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22
Feb
2020

Top Outstanding Eco Destinations For Vietnam Tours  – Northern Vietnam

Posted By : Threeland Travel / Vietnam Travel Guide

“Green destinations” has been one of the top trending keywords of tourists in recent years. Vietnam, with the biodiversity throughout north to south, is a familiar destination for nature lovers.  Are you looking for a Vietnam green attraction for your family vacation, for an amazing adventure discovering tropical land, mysteries of wildlife or simply for recovering holiday? With the understanding and experience of Threeland, this article has aggregated the most outstanding northern Vietnam eco attractions which own typical natural characteristics and offer full travel services. 

Eco-tourism is to enjoy nature with understanding cultural characteristics, supporting conservation, minimizing the impact of visitors, closing a positive contribution to economic growth. In Vietnam, eco destinations are established by 4 criteria: nature and local culture basis, environmental education, contributing to the conservation efforts and sustainable development, active involvement of local communities. 

Check out 4 best eco destinations in Halong, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa and Hoa Binh to plan your Vietnam tours right here.

1.    Halong Bay

Halong Bay - One of the most beautiful bay on earth

Halong Bay - One of the most beautiful bay on earth

There is no doubt that Halong Bay is the most appealing destination in the world as well as in Vietnam. 
Nowadays, Halong can be easily connected from any stop thanks to the modern transportation system including a new highway from Hanoi and a new airport in Quang Ninh province. 

Halong Bay is known as one of the world's seven new wonders and natural world heritage for its precipitous nature. In the Gulf of Tonkin, 1,600 islands and islets create a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars, which has been formed in tropical, moist conditions for millions of years. 

Stalactites in caves are formed when rainwater drops down, along the cracks, they dissolve, erode and deposit limestone into stalactites on the ceiling. When light shines into these caves, you will be extremely surprised at a variety of stalactites twinkling, sparkling like you’re in a fantasy world of fairy tales. 

It is more exciting if you stay on a cruise, lie on board, enjoy cool atmosphere while contemplating stunning view of Halong Bay. Besides, you can engage in abundant interesting activities such as kayaking, night squid fishing, swimming, etc. You can go on a common cruise or choose a private one.

All of these activities are designed to make sure that nature is preserved and kept the environment clean. 
Halong Bay is a smart choice if you are looking for a place to relax, recharge yourself or enjoy with family.

See more: Exotic trip to discover all Vietnam World Heritages sites including Halong

2.    Cuc Phuong National Park

Situated in 3 provinces Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa, Cuc Phuong is listed as the first national park of Vietnam in 1960 for its natural value and archaeological value.

Cuc Phuong forest attracts the attention of many visitors because of its large and ancient trees such as hollong, parashorea chinensis, and many valuable medicinal plants. It is also home to a number of the most endangered animals such as the Delacour's langur, civet, leopard, etc. 

At Cuc Phuong national park, you can discover caves where ancient people lived thousands of years ago or explore diverse flora and fauna here by choosing popular sightseeing routes or trekking through the forest. This place is also operating conservation programs that protect, monitor, treat and breed endangered species. You will look firsthand Delacour's langur, civet, leopard and learn their habits as well as how staff looks after them. 

Delacour's langur is treated at the Endangered Primate Rescue Center. 

Delacour's langur is treated at the Endangered Primate Rescue Center. 

The ideal period to visit Cuc Phuong is from April to May when nearly 400 species of butterflies come out of the shelter. On sunny days, millions of colorful butterflies flap their wings creating a beautiful and romantic scene. 
Just a little swing, the butterflies will fly up, they even land on visitors, giving you a beautiful and extremely memorable piece in life.
Coloful butterflies fly over the entrance to Cuc Phuong

Colorful butterflies fly over the entrance to Cuc Phuong

Cuc Phuong national park is just 120 km far from Hanoi. It will be more reasonable when you combine this destination with Trang An, another world heritage that 30 km away.

Tips while traveling: Remember to bring along insect repellent spray, wear long pants or long dresses to avoid insects biting.

3.    Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Pu Luong Nature Reserve is located in Thanh Hoa province, 25 km from Cuc Phuong national park, along two parallel mountain ridges that run from north-west to south-east, and divide the area into many stunning valleys.

Here, relying upon nature, Thai people have settled, nurtured traits customs and tradition for ages. “Pu Luong” is also originated from the Thai language to demonstrate the highest peak. Until now, they still maintain their cultivation methods as well as their traditional practices, which distinguishes this destination from others. Tourism activities are organized and strictly managed to minimize its impact on the ecosystem and indigenous culture. 
The rusticity of Pu Luong is the magnet to attract tourists. In front of the beauty of terraced fields, it is hard to describe its charm in words. Getting up early in the morning to soak into the early rays of the dawn and enjoy feelings when standing in the clouds and amid mist will give you absolute relaxation. And for an exclusive experience at night, stay a little later to find a vacant lot, lie between the grass and admire the starry sky with your beloved friends or family. 

During the daytime, you can stroll around villages such as Don village, Hieu village, Kho Muong, visit Pho Doan local market and discover Hieu stream – the longest stream in Pu Luong. If you are sporty and adventurous, you can choose trekking paths through the forest or to Pu Luong’s peak at the altitude of 1700 m. 

Welcome a fresh day in the infinity pool of Puluong Retreat

Welcome a fresh day in the infinity pool of Puluong Retreat

After a long excursion, you may need a comfortable accommodation to recharge your energy. Pu Luong Retreat is surrounded by mountains and forests. Just sitting by the terrace or window is enough to see picturesque landscape outside. It carries the unique culture of the region but still brings travelers the sophistication of a resort.

A plus point for this place is its restaurant. All dishes are processed from local ingredients such as river fish, pigs naturally raised, vegetables, etc by a professional chef so that they can keep their original savor without hardness to enjoy. Besides, the restaurant also serves meals in western style depending on clients’ needs. 

From Pu Luong, it is only 1-hour to drive to Mai Chau, another exciting eco-tourism attraction in northern Vietnam. Let’s discover the last destination in this article right now.

4.    Mai Chau

Mai Chau is about 140km from Hanoi and 60km from Hoa Binh city to the Northwest. It not only owns a charming natural landscape but also embraces the typical customs of the Thai community.  

Mai Chau attracts tourists in all seasons during a year because of its cool atmosphere. From November to February, winter dominates the valley but the landscape is still vitality thanks to the red of peach blossom and then the white of plum flower. In the next two months, the weather is cooler, Ban flowers start to blooms drawing a colorful picture. 

The Lac village, an over 700 years old village, is home to the Black Thai people who have lived by cultivating rice and weaving for generations. This place is like a gift of the mountains for those who love peace to enjoy the green space. Stilt houses in Lac village are tall, spacious, clean, and keeping the ancient architecture.

It will be unforgettable memories when trying the specialties of the mountains such as com lam (rice cooked in bamboo tube), lon man, grapefruit leaves pork roll, etc. Feel free because they are all processed clean and hygienic. 

Com lam (Rice cooked in bamboo tubes) - a must-taste specialty in Mai Chau

Com lam (Rice cooked in bamboo tubes) - a must-taste specialty in Mai Chau

Now, you are full of energy to cycle and explore nearby villages. Located on the other side of the field, tourists will arrive at Lac 2. The village is not as bustling as the Lac 1 but it has peace and open space, surrounded by small streams and bamboo forests. Your journey will pass Pom Coong and Nhot village, where people are hospitable and kind. 

Mai Chau - Exciting cycling trips through yellow fields

Mai Chau - Exciting cycling trips through yellow fields

Mai Chau is often offered in the program from Hanoi to Moc Chau. The itinerary starting from Hanoi to Mai Chau then Pu Luong Nature Reserve and finishing in Cuc Phuong National Park is often tourists' choice. From Cuc Phuong, you can easily approach Halong Bay or other places of interest to keep on your Vietnam tours.

See more: Discover Moc Chau - The most astonishing plateau for spring break 

Above is just 4 eco-experience suggestions that you can consider to add in your tours to Vietnam. If you prefer water activities, Halong is the best choice. On the other hand, you will discover a lot of interesting knowledge about nature as well as Vietn ancient people at Cuc Phuong national park. For Mai Chau, it is an ideal destination if you travel with your family. If you have any consideration or inquiry, do not hesitate to contact your local Threeland at threeland.com or email [email protected] or What’s App: +84342620068 or call +842439262056.
 

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