Phong Nam
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.
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Northern Vietnam
Hoang Su Phi
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 tourists. The best places to find the most impressive rice fields are (from north to south): Ban…
Countryside Cao Bang
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. Some great photographic areas beyond Ban Gioc are Angel Eye mountain, Trung Khanh, the craft villages in Quang Uyen, and Cao Bang city.…
Yen Bai
Yen Bai is both a province and city name. A rural area in the Northwest best known for the rice fields in Mu Cang Chai. The city area can be a good halfway point for both Sa Pa and Ha Giang.
Ba Be Lake
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 there are better views from the hotels that are on the access road…
Du Gia French Fort
Video — A derelict French fort from their occupation in the late 19th century.
Ha Giang to Lung Cu
Video — The first leg of the Ha Giang loop. This is typically a 2-3 journey.
Afternoon Tea — Lai Chau
Video — I have seen many terraced rice fields, but i wasn’t prepared for the stunning terraced tea plantations in Lai Chau on the way to Sapa.
Pu Luong Farm Road
Video — Exploring back-roads en-route to Pu Luong I came across this lovely farm & cattle trail. A bit slippery and steep in some sections compelled me to go slow and enjoy the surroundings.
Mu Cang Chai — Video
Video — Annually embedded with a Hmong family, I always enjoy Mu Cang Chai. Best in May & June during water pouring season or September and October for the harvest period. The harvest time changes a bit year to year, but like Hoang Su Phi it is at least a month after Sa Pa.