Travel Guide in Northwest & Northeast Vietnam

The vast majority of Vietnam’s minorities live in the hilly regions of the Northern part, down the Truong Son mountain range, and in the Central Highlands – all areas which saw heavy fighting in recent wars. Several groups straddle today’s international boundaries, spreading across the Indochinese peninsula and up into Southern China.

The area with the most beautiful treks is located near the Chinese border in the north (Sapa, Ha Giang, Cao Bang). In northern Vietnam, you can trek almost everywhere where are a mountains. When you want to go on the difficult trails, it is recommended to hire a local guide. The Best weather for trekking is in the months from October to March (dry season).

A lot of people from the ethnic minorities in a villages in northern Vietnam provides homestay in tourist but also in non-tourist areas. These people are usually not certified guides or employees of travel agencies. It is important that they know very well the place where they live and show you the right places and village life.

Weather in North Vietnam is characterized by relatively high temperature and humidity. The northern climate is continental climate, as affected by the weather of Chinese mainland. Meanwhile, a part of coastal area is influenced by features of subtropical climate and land-based monsoon.

To climb Fansipan, visitors must get a permit from the Center for Ecotourism and Environmental Education. The center is located on the road to Cat Cat tourist area of San Sa Ho Commune, Sa Pa district, Sapa town. Also, tourists will have to pay a VND150,000 ($7) fee and some other charges like insurance, hygiene, monitoring and residence.