A trip to Hanoi, Loc Long Bay, Sa Pa, and Ha Long Bay in Northern Vietnam was an Asian destination I'd long considered for a self-guided tour. However, due to cultural, language, and transportation challenges in less developed countries, the trip remained on hold. Then, in 2025, I stumbled upon a semi-independent tour offered by (Auto) travel agency. Intuitively, I knew this type of travel could solve the problems we faced, so I resolutely decided to join their 9-day, 8-night "I Want It All in Northern Vietnam" tour.

It certainly didn't disappoint! Everything went so smoothly. Because this tour had been operating for several years, all communication and transportation were handled online via Line, so there were no problems whatsoever, which surprised us! We were not only able to enjoy Vietnam's unique scenery and beautiful landscapes, but also savor a variety of exquisite Vietnamese cuisine and enjoy inexpensive massages and baths. No wonder more than half of the tourists there are from Europe and America. We were puzzled; given the area's dirtiness, severe air pollution, and chaotic traffic, there was still a constant stream of foreigners. The high cost-performance ratio is undoubtedly the only reason.