Overview
Sights And Activities
Planning Your Trip
Accommodations
Cultural Essentials
Beyond Tourism
Basics
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 motorbike, and go exploring. Among the mountains and pristine lakes of the north, base yourself in Cao B}ng , B c Hà , Sa Pa , or Mai Chñu . Ethnic minority homes and villages dot the mountainous landscape. While near Hà Nÿi, don’t miss the jungles and beaches of Cát Bà Island and the isolated islands of Bái T Long Bay . Northern central Vietnam’s limestone karsts shoot up from the rice paddies near Ninh Bình , while lonely mountain passes overlook the coast in Hà Tænh Province and the valleys and summits of Båch Mñ National Park . Yok Don and Cát Tiˆn , 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 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 .
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