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Destinations in Northwest Vietnam
According to Quy Coc Tu, nowhere else will you experience a more authentic immersion in nature than the Northwest region of Vietnam – a place that still retains the pristine beauty of its mountainous terrain and is home to many ethnic minority groups.
According to him, the best time to visit this place is during the rice harvest season (which takes place from August to October every year) because this is when you can admire the unique beauty of the terraced rice fields - a stunning "specialty" of the Northwest region that cannot be found anywhere else. Because of this, the Northwest attracts a large number of tourists, and this significantly impacts the exploration of the area.
Therefore, Gui Guzi suggests that tourists should plan a more unique itinerary if they decide to travel to this mountainous region. Specifically, instead of going to Sa Pa or visiting overly familiar destinations, you can explore more remote, new, and deserted areas that are still safe, such as Muong Hoa Valley, Mu Cang Chai, Y Ty, Lung Po, A Mu Sung, La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha, De Xu Phinh…. Especially when venturing deeper into these places, tourists will gain a close-up perspective and authentic, impressive experiences of the lifestyle, culture, and people of the Tay, Nung, Thai, Dao, and Mong ethnic groups…
Note:
- It's best to finish your trip before 5 PM to avoid being on a long, deserted road at night, unable to find food or shelter, and especially inconvenient in case of vehicle breakdown.
- When your car is half-empty of gas, you should look for the nearest gas station to refuel because there are very few gas stations in the Northwest region.
- It's advisable to provide your family with your contact information, accommodation, schedule, etc., to avoid problems and receive timely assistance.
- Avoid venturing too deep into remote areas and stay away from border regions.
Quang Binh
Quang Binh is a vast province with so much yet to be discovered. Already renowned for its stunning landscapes recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites, Quang Binh captivates adventurous travelers with its pristine beaches and a series of mysterious caves, enticing those who love adventure to embark on their explorations.
Quỷ Cốc Tử has undertaken many expeditions exploring caves in Quang Binh. He shared that the Tu Lan cave system is particularly impressive and most suitable for tourists who enjoy "thrills." In the caves that penetrate deep underground, he had worthwhile adventures such as rappelling down cliffs or swimming in caves with underground water sources dozens of meters deep... However, Quỷ Cốc Tử noted that exploring caves is not a simple journey, even for experienced explorers. Therefore, if you choose Quang Binh as your destination for a cave exploration experience, you should contact reputable and professional tourism operators to ensure a smoother and safer journey with the guidance of experienced cave explorers who are familiar with the terrain and understand the environment.
In addition, the surrounding natural scenery is incredibly majestic and breathtaking, and roads like the Da Deo Pass and the winding, expansive border road also offer unique attractions for tourists to explore and discover.
Note:
- It is advisable to prepare basic medications (including leech/mosquito repellent), hand/foot protection, and nighttime sleeping clothes when venturing into the cave.
- Contact reputable tour operators like Oxalis for the safest experience when planning your cave exploration trip.
An Giang
Another impressive destination that Quỷ Cốc Tử suggests for travel enthusiasts is An Giang – a province in the Mekong Delta. Famous for its image of vast rice paddies, winding canals and waterways, lush green primeval forests, and people closely connected to the river's fertile soil, An Giang, although having developed tourism in recent years, is still considered a place that retains its pristine and simple charm.
According to the experience of Quỷ Cốc Tử, especially in September and October, tourists should travel along the An Giang border, specifically in the area of Búng Bình Thiên - also known as the Heavenly Lake - in An Phú district, because that is the season when floodwaters flow in from Cambodia and the lakes fill with water, creating a stunning landscape throughout the area.
In An Giang, tourists can also learn about and experience the interesting daily life and culture of the Cham, Khmer, and Muslim people (with their head coverings, hair coverings, and face coverings); stroll through the mangrove forests with their towering trees; and take a boat ride through the canals and waterways – the main transportation routes of this region.
Note:
- Always get a life jacket when crossing rivers by boat or ferry.
- Avoid driving boats or canoes on your own; instead, let an experienced driver take you and guide you.
Sea and island regions
Having had the opportunity to travel to over 40 countries around the world, Quỷ Cốc Tử always insists that the beaches and islands of Vietnam in summer are incredibly beautiful. Blessed with stunning natural scenery, the coastal and island regions around Vietnam are truly exciting destinations for those who love adventure and exploration.
He was captivated by the pristine beauty of Cu Lao Thu (Phu Quy Island) with its crystal-clear blue beaches, long stretches of fine sand, and colorful coral reefs. The unspoiled beauty of this place is particularly attractive to nature lovers.
Quỷ Cốc Tử also suggested another island district, Thổ Chu (Kiên Giang), located at the far southwest of Vietnam. He assessed that this place possesses exceptionally beautiful scenery, untouched by human tourism, and has many ancient Barringtonia trees – a special species that many believe can only be found on the islands of the Trường Sa archipelago. Although the journey to Thổ Chu is arduous due to its extremely important military location and strict border guard protection, you will feel incredibly "worth it" and proud to set foot on this fascinating island.
Note:
- The journey to Tho Chu Island takes a considerable amount of time and requires strict adherence to instructions. The ferry to Tho Chu departs on even-numbered days divisible by 5, and the return trip is one day later. Therefore, visitors usually have to stay on Tho Chu for 5 days before the return ferry departs.
- When traveling to coastal and island areas, it's crucial to be extremely cautious of dangerous waters and avoid venturing too far from shore.
