Northern Vietnam

Vietnam’s northern region is home to the capital city, Hanoi, as well as the stunningly beautiful Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and by any measure Vietnam's most photographed natural landmark. At Halong, some 3,000 limestone islands rise from the Gulf of Tonkin to create the most dramatic seascape - on a clear day the view is simply amazing. Tam Coc, near Ninh Binh, is known as the inland Halong Bay, and is a pleasing day trip from Hanoi.

Venture into the remote north-west of Vietnam and you'll find remote hills and picturesque  mountain villages. Vietnam's north-west isn't quite the unadulterated rural idyll that some like to imagine - the mountain town of Sapa is an easy train ride from Hanoi and hence a tourist hotspot - but if you know where to look you can find remote eco-lodges offering an altogether more authentic experience. For those with less time, the picturesque valleys of Mai Chau are the nearest place to Hanoi where you can visit traditional White Thai villages.

There are a number of national parks around Hanoi; wildlife enthusiasts will find much to admire in Cuc Phuong National Park, whose mountains are covered in lush forest housing a mix of rare fauna and flora.

In and around Northern Vietnam
Very few visitors travel around Vietnam without spending at least one night cruising Halong Bay on a traditional boat, or junk. The boats range from the very simple small vessels with 5-10 berths, to larger, more luxurious vessels, but all follow a similar route through the enigmatic islets of Halong Bay, stopping to visit floating fishing villages and to explore some of the region’s enormous limestone caves. Do ask us for advice on the best junks, as the quality of service varies greatly and price isn't always the best barometer - some of the lower-priced junks have lots of character.

Tam Coc has similar scenery to Halong Bay, only inland. In common with Halong, the area is best explored by boat - a rowing boat in the case of Tam Coc - allowing you to follow the course of the Ngo Dong River as it weaves between towering karst outcrops and serene rice paddies.

The limestone mountains of Cuc Phuong are covered in primary rainforest, providing a habitat for a variety of flora and fauna as well as myriad birds and colourful butterflies. Consider a two-day trek into the forest in search of the langur, a rare primate; alternatively you can stay in the park to visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, home to around 150 primates, as well as the Botanical Gardens, a semi-wild protected enclosure.

Southwest of Hanoi, Mai Chau is home to the minority White Thai people. Get a feel for their way of life by staying in a traditional stilt house, enjoying a meal prepared by the family and trekking through the beautiful valleys.