Trip to Sapa and Ninh Binh, Vietnam – Pathfinders Group

Sapa ranks along Ha Long Bay and Hoi An in terms of attracting tourists solely on the merit of its natural beauty and surrounding attractions. It’s particularly rich in opportunities for treks, homestays and (on clear days) the kinds of panoramic views that leave travel writers searching for fresh adjectives and a larger camera memory card.

Sapa is voted to be the best trekking spot in Vietnam, by both natives and foreigners. The whole district is dominated by The Hoang Lien Son mountain range, which also includes Mt. Fan Si Pan-the highest peak in Vietnam and the entire Indochina peninsula withthe height of 3143m. This mount is not only a tough challenge to trekking enthusiasts but also an opportunity to witness the splendid mountainous vista.

Ninh Binh province is located in northern Vietnam, about 100km south of Hanoi. With its hundreds of limestone cliffs emerging from the ground scattered across the rice fields, this region is appropriately nicknamed the “HalongBay in land”. Apart from this stunning scenery, NinhBinhis a great opportunity to peek into the rural way of living. It’s all very laid-back and serene, just how the Vietnam experience should be.

Not only is NinhBinha sight for sore eyes, it is one of the best opportunities to see the rural way of living in Vietnam. The whole province is super relaxed, there’s barely any traffic, the roads are wide and flat, foreigners are few and far between, touts are minimal and it felt extremely surreal –just how the Vietnam experience should be. It was a breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi, that’s for sure. No photos can do this place justice!