Vietnam Northern mountainous area in recent years is always the tourist hotspot. Until now it still has no intention to reduce its heat. So, what makes this area appeal so many tourists traveling there? The answer lies in its pristine beauty of the landscape and culture there.
The northern mountainous area of Vietnam has many kinds of attractions such as cascading rice terrace, waterfall, pass, etc and various unique cultures of Vietnamese minority tribes there. Now, let’s discover the hidden beauty of mountain destinations in Northern Vietnam with the native guides from the Travel Sense Asia.
Wallowing in the superb view from the rice terrace fields
Rice terrace field is popular in the mountainous area of Vietnam Northern. Visiting cascading rice terrace, tourists are surprised at the beauty of rice terrace fields depending on the viewpoints.
From the footage of this field, tourists can observe the vastness of “rice stairs” following another to the sky as the paradise ladder. Nevertheless, when reaching the top of this field, you will have chance to oversee the striking view of nearly terrace fields and the paddies surrounding it. All of them are sparkling and magnificent under the sunshine.
Moreover, visiting those terrace fields once is never enough to sightsee their whole beauty. In each period time of a year, the cascading rice terrace changes the colors from green to yellow in and conversed. Each time you will not only view the different beauty of the field but also explore the cultural values in farming experiences of the tribes there.
If you are attracted to the magic beauty of the rice terrace field, why not travel to the Hoang Su Phi field (Ha Giang), Muong Hoa field (Sapa),… to have real experience.
Enjoying the breath-taking beauty of huge waterfalls
Waterfalls exist across the S-shaped country and in each area there are different kinds of waterfall. However, the waterfalls in the northern mountainous area of Vietnam always own the most unique shape along with their immerse size.
We can list some typical names of unique waterfalls there: Ban Gioc waterfall – the 4th largest fall in the world, Silver waterfall, Tac Tinh (Love carving) waterfall, etc. Each of them there has different shapes. Which looks like white silk flying among the green of the surrounding mountains. Which is similar to a flow of white blossoming flowers of Northwest forests, etc.
Additionally, when going to see these waterfalls, you will be also told the thrilling story, legends behind their charm from the native people. They can be a love story relating the waterfall’s name or legends about the origin of the waterwall, etc.
Exploring the striking mountains
Mountain makes up ¼ area of the S-shaped country. The scenery surrounding the mountains in each zone of Vietnam is diverse depending on the regional climate and their height.
The mountains in the Northern mountainous area of Vietnam are known as the highest mountains in the nation. For example, Mount Fansipan – the roof of Indochina with a height of 3,143m above the sea level. With this height, you will feel flying among the clouds on the top of this mountain.
Besides, they are well-known for the distinctive topography and superb landscape. Dong Van Karst Geopark is a typical evidence with the picturesque limestone landscape as the Halong Bay in the highland. It is recognized by UNESCO as a 7th member of UNESCO Geopark Network. When visiting there, tourists can observe the magic of mother nature with the rock gardens and rock forest.
Moreover, the other mountains in West North of Vietnam like Tay Tien, Moc Chau highlands are promised to make you wow.
Getting lost in the cultural atmosphere of the hill tribe market
The trip to the Vietnam Northern will not be complete if tourists don’t go shopping in tribe markets. Tourists can be accustomed to visiting the local market but not the tribe market.
All of Vietnam tribe markets just open in particular days such as the weekend, the 1st day and the full moon day of a month. They are covered with the colorfulness of brocades and the native’s clothes there. Although these markets are not big, they gather many trading kinds: farming products, souvenirs and food, and beverages.
Visiting these traditional markets, you can not only buy souvenirs for their relatives but also enjoying the famous local foods with unique taste. Imagine that in the winter days you will enjoy a hot tasty bowl of Thang Co which made from the horse’s stomach. Let’s feel the special taste of this soup as well as heat for the soup of this dish flowing little by little to your stomach. That is an interesting experience in the cold days.
Moreover, you can come across ethnic peoples: Black Dao, La Chi, Nung, H’mong, etc in the tribe markets and observe the love fair where the native boys and girls catch their future soulmates to understand their lifestyles and their culture. Some tribe markets you can visit are the Bac Ha market (Lao Cai province), Dong Van market (Ha Giang province), etc.
>> Read More: Guide to Northwest Vietnam hill tribe market: The rustic soul of mountainous region
Experiencing the diversity of the native culture
Not only does your trip to the Northwest of Vietnam just sightsee the landscape there but you also find out the native culture there. Northwest Vietnam is known as the home of approximately 15 ethnic groups. Each tribe possesses the specific characteristics in their culture.
These features can be tangible; shown in the differences in the traditional clothes of the natives, the kinds of accommodation the tribes there lived in or the musical instruments. For instance, when visiting there, you can distinguish the red H’mong from the Black H’mong through their costumes. The red H’mong often the red brocaded clothes. Whereas, the black H’mong clothes are often black.
Besides, the diversity of culture also exists in intangible things. For example the languages, the customs of each tribe applying in daily life as well as the traditional festivals. When living with the native there, you will have impressive experiences about the exotic customs .
>> Related Content:
– The Truth About Ethnic Groups Residing In Sapa.
– Everything To Know For A Perfect Family HomeStay In Sapa
Learning the Vietnamese historic stories behind the mountainous battlefield
It is believed that nowhere in the world there are as many specific battlefields as Vietnam. The war didn’t stop in the plain, it happened in the mountains covered the green of forest trees with the hard topography. In fact many mountains help the Vietnamese to wrest their country’s freedom from the invaders.
Visit Tay Tien battlefield, Dien Bien Phu battlefield, etc and you will not only see the imposing scene but also sightsee the harshness of mountains there. You also have chance to give back to the Vietnamese wartime by observing evidence of difficult physical conditions Vietnamese having lived with as well as the drawbacks the war had caused.
After my long trips to the strange lands, I really understand the meaning of the Alfred D’Souza’s quote ‘Happiness is a journey, not a destination’. My happiness is journeys that let me explore the new lands, new features of the culture there and new colors in your soul. And now I want to share this happiness with you through my article about my experience in the trips. Hope that they will give useful things to your next trip…Tracy Luo
Travel With Us:
Essential North Package 7 Days 6 Nights
A fulfilling discovery of all Northern Vietnam signatures within a week is totally possible – with this tour. The package offers you a diverse experience of various attractive destinations in the area, from a tranquil mountainous Sapa to the splendid Lan Ha Bay, which will ensure both your natural and cultural exploration.
North Vietnam Adventure 7 Days
Explore North Vietnam in 7 days, including Ha Giang, Lao Cai – Sapa. You can experience the North Pole area in Ha Giang, visit the deepest part of Southeast Asia and travel through the northern highlands of Vietnam. Enjoy the famous cuisines in Sapa – paradise land of Vietnam. Discover the unique landscapes and ethnic minorities of these areas. Travel along roads snaking through high passes, journey through fertile valleys. See incredible rice terraces and visit colorful ethnic-minority markets. Discover some historical places, participate in the night activities of local people and experience traditional dances.
Northern Vietnam Highlight for Families
If you’re seeking for a chance of family gathering and relaxing time on your own – at the same time, this is the package born for you. This tour offers diverse experience that can meet everyone’s expectations. From the ancientry of Hanoi to the rich culture in Sapa, or the spectacular sight of Ha Long – one of 7 Natural Wonders of the World.
Or more Vietnam tour packages.
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