Hello,

I’d love to get your feedback for an area to add to my current itinerary. I’m planning a two week trip to Vietnam in September and so far I’ve planned 4 days/3 nights in Mu Cang Chai, 3 or 4 days in Ninh Binh followed by Hanoi. But I’m not sure I want to spend a week in Hanoi as I prefer nature over cities. I’d like to find an area that would fit into the three areas I’ll currently be visiting and won’t add on too much more travel time. I don’t have any interest in doing a cruise in the Ha Long Bay as I prefer to visit areas that aren’t too crowded (if that’s even possible these days ☺️). I considered Pu Luong but am concerned it may be a bit out of the way. Not sure. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

See my response to your other post asking a very similar question. Personally, I think it is good call not to visit Ha Long. It is certainly has stunning scenery but is now overrun by tourism. Other nearby bays are no suffering similar fates.

Pu long, the Black River Valley and Mai Chau would fit in nicely with those locations making a sort of triangle with Hani and Ninh Binh. But you would definitely need a guide and driver, the best part of the journey is hiking between the minority villages and staying in honestly in those villages. It is certainly not 5* comfort (or even 2 * ) but is an amazing experience.

The main town in the Mai Chau Valley is very busy with local tourists from Hanoi at weekend , the same is true of Ninh Binh. However, this is for good reason , both places have some stunning scenery. The rest of the week we spent round there, we didn't see another tourist. Plenty of operators in Hanoi can source a guide and drive for you at reasonable cost.

Other areas, though not as convenient for your other locations include Sapa ( the busiest of all) , the Ha Giang "loop" (usually done of the back of a motorcycle) , Ba Be Lakes.

Finally, I wouldn't discount Hanoi. It may be manic but there is a lot to see especially if you have any interest in history (ancient and modern) - a big plus is the food which is incredible.

Thank you so much for your response. I really appreciate it. I will definitely consider the areas you recommended. Did you have a guide that you would recommend?

There are literally dozens of guides in the old quarter of Hanoi. I would just ask around and pick one that provides the service you want at the price that is good for you.
Private tours can be reasonably priced and clearly provide greater flexibility and better interaction with the local , especially in the minority peoples villages ( check that they speak the dialect as few people speak Vietnamese. A couple of outfits I have used in the past include Kangaroo Travel and Ethnic Travel. Alternatively, if staying in a smaller, local type hotel, ask them .