Northern Vietnam
The fertile Red River valley has been the home of the Vietnamese people for almost 5,000 years, and it remains the cultural heartland of the modern Vietnamese nation. With the capital Hanoi at its centre, northern Vietnam offers the best of all worlds - great depth of culture, remarkable landscapes and mouth-watering cuisine; who needs more?
Let us lead you on a journey to the world-famous scenery of Halong Bay, the jumble of Hanoi's bustling Old Quarter and the lesser-known delights of Ninh Binh, Mai Chau and Sapa. Hike amongst the towering rice terraces of the northern mountains, drift along slow rivers, lined with lotus flowers and channelled by thrusting limestone pinnacles, or let our expert guides introduce you to the exotic tastes and smells of Hanoi's fabulous street food; we know you'll be as inspired by the variety of this region as we are.


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The dramatic variety of landscapes in the north make this region the scenic pinnacle in a country of breathtaking beauty. Combine that with the cacophony of life that constitutes modern Hanoi and you have a region worthy of a trip in its own right.
Tom Weston - Director -
Halong Bay
The colonial French first opened up Halong Bay to tourism, and it remains an indisputed highlight of any visit to Vietnam. You may have to share the beautiful karst scenery with a few more fellow visitors than the first tourists did, but the majesty of this unique seascape remains undiminished.
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Sapa
The misty mountains of Sapa and North Vietnam are home to beautiful ethnic markets and idyllic hiking trails, offering a remote and rural side to Vietnam. Don your hiking boots and head out into the hills, stopping at minority villages to witness traditional local life first-hand
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Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh can boast both the home of the first Vietnamese emperor and magnificent scenery, making it well worth a visit as a scenic break from the hubbub of Hanoi, or a delightful taster of the karst landscapes that await if visited en route to Halong Bay.
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Mai Chau
Mai Chau is an inspiring combination of stunning scenery and fascinating local culture. Whether your preference is for gentle strolls through verdant valleys or energetic hikes in search of minority villages deep in the forested mountains the Mai Chau region will deliver an unforgettable experience
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Ha Giang
Encircled to the north by the Chinese border, the towering peaks, terraced hillsides and stilted villages of Ha Giang were long out of bounds to visitors. The construction of a new highway linking Hanoi to China has brought the region closer to the modern world - we recommend getting here soon!
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Hanoi
Vietnam's historic and chaotic capital is a frenzied fusion of French colonial architecture, delectable cuisine, colourful markets and a labyrinth of old world streets all jostling for space and attention.
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Ba Be
Head north and discover rare landscapes little-visited by the foreign tourist crowds, a national park of misty lakes and dark caverns, minority cultures and excellent hiking opportunities.
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Dien Bien Phu
A must-visit destination for 20th century Vietnamese history enthusiasts, remote Dien Bien Phu is famed as the site of the decisive battle of the First Indochina War.
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Son La
Son La has benefitted from its position on the road between Hanoi and Dien Bien Phu which, along with its stunning natural surroundings, make it an attractive stopping point for travellers on their way to either destination.
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Lai Chau
Lai Chau city is the capital of Lai Chau Province, located in the far north-western corner of Vietnam - bordering China.
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Muong Lay
Muong Lay lies on the road between Dien Bien Phu and Lai Chau, in the far northwestern corner of Vietnam, on the banks of a recently created reservoir.
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Pu Luong
Only few hours from Hanoi lies the breath-taking scenery of Pu Luong, with its limestone mountains, remote traditional villages, green rice fields, farms and stilted houses.