Northeast

Phong Nam is an amazing valley with a winding river and limestone Karst mountains. Foreigners are required to get a special permit to stay overnight. These are easily sourced, same day, in Cao Bang city.  

This is the most rugged area in Ha Giang province. The roads are not as well maintained, the grades steeper. But in September and October during the rice harvest it is amazing. A tie with Mu Cang Chai for the most impressive terraced rice fields without so many...

An under appreciated mountainous province in the northeast. Some of the most pastoral views can be found in the countryside. Many come to Cao Bang, go to the Ban Gioc falls, then leave. A night or two does not do it justice.

Ba Be lake is the largest natural lake in Vietnam. It is a great halfway point between Hanoi and Ha Giang. Or a southern route between Ha Giang and Cao Bang. The most popular area to stay in is Pac Ngoi village. There are lots of nice homestays in this village but...