Northwest in Vietnam: Mountains, culture and adventure

Northwest Vietnam possesses unique beauty and charm. Imagine waking up to greet the sunrise on the hills, watching the rays of sunlight shine down on the golden terraced fields, like exquisite works of nature's art. It doesn't stop there, the nature of Northwest Vietnam has much more than that. It is also home to exceptionally delicious food and a cultural lifestyle.

In this article, let's explore the charming and majestic beauty of North West Vietnam and the top 6 attractions you should visit in this place.

What makes the Northwest region of Vietnam attractive?

The Northwest of Vietnam is characterized by numerous hills and mountains and is home to a diverse array of ethnic minority groups unique to the country. This area showcases stunning natural landscapes, featuring winding mountain roads, captivating terraced rice fields that resemble artwork, and serene villages known for the warmth and hospitality of their residents. The cultural diversity here provides a stark contrast to urban settings, offering travelers, especially international visitors, a distinctive and memorable experience.

Places to visit in Northwest Vietnam

1. Sapa

Located at the foot of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, Sa Pa is a tourism center of Northern Vietnam with stunning natural landscapes. Sa Pa is well-known for Mount Fansipan, Vietnam's highest point. Sapa with its temperate temperature all year is a perfect destination for nature lovers looking to explore the wilds of Northwest Vietnam.

Cat Cat Village is a must-see attraction in Sa Pa, which is home to the H'Mong people. The locals farm rice on terrace fields and manufacture traditional crafts for a living, so tourists may visit the town to purchase their wares. Furthermore, Ham Rong Mountain is a popular location for seeing the bulk of Sa Pa's tourist attractions, such as Muong Hoa Valley, Ta Van hamlet, Cat Cat Village, and so on. The Sa Pa Stone Church, a historic symbol of Sa Pa, is located near Ham Rong Mountain. The church was built by the French during the colonial period and hence has a Gothic architectural style.

When visiting Sa Pa, you may sample a variety of Northern Vietnamese foods such as seven-color sticky rice, barbecued pig, grilled chicken, grilled duck, bamboo-tube sticky rice, and more.

The Village Cat Cat in Sapa Vietnam 

2. Mu Cang Chai

Mu Cang Chai, a small mountainous region in the West of Yen Bai Province, is renowned for its stunning terraced fields. It is one of Northern Vietnam's top tourist attractions, especially popular during the rice harvest season. To see the golden rice fields, travel to Tu Le commune, which is famous for its sticky rice and green rice. In addition, the terrace rice fields of La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha, and De Xu Phinh communes were designated as National Heritage in 2007.

Mu Cang Chai is renowned not only for its terraced rice fields but also for its stunning waterfalls. Pu Nhu Waterfall features an impressive rock structure in La Pan Tan commune, while Mo Waterfall, a picturesque 4-story waterfall, is in Mo De commune. Adventurous visitors should explore Khau Pha Pass, one of Northern Vietnam's most winding and dangerous passes, offering scenic views of the golden terrace fields.

Moreover, Tu Le sticky rice is a must-try specialty when traveling to Mu Cang Chai. The rice has a sweet taste and special aroma when cooked, and it is often eaten with grilled chicken or pork.

Rice fields on the terraced of Mu Cang Chai  

3. Moc Chau

Moc Chau plateau is located 200 kilometers northwest of Hanoi, at an elevation of 1050 meters above sea level. This is a vast plateau in Son La Province that is around 80 kilometers long and 25 meters broad, containing 1600 hectares of grasslands. 

The weather in Moc Chau is frequently chilly, with thick layers of fog that make the natural surroundings more mysterious and appealing. This steep NorthWest highland offers ideal terrain for Moc Chau trekking routes. The Thai minority, a warm and hospitable ethnic community, will invite you into their homes and enjoy their stilted lifestyle. The roads weave perilously across the mountain ranges, expressing the profoundly diverse lifestyles of the Vietnamese people.

From January to February, you will be astonished by the abundance of plum and peach blossoms flowering along the roads and slopes. March is the month of white when the Bauhinia variegata season arrives. From April to August, the weather is serene and pleasant; while there is no flower season, you may enjoy plums and peaches in nearby gardens. 

Forest Peach Blossoms in Moc Chau district 

4. Dien Bien

Located in the remote northwest of Vietnam, Dien Bien is a land of profound historical significance and breathtaking natural beauty. Known primarily as the site of the famous Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954, which marked the end of French colonial rule in Indochina, the province is a powerful symbol of Vietnamese resilience and independence.

Beyond its wartime legacy, Dien Bien captivates travelers with its mountainous landscapes, terraced rice fields, and diverse ethnic cultures. Home to several ethnic minority groups including the Thai, Hmong, and Dao, the region offers an authentic cultural experience through traditional villages, festivals, and unique local cuisine.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a cultural explorer, Dien Bien promises a journey rich in stories, scenery and soul.

5. Lao Cai

Lao Cai provides stunning landscapes, adventure, and a glimpse into the rich culture and history of the locals, making it an ideal tourist destination for a wide range of individuals.

Lao Cai is a quaint and soothing refuge from the stresses of everyday life. Lao Cai offers activities suitable for all types of tourists. For the daring, the Fanxipan Mountains, Hoang Lien National Park, and Silver Waterfall offer climbing and adventure opportunities. Countless temples are a haven for culture and religion lovers, but what stands out most are the kind and hospitable residents who are willing to educate visitors about their way of life. For those who want to shop until they're tired, Cham Market, Sa Pa Market, Lao Cai Market, and Sin Cheng Market as well as millions of souvenir shops scattered everywhere are ideal destinations.

The peak of Fansipan mountain 3143m is the highest in Vietnam 

6. Ha Giang 

Ha Giang is renowned for its winding roads, steep hills, vibrant flowers, and stunning terraced fields. It is inhabited by various ethnic minorities, offering tourists a chance to learn about their cultures and lifestyles.

In Quan Ba district, Quan Ba Heaven Gate and Quan Ba Twin Mountain are must-visit attractions. Quan Ba Heaven Gate, situated 1500 meters above sea level, offers breathtaking views of the Northwestern region and leads to the Dong Van Karst Plateau. The Quan Ba Twin Mountain is a natural beauty that changes hues depending on the time of day. Dong Van Old Town and the Lung Cu Flagpole are important tourist attractions in the area. The ancient town organizes a Sunday market, giving visitors a look into local life. Lung Cu Flagpole, perched 1470 meters high, requires climbing 979 steps to reach.

In Meo Vac district, Ma Pi Leng Pass is a must-visit. It's 20 kilometers long, 1200 meters above sea level, and known as the king of mountain passes in Northern Vietnam, attracting adventurers. The Hoang Su Phi terrace field, a National Heritage site with a centuries-long history, is a must-see in the Hoang Su Phi district, particularly in September and October when the rice fields turn golden. 

Ha Giang is also famous for its unique local cuisine, including Steamed Rice Roll with egg, Multi Colored Sticky Rice, Ao Tau Porridge, Bac Me Lam Rice (bamboo-tube rice), Buckwheat Cake, and Thang Den, a dish made from pork leg, minced pork, and au tau root.

Nho Que River view from Ma Pi Leng Pass 

Best time for traveling to the Northwest Vietnam

The best time to visit Northwest Vietnam is from October to March of the following year. During this time, the weather and natural surroundings are ideal for exploring. Spring and fall are the two most attractive seasons for exploring the Northwest Highland region. Many visitors plan their travels around these periods.

Transportation to the Northwest

Travelers typically begin their trek to the Northwest in Hanoi, the capital. Some mobility alternatives include taking the train from Hanoi to Sapa, hiring a private vehicle or bus, or riding a motorcycle. However, due to the difficult and hazardous roads that need exceptional driving abilities, we recommend taking trains or vehicles.

Conclusion: Northwest in Vietnam

Northwest Vietnam boasts unique beauty that cannot be found elsewhere. It encompasses the grandeur of nature, mountains, forests, and the cultural diversity of Vietnamese ethnic groups. These are the reasons why you should not pass up the opportunity to discover the Northwest when visiting Vietnam, even if you can only visit one or two of the aforementioned destinations. If you're interested in a Northwest Vietnam tour, please contact our travel specialists for more information.