WorldTravel

 MAP 1. Ha Giang Province Bordering China, this far north province has recently gained popularity as a road-trip destination. Thanks to the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, mountains, deep valleys, and razor-sharp hairpins, Ha Giang is a haven for bikers. Rural villages with their own well-preserved heritage add cultural value to your trip. If you don’t want to ride a motorbike, this province offers countless treks and mountain bike opportunities. No matter how you get around, the mountains and charming settlements will linger on in your memory. 2. Sapa Sapa hides away between the highest mountains of Vietnam and is most famous for its natural beauty. Many visitors ride a cable car to the summit of Mount Fansipan and go on a hike along rice terraces. A bit outside the town of Sapa, the Silver Waterfall thunders down and views of the Tram Ton Pass are quite unforgettable. If you’re looking for a more laid back trip, Sapa has many cafes and restaurants where you can soak up the views of t

 MAP Socotra Island 1 One of the most isolated landforms of continental origin on earth is the beautiful Socotra Island, located between the Guardarfaui Channel and the Arabian Sea. The remoteness of the island has resulted in the growth of various species like the ‘dragon’s blood tree,’ pink desert roses and a rare species of frankincense, which are endemic to the island and found nowhere else on earth. This is probably one of the reasons why the island has been described as ‘the most alien-looking place on Earth.’ Some people also believe that the island with its biological diversity and isolation was the original Garden of Eden. Whatever the theory of its origin there can be no doubt that it is one of the most beautiful places in Yemen with its varying landscapes. From the beautiful white sands of the surrounding beaches to the rugged Hajhir mountains and the golden sand dunes, there is much that will astound a visitor to Socotra. Socotra -by Valerian Guillot/Flickr.com Socotra -by