Northern Vietnam Travel Guide

Northern Vietnam Travel Guide by mr.hotsia

Northern Vietnam is an area I, mr.hotsia, have traveled to many times. Every time I experience it, I feel like I discover another world full of beautiful nature, traditional culture, and a simple yet powerful way of life. In this article, I will share stories and travel experiences in Northern Vietnam in depth, giving you a true picture of this land through the eyes of a traveler like me.

Starting with Lang Son Province, a mountainous province I really like

When talking about Northern Vietnam, one province I, mr.hotsia, really like isLang Son Province(Lang Son) which borders China. It is a province where mountains and hills cover about 80% of the area. I arrived in Lang Son city on May 10, 2015, and stayed at Hoang Son Hotel, which was affordable at about 600 baht per night. The hotel is located in the city center, within walking distance to local markets and many restaurants. Here, roasted duck is a must-try dish.

Lang Son city has the Ky Cung River flowing through it, providing a peaceful and refreshing atmosphere, very different from other big cities in Northern Vietnam. I recommend visiting the local market in the morning to truly see the daily life of the people here, as well as to taste local foods like grilled pork and delicious traditional snacks.

Nature lovers should not miss a trip to Mau Son Mountain, which rises to 1,541 meters. This place offers beautiful viewpoints and exciting hiking trails. During the rainy season when I visited, the weather was not hot and humid like in Thailand, making traveling and enjoying nature very comfortable.

Experience the Culture and Way of Life in Northern Vietnam

Northern Vietnam has very interesting cultural diversity. I, mr.hotsia, have had the chance to visit many rural villages where people still live simply and are deeply connected to nature. Local markets are important spots I often visit because besides buying local food, I can talk with locals and learn about their true way of life.

Another thing not to miss is trying street food, which in Northern Vietnam has flavors different from Southern Vietnam. For example, Pho here has a fragrant and rich broth, and snacks like grilled button squid impressed me a lot. If interested, you can watch a clip I recorded atGrilled Vietnamese Button Squidright away.

Travel and Accommodation Suitable for Travelers

For traveling in Northern Vietnam, I, mr.hotsia, recommend using local buses, buses, or motorbike taxis because they allow you to experience real life and closely enjoy the scenery along the way. Also, in some provinces, there are taxi services but be careful with communication. I once had a similar experience at Vinh Long bus station(Vinh Long bus station)where you need to communicate carefully with the driver.

Regarding accommodation, I usually choose small hotels or guesthouses with a friendly and comfortable atmosphere. The place I stayed in Lang Son city is a good example. Or if you want simple, non-luxurious stays with a local feel, I recommend checking out accommodations in Viet Tri citywhich I have reviewed before.Sometimes small accommodations give a warm feeling and more chances to talk with the owners than big hotels.

Activities and Attractions Not to Miss in Northern Vietnam

Besides mountain views and experiencing life in small towns, Northern Vietnam also has a variety of attractions such as beautiful caves and natural mountains. I have climbed To Thi Mountain, a popular viewpoint among tourists. Or if you like temples, you should visit the Buddhist temple in Da Lat city(Truc Lam Temple)which, although located in southern Vietnam, is another place I highly recommend for its peacefulness and beautiful surroundings.

If you love the sea, don't forget to visit Nha Trang sea beach(Nha Trang sea beach)where I once had a short relaxing stay. Although it is in the south, it is a good travel connection point and the city offers plenty of fresh seafood to enjoy.

Summary of Experiences and Recommendations from mr.hotsia

Northern Vietnam, for me, mr.hotsia, is a land full of impressive stories and experiences — nature, mountains, culture, and local food you must not miss. Traveling here may not be as convenient as big cities, but the sincerity of the people and the beauty of nature make every difficulty worthwhile.

If you are an adventurous traveler who loves to experience real life and try new things, let Northern Vietnam be one of your destinations. You will feel like me, mr.hotsia, who has found true happiness through travel.