With its striking mountain ranges, ancient rice terraces, and intriguing ethnic groups, the north of Vietnam leaves a lasting impression. Classic colonial architecture is preserved in Hanoi's charming Old Quarter, which also offers top-notch museums and art galleries to explore. With steep limestone cliffs rising straight out of paddy fields and rowboats taking you on a captivating tour through river caves, Ninh Binh has a landscape straight out of a fairy tale. No visit to the north is complete without a cruise on Halong Bay to soak in the sight of thousands of islets and the bay’s deep emerald green waters.