk just outside Sapa, along the stream and through the terraces. From Sapa you can also visit other locations, like the large Bac Ha sunday market.
Ha Giang and the border
The area north of Ha Giang is known for the Karst Plateau near Dong Van. Some people call it “the most beautiful place in all of Vietnam”.
The region is extremely scenic with green mountains, small roads, a river and steep valleys. Touring the area on a motor cycle, at least for one day either yourself or as a passenger, is the thing to do. Multi-day tours on motor cycle are available by local operators. The roads can be slippery, so steering your own bike should only be done by experienced riders. We hired two young guy who showed us around for the day. Afterwards I felt so stiff and so old. These bikes are not made for someone 183cm tall.
Dong Van may be the highlight. I recommend staying here overnight. From here you can also visit Lung Cu, where a gigantic flag post marks the border to China.
With enough time you can also visit the Ban Gioc Waterfall, in this same region. Depending on the season, it may be a really impressive waterfall right on the border with China.
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO listed natural site. The bay features thousands of limestone karsts and islets in various shapes and sizes (aka. “bubbly mountains”). Vietnamese call it one of the seven natural wonders of the world…
To see this bay you need a boat and then you can choose between a day-trip or a 1-2-3 night luxury cruise. Many honeymooners choose the cruise and enjoy the relaxing time together and good service. The boat will have kayaks on-board for active entertainment. Swimming in the bay is of course also possible, from the cruise.
The karsts are located around a central island called Cat Ba. From a cruise you may visit the island, the people that live there and a cave. In the past there were some wooden houses on the water. Most of them have been removed. Traces of this removal (garbage) can still be seen,
Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is called "Ha Long Bay on Land". It is really nice here with lots of small hotels and hostels, a few hours South of Hanoi. The movie King Kong Skull Island was filmed here.
To see the region you don’t need a boat, but a canoe. Locals will paddle them with their feet, which is a bit extra-ordinary. Besides the many karst mountains, you will find rice terraces and lots of beautiful Lotus flowers here.
Ninh Binh is not only nature. When here, you should also visit the Bai Dinh Pagoda, 15 km North of the city. This is beautiful Buddhist temple complex with several buildings and lots of statues.
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