The Dien Bien Phu Victory Museum tells the story of the 1954 battle in which Vietnamese forces defeated the French army, ending French colonial rule in Indochina. Its modern building, shaped like a soldier's camouflaged hat, houses weapons, photographs and a large panoramic painting of the battle. Nearby Hill A1 preserves trenches and a bunker from the fighting.

Fansipan is the highest mountain in Vietnam and in all of Indochina, rising above Sa Pa in the Hoang Lien Son range. A cable car and funicular now carry visitors close to the summit, where pagodas, a giant Buddha statue and the summit marker await. Trekking routes are also available for fit hikers. Clouds often roll in, so check the weather and bring warm clothes year round.

Ma Pi Leng Pass is a dramatic mountain road high above the Nho Que River on the Ha Giang loop. The road clings to cliffs of the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, with views down a deep canyon to the turquoise river far below. A viewpoint and small monument mark the most famous section. Visit in clear weather for the best views, and take care on the narrow road.

Ban Gioc Waterfall lies on the border between Vietnam and China and is one of the largest waterfalls in Southeast Asia. The Quay Son River tumbles over several tiers of limestone, creating a wide curtain of water surrounded by green rice fields and karst hills. Bamboo rafts take visitors close to the falls. It is fullest from August to October, after the rainy season.