Northern Vietnam

The Nho Que river snakes its way along the eastern side of the Ha Giang loop in Meo Vac. Certainly one of the more iconic views of the trip as you cruise through Tu San Canyon. The boat rides are… 

Angel Eye mountain is a really special spot fairly close to Cao Bang city. There are homestays close by and even a camping operation that you can book online (though if you message them directly it is a bit cheaper).… 

The ride from the Ha Giang or Hoang Su Phi area will take you past some lovely countryside and parts of Tuyen Quang. A nice alternate route to taking DT279 the entire way is to take DT279 to DT188. On… 

Tu Le is the first rice growing area you reach when going from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai. It’s a bit closer to Hanoi so you can get there in one day if you leave early. Most of the rice… 

When you see photographs of Vietnam’s spectacular terraced rice fields, there’s a good chance they were taken in Mu Cang Chai. The area contains some of the country’s most iconic rice terraces, along with Hmong villages and homestays that provide… 

Sapa is one of Vietnam’s best-known destinations for trekking and photography, but the most interesting photographic opportunities are outside Sapa city. The greater Sapa region stretches from the remote valleys around Nam Cang in the south to Muong Hum and… 

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  during the rice harvest it is amazing. A tie with Mu Cang Chai for the most impressive terraced rice… 

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… 

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…