"Everybody knows the major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh and their attractions but for something completely different and as an introduction to the north east of Vietnam Ha Giang and surrounding area, Mappe Leng should not be missed.

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Leaving the town of Ha Giang you begin to climb higher and higher. Mountain roads wind through the most amazing scenery as mountains appear, sometimes eerily, in your vision. Photography opportunities abound.

Stop off at ethnic villages along the way and discover the real Vietnam. Visit the flag tower and North Pole at Lung Cu, very close to the Chinese border, and the H’mong King Palace.

The highlight of this trip, for me, has got to be the Mappe Leng Pass and you can take full advantage of this stunning scenery in at least three ways.

It’s great fun driving on the back of a motorcycle down the unbelievable snaking road to the river basin. On the way you pass through a village and your motorbike rider will be one of the young men from this village who make a living driving tourists from the main road to the river boats.

Drive along the pass and stop for coffee, great photography opportunity or walk above both of these along the sky walk. Don’t choose just one do all three you won’t regret it.

Whether your accommodation is hotel or a minority homestay this trip will simply be unforgettable."