Vietnam Northeast

Ha Long is the capital city of Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam. Ha Long city was created when the old capital, Hon Gai, was merged with Bai Chay – the main tourist area. The city mainly lies on Hạ Long Bay. The city's economy has recently switched from coal mining to tourism, due to the large number of visitors drawn by the Hạ Long Islets every year. At present, Hạ Long is experiencing rapid growth not only in tourism sphere, but as a place upon the main road to southern China. Its main attractions include the breathtaking Ha Long Bay, as well as the local vibrant night market.

Bac Ha is located in a rural district of Lao Cai Province in the Northeast region of Vietnam. It is the capital of the region of the Flower Hmong, one of the 54 minorities of Vietnam and of the six groups of Hmong people. It is famous for its Sunday morning market, where thousands of locals gathered, the women dressed in their very intricate handmade costumes (it takes three to five months to embroider one by hand), as well as for the Saturday morning smaller market of Can Cau, 18km north of Bac Ha. The town is enjoying an economic boom thanks to tourism, centered on the markets and, more and more, excellent trekking in the mountains north of the town.

Ha Giang is a city located on the banks of the Lo River in the north-east region of Vietnam. It is the capital of Ha Giang Province. The city has a population of 71,689 inhabitants, that is composed of 22 different ethnicities, of which 55.7% are Kinh and Tay people.

Tuan Chau is a schist island on the southwest side of Hạ Long City in Vietnam. Covered by pine forests, Tuan Chau island has an area of 2.2sqkm and to the east and south are two man-made beaches endowed with very white, fine sand. Nowadays, Tuan Chau Island is one of the most touristic destinations in Hạ Long. If in the area, you simply must visit the beach and spend your time basking in the tropical sunshine.