Summary. Ninh Bình province is approximately two hours outside of Hanoi. Most famous for, Tràng An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the 2005 movie King Kong was filmed. The tour company we used is no longer available, though we noticed many operators offering the exact same service.  It was extremely hot the day we went. Check the weather; bring extra water and snacks; hydrate often; and if your tour operator allows for it, take air-conditioning breaks. We were each given

Summary: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is truly a beautiful place to visit. Located roughly 3 hours from Hanoi, Hạ Long Bay's unique feature is the limestone pillars topped with green vegetation. It is true that there are many cruise boats filled with tourists but the Bay is an expansive 600 miles and can accommodate the traffic so that it does not feel crowded. We chose a 2-day, 1-night cruise but if you want some more down time on your trip, this is a good spot add a day

Hỏa Lò Prison, aka "Hanoi Hilton" is an essential stop while in Hanoi, this prison that housed Senator John McCain during his POW years, has been converted to a museum. Consistent with our other Hanoi experiences, the prison was filled with pro-Vietnam propaganda, including a quite different description of Senator McCain's 5 1/2 year imprisonment. Opening in the late 19th Century, Hỏa Lò Prison was built while Vietnam was under French colonial rule. Now a museum, the exhibits

Traveling to Northern Thailand and Northern Vietnam is different than other places we've visited. The weather can be hot, humid, and unpredictable; your stomach may not be accustomed to the foods or organisms in the water; medical care is not as readily available; and the culture requires a little planning ahead in terms of dress code. A combination preparation and a "roll with it" attitude will help make a successful trip that could otherwise be ruined or feel ruined. 1. T

Why Travel To Sapa. Located in the Hoàng Liên Son Mountains of northwestern Vietnam, Sapa is by far one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. It is well worth the long journey from Hanoi and was the highlight of our Vietnam-Thailand trip. Sapa is the home of five ethnic minorities, include the H'mong, a formerly nomadic people forced to settle. Still suffering from overt oppression, the H'mong struggle to meet basic needs, such as food, clothing and shelter. As touri

Why Go to Sapa. Located in the Hoàng Liên Son Mountains of northwestern Vietnam, Sapa is by far one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. It is well worth the long journey from Hanoi and was the highlight of our Vietnam-Thailand trip. Sapa is the home of five ethnic minorities, include the H'mong, formerly nomadic people forced to settle. Still suffering from overt oppression, the H'mong struggle to meet basic needs, such as food, clothing and shelter. As tourism in