A happy new year of the Goat everyone! Now that spring has come, it is time to face the coming months and review the hot spots not to miss for one’s planning a trip to Vietnam in 2021. From North to South we give you here the best hints to hit new travel trends in style and make your journey across Vietnam unique and unforgettable. Some emerging destinations, some facilities upgrades, some new fun activities… Vietnam's top travel trends will be no secret anymore. Here is a brief summary; we will focus on these ones by one throughout the year. By then feel free to drop us a line if you’re in need of any further information.

The North, more and more to offer.

Mai Chau valley

Mai Chau valley is getting new arguments to become a major destination in North Vietnam. New homestay opens in Mai Hich, a remote village of the valley. Nice decoration, pure Thai hospitality, calm and tranquility away from the crowd. Besides, high standards lodges are opening their doors. Full of charm and proposing 4-star accommodation and services. If you are a couple, a family with kids, a group of friends; looking for friendly homestay or comfortable getaway; Mai Chau valley is a region you should definitely check out.

Bac Son valley, incredible mountainous scenery populated by Tay people, is also getting its name around. The spot reserves a good potential for cycling or hiking and could become a great stop on any East loop including Ba Be national park and Cao Bang province.

Other miscellaneous news: seaplanes flying from Hanoi to and over Halong bay are now available; cable car to get from Sapa up to the top of the Fansipan Mount should start its operations very soon; ox-carting is a new kids-friendly must-do activity around Ninh Binh region; new beautiful homestay are opening in Nghia Lo (Yen Bai), Xuan Giang (Ha Giang) and Thai Nguyen (Thai Nguyen); Les Bains de Hieu ecolodge have inaugurated their new loft-house, wooden, on-stilts and in line with their rustic-chic spirit.  

Central Vietnam, a future hype?

After the revelation of Phong Nha Ke Bang national park thanks to its network of caves including the 2 biggest caves known in the world; another park could rise up, the Bach Ma national park. Located South of Hue on the way to Hoi An, Bach Ma should become a privileged playground for hikers. Rich fauna and flora, stunning views over the sea, waterfalls, and ziplines, what else do we need?

Hoi An is not only about beaches and the ancient town. Local operators are trying to innovate and come up with new activities for people to discover the region further. Sunset cruises, food tours on Vespa scooters, longtail boat adventures, river kayaking, and new cycling routes; these are pictures of your future vacation in Hoi An.

South Vietnam, status quo.

Tourism is booming less in the South than in the rest of the country.  We will keep an eye on the region of Cai Lay in the Mekong Delta. While it is probably less convenient to discover the waterways, it can provide travelers with a nice immersion in the rural lifestyle of the area with nice cycling routes on top. 

Mekong Eyes, the excellent cruise operators on the waterways of the Mekong delta, will release within the year a new large boat bringing its fleet to 2 large boats for joined-group cruises, 2 medium-sized 2-cabin boats and 3 smaller 1-cabin boats.

If you want to know more or to start planning a trip to Vietnam, please get in touch with us via info@handspan.com

And again, Chuc mung nam moi and may the Goat bless you.