This is the Northeast Vietnam chapter from Lonely Planet's Vietnam guidebook.

World Heritage-listed Halong Bay is Northeast Vietnam's top ticket, but the region also showcases craggy limestone peaks and world-class rock climbing, tropical forests, caves, waterfalls, historic sights and the sublime lakes of Ba Be National Park.

• Escape Halong Bay's tourist buzz by gently kayaking into hidden lagoons and grottoes
• maps
• Hike, bike and climb your way around the great outdoors in Cat Ba Island's fascinating national park
• transport
• Board a boat to glide through lakes and rivers, and spend the night with a local Tay family in Ba Be National Park
• restaurants & accommodation

Coverage includes: Ba Be National Park, Con Son & Den Kiep Bac, Haiphong, Halong Bay, Halong City, Cat Ba Island, Bai Tu Long Bay, Mong Cai & The Chinese Border, Lang Son, Cao Bang, Hang Pac Bo (Water-Wheel Cave), Ban Gioc Waterfall & Nguom Ngao Cave.