The Ha Long bay, dotted with 3000 limestone islets rising from emerald waters, is the best known natural wonder of Vietnam. Because of their precipitous nature, most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by a human presence. The site's outstanding scenic beauty is complemented by its great biological interest. The islands feature endless numbers of beaches, grottoes, and caves. Ha Long means "where the dragon goes into the sea". According to a legend, as a great dragon who lived in the mountains ran towards the sea, its tail gouged out valleys which later filled out with water, leaving only bits of land over the surface, the many tiny islets. Because the distances are actually quite large, it is preferable to hire a fast boat for the tour. Of the two gateway towns, Bai Chay's development is due mostly to tourism's, while Hon Gai has kept its where mining activity and fishing boats. Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

The road between Lang Son and Cao Bang crosses for 135km (4h) a beautiful landscape of mountains, alternating between the Ky Cung river valley and steep passes which provide extensive views on the surrounding countryside (in good weather). This is a very rural area, where one can observe everyday traditional life.

 

Ba-Be lake is the centerpiece of Ba Be National Park, a lush and peaceful oasis where the tropical rainforest is relatively well-preserved, as hunting and fishing are restricted, and the villagers receive subsidies not to cut the trees. The lake is 1km wide and 9km long, surrounded by tall limestone cliffs. The local fishermen ride typical narrow dugout boats. Besides the tiny village of Pac Ngoi and a few houses south of the Lake, nobody lives on the shores of the lake. There is no recent development to spoil the scenery. In general, visitors spend the night in Cho Ra (18km).

 

The North West is a very remote and undevelopped region that offers the country's finest mountain scenery. It also offers the best chance to meet colorful and varied ethnic minorities (also refered to as hill tribes, or Montagnards), whose traditions have been the least affected by the modern way of life. The region can be explored by adventurous travellers in at least a week-long loop trip along Highway 6, from Mai Chau to Sapa, with a 4WD vehicle.


         
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The road between Mai Chau and Son La is where you can begin to enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery of the North-West. This is also where the density of ethic minority people walking along the road or tending to their fields begins to increase.

 

Tuan Giao is a small town between Son La and Lai Chau which is unremarkable, however, the surrounding area is very rural and populated by many hill tribes, amongst them the most noticeable are the Dzao that wear headdresses adorned with bright orange garnments.

Tam Duong is a small town on the road between Lai Chau and Sapa. Prior to climbing the Tram Ton Pass, possibly the most spectacular stretch of mountain road in Vietnam, you meet the Black Dzao people, whose children wear a hat decorated with three coins.