Northeast Vietnam, a land filled with wonders and attractions, is always a dream destination for those passionate about exploration. Not only famous for its majestic natural landscapes, rolling mountains, and winding passes, the Northeast is also a place that preserves unique and diverse historical and cultural values of ethnic minority communities. Let’s join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” to explore the unspoiled and magnificent beauty of the Northeast region, to fully experience unforgettable travel experiences.
Northeast Region – Overview
The Northeast region, one of the three natural geographical sub-regions of Northern Vietnam, stretches from the north of the Red River Delta, encompassing 11 provinces: Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Thai Nguyen, Yen Bai, Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, Phu Tho, and Bac Giang. This place is like a colorful natural painting, with majestic mountains, poetic lakes, and lush green forests.
Map of Northeast Vietnam
The terrain of the Northeast is characterized by the mountains and midlands of Northern Vietnam, not as treacherous as the Northwest but still possessing high arc-shaped mountain ranges, creating magnificent and majestic scenery. The climate of the Northeast is typically tropical monsoon, with the coldest winter in the country and hot and humid summers, bringing diverse and interesting weather experiences for visitors.
Discovering the Highlight Destinations in Northeast Vietnam
Cao Bang – Land of Ban Gioc Waterfall and Pac Po
Cao Bang, the northernmost province of Vietnam, is famous for the majestic Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam and the world. Ban Gioc Waterfall is like a strip of white silk falling from a height of tens of meters, creating a resounding sound amidst the mountains and forests.
Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang
Besides Ban Gioc Waterfall, Cao Bang also has the magnificent Nguom Ngao cave with a diverse stalactite system, the poetic Thang Hen Lake, and the Pac Po relic site – where President Ho Chi Minh returned to the country after many years of activities abroad. Coming to Cao Bang, visitors also have the opportunity to explore border markets, experience the unique culinary culture of the Tay and Nung ethnic groups.
Lang Son – Land of Caves and Ky Lua Market
Lang Son, an important trading gateway between Vietnam and China, attracts tourists with mysterious caves such as Tam Thanh Cave, Nhi Thanh Cave, majestic Mau Son Mountain, and bustling Ky Lua Market.
Tam Thanh Cave in Lang Son
When visiting Lang Son, tourists cannot miss the opportunity to enjoy specialties such as hot steamed rice rolls, sour pho, Chi Lang custard apple, and explore historical sites such as Chi Lang Pass, and Mac Dynasty Citadel.
Bac Kan – Ba Be Lake – Emerald Gem in the Mountains and Forests
Bac Kan, with the poetic Ba Be Lake, is likened to an emerald gem in the northeastern mountains and forests. Ba Be Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam, with unspoiled and romantic natural scenery, an ideal destination for those who want to return to nature.
Ba Be Lake in Bac Kan
Visitors to Ba Be can participate in activities such as boating on the lake, exploring the magnificent Puong Cave, the majestic Dau Dang waterfall, and experiencing the culture of the Tay ethnic people by the lake.
Ha Giang – Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark
Ha Giang, the northernmost land of the country, is famous for the majestic Dong Van Karst Plateau, a global geological heritage recognized by UNESCO. The Dong Van Karst Plateau with sharp cat-ear rocky mountains, deep ravines, and winding passes, creates a magnificent and unique natural picture.
Dong Van Karst Plateau in Ha Giang
Coming to Ha Giang, visitors cannot miss Lung Cu flagpole – the northernmost point of the country, the treacherous Ma Pi Leng pass, the ancient town of Dong Van, and the colorful highland markets.
Useful Northeast Travel Tips
Ideal time to travel to the Northeast
Autumn (September – November) and spring (February – April) are the best times to travel to the Northeast. In autumn, the Northeast puts on a brilliant yellow coat of ripe rice, the weather is cool and pleasant. Spring in the Northeast is filled with the colors of peach and plum blossoms, the air is fresh and new.
Transportation
To explore the Northeast, motorbikes are the preferred means of transport for many tourists, especially those who love backpacking and exploring. Self-driving cars or buses are also suitable choices, depending on personal preferences and conditions.
Suggested Itineraries
- 4 days 3 nights itinerary to explore Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Pac Po:
- Day 1: Hanoi – Cao Bang – Cao Bang City.
- Day 2: Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Nguom Ngao Cave.
- Day 3: Cao Bang – Pac Po Relic Site – Lenin Stream.
- Day 4: Cao Bang – Hanoi.
- 5 days 4 nights itinerary to explore Lang Son – Cao Bang – Bac Kan:
- Day 1: Hanoi – Lang Son – Lang Son City.
- Day 2: Lang Son – Mau Son – Dong Khe.
- Day 3: Dong Khe – Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall.
- Day 4: Cao Bang – Bac Kan – Ba Be Lake.
- Day 5: Ba Be Lake – Hanoi.
- 7 days 6 nights itinerary to explore Ha Giang – Cao Bang – Bac Kan – Lang Son:
- Day 1: Hanoi – Ha Giang – Ha Giang City.
- Day 2: Ha Giang – Quan Ba – Yen Minh – Dong Van.
- Day 3: Dong Van – Meo Vac – Ma Pi Leng Pass – Dong Van.
- Day 4: Dong Van – Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall.
- Day 5: Ban Gioc Waterfall – Cao Bang – Ba Be Lake.
- Day 6: Ba Be Lake – Bac Kan – Thai Nguyen.
- Day 7: Thai Nguyen – Hanoi.
Accommodation
The Northeast has many diverse accommodation options, from budget hotels and guesthouses to homestays and luxury resorts. In major cities such as Cao Bang, Lang Son, and Thai Nguyen, visitors can easily find comfortable hotels. In ecotourism destinations, homestays are a popular choice to experience local culture.
Northeast Cuisine
Northeast cuisine is a delicate blend of mountain flavors and ethnic cultural identity. Some famous Northeast specialties that visitors should try:
- Dried buffalo meat: A specialty of the Northwest region, but also very popular in the Northeast, especially in bordering provinces.
- Five-color sticky rice: Delicious and beautiful sticky rice, often appearing in festivals of ethnic people.
- Lang Son hot steamed rice rolls: A familiar breakfast of Lang Son people, with thin rice paper, rich meat filling, and special sweet and sour dipping sauce.
- Sour pho: A unique pho of Lang Son and Cao Bang, with a light sour and unique taste.
- Thai Nguyen tea lam: A famous local gift of Thai Nguyen, with a sweet, fragrant, and chewy taste.
- Ha Giang corn wine: A specialty wine of Ha Giang, brewed from local corn, with a characteristic strong aroma.
Conclusion
Traveling to Northeast Vietnam promises to bring visitors unforgettable experiences of majestic natural landscapes, unique culture, and friendly people. With the detailed guide above, “Du lịch khắp thế gian” hopes you will have a complete and meaningful journey to explore the Northeast. Pack your bags and come to the Northeast to feel the hidden beauty and vibrant vitality of this land!