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I have been itching to make a post like this one to really showcase northern Vietnam’s hidden gems, having lived here for several years. I spent most of my time living in the north, in the lively, maritime city of Haiphong and about six months in the southern peninsula city of Vung Tau. It’s been the greatest experience of my life so far and largely due to all the exploring I did, as well as the people I met along the way! Some of the places in this article you may just have heard of, but I’m willing to bet that others you won’t be so familiar with. Here I will explain why they are all uniquely incredible in their own way, as well as providing some valuable tips for these destinations, drawing on my own experience. So without further ado and in no particular order, let’s kick off.
1. Quan Lan Island
Discovering this place was a ‘happy accident’ for me. Originally I had intended to visit Coto island, but when I arrived at the ferry port to the island, I realized I had left my passport back at my place. Travel there was not permitted without this (at least in 2019). However the official who I spoke to said I could go to the lesser-known Quan Lan Island instead, so I thought why not! It turned out to be one of my most memorable Vietnamese trips.
Quan Lan Island is in the northern province of Quang Ninh, not so far from the famous Ha Long Bay. It is pretty much unknown to foreigners and only gets a relatively small influx of Vietnamese visitors. Think of impressive white sand beaches, including Ngoc beach (meaning pearl) and the beautiful Minh Chau beach. Think lush, green pine forests, rich history and top-notch seafood at very generous prices. The island has it all. One can visit the Quan Lan Communal house complex, complete with a pagoda and 17th century temple, containing the original wooden framework and a wealth of fascinating stories attached to the site.
I hired a scooter to explore everything the island had to offer and was not disappointed. I even stumbled on a special annual ceremony that was taking place in a temple.
Early spring and autumn are generally the best times to visit. Try to avoid the heavy rain and thunderstorms associated with the hot summer months of July and August. There are many accommodation options. I had a very enjoyable stay at Minh Chau Beach Resort.
Getting There
From Hanoi you can take a bus from My Dinh bus station to Cai Rong port in Van Don. The price of a single ticket is about 150,000vnd and it takes around 4 hours. Add a further 50 minute boat ride from the port, costing about 60,000 – 120,000vnd. Boats leave at 8.15am and 3.15pm. Please check closer to your travel dates, to get accurate, up to date info however.
2. Yen Tu Mountain, Uong Bi
Another must visit place and one of northern Vietnam’s hidden gems is in Quang Ninh province and is the country’s spiritual home of Buddhism. It is a large complex of temples and pagodas, on different levels of a holy mountain.
You can ascend Yen Tu mountain by cable car and explore by foot, under the ancient trees. There are pathways throughout the mountain from which you can stop and admire the outstanding views or get some refreshments at certain points along the way.
Before going up the mountain, be sure to visit the serene Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen monastery, the largest Zen monastery of it’s kind in the country, built in 1293. Highlights once upon the mountain are Hue Quang Golden Stupa and Hoa Yen pagoda, dating back centuries ago. Plan to catch the golden colours of sunset on the way back down to the bottom. An experience reminiscent of a beautiful, pastoral landscape painting. To learn more about Yen Tu Mountain you can click here.
Getting There
Yen Tu mountain is in the city of Uong Bi. It’s around 150km from Hanoi and reachable by coach, car or motorbike. To avoid the flocks of tourists during the opening months of the year and the time of Tet Holiday, visit in autumn. Just keep check on the weather forecast ahead of time!
Tip: I don’t know about right now, but when I visited in 2019, there were several seemingly feral dogs wandering around near one of the temples, so just be a little cautious!
3. Ta Xua, Son La
Next on my list is Ta Xua, which sits between Yen Bai and Son La province, in north-west Vietnam. It is a spectacular mountain range sitting high in the clouds and the views here are truly sublime. If you really want to walk the road less travelled, then come to this remote area!
The nearest city is Moc Chau, about 85km away, from there you can arrange a guided tour, go by private car or go on motorbike to Ta Xua. Homestays are available in the area and are the best choice. Once here, you should go trekking early in the morning. Then just immerse yourself in the floating opacus clouds all around, as seen from the mountain peak. You don’t need to be an expert photographer to capture amazing views. Also enjoy a hot bath prepared by the friendly Hmong, one of the many indigenous people of Vietnam.
Wrap up warm when heading here! If you fancy visiting this place, along with other places in this article, by off road motorbike ride, be sure to check out https://www.indochinamotorbiketours.com/ for some great deals.
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4. Ban Gioc Waterfall, Cao Bang
Another breathtaking spot is Ban Gioc Waterfall. It lies on the border between Vietnam and China. It’s about 30 metres high and 300 metres across, making it the widest in Vietnam. It is a spectacular site to behold. I recommend you come and check it out before mass tourism jumps to it!
The waterfalls are a powerful force, cascading down from the surrounding mountains, into the Quay Son River. To experience the falls up close, take a ride on a bamboo raft. Access to the waterfall costs very little and is open between 7.30am and 5pm. Motorbike parking is 10,000vnd.
The best time to visit the falls are between August and September, because of more water. It also takes on a clear blue colour at this time. Whilst there, you can do what I did and visit the nearby Nguom Ngao limestone cave. Go inside it’s interior and explore the beautifully lit surroundings. Just be careful not to slip! Entrance fee is 40,000vnd ( less than 2 dollars).
Tip: If you fancy some western food and thought you’d be out of luck in such a remote place, think again! I highly recommend ‘Pedro’s Pizza’ which is in the vicinity.
Getting There
I took a bus from Haiphong where I lived before, via Hanoi. Bus costs between 190,000vnd – 250,000vnd. Once you get to Cao Bang you can catch a smaller, local bus to Ban Gioc. The initial driver should help you. The local buses run a few times a day. The journey takes some time, as it is over 200 miles north of Hanoi, however patience is rewarded with stunning landscapes en route.
5. Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai
Finally we have another spectacular destination. As with most places on this list, the landscape is dominated by hills and mountains, like much of northern Vietnam’s hidden gems. This is a rural area in the province of Yen Bai, where you can come to escape city life for some time. You can marvel at the rice field terraces and spend time with friendly Hmong people.
Take a ride through the jaw-dropping ‘Deo Khau Pha’ mountain pass, stopping along the way to take photos. I did this and it was unforgettable!
From personal experience I would like to recommend staying at Indigenous homestay. Here you will be looked after well by my friend Khang Dinh and his wife and family, experiencing life with a Hmong family first-hand.
Getting There
From My Dinh bus station, Hanoi ask for the bus to Nghia Lo, change there for a local bus to Mu Cang Chai. It’s best to check local bus services with your accommodation host ahead of time.
Final Thought
So there we have it, northern Vietnam’s hidden gems are places you need to experience at least once in your lifetime. Of course, there are more awe-inspiring places to visit in this exciting country, there are even more awesome places in the north, which I will talk about in future posts. In the meantime, why not take a look at my Southern Vietnam’s Hidden Gems : 5 heavenly places to visit and get more travel inspiration!
