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Are you unsure about the provinces that constitute the Northwestern region? Follow this article to explore the provinces, terrain features, ethnic groups, culture, and specialties of the Northwestern region.
The Northwestern region, also known as the Northwest Highlands, is increasingly gaining recognition among domestic and international tourists. It boasts famous tourist destinations such as Moc Chau, Sapa, the traditional Thai ethnic dance, and captivating terraced fields.
Moreover, the Northwestern region is home to significant national historical sites such as the Son La Prison, Dien Bien Phu, and the trio of largest hydroelectric power plants on the Da River: Hoa Binh, Son La, and Lai Chau.
Let's explore together with Mytour, which provinces are part of the Northwestern region? And let's discover some of the charming characteristics of this lovely Northwestern region.
1. Which provinces are included in the Northwestern region?
The Northwestern region, also known as the Northwest Highlands, is the mountainous region in the western part of Northern Vietnam, bordering Laos and China. It is one of the regions in the Northern Vietnam along with the Northeast and the Red River Delta. The area of the Northwestern region is over 50,576 square kilometers.
Until now, the geographical boundaries of the Northwestern region are defined in two ways:
- The Northwestern region comprises 4 provinces (Hoa Binh, Son La, Dien Bien, Lai Chau), distinguished by the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. These provinces are located in high mountainous areas, influenced by the Laotian wind, and mainly connected through National Highway 6.
- The Northwestern region includes 6 provinces (Hoa Binh, Son La, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Yen Bai), marked by the bifurcation of the Red River. Both Lao Cai and Yen Bai provinces lie on both sides of the river, but the land on the right bank (belonging to the Northwestern region) is larger, with the administrative centers of these two provinces also situated on the right bank. Furthermore, Lao Cai and Yen Bai, along with the 4 provinces (Hoa Binh, Son La, Dien Bien, Lai Chau), share the cultural characteristics of the Thai - Muong ethnic groups.
However, according to Wikipedia, administratively, the Northwestern region currently comprises 6 provinces: Hoa Binh, Son La, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, covering a total area of over 50,576 km2 (accounting for 15.3% of the country's total area) with a population of 4,229,543 people (making up 4.3% of the country's total population), averaging about 84 people/km2.
Administrative map of Hoa Binh province
Administrative map of Son La province
Administrative map of Dien Bien province
Administrative map of Lai Chau province
Administrative map of Lao Cai province
Administrative map of Yen Bai province
2. Terrain Features of the Northwestern Region
The terrain of the Northwestern region is characterized by high mountains and deep valleys, with numerous mountainous blocks and high mountain ranges running in the Northwest-Southeast direction. The Hoang Lien Son range stretches up to 180 km in length and 30 km in width, with some peaks reaching heights between 2800 and 3000 meters.
The Song Ma mountain range extends 500 km, with some peaks rising over 1800 meters. Between these two mountain ranges lies a low hill area in the Da River basin (also known as the Da River watershed). Beyond the Da River, the Northwestern region has only small rivers and streams, including the upper reaches of the Song Ma River.
Within the Da River watershed, there is also a limestone plateau that stretches from Phong Tho to Thanh Hoa, which can be further divided into plateaus such as Ta Phinh, Moc Chau, and Na San. There are also basins like Dien Bien, Nghia Lo, and Muong Thanh.
3. Ethnic Groups and Culture in the Northwestern Region
The Northwestern region is a cultural space of the Thai ethnic group, renowned for its traditional Thai dances, particularly the flower-shaped dance, known to many. The image of a Thai girl in vibrant costumes, along with the characteristic flower-shaped dance, epitomizes the Northwestern region.
The Muong ethnic group constitutes the majority population in the Northwestern region, alongside approximately 20 other ethnic groups such as H'Mong, Dao, Tay, Nung, Kinh... each with different cultural backgrounds, contributing to the cultural diversity of the Northwestern region.
4. Specialties of the Northwestern Region
The Northwestern region is not only renowned for its majestic nature and unique cultural beauty, but it's also a hub of delectable and famous specialties. If you ever visit the Northwestern region, don't miss out on these delicacies:
Stove-cooked buffalo meat, Moc Chau forest pig, Moc Chau buffalo veal, Pa Pinh Top, Vân salmon, Horse's mane soup, Pía stream, Forest bee larvae, Cat apple wine...
Additionally, you can explore more Northwestern specialties here: Northwestern Specialties - The most delicious Northwestern delicacies for gifting
So, this article has introduced you to the Northwestern region of Northern Vietnam, its cultural charm, and specialties. You've learned about the provinces in the Northwestern region, and what its terrain is like. Hopefully, after reading this article, you've gained some knowledge about the Northwestern mountainous region. Thank you for your attention and follow-up.
