Son la
Son La has prospered on the back of its lo­cation as a natural transit point between Hanoi and Dien Bien Phu. It may not be one of Vietnam’s must-see destinations, but the surrounding scenery is impressive and there are enough diversions to occupy half a day.

The area is populated predominantly by Montagnards, notably the Black Thai, Meo, Muong and White Thai. Vietnamese influence in the area was minimal until the 20th century; from 1959 to 1980 the region was part of the Tay Bac Autonomous Region.

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Getting there & away
Son La’s bus station is 2km southwest of town. Buses run from 4am to noon between Son La and Hanoi (78, 000d), taking about 10 hours or so, assuming there are no serious breakdowns. Regular morning buses also run to Dien Bien Phu (50, 000d, five hours).

Son La lies 320km from Hanoi and 150km from Dien Bien Phu. By 4WD or motorbike, the Hanoi–Son La run typically takes eight hours. Son La to Dien Bien Phu takes another four hours.

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