Northern Viet: Ha Giang or Dien Bien Phu?

Thank you very much for your helpful comments. I love history and that was one reason for my indecision, but you have convinced me to go to Ha Giang region!

and lastly, any thoughts on Ninh Binh?

I went to Dien Bien Phu, 3 years ago, it was 12 hours each way by bus, a long way and the town is not that interesting, even the sites I did not enjoy, many of the tanks have been removed or are under glass and metal roofs. I regret not going to Ha Giang area.

I came to Dien bien Phu from Laos, and it was just not what I expected, and having no real interest in war history,
I got on the next bus to Sapa, which was also not quite as I expected, too crowded and cold at night. Ninh binh (Tam coc), was glorious. If you have a spare night, it is well worth it.

HaGiang Province is superb - scenery is spectacular & there are many ethnic minorities to see. Ninh Binh is also well worth a visit. We did Hanoi, Mai Chau, HaGiang Province and Halong Bay on our first trip to Vietnam. We included Ninh Binh (and surrounding sights) on our second trip to Vietnam when we went from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and several places in between including Ninh Binh and also the Mekong Delta towns.
We (four of us) had a driver/guide with a SUV for 8 days to go from Hanoi to HaGiang Province, Babe Lake and back to Hanoi on our first trip.

I would like to suggest u explore Ha Giang, I was been in Ha Giang 4months ago but I still love to visit Ha Giang again even it's lack of sevice but I think that the things we want when we explore a beautiful nature place.

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