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The north of Vietnam offers many different superb
holiday destinations as well as many different types of
holiday. The country's capital city, Hanoi, is of course
in the north and is an excellent choice for anyone
interested in Asian cities. It's architecture is amazing
with many delightful French colonial buildings blending
perfectly with the older Eastern architecture and the
modern glass towers. The Old Quarter here is a wonderful
place to spend time. Bohemian by nature its many
art-house style coffee shops, bars and restaurants are
fascinating to visit. This part of town is becoming
recognised as the artistic capital of Southeast Asia
with many galleries and art collectives now finding
permanent residence in the city.
Sapa of course is easily attainable from Hanoi. The
overnight train drops travelers off in the early morning
ready for a fleet of minibuses to shepherd them into the
hilltop town. From here trekkers head out in voyages of
discovery into the exquisite surrounding countryside.
Hill side rice terraces form a wonderful backdrop to any
walking holiday here. Many choose to climb Mount
Fansipan, Vietnam's highest peak. The mountains here are
actually the southern most part of the Himalayas.
All of these superb destinations are among the biggest
tourist attractions in the country. It would take
something very special indeed to top them. That they are
topped, is testament to one of the greatest holiday
experiences in the world. Halong Bay, is quite simply,
heaven on Earth. Five hundred million years in the
making, this six hundred square mile paradise is home to
an abundance of rare flora and fauna, some of the
greatest scenery imaginable and people who have lived
their lives in much the same way, for centuries.
Halong Bay has won just about every accolade that is
available to it. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is
also one of the "Seven Wonders of Nature" voted for in a
global poll. The most popular and by far the best way to
see the bay, is to book a cruise on one of the many
cruise boats that ply their trade in the area. These are
of an exceptionally high standard and offer comfort to
the standard of four or five start hotels. Sipping a
cocktail on the top deck off one of these vessels,
whilst watching the sun bid farewell to the day, in
Halong Bay, has to be one of life's great experiences.
The bay has almost two thousands islands, most are no
more than limestone karst formations that jut
imperiously out of the water and tower above the boats.
Many cannot be landed, but those that can offer
delightful beaches, magnificent views and mysterious
caves. The cruise companies offer holiday makers the
choice of either 5 star total relaxation or adventure on
a grand scale. Many choose to go swimming, kayaking,
canoeing, snorkeling, scuba diving, rock climbing,
trekking, fishing or all of the aforementioned. Late
night beach barbecues and party boats are also very
popular.
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