If you’re a backpacker or simply have a taste for adventure, then prepare yourself for what Northern Vietnam has to offer: hike through the westernmost forests of Dien Bien Province; motorbike drive across Ha Giang Province’s Ma Pi Leng; midnight walk around the Khau Vai “love market”; and to top it all, a four-day adventure to see the terraced mountain fields of ripened rice.
 

The one-of-a-kind terraced fields are located in the northern provinces of Son La and Yen Bai. The four-day trip is a motorbike ride that starts off at Ha Noi and takes on a 200-kilometer drive and an overnight stay at Moc Chau District in Son La Province. Here, tourists will take delight in the love market of the Mong ethnic people who celebrate the event every year from August 31 – September 2. Though it is not as popular as the love markets of Khau Vai market in Ha Giang and Sa Pa market in Lao Cai, visitors will be treated to a wonderful time of live music shows, songs, dances, and children dressed in traditional clothes walking around the streets.  
 

The next day, tourists travel 180 kilometers to the district of Muong La to Ngoc Chien Commune. It’s a smooth ride from Moc Chau to Muong La since the roads are concrete, but the way from It Ong Town to Ngoc Chien is rough and steep. Cars can still access the road though with difficulty, so motorbikes are much preferred. The challenging ride is all worth it though since Ngoc Chien offers a spectacular view of green terraced fields that stretch all the way from the mountains to the sidewalks. Located 1,800 meters above sea level, the climate is cool all the year through. Basically traditional and provincial, there are no hotels or guesthouses around, but visitors can accommodate for homestays from the ethnic groups Mong, Thai, or La Ha who live in stilt houses.

Ngoc Chien Commune is known for its hot springs, by which a local legend was formed that its women are the most beautiful in Muong La District from bathing in the said springs. For only VND5,000 (US$0.25), tourists can soak themselves in the warm, relaxing yet rejuvenating water for as long as they want. They can also have a taste of the local dishes at a karaoke house nearby.
 

Independence Day in Ha Noi is a rainy day, every single year. And with non-concrete roads on the way, guests may have to endure long, rough and messy rides. But what lies ahead, the beauty to behold and the experience to embrace, is worth all the inconvenience and discomfort especially to a backpacker and his dream.