Morocco – Miracles do exist.

The variety is… dizzying.

Before setting off, my image of Morocco was that of a country of scorching sun – and of course it was hot, being in North Africa and possessing one of the world's largest hot deserts. It wasn't until I had toured Morocco's must-see destinations that I realized 80% of my initial perception was… completely wrong.

After a long flight from Hanoi, transiting in Istanbul and then flying on to my final destination, Mohammed-V International Airport in the legendary city of Casablanca, I still had to travel over 200 km to Marrakesh to reach my pre-booked hotel. The journey lasted more than a day, but it wasn't as tiring as I had anticipated, perhaps partly thanks to the excellent flight service of Turkish Airlines, partly thanks to the pleasant weather in Morocco, and partly thanks to the picturesque scenery along the way.

It was winter in Morocco at this time of year. The sun was still shining brightly, but it wasn't hot at all; instead, it felt cold, like a Hanoi winter, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 19°C. Sitting in the car on the way back to the hotel, I didn't dare sleep because I had to strain my eyes to take in everything, afraid of missing any of the beautiful sights flashing past the window: wheat fields, low hills, valleys covered in bushes, and here and there, low, pale red houses built in the traditional Arab architectural style… Everything was so captivating, with a touch of wildness that evoked excitement in those who love natural beauty and simple, peaceful things like me.

But the excitement is just the beginning. Who would have thought that Morocco is so blessed and endowed with so many wonders by Mother Nature? If you're familiar with Morocco's vast coastal plains, then have you ever dreamed of seeing snow fall in Africa? If you know Morocco's reputation is linked to the Sahara Desert, can you believe that, in the middle of winter here, you can experience the autumn of Europe?

During this trip, I didn't have the chance to explore the famous fishing ports or coastal life, so there's nothing to brag about. As for the Sahara, I'll tell you about it later because I can't possibly mention it in just a few short sentences.

Here, I want to talk about the Atlas Mountains, a majestic mountain range stretching 2,500 km from southwest to northeast. According to Greek mythology, this mountain range was born from the hands and shoulders of the giant god Atlas, with the trees and forests being his beard. The Atlas is divided into three impressive parts: the High Atlas, with its towering peaks and vibrant rose valleys; the Middle Atlas, with the city of Fes; and the Anti-Atlas, with its many volcanic plateaus.

The road from Marrakesh to Ouarzazate passes through the High Atlas Mountains and also through valleys inhabited by the Berber people living in kabahs made of tightly packed red earth. Along this road, I had the opportunity to admire the snow-capped peak of Jebel Toubkal, 4,167 meters high – considered the highest point in North Africa. The Todra Gorge, considered the most beautiful and majestic canyon in the world, is also located in this area, near the town of Tinerhir. The gorge narrows until its width is only about 10 meters, with cliffs on either side reaching 160 meters in height, creating a spectacular sight that captivates every visitor. It's no wonder Todra is ranked as a natural wonder of the world.

Located in the Middle Atlas Mountains, at an altitude of approximately 1,664 meters above sea level, Ifrane, a small town dubbed the "Switzerland of Morocco," gave me the feeling of gently touching a European autumn. Built by the French in the 1930s, Ifrane is cool throughout the summer and temperatures drop below freezing in winter. But when I arrived, it was early winter, so Ifrane was covered in golden leaves. With its red-roofed houses, gardens full of flowers, parks dotted with lakes, and lush cedar forests, this town felt like a true European town. I believe that if you experience it, you will be just as moved as I was.

I lost myself in the medina

If you live in a modern city teeming with bars, glamorous restaurants, and all the technological conveniences, cars, and motorbikes, you'll be surprised to find yourself in a different world when you step into a medina in Morocco. Here, you won't find a single trace of modern life. Yet, medinas exist throughout the cities of Morocco and are a source of pride for its people.

Medina is the general name for ancient neighborhoods surrounded by thick, towering city walls. A common feature of medinas is that the space inside the walls is filled with markets, narrow, interwoven streets, winding alleys, dead-end streets, mosques, schools, and more. From my research, the original purpose of medina architecture was to deter invading armies. Gradually, over time, medinas have become vibrant, cultural spaces, brimming with the folk culture and unique character of Morocco. It's noteworthy that each medina in each locality has developed its own distinct and captivating identity.

Following in the footsteps of those who came before me, I call Marrakesh the Red City because no matter how I look around, whether I glance up or down, I only see familiar red architecture built from red earth. Once the capital of Morocco and holding an important position on the Silk Road, Marrakesh's history has gone through many periods of rise and fall, but its distinctive cultural features have been preserved intact. The medina walls in Marrakesh are 9 km long and have 9 enormous gates leading to the large Jemaa el Fnaa square in the center – where many shopping and entertainment activities take place. Strolling here, I witnessed a thousand and one interesting things: people wearing traditional djellaba (headscarf) walking along the winding alleyways; vibrant carpets hanging along the city walls; souvenir stalls, leather goods, and jewelry everywhere; Eagle trainers invite tourists to take photos with their tamed "kings of the sky"; beautifully carved gates; attractively displayed fruit juice and dried fruit vendors with handsome young men standing beside them, inviting customers with melodious, almost singing voices; numerous tiny mint tea and coffee shops; horse-drawn carriages crisscrossing the square and narrow pathways for vehicles… And believe it or not, I even saw people playing flutes to lure snakes into dancing, storytellers I thought only existed in legends. All these sounds in the space combined to create a unique symphony found only in Arabian markets, leaving me both bewildered and intensely captivated.

Larger and more famous than Marrakesh, but in my opinion, the old town of Fes el Bali is quieter. It lacks the usual entertainment but more clearly reveals the essence of ancient life and culture. If someone says the medina in Marrakesh is a labyrinth, Fes el Bali is even more so, with approximately 9,000 small streets crisscrossing it. Therefore, getting lost here is quite understandable. Local guides advise that if you get lost, follow the direction of the sun, and you will find your way out of the medina.

I arrived at Fes el Bali quite early, so the first shops to open were the bakeries – a sacred food of Morocco. The sundial, as old as the old town (one of the few oldest sundials in the world still in existence), hadn't yet received any sunlight. Most of the doors along the streets were still tightly closed with surprisingly large locks and bolts. Many buildings, some thousands of years old, had become old, dark, and supported by wooden stilts. The walkways were deserted, mostly with people dropping their children off at school and some delivering food to the shops. A few people waited by the public fountains scattered throughout the medina...

But as I ventured deeper into the heart of Fes el Bali, the rhythm of a new day gradually and unexpectedly came alive. It was only when I heard a shout for a donkey struggling to carry freshly tanned hides that I realized how crowded I had become. Don't be surprised I mention donkeys, because these pack animals are a unique feature of Fes el Bali. Instead of motorized vehicles, donkeys and mules are common modes of transport, along with horse-drawn carts. Besides carrying goods, these donkeys also serve as garbage collectors.

Another distinctive feature of Fes el Bali is the tannery – the world's oldest leather tanneries still operating using traditional methods. My guide led me through narrow streets and then suddenly into a leather goods section at the end of a cul-de-sac, filled with products in a dazzling array of colors. Here, I was led to the "magical" window on the fourth floor, overlooking a bustling tannery – the very spot where photographers take their famous postcards that symbolize Morocco.

Situated on a small hill, Chefchaoen's medina is easily distinguishable from the aforementioned medinas by its modern pace of life and the vibrant blue hues that permeate the city. The architecture here reflects a Mediterranean style. If it weren't for the typical Moroccan products displayed throughout the medina—such as carpets, dried dates, and colorful jewelry—I would have mistaken it for the old quarter of Santorini. Remarkably, despite the rows of shops and the enthusiastic sales pitches, Chefchaoen's medina still exudes a sense of peace. Perhaps it's the stunning blue color and the steep steps that draw visitors in, making them forget the hustle and bustle, and even their own identities and origins.

Mysterious Sahara

In my dreams, the Sahara Desert was distant and mysterious. I had frantically searched and read every piece of information about the Sahara to give this fantastical dream enough substance: the harsh sun on endless sand dunes, the bone-chilling cold when night fell, the scarcity of water, nomadic shepherds, desert bandits, or packs of ferocious wolves lurking... But this encounter with the Sahara was completely different from what I had imagined.

From Erfoud, a small oasis in the Sahara Desert – known as the gateway to the Sahara – I began my jeep adventure through the world's hottest desert. The 40-minute journey was exhilarating, with breathtaking views of the vast desert landscape whizzing by, the setting sun casting a golden glow, the dizzying speed and sudden turns of the steering wheel by the adventurous driver making me feel like I was in a desert race, the swirling dust, and the vibrant music the driver chose to spice up the journey.

From the jeep, I switched to riding a camel as I began to see the endless sand dunes stretching to the horizon. The Sahara was peaceful and breathtakingly beautiful, with no wind whipping up sand in my face, and certainly no sandstorms. The camels were gentle and humorous, their many peculiar behaviors making everyone laugh. As darkness fell, the vast expanse of the desert gradually sank into silence, leading me to endless and beautiful thoughts.

Although I knew beforehand that my overnight stay was Auberge du sud Deluxe Camp, one of the most luxurious camps in Merzouga, I was still amazed by the amenities and luxury when I received my tent. The spacious white tent was decorated in an Arabian style, covered with hand-woven carpets, and featured a comfortable bed, warm mattress, and many luxurious and comfortable furnishings. Forgetting about the lack of running water, I even got a hot shower to wash away the fatigue after a long day on the road, and enjoyed a delicious traditional Moroccan buffet dinner.

But all of that pales in comparison to the magical experience of the sun casting its first rays upon the desert sands. With the appearance of the sun comes a magical transformation of color in the landscape, from pale dark to rosy, deep red, orange-yellow, then pale yellow, until the entire sky glows brightly. In the distance, just below, lies a silent cluster of white tents. The sand dunes seem to transform with the movement of the light, creating mesmerizingly captivating shapes. It's hard to believe that Morocco has taken me from one wonder to another, allowing me to witness such surreal beauty firsthand!

Additional information:

Visa:Applying for a Moroccan visa is quite easy; if you don't want to use a service, you can apply yourself. The visa processing time is 15 days.

Flight itinerary:There are quite a few airlines offering flights from Vietnam to Morocco, but for me, Turkish Airlines is a good choice. This airline has an extensive network to 120 countries and over 300 destinations worldwide, and has won the Best Airline in Europe award for six consecutive years.

Places to visit:Casablanca, Marrakesh, Fes, the Sahara Desert, Chefchaoen… these are places you absolutely must visit. My travel plan for Morocco this time was provided by Cox and Kings Vietnam.

Time:Morocco is at its most beautiful in spring, from mid-March to May. You can also visit Morocco in winter (from November to February), when the temperature is quite pleasant and you can see snowfall in the High Atlas Mountains.

Accommodation:Morocco offers a wide range of accommodation options, from guesthouses and small hotels to luxury hotels and resorts.

Cuisine:Considered the finest in the East and renowned worldwide, Moroccan cuisine is a sophisticated blend of vegetables, fruits, rare and aromatic spices, fish, and meats. Skewers, kutta-kutta, lamb Méchoui, Pastilla, B'ssara soup, Tajine, mint tea, coffee… are just some of the must-try dishes.

Means of transportation:Taxis, buses, subways, trains.

Skin:Morocco is a Muslim country, so remember to dress modestly. If you visit Morocco in winter, you should bring warm clothing as temperatures range from 10 to 19 degrees Celsius. In summer, choose loose and breathable clothing to stay cool and protect yourself from the sun.

Other notes:

- Bread should not be thrown away because Moroccans eat a lot of bread and have great respect for it.

- You also can't pour hot water into the sink because Moroccans believe that all places connected to water regularly are inhabited by spirits.

Bargaining while shopping is a common practice among Arabs. You should offer at least one-third of the asking price.

- In upscale restaurants, tipping is essential and usually ranges from 10-15%.

You should ask permission before taking photos of people. Some people will happily accept money and let you take their pictures.

Kincoi