Northern Vietnam is a fantastic region to visit in South East Asia. This part of the world has a great contrast of beautiful countryside and bustling cities. So whether you love nature or you are more of a city person, there is something for every type of traveler. The list of places to visit and things to do is endless. From exploring the capital city Hanoi and the stunning views around Ninh Binh. And, the best time to go is from October-December. The warm climate and blue skies will make for an unforgettable trip.

Hanoi is the perfect location to start your journey as it has good road and rail links to most parts of Northern Vietnam. Hanoi is one of the madest cities I have ever been to in terms of the hustle and bustle. The traffic is crazy and something I have never experienced before. Trying to cross a road (big or small) is a challenge, to say the least. There are scooters everywhere you look and it seems there is a laidback attitude to the rules of the road. You will find some people driving down the wrong side of the road. But don't let this put you off as this makes for a great opportunity to do some people watching. There is always something that catches your eye in this busy city. Whether it's people trading goods at the local market or seeing street food being prepared. If you consider yourself a foodie then Hanoi is the place to be. Take a street food tour and experience all of the rich flavours. There is a huge choice of hotels and hostels in Hanoi but I would suggest staying at Backpackers Hostel in the Old Quarter. The Old Quarter (Hanoi's historical heart) is a fantastic place to walk around. With its lively but narrow streets, interesting architecture and, old temples the Old Quarter has a lot to offer. And finally, don't forget to visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Ha Long Bay (world heritage since 1994) is on everyone's bucket list and quite rightly so. It's towering limestone pillars and scattered islands are amazing. You can spend days here exploring the many different inlets, lagoons, and caves. The best way to see all of this by taking a cruise and there is a lot to choose from. There are over 1000 islands in Ha Long Bay but my favorite is Cat Ba Island. A lot of people come to Cat Ba for only a day trip but I recommend staying for 2-3 days. The island reminded me of Jurassic Park due to the forest covering most of it. The National Park in the heart of the island is a great spot to get away from the majority of tourists and a chance to capture some stunning photos of the area. Also, Cat Ba has beautiful beaches and a town with a variety of restaurants and hotels. You should also check out The Cat Bar (rooftop bar). It's the perfect location to watch the sunset whilst having a drink.

A trip to Northern Vietnam wouldn't be complete without a visit to Ninh Binh province. It's like Ha long Bay but on land. The natural beauty and cultural sights are incredible. Ninh Binh city is lacking sights, however, it makes for a decent base for exploring the region. The ancient capital Hoa Lu is an amazing complex to discover with it's towering limestone pillars, paddy fields, caves, and temples. There are so many photo opportunities here and some great viewpoints like Dragon Mountain. But the Bai Dinh Pagoda complex (in the Gia Vien District) is an absolute gem with Buddhist temples and beautiful views of the Gia Vien area. It's a peaceful and relaxing place to spend a day. When it comes to looking for a place to stay in Ninh Binh you are spoilt for choice. I highly recommend staying at Lotus Field Homestay (booking.com). The location is breathtaking. I have stayed at some great locations around the world but this accommodation has to be one of my favourites. Fantastic value for money and the family who work there are friendly.

Sa Pa is a town in the countryside near the Chinese border surrounded by stunning paddy fields and mountains covered in forest. It overlooks a deep valley with mountains high above on all sides. Sa Pa is Northern Vietnam's premier trekking base where hikers can marvel over beautiful views, rice terraces, and charming villages. If hiking isn't your thing then renting a motorbike is another way to enjoy the scenery. Traveling through this breathtaking landscape on a motorbike is an experience that you will never forget. The switchbacks in the valleys will give you a great feel for the road and bike. And to top it all off the price for renting one is only 100,000-150,000 Vietnamese dong (3-6 pound). So what if the weather is terrible? Well, you can visit the Sa Pa museum and market or have a spa day. Also, there are a variety of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops to chill out at.

P.S. don't forget to try some Vietnamese iced coffee. The best coffee I have ever had. Also, it's a great way to start your day.