Bordering Laos and southern China (Yunnan), the great Northwest of Vietnam is one of the most mountainous and remote regions of the country. Long inaccessible, it is now open to tourism. Getting around is not as easy as in the plains, but what an unforgettable journey!

Sapa and Bac Ha remain the two essential points of this off-the-beaten-path journey. Here is a majestic natural setting where some mountains rise to over 3,000 m (Fansipan mountain, 3,143 m, is the highest point in Vietnam). The surrounding valleys seem to have been carved out with great saber strokes in a rugged terrain. The steep and sometimes dizzying slopes have been sculpted by numerous ethnic minorities.

These ingenious inhabitants have built over time sumptuous terraced rice fields (like in Bali or the Philippines). They give the landscapes grandeur and beauty. It is in May that the rice fields are the greenest, while from November to April they take on yellowish, sometimes tawny colors. Further south, very different from Sapa and Bac Ha, the cities of Dien Bien Phu and Son La remain important historical sites of the Indochina War. Typic Travel - local travel agency in Vietnam offers trips to this part and their trips are exclusive for now and at the end of Covid-19

Hoa Binh Province

Uncle Ho Monument - Located on Ong Tuong hill, the monument was completed in 1997. The statue of Uncle Ho is 18 meters high and weighs 400 tons.

Hoa Binh Hydroelectric Power Plant - One of the most complex constructions in the world at the time of its development.

Thung Nai - Thanks to a perfect combination of mountains, forests, and peaceful lakes, Thung Nai has become the embodiment of an idyllic landscape, attracting tourists from all corners of the world. The best times to visit Thung Nai are autumn and spring, when the valley is filled with fresh lake water and its small islands are covered with a lush canopy of coconut trees.

Mai Chau - A captivating valley nestled between high mountains and filled with rice fields, lush forests, and enchanting nature reserves. Visitors can admire the beauty of ban, plum, and peach blossoms when visiting Mai Chau in March, April, October, November, and December.

Thung Khe Pass - Located on Highway 6 between Tan Lac and Mai Chau in Hoa Binh province, Thung Khe Pass (White Stone Pass) offers four seasons in one day: spring in the morning, summer at noon, autumn in the afternoon, and winter at night. Passing Thung Khe on winter days, you will be chilled to the bone and feel the damp fog descending on the mountain.

Thac Bo Cave - A favorite spiritual tourism destination for pilgrims across the country, who are attracted by the amazing natural landscapes. Bo Temple was built in 1431 in Hoa Trang commune in commemoration of the contributions of Dinh Thi Van, a woman belonging to the H'mong ethnic group, and her Dao ethnic friend, who encouraged the locals to gather provisions to support Le Loi's troops in the fight against foreign invaders.

Kim Boi Hot Spring - An ideal place for those who want to take a day off after a long and tiring journey. The clear, warm water continuously gushes from the fountains, at a temperature between 34 and 36 °C. According to some scientific tests, Kim Boi's water resources can reach the required quality level; therefore, it is suitable for drinking and bathing.

Mu Waterfall - The pristine landscape of mountains, forests, and terraced rice fields surrounding the magnificent Mu waterfalls attracts many visitors. At the foot of the waterfall, visitors can safely swim in the natural pool.

Cuu Thac Tu Son Waterfall - On the way to the waterfall, tourists can marvel at the wild and rustic beauty of nature and the unique cultural identity of the Muongs. Cuu Thac Tu Son mountain culminates at over 1,300 m above sea level. Nine waterfalls descend from the summit like white silk ribbons.

Lung Van - “The roof of Muong Bi”, one of the four most important and oldest cultural cradles of the Muongs in Hoa Binh province, notably Muong Bi, Muong Vang, Muong Thang, and Muong Dong.

Phú Thọ Province

Hung Kings Temple - The famous tourist destination of Phu Tho is the Hung Temple. It is a particularly important cultural and historical relic of the country, a wonderful architectural complex on Nghia Linh mountain.

Ao Chau Lagoon - The lagoon is clear and green, surrounded by lush fruit hills and many rare fish, birds, and animals. It is one of Phu Tho's great tourism potentials.

Xuan Son National Park - With trails winding through the mountains, the landscapes of Xuan Son National Park are particularly magnificent...

Xoan Singing - Xoan singing was the traditional performance attached to the ceremonies of King Hung. Xoan singing is recognized by UNESCO as a world intangible cultural heritage to raise awareness among the population and authorities about the preservation of this long-established culture.

Yên Bái Province

Muong Lo Fields - The second largest field in the majestic and romantic Northwest region. It is home to Thai ethnic minorities who have a unique traditional culture.

Thac Ba Hydropower Plant - The largest artificial lake in Vietnam.

Suoi Giang - The home of ancient tea trees. With a summer temperature of around 30 to 320 C and very pure air, Suoi Giang is suitable for relaxation, sightseeing, and exploring the cultural life of the H'Mong ethnic group.

Mu Cang Chai - A mountainous district of Yen Bai province with over 90% of the population being H'Mong. Coming to Mu Cang Chai, visitors can admire the grandeur of nature and the vast terraced fields.

Tram Tau District – One of the poorest districts in Vietnam, but it is probably the region with the most smiling and optimistic people in the country.

Luc Yen Natural Stone Market - Here, you can find all kinds of stones, from precious stones like ruby, sapphire, or emerald to semi-precious stones like quartz or amethyst.

Sơn La Province

Ta Xua Nature Reserve - A splendid and beautiful place full of nature and a convenient spot for "cloud hunters"

Son Moc Huong Cave - An artistic masterpiece, a naturally gifted national landscape for the Moc Chau plateau.

Thuan Chau Market - This colorful market is home to multiple activities that offer you the opportunity to meet different ethnic groups such as Black Thais and H'mongs.

Moc Chau Plateau - Almost entirely reserved, the Moc Chau plateau has long been well known for its splendid landscapes.

Mong Village - Mong village (Ban Mong) is a prime destination for people looking for a new and interesting ecotourism site.

Pha Din Pass - Stuck between the cliff and a chasm, at over 1,600 m altitude, the 32 km long Pha Din Pass was one of the most dangerous in the Northwest.

Ancient Son La Prison and Museum - The French colonial period has long ended, but a large number of traces still exist as guardians of memory for one of the darkest periods in Vietnam's history.

Điện Biên Phủ Province

Dien Bien Phu Historical Victory Museum – It is located opposite the A1 Hill cemetery where Vietnamese Army soldiers are buried.

A1 Hill - Which was the most fortified of the 49 military positions installed in the valley.

Pa Thom Cave - Part of Pa Thom village, the spectacular Pa Thom cave is located west of Dien Bien district, on the border between Vietnam and Laos.

De Castries Bunker - The underground shelter of French General De Castries is located in the center of the Dien Bien Phu garrison in Muong Thanh, Dien Bien.

Muong Thanh Fields - From above, the Muong Thanh field stretches along the Nam Rom river and spreads out like a flower petal embracing the monuments of Dien Bien Phu. No matter how you arrive in Muong Thanh, at this time of year, you will be surprised by the magnificent natural landscape of this place. Vietnam with nearly 50 km.

Pu Sam Cap Cave - About 7 km from Lai Chau city on Highway 129 towards Sin Ho, Thien Mon cave appears extravagantly and mysteriously with a large arch.

Lai Chau Province - Muong Lay

Sin Ho District - There are many beautiful landscapes in Sin Ho, such as the Heavenly Gate, Tien Ong mountain, O Da mountain, etc. Visitors will be pleasantly surprised by the cloudy peaks, sunny valleys dotted with terraced rice fields.

Nam Hang Commune, Muong Te District

O Quy Ho Pass - The O Quy Ho Pass is zigzagging and retains a trace of the longest in the mountains of Northwest Vietnam, with nearly 50 km.

Lao Cai Province

Sapa – an absolutely unmissable destination during your stay in Vietnam.

Ethnic minority villages (Y Ty, Ta Phin, Cat Cat, Ta Van, Shin Chai, Giang Ta Chai. Y Linh Ho) - You can learn more about their history in museums or books, but this can never replace your own discovery of the villages, their authentic life, and their culture.

Muong Hoa Valley - a superb valley where ethnic minorities coexist with wild nature.

Fansipan Mountain - Fansipan Peak at an altitude of 3143m, is the highest mountain in Indochina.

Tram Ton Pass - the highest pass in Vietnam.

Cao Son Market - A superb ethnic market that is held only every Wednesday morning.

Bac Ha Market - the largest and most lively ethnic market in Northern Vietnam.

Silver Waterfall - one of the most famous tourist attractions in Sapa.

Mau Son Temple - Mau Son Temple is not a Buddhist temple or, strictly speaking, a Taoist temple, but rather a temple associated with the folk religion of the Red River Delta, in northern Vietnam.

Hoang A Tuong Palace – "palace of the H'Mong kings", once considered the most powerful residence in the Northwest region.

Ha Giang Province - Haut Tonkin

Bac Sum Slope - a great challenge and also the first destination in Dong Van.

Co Tien Twin Mountain - a famous monument of Quan Ba, located on the road to Dong Van, about 40 km from Ha Giang city.

Yen Minh Pine Forest - about 100 km from Ha Giang. It is an ideal place for taking photos.

Lung Cam Valley - where you can find the unique Tuong Trinh houses of the Mong people.

Vuong Family Palace - a must-visit destination in Sa Phin valley.

Stone forest on winding roads of Ma Le Commune - the road leading visitors to the northernmost point of Vietnam in Lung Cu commune.

Lung Cu Flagpole - the northernmost point of Vietnam, you will see the flag fluttering in the breeze.

Rong (Dragon) Mountain - By climbing hundreds of stairs to the top of Rong (Dragon) Mountain, you will reach the Lung Cu flagpole where you can also enjoy the panoramic view.

Dong Van Market - open every Sunday morning, showcases the unique culture of ethnic minorities.

Hoang Su Phi District - one of the most beautiful parts of Ha Giang, located in the northernmost part of Vietnam.

Ma Pi Leng Pass - the most beautiful and famous road on the rocky plateau. Coming here once, you will want to return for the second and third time to explore Dong Van in depth.

Tham Ma Pass - The challenge you could participate in is throwing a stone at the cliff. Although it seems very close, the stones go almost halfway before falling into the deep abyss.

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