For Nguyen Hue, a 33-year-old traveler from Hanoi, Huu Lien in northern Vietnam's Lang Son Province has become more than just another weekend destination.

After visiting the peaceful valley five times, she says she still has no desire to stop returning.

A different experience every season

Hue and her family make several trips each year, usually choosing destinations that offer nature, privacy and activities suitable for both adults and children.

Among them, Huu Lien stands out.

Her latest visit came just two weeks ago, but she has now explored the area in all four seasons.

Spring brings cool weather and lush green meadows. During summer, families can enjoy horseback riding, kite flying and swimming in mountain streams.

Autumn offers visitors the chance to pick ripe persimmons, while winter transforms the landscape with golden grasslands, campfires and traditional cultural performances by local artists.

"On average, I visit Huu Lien once a year," Hue said. "Sometimes I come with friends or colleagues, but most trips include my entire family."

She said the destination appeals because of its diverse scenery of mountains, rice fields, streams and valleys, all within easy driving distance of Hanoi.

"The roads are convenient. You can sleep during the journey and arrive feeling refreshed," she added.

Private tours for a more relaxing trip

Traveling with two young children, Hue chose a private two-day, one-night package instead of organizing the trip herself.

The package included round-trip transportation, accommodation, meals, photography services and visits to exclusive tour locations.

She believes this style of travel is ideal for visitors seeking to avoid crowded tourist attractions.

Rather than rushing between destinations, the itinerary allows guests to spend more time enjoying each location at a comfortable pace.

"It suits families who want a short break from the city without sacrificing opportunities to relax, enjoy local food, swim in streams and take photos," she said. "The tour also saves us a lot of time because we don't have to plan everything ourselves."

Outdoor adventures surrounded by nature

During their stay, Hue's family enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities designed around the region's natural landscape.

They camped in the valley, rode horses, flew kites and swam in mountain streams before heading to Bac Mo Dam, where they paddled bamboo rafts, went swimming and visited the area's famous "Couple Tree."

The itinerary also included stand-up paddleboarding on a large lake.

Because these attractions are operated exclusively for small tour groups, visitor numbers remain limited, providing a quieter and more private experience.

"Each place has its own unique beauty, but all of them make you feel relaxed and completely removed from city life," Hue said.

Rustic accommodation and local specialties

Hue's family stayed in a traditional wooden homestay surrounded by rice fields and lush greenery.

The spacious house combines modern comforts with local architectural elements and colorful decorations inspired by indigenous culture.

Meals were served at the accommodation, featuring regional specialties including roast duck, roast pork, grilled fermented pork rolls, khau nhuc (braised pork belly), smoked sausage and handmade sliced pho noodles.

"I enjoyed every dish," Hue said. "We even bought some local specialties to take home as gifts."

An affordable escape from Hanoi

Hue paid just over VND2.3 million (US$88) per adult for the package, while children were charged VND1.8 million (US$69). Children under five traveled free of charge.

She believes the price represents excellent value for the quality of accommodation, activities and photography included.

"I think it's inexpensive for everything we received," she said. "Hiring a professional photographer alone would normally cost quite a lot."

For her family, Huu Lien continues to offer exactly what they seek from a short getaway—a peaceful retreat where they can temporarily leave behind the pace and pressures of city life.

Nguyen Hue