351 <h3 class="GI-B">Trek, Pedal, And Zoom </h3> <p>Breathtaking vistas and hikes are a Œ·ng a dozen in this country. Rural Vietnam is characterized by lovely and less-than-lovely towns surrounded on all sides by natural splendor; get a map or a guide, rent an old-fashioned bicycle or a speedy <span class="Pick">&nbsp;</span>motorbike, and go exploring. Among the mountains and pristine lakes of the north, base yourself in Cao B}ng <!-- (p. 175) -->, B<span class="Pick">&nbsp;</span>c Hà <!-- (p. 202) -->, Sa Pa <!-- (p. 194) -->, or Mai Chñu <!-- (p. 226) -->. Ethnic minority homes and villages dot the mountainous landscape. While near Hà Nÿi, don’t miss the jungles and beaches of Cát Bà Island <!-- (p. 142) --> and the isolated islands of Bái T Long Bay <!-- (p. 159) -->. Northern central Vietnam’s limestone karsts shoot up from the rice paddies near Ninh Bình <!-- (p. 232) -->, while lonely mountain passes overlook the coast in Hà Tænh Province <!-- (p. 252) --> and the valleys and summits of Båch Mñ National Park <!-- (p. 290) -->. Yok Don <!-- (p. 367) --> and Cát Tiˆn <!-- (p. 358) -->, two national parks in the central highlands, make for laid-back forays into a wilderness filled with endangered species. Past HCMC, boats trump boots as a means of transportation in the Mekong Delta; nevertheless, Phú Qu#c Island <!-- (p. 431) --> has some trek-worthy forests and shining white beaches for relaxing. For more national parks, flip a few pages to our suggested itinerary, Park Avenue <!-- (p. 10) -->. </p> 2009-01-27T03:00:02+00:00 25 false 9011 Trek, Pedal, And Zoom 9010 1 11614 2009-06-02T19:37:37+00:00