The Northeast travel itinerary will take you to majestic highland landscapes, lush green terraced fields, traditional festivals imbued with the culture of indigenous people, and special dishes with typical mountain flavors.
1. Overview of Northeast tourism
Cao Bang – “green pearl” of the Northeast mountains and forests (Photo source: Collected)
Northeast tourism offers visitors unique experiences with majestic mountain scenery, winding terraced fields, and unique cultures of ethnic minorities. This region includes provinces such as Ha Giang , Cao Bang, Lang Son, Bac Kan, Thai Nguyen, and Quang Ninh, each with its own unique destinations. In particular, the Northeast is also famous for its colorful highland markets, where you can learn about the culture and customs of more than 20 ethnic minorities living here. The distinct four-season climate also creates its own characteristics for each time of the year, giving visitors different experiences when visiting Northeast tourist destinations.
2. What is the best season to travel to the Northeast?
The beauty of the Northeast in spring (Photo source: Collected)
According to Northeast travel experience, each season, this land has its own unique beauty that attracts tourists, including:
2.1. Spring in the Northeast
Spring (February - April) is the ideal time to explore the tourist destinations in the Northeast with the brilliant scenery of peach blossoms and plum blossoms blooming white on the hillsides. The cool air and light drizzle create a dreamy beauty for the landscapes. This is also the season of many unique traditional festivals, such as Long Tong festival, Gau Tao festival of ethnic minorities, bringing great opportunities to experience indigenous culture. Many tourists choose this time to admire the beauty of Mau Son peach blossom forests or peach blossom valleys in Sapa.
2.2. Summer in the Northeast
Summer (May-July) in the Northeast is not as hot as the plains, with an average temperature of only about 25-30 degrees Celsius. This is the ideal time to visit famous Northeast tourist destinations such as waterfalls like Ban Gioc or Ba Be Lake. The green rice fields stretch out creating a beautiful natural picture. Visitors can participate in activities such as boating, camping, or exploring caves with pleasant weather.
2.3. Autumn in the Northeast
Autumn in the Northeast (August - October) is captivating with golden terraced fields in Hoang Su Phi and Mu Cang Chai. This is the time when the rice ripens, creating beautiful natural paintings, attracting many photographers and tourists. The cool, fresh air and gentle winds carrying the scent of ripe rice create an unforgettable experience when visiting Northeast tourist destinations. Autumn festivals such as the Thai Xoe festival and Duom temple festival are also unique cultural highlights of this season.
2.4. Winter in the Northeast
Winter (November-January) brings a unique experience with a cold climate, sometimes with snowfall at high altitudes such as Mau Son, Sa Pa. Temperatures can drop below 0 degrees Celsius in some places, creating a picturesque icy landscape. This is the ideal time to experience the mountainous winter atmosphere, enjoy typical dishes such as thang co, sturgeon hotpot. Visitors can also participate in unique winter festivals such as Khau Vai love fair.
3. What should you prepare for a trip to the Northeast?
When planning a trip to the Northeast, careful preparation is extremely important. Regarding clothing, you should bring clothes suitable for the weather, especially warm jackets and raincoats for trips in winter or rainy season. Shoes need to be sturdy, suitable for climbing and hiking, preferably with good grip to avoid slipping.
Regarding essential items, don't forget to bring basic medicines such as cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness medicine. A camera and spare batteries are indispensable to capture beautiful moments. A map, compass or GPS are also very useful when traveling in mountainous areas. Personal documents, cash and some other necessary personal items should also be carefully prepared.
In addition, you should research the culture and customs of the local people in advance to have appropriate behavior. Some basic communication words in the ethnic language will also help you integrate more easily with the local people.
4. Means of transportation when traveling to the Northeast
According to Northeast travel experience, there are many options for transportation in the Northeast region to suit each traveler's needs and conditions. Motorbikes are the most flexible means of transport, allowing you to freely explore winding mountain passes and visit remote villages. However, you need to have driving experience and good health to ensure safety.
Buses are a popular and safe option for long distances. Many transport companies offer high quality sleeper buses that ensure comfort for passengers.
Trains are an interesting option for the Hanoi - Lao Cai route, offering a unique experience with the scenery on both sides of the tracks.
For large groups or families, renting a private tour car is the optimal solution. This means of transport allows you to be proactive about time and schedule, and you can stop freely to take photos or explore.
5. Northeast travel experience - Special attractions in the Northeast
5.1. Hoang Su Phi
The peaceful beauty of Hoang Su Phi village (Photo source: Collected)
When it comes to the Northeast region, it is impossible not to mention Hoang Su Phi - a Northeast tourist destination. Hoang Su Phi is famous for its beautiful terraced fields stretching across the mountain slopes, creating a magnificent natural picture. In the ripe rice season, the entire mountain area is dyed a shimmering yellow color, attracting a large number of tourists and photographers. Not only that, this place is also an ideal destination to learn about the culture of the Dao, Nung, and Tay ethnic groups through traditional festivals and highland markets. Visitors can experience homestays in the villages to better understand the lives of local people.
5.2. Quan Ba Twin Mountains
Quan Ba Twin Mountains - Admire the charming natural landscape at the northernmost point of the Fatherland (Photo source: Collected)
Quan Ba Twin Mountains, also known as "Fairy Twin Mountains", is one of the unique Northeastern tourist destinations with a special shape like a woman's breasts. From the top of the mountain, visitors can admire the whole view of Quan Ba valley with terraced fields and traditional stilt houses. Especially in the early morning, when the fog is still lingering, the scene here becomes magical like a fairyland. Quan Ba Twin Mountains are also associated with many interesting folk legends about love and the history of this land.
5.3. Ma Pi Leng Pass
Ma Pi Leng Pass (Photo source: Collected)
Ma Pi Leng Pass is known as the "King of Passes" with an altitude of over 2,000m and a length of nearly 20km, and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the Northeast. The winding road around the steep cliffs creates a thrilling feeling for those who love to explore and conquer. From the top of the pass, visitors can admire the emerald green Nho Que River winding at the foot of the mountain, creating a rare majestic scene. In particular, this area also has many beautiful stops for taking photos and sightseeing.
5.4. Lung Cu Flagpole
Lung Cu Flagpole Dong Van (Photo source: Collected)
Lung Cu Flagpole is not only a symbol of territorial sovereignty but also a great place to see the Northeast from above. Visitors have to climb 389 steps to reach the foot of the flagpole, but in return, they get a 360-degree view of the entire rocky plateau. From here, they can see terraced fields, small villages hidden in the mist and the majestic mountains of the Himalayas in the distance. Especially on clear days, visitors can even see the Chinese territory on the other side of the border. This is definitely one of the interesting Northeast tourist destinations that you should not miss.
5.5. Ba Be Lake
Ba Be Lake (Photo source: Collected)
Ba Be Lake - the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam, located among the majestic limestone mountains of Ba Be National Park. The lake surface is more than 500 hectares wide with small islands floating in the middle of the lake such as An Ma Island and Ba Goa Island creating a unique landscape. Visiting this Northeastern tourist destination, visitors can experience boating on the lake, explore caves such as Puong Cave, visit Tay villages along the lake and enjoy the unique cuisine of ethnic minorities. In particular, this area also has many rare species of flora and fauna that are preserved.
5.6. Ban Gioc Waterfall
Ban Gioc Waterfall is not only the most beautiful waterfall in Vietnam but also one of the most impressive cross-border waterfalls in the world. The waterfall is 53m high with three majestic waterfalls, the water pouring down creates white foam in the middle of the cool green space of the mountains and forests. Visitors can take a bamboo raft to get close to the foot of the waterfall, to admire this majestic natural beauty with their own eyes. Around the waterfall there are many interesting attractions such as Nguom Ngao Cave with unique stalactites.
5.7. Hung Temple
Hung Temple (Photo source: Collected)
Hung Temple is not only a historical and cultural relic but also a place that marks the origin of the Vietnamese people. The temple complex includes Thuong Temple, Trung Temple, Ha Temple and Gieng Temple, each with unique architecture and profound spiritual significance. When visiting this Northeastern tourist destination, you can visit the temples, learn about the history of the Hung Kings and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery on Nghia Linh Mountain. Especially during the Hung King's death anniversary, a big festival takes place here with many unique cultural activities.
5.8. Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay - World Natural Heritage with more than 1,969 large and small limestone islands rising from the blue water. Each stone island has a unique shape along with thrilling legends. Visitors can join a sightseeing boat tour, explore majestic caves such as Sung Sot Cave, Dau Go Cave, or participate in activities such as kayaking, diving to see coral. In particular, sleeping overnight on the bay is an experience not to be missed to watch the beautiful sunset and sunrise on the bay. Ha Long Bay is definitely a Northeast tourist destination you must visit on your journey.
6. Northeast travel experience - What to eat when coming to the Northeast?
Au Tau porridge - a unique dish of the Northeast region
- Au Tau Porridge: Au Tau Porridge is a typical dish of the Tay people, made from pork, sticky rice and special spices. The dish is not only famous for its delicious taste but also carries the cultural identity of the highlands. The elaborate preparation with many herbs and special spices creates a unique flavor that cannot be found elsewhere. Sour Pho: Lang Son Sour Pho is a unique variation of traditional Pho. Pho noodles are mixed with a light sour broth, adding herbs, grilled meat and roasted peanuts to create a special flavor. The mild sour taste of the dish comes from the natural fermentation process, combined with the fatty taste of meat and the crunchiness of vegetables to create an interesting culinary experience.
- 7-flavor roasted duck: 7-flavor roasted duck is a famous specialty of the Northeast region, made from mountain duck with 7 special spices. The duck meat is carefully marinated before being roasted on hot coals, creating eye-catching colors and rich flavors. The dish is often served with grilled rice paper and various herbs. The secret to making the dipping sauce is also an important part of the reputation of this dish.
- Huu Lung grilled spring rolls: Huu Lung grilled spring rolls are one of the famous specialties of Lang Son. The meat is carefully selected, minced and mixed with special spices before being grilled over hot coals. The characteristic aroma of grilled meat combined with the spicy taste of chili and garlic creates an unforgettable flavor. The dish is often enjoyed with rice paper, raw vegetables and special dipping sauce.
- Dai Tu sour sausage: Dai Tu sour sausage from Thai Nguyen is made from fresh pork, mixed with special spices and naturally fermented. The dish has a light sour taste, is slightly spicy and has a moderate chewiness. In particular, Dai Tu sour sausage is not only a delicious dish but also a specialty that many tourists buy as gifts. The process of making sour sausage follows a traditional secret, ensuring quality and unique flavor.
7. What should I buy as gifts when traveling to the Northeast?
When traveling to the Northeast, there are many local specialties worth buying as gifts. According to Northeast travel experience, you can bring back the following specialties as gifts:
- Thai Nguyen Tea: famous for its rich flavor, clear green water color and sweet aftertaste.
- Wild honey: from the highlands is not only nutritious food but also has a rich natural flavor.
- Chongqing chestnuts: with their characteristic rich flavor, are a favorite gift for many people.
- Dried bamboo shoots: are a specialty made from natural bamboo shoots, can be preserved for a long time and are easy to transport.
- Brocade products handmade by ethnic minorities are not only beautiful but also imbued with the cultural identity of the highlands.
- In addition, visitors can buy typical spices, corn wine, or products made from local herbs.
8. Northeast Travel Experience - Some things to note when visiting the Northeast
When traveling to the Northeast, respecting local culture is of utmost importance.
Visitors should learn about local customs and taboos in advance. Good physical preparation is essential as many attractions require a lot of walking or climbing. Check the weather before your trip to prepare appropriate clothing and equipment.
Carrying adequate identification is a must, especially when traveling in border areas. Avoid traveling alone to remote locations as there may be difficulties with roads and communications. Hire a local guide when traveling to unfamiliar areas.
The journey to discover beautiful destinations in the Northeast is an opportunity for tourists to fully enjoy the beauty of Vietnam and bring back memorable memories. The Northeast travel experience shared above will help you have the best luggage for your trip to explore this wonderful land.
Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/kinh-nghiem-du-lich-dong-bac-v16038.aspx
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