Northwest of Hanoi toward the Chinese border lies the Hoang
Lien Son Range, with Mount Fansipan, the highest peak of
Vietnam (3,143m). This range was christened the Tonkinese Alps by
the French, who took a liking to the cool climate. Limestone largely comprises this
Northwest frontier where dramatic hills rise from the plains. From
Hanoi to the Northwest
several routes will get you there, the most spectacular via Dien Bien Phu
to Sapa. At Lao Cai, close by, you can cross into China and continue by rail to
Kunming.
North West adventure from Sapa The Northwest offers captivating mountain scener,; you can hike or trek into
valleys around key towns. The hill tribes inhabiting the valleys here include Thai,
H'mong, Zao and Muong groups.
Some live in raised long houses. May still dress in traditional garb; intricate
hand-embroidered clothing and silver jewelry are worn by the women. The best time
to see minority people is on market day in the towns, when the mountain people hike
in for days from surrounding areas.
The big day is usually Sunday. Key destinations in the Northwest include
Dien Bien Phu and Sapa. Dien Bien Phu, toward the Lao border, is a small town that
was the site of the Vietnamese communists' victory over the French in 1954, ending
the Indochinese War I.
The village of Sapa remains the jewel of the northwest, a former French hill
resort with splendid mountain scenery, a market thronged with people, and excellent
hiking opportunities.
For a more limited time Hoa Binh and Mai Chau offer good one-day or two-day trips
with light trekking.
