5 UNMISSABLE SPOTS IN NORTHERN VIETNAM, WHAT ARE THEY?

Northern Vietnam - the ancient landscape reflects a rich historic and cultural heritage. A journey to Northern Vietnam is truly an unforgettable journey with a heart fluttering of an onlooker not only all of the man-made constructions but also the masterpieces magnanimously gifted by Mother Nature.

If this is your first time to Vietnam, these are key things you need to know:

• Time zone: Indochina Time (ICT), UTC +7
• Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
• Language: Vietnamese; English is spoken in tourist areas
• Weather: There is a distinct winter and summer season, here in the North, 4 seasons can clearly be experienced: it is warm around 20-21°C in Spring; peak temperatures reach 37-38°C in Summer. Temperatures gradually decrease for Falls and cold weather with temperatures at about 15°C in Winter.
• Visa: Check visa requirements based on your nationality
• Airport: Noi Bai International Airport (NIA)

The landscape of northern Vietnam is extensive and incredibly diverse: sometimes flat and superabundant, sometimes rugged, mountainous and frightening. The rocks seem unreal. Grand limestone mountains, towering over each other, compete for their heights and widths.  It's a call to adventure — let the journey begin!

1. Hanoi Old Quarter - Where Hanoi’s soul lies

Hanoi is well known as the city for Peace, and a must-visit destination for travelers.  Coming to Hanoi, exploring is more than a journey of discovery, it's an immersion into a rich tapestry of culture, architecture, and cuisine Hanoi allows you to delight not only in traditional Vietnamese dishes but also flavours from all around the world The Old Quarter, a triangular area surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake, has been the cultural soul of Hanoi for nearly 2,000 years, which seems to have become a must-see destination for most tourists. Tourists can stroll around the streets, visit historical sites, traditional markets and experience the vibrant atmosphere of urban nightlife here.

Located in Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi Old Quarter is covered an area of ​​about 100 hectares and includes 76 streets in 10 wards: Dong Xuan, Hang Dao, Hang Ma, Hang Bo, Hang Bac, Hang Gai, Hang Buom, Hang Bong, Ly Thai To and Cua Dong. The boundaries are defined: to the East are Tran Nhat Duat and Tran Quang Khai streets; the West on Phung Hung street; the South is surrounded by Hang Bong; Hang Thung; Hang Gai and Cau Go streets and the North on Hang Dau street.

2. Tà Xùa - A blissful paradise

Ta Xua is one of the best destinations for cloud hunters in northern Vietnam. Situated in Hang Dong commune, Bac Yen district, Son La, on the border of Tram Tau and Bac Yen, Ta Xua, located at an altitude of over 2,800m above the sea level, is one of the highest mountains in Vietnam. With clement temperature, cooling through the years, this destination is an ideal location to hunt the clouds from October to April every year. With such a geographical site, travelers can even run away from the hyperactive pace to relax the cool air and admire the rolling hills, the terraced fields falling just like waves, especially being bewitched with a sea of floating clouds.

Notwithstanding, Ta Xua lies in a rather "back-breaking" geographical position, so here are the important things you need to bear in mind for the most worthwhile exploration:

• Check the weather forecast before travelling
• Necessary items: Jacket, raincoat, lighter, flashlight, sunscreen, sneakers,...
• If you travel by motorbike, don’t forget to check the gas and avoid going at high speed because the streets are quite steep and dangerous.

3. Mù Cang Chải - The realistic art

Mu Cang Chai - the most paradise of terraced fields in Vietnam, this destination is “must-go” in the rice harvest season in Yen Bai. Situated approximately 300km northwest from the capital Hanoi, this place possesses not only the seduction of the rice harvest season but also the market sessions and colorful festivals filled with mountainous regional identity.

Mu Cang Chai is beautiful all year round. Each season, it presents people with unique and picturesque scenery in its own way. Especially, September and October are the period attractive photographers and tourists the most by its sublime and down-to-earth beauty. At the end of December, Mu Cang Chai touches our hearts with the pink tone of the wild peach blossom season.

• Address: Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai, Vietnam
• Ticket price: Free
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday

4. Temple of Literature - Vietnam’s first university

The Temple of Literature is a relic that holds numerous cultural and historical marks of Vietnam’s capital. This complex of relics is located in the South of the ancient Thang Long Citadel, lying in Dong Da district and bounded by 4 hectic streets which are Nguyen Thai Hoc; Van Mieu; Quoc Tu Giam and Ton Duc Thang. The Temple of Literature had trained lots of intellectual geniuses for the nation. There are 3 kings worshipped here: King Ly Thanh Tong; King Ly Nhan Tong and King Le Thanh Tong. This site is such a “mirror” reflecting the spirit of studiousness, respect for the gifted and the tradition of learnedness of our nation.

The Temple of Literature is highly regarded for its artistic, aesthetic, and architectural virtue. When visiting here, you will admire many valuable documents and artifacts. Especially the 82 doctoral steles - artifacts that have been recognized by UNESCO as "World Documentary Heritage". Moreover, in 1962, this construction was ranked as a National Monument.

• Address: No 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Van Mieu ward, Dong Da district, Hanoi
• Opening hours: Weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Ticket price:
  • Adults: 70.000 VND
  • Students: 35.000 VND (Vietnamese students with ID)
  • People with serious disabilities, elderly 60 years and up: 35.000 VND (Vietnamese citizens with ID)
  • Children under 15 years old: Free

5. HaLong Bay - From the mountainous to the bay

HaLong Bay is truly a grandiose picture of an intersection of sky and land, the pearl in the heart of the Gulf of Tonkin belongs to Ha Long city. With an area of up to 1.553s.q km and about 1.969 unique islands, it will surely be the biggest mistake if you miss this spot.

HaLong Bay is proudly recognized three times as “World Natural Heritage” by UNESCO in 1994 and 2000; on 16/9/2003, this landscape was once again honored with this prestigious title, affirming to the world its irresistible enchantment. Perhaps, there are no words that can describe its majestic allurement. Set your own foot and witness by your own eyes, all of the sensations of your senses will truly come alive.

The appeal of Northern Vietnam doesn’t just lie in its landscapes but the beauty of culture also. Step your foot in Vietnam in general and in the north in particular, you will have a bunch of choices, from the nonstop parties in vibrant cities to the private places which detach from the populous areas. The hospitality of the local people is doubtlessly one of the reasons you find it will be tough to leave. With the delightful beauty of inhospitable nature, the vastness of endless fields, the antique glamour of thousand-year-old streets, the splendid breathtaking landscapes, all of them are waiting for you to explore the inexplicable wonders of nature and the unique history stories. So, Northern Vietnam, why not?