Over two weeks in September, we set out to explore parts of northern Vietnam. We had originally planned to explore the south as well, but the weather in September there can be fickle, so exploring the north at this time was a safer bet. And I’m so glad that’s what we did. This was a trip we had been considering since 2019, but the pandemic delayed our planning by a few years.

We started off our adventure in Hanoi after a long 28-hour journey. We navigated the notorious street crossings, the busiest but most charming coffee shops, and some of the most interesting architecture and street food we’ve tried in a while.

Mai Chau in the Northern Midlands was next on our list, where we got a taste of more rural culture, local crafts, and mountains. We drove along to the Pu Luong Reserve, taking in the beginning of rice fields, and then onto Ninh Bing, where we spent our days cycling, on boats, hiking, and exploring pagodas.

Our last two stops were Ha Long Bay and Sapa, both as beautiful as we were told they’d be. Ha Long Bay’s light changes by the hour, making it magical for photos. And Sapa’s never-ending rice fields at harvest season that turn golden as the day passes cemented the idea in me that Vietnam is a very special place.

It left a strong impression on us — the colors, the landscapes, and most importantly, the people.