Category: Places in North Vietnam

A natural warm spring in the mountains of Son La, about 30 minutes from Mai Chau. Clear water, jungle around it, and hardly any tourists.

A nature reserve with rice terraces, bamboo water wheels and stilt houses. The closest mountain area to Ninh Binh.

A mountain pass in Ha Giang with a view over the Nho Que river, a thousand metres below. Many people call it the most beautiful road in Vietnam.

The oldest national park in Vietnam, less than an hour from Ninh Binh. Old trees, rescued primates and a good place to walk.

The bay next to Halong, with the same limestone islands but far fewer boats. Reached from Cat Ba island.

A wide waterfall on the border with China, in Cao Bang province. Bamboo rafts take you close to the water.

The best known mountain area in Vietnam. The town is busy, but the valleys around it are still beautiful.

Green tea hills on a high plateau, four hours from Hanoi. Cool air, quiet roads and few foreign visitors.

A large freshwater lake surrounded by forest and limestone. Quiet, green, and still mostly undiscovered.

The biggest island in Halong Bay area, with a national park, quiet beaches and boats to Lan Ha Bay.