December is here and there is no denying that the year has flown by quickly. Now we are gearing up for the holiday season and I start thinking about what I will be doing for the next few weeks. We've been through a tough year and many plans have been on hold due to the last lockdown, which is why I really want to get myself on the adventures again this time of year when the travel restriction has been lifted in Viet Nam. It's been a while since I just stayed home and been a hardworking BEE 😁, and now I'm ready for some good old-fashioned adventure. In the spirit of the season, there are a few activities I can do with my friends and family to experience some of the best sights. I decided to take a break earlier than expected and planned for my travel journey soon. I have so many places to visit on my mind, but I then decide to revisit northern provinces.
I've been on a few trips in my lifetime and have seen some of the most mind-blowing natural wonders as well as the diverse cultures in different parts of my country- Viet Nam. In each place, I always had some sort of personal connection with it. Whether it be from visiting family or from some other kind of cultural experience, there is always something about every place that will make me fall in love with it.
Well, I'm going to tell you why I'm planning to go back to the northernmost provinces, though I visited them twice before 🙂
About Landscape ♥️
The Northern provinces of Vietnam, often overlooked by tourists due to their remoteness, are worth visiting for the same reasons that make them difficult to visit. In addition, the area is one of the most beautiful destinations in the country and is well known for its mountainous territory, passes, scenic countryside, and terraced rice fields. These provinces offer rugged landscapes and authentic villages, where travelers can experience rich culture and history without the crowds found in other parts of the country. Different from the bustling cities and beaches in the south or central of the country, these provinces make me feel as if I'm walking through a painting - landscapes are lush and calming with their mosaic of greens, yellows, and blues.
Ban Gioc- Cao Bang (My visit in 2020).
Ha Giang (My visit in 2019).
I distinctly remember the first time I visited Ha Giang. Oh man, the rolling green hills, the meandering streams with their crystal clear water, and the ethereal fog that perpetually lingered in the air gave way to a place of beauty that was unparalleled to anything I had seen in New Zealand. It is difficult to find words for how beautiful the land is. At that moment, I realized that the beauty of my motherland is as beautiful as places I've been to.
In addition, the place is one of the lesser-traveled areas of the country in the northern remote area, including some of Viet Nam's most pristine peaks and stunning trails- all while remaining relatively untouched by tourism.
About Culture ♥️
Viet Nam is a wonderfully diverse country with a myriad of cultures and people. The culture of the minorities in the remote northern villages of Viet Nam is a treasure for those who visit. For those looking to learn more about what life is like for the ethnic minorities, there are many remote villages in the northern region that offer a glimpse into day-to-day life.
I felt delighted to be around the highland children! I felt a sense of peace and joy every time one of them smiled or laughed. The pure and lovely innocence that was reflected in their eyes never ceases to amaze me. This stolen my ♥️
The ethnic minorities living in these villages are identified by their customs and traditions that continue to live on through generations. Whether it be the indigenous Hmong people or the Tay people, you will not want to miss this opportunity to learn about their history and culture. The minority groups are hill tribes who have inhabited these mountainous regions for centuries. You can experience their traditional life, visit their homes, and see how they work in the rice paddies. I can't wait to come back and stay here longer to discover more of their culture.
About People ♥️
The images of people in my mind: strong and hard-working. They may not be as well-off as those in the south, but they live happily and has a genuine love for life. These people have their own lifestyle which is very different from other regions in the country. They have a charm that is hard to find elsewhere in the world and they greet everyone around them with a smile and always try to offer assistance in any way that they can. It is a delight to be in this part of Vietnam!
The culture is also different here with many farming communities dotted around the countryside. Hence, if you're looking for a new and unique way to explore the culture of Vietnam, then northern provinces should be your next destination.
The furthermost provinces in North Viet Nam are largely mountainous and only have a few settlements. The villages are not connected by good roads, so travelers can enjoy dramatic scenery uninterrupted by human activity. This offers visitors an opportunity to experience the untouched beauty of the land without the distractions of urbanization.
I'm not sure if those reasons persuade you to make a plan to visit the furthermost provinces in North of Viet Nam, but its breathtaking landscape, unique culture, and charming people keep me returning and never feeling like I've seen enough.
This is going to be an amazing trip. My intention is to stay longer to explore more, and I will definitely tell you about my experience after the trip. A wide variety of sights and sounds awaiting us
❤️
Also, you can check out my collection "Travel around Viet Nam" of posts from my past trips to these lovely and rustic parts of the country 🙂
