{"id":17027,"date":"2018-12-12T09:28:51","date_gmt":"2018-12-12T09:28:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exotravel.com\/blog\/?p=17027"},"modified":"2018-12-17T02:20:14","modified_gmt":"2018-12-17T02:20:14","slug":"exo-explores-halong-bay-north-vietnam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exotravel.com\/blog\/en\/exo-explores-halong-bay-north-vietnam\/","title":{"rendered":"EXO Explores: Halong Bay & North Vietnam"},"content":{"rendered":"

No natural draw encapsulates the otherworldly beauty of Vietnam quite like Halong Bay. Jutting out almost perpendicularly from the Gulf of Tonkin, 1600 or so limestone karsts stud the emerald waters of the bay. The seascape, which is UNESCO World Heritage-listed, is arguably the country’s most recognisable tourist draw and it is fully deserving of its fame.<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n

A legion of cruising junks – some basic, some salubrious – ply the waters and spending at least one night sleeping under the stars out on the water is an integral part of any Vietnam itinerary. Although Halong Bay is undoubtedly the banner attraction in northern Vietnam, there are plenty of other stirring experiences to be had. Much of the area is rugged, mountainous and often very remote and the scenery is almost uniformly spectacular.<\/p>\n

Provinces such as Cao Bang and Ha Giang offer some of the most memorable vistas in the region, but remain relatively inaccessible. Equally compelling and easier to get to is the little town of Sapa. Located high in the Tonkinese Alps near towering Mount Fansipan, the highest peak in Vietnam, Sapa was established as a hill station by the French in 1922 and is the main center for tourism in Vietnam’s far north. The town itself is rich in color and culture with members of ethnic groups such as the Hmong and Red Dzao a noticeable and friendly presence. Its picture-perfect location, meanwhile, makes it the perfect base for hikes and explorations into the mountainous hinterland.<\/p>\n

FEATURED TRIP<\/strong><\/p>\n

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THE ROOF OF VIETNAM, HA GIANG AND THE FAR NORTH<\/strong><\/a> (6 DAYS \/ 5 NIGHTS)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Take an epic road trip across the ‘roof of Vietnam’ where spectacular scenery abounds. Rub shoulders with members of ethnic hilltribes at vibrant markets and catch glimpses of their traditional customs. Traveling over high mountain passes and spectacular valleys, this trip has more than its fair share of awe-inspiring moments.<\/p>\n

HIGHLIGHTS<\/strong><\/p>\n