Vietnam's dramatic rural areas with towering mountains, verdant green rice terraces and traditional villages is a highlight of a trip to Vietnam. But from Sapa to Mai Chau to Pu Luong, what is the best way to experience rural Vietnam?

Option 1: Sapa

North of Hanoi and near the border with China, Sapa has long been the big draw for dramatic mountain scenery, rice terraces, traditional tribal villages an treks. Unfortunately, it is has been woefully over-developed over the last 10-15 years and to a greater extent is now best avoided. There is an exception to every rule, and in Sapa that exception is Topas Eco Lodge, a fantastic high-end eco lodge in the most dramatic situation atop a hill and thankfully well away from the excesses of Sapa itself.

Pros: Dramatic Scenery, Ethnic Minority Villages, Great hiking

Cons: Distance from Hanoi, Sapa itself is over-developed (but Topas Ecolodge is remote and excellent), you have to start and finish with overnights in Hanoi

Example Itinerary:
D1: Transfer Hanoi to Sapa (5-6hr drive)
D2: Sapa - Trekking
D3: Transfer to Hanoi an overnight Hanoi OR Overnight Train back to Hanoi

Option 2: Mai Chau and Pu Luong

The Mai Chau and Pu Luong areas lie South West of Hanoi and are a less developed alternative to Sapa. Mai Chau offers slightly less dramatic scenery and is starting to get more touristy, but Pu Luong remains thankfully untouched stunning scenery and great trekking

Pros: Dramatic Scenery, Ethinic minority villages, great trekking (Mai Chau better for gentle walks and cycling, Pu Luong better for dramatic scenery, rice terraces, trekking), you can combine with Ninh Binh and Halong Bay to make a circular trip from Hanoi

Cons: Mai Chau getting over-developed, only basic and mid range accommodation availble.

Example Itinerary:
D1: Transfer Hanoi to  Mai Chau or Pu Luong   (4hrs drive)
D2: Mai Chau Eco Lodge (cycling and villages) or Pu Luong Retreat (trekking)
D3: Return to Hanoi (4hrs drive)
D4: Transfer to Halong (3hrs drive)

Alternative Itinerary including Ninh Binh:
D1: Transfer Hanoi to Mai Chau or Pu Luong (4hrs drive)
D2: Mai Chau or Pu Luong
D3: Transfer to Ninh Binh (4hrs drive)
D4: Transfer to Halong (3hrs drive)

Option 4: Homestay in Hanoi Countryside

There is pleasant countryside around Hanoi. And whilst it can't compete in terms of dramatic scenery, it does at least give a sense of traditional Vietnamese rural life. This can be done as a day tour from Hanoi or as an overnight in a comfortable homestay.

Pros: Closer to Hanoi

Cons: Not as dramatic scenery

Example Itinerary:
D1: Transfer to Moon Garden (1hr drive)
D2: Moon Garden Homestay
D3: Transfer to Halong Bay 3-4hr drive