is one of the three regions within Vietnam (the other two regions are Central Vietnam and Southern Vietnam). The largest city in the North is Hanoi, the nation's capital, other major cities include Hai Phong Port City. Of the three regions, the oldest is Northern Vietnam, where the Vietnamese culture originated over 4,000 years ago in the Red River Delta, though Vietnamese people eventually spread south into the Mekong Delta.

*Northwest - 6 provinces: Lào Cai, Yên Bái, Điện Biên, Hòa Bình, Lai Châu and Sơn La. This subregion is located on right bank of Hồng River. Lào Cai and Yên Bái are sometimes listed in subregion

*Northeast - 9 provinces: Hà Giang, Cao Bằng, Bắc Kạn, Lạng Sơn, Tuyên Quang, Thái Nguyên, Phú Thọ, Bắc Giang and Quảng Ninh - Halong Bay

*Red River Delta - 10 provinces: Bắc Ninh, Hà Nam, Hà Nội, Hải Dương, Hải Phòng, Hưng Yên, Nam Định, Ninh Bình, Thái Bình, Vĩnh Phúc

The remote mountains of northwest Vietnam are home to some of South-East Asia’s most rugged terrain, beautiful scenery and colourful hill tribes. Leaving the graceful boulevards of Hanoi behind, travel to Sapa before traversing the bumpy mountain roads to Ha Giang, Dong Van and cruising the waters of Ba Be Lake. Experience breathtaking mountain views and meet friendly locals along the way. If you want to get a taste of remote Vietnam, Northern Vietnam is the trip for you.