Talk about Vietnam, and this conjures up images of some ultra-beautiful valleys, mesmerizing bays, limestone mountainous islands jutting out of calm sea waters, flowery roads passing through greenish hills, unforgettable land journeys, and of course ever-smiling Vietnamese.
The ending of the long rainy season in Hanoi is also the beginning of its beautiful autumn – the season of flower blossom and love. The beauty of Hanoi’s autumn is a popular topic of uncountable songs and poems can describe how wonderful it is. September is the transforming time between summer and autumn, so the weather is cooler and more comfortable. Although the temperature is still in a high level, the hot in this time is not extreme than in June and July with less sunlight.
In September, Hanoi proudly celebrates Vietnam’s Independence Day on September 2nd with many hilarious events organized around the city. Besides, shopping centers may offer discount and entertaining centers are always crowed with special events on the day.
Another exciting day ones may enjoy is Mid-Autumn Festival, usually occurs in the second half of September and some time at the beginning of October. During the festivals, Hanoi’s streets are colored in red with lanterns and children toys. Additionally, moon cakes are must-try if ones arrived at the time of the festival. September is the last month of damp season in Hanoi, but it may still cause quite many rainy days, except for that acceptable detriment, Hanoi’s autumn is really worth a visit.
These images have regularly been enhanced by those who have been fortunate enough to have visited this land at least once in their lifetime, by adding different hues and shades to them. I am one of those blessed ones who have Vietnam among the lands they have set foot on; and I have roamed there for not less than 14 days! And as if those 14 days were not enough, or may be such is the pull of that land that I wish to live those moments again, and longer this time. And that’s why I am visiting Vietnam again.
These seven days of my 3-week long Vietnam trip are going to be spent in and around Hanoi (Ha Noi to locals). My aim is to stay put at Hanoi, then head eastward for a night wellspent on a cruise boat on the bluish-green waters of the world heritage site of Ha Long Bay and do some kayaking in the sea; then come back to Hanoi and head north-westward on a train to Lao Cai- the town at border with China, and from there to go to stay in and around Sa Pa, one of the most charming valleys in the world and home to famous Black H’among and Red D’zao tribes. And while in Sa Pa, there is no point coming back without traversing some treks through the tribal villages and rice plantations.
The calm and charming Ha Noi
Ha Noi is probably the most attractive city in Vietnam as far as my taste is concerned. It is lively, yet engulfed in a serene calmness, and exudes a definite old-world charm. It makes you feel being in a big city yet it does not take away your own personal space that otherwise is snatched away from you the moment you step into myriad of roads and building and vehicles zipping past you. Here, most of the activities take place in Old Quarters area around the man-made Hoan Kiem lake, and it is the favourite hunting place for backpackers too. And not to forget the food you get to savour in Ha Noi. The Hanoians have a treasure of some great recipes and delicious food, especially a vast variety of vegetarian and meaty spring rolls.
The serene Ha Long Bay
The world heritage site of Ha Long Bay is a must on everybody’s itinerary while they are in Vietnam, especially Ha Noi area. Around 4.5 hours’ road journey away from Ha Noi, the Ha Long Bay never fails to amaze even the return visitors. Thousands of limestone mountainous island jutting out of vast waters of the South China Sea present a memorable stay; and what if you get to spent a night of fun and music aboard a cruise boat on those waters? And then do some diving and kayaking while savouring sumptuous meals in between? Sounds fascinating! And if the sound is so fascinating, then one can imagine how it would feel to be actually there and experience this all first hand.
Sa Pa & its unparalleled beauty
They say that if you wish to witness four seasons in a day, then you must come to Sa Pa valley. This valley is situated some 6-hours away towards north-west of Ha Noi and is as beautiful as anything can be. Situated along the border with the loveliest of Chinese provinces, Yunnan, the beauty of Sa Pa valley can be said to be homogenous with its neighbouring Chinese land. Vast expanses of rice fields, some memorable treks through low mountains, lakes, waterfalls and a blanket of morning mist covering the entire valley are enough to take away all your stress and revitalize you to the core. And then, a night’s stay with at one of the tribal household and having home-cook food can really be an icing on the cake. After visiting Sa Pa, one feels both re-energized and enriched.
Not a regular vacation
Such a trip is not a regular tourist trip. One must be prepared to be a bit adventurous and also flexible to adapt to different situations and mingle with fellow travellers or other travellers you meet during the trip. Best one is a backpacking experience with an aim to get yourself to introduce to a new kind of thrill and enjoyment. You can see almost all the colours the northern Vietnam can offer. You can spend nights on a cruise boat, or a sleeper train, or a home stay or even at bunk beds at Ha Noi and Sa Pa. You can travel on bus, take part in a city tour, and witness some traditional arts like water puppetry.