Hanoi, Vietnam in $860s-$880s RT

You can't spell Phoenix without Pho - and what better way to rise from the desert heat than diving into a bowl of Vietnam's finest. Just a quick detour to the airport first ;-) 

September is an ideal time to visit, marking the end of rainy season. And while the "City of Lakes" might be the country's capital, it still manages to maintain an cozy and inviting energy compared to the likes of southerly Saigon. 

And before you go making a beeline for the motorbiking mecca of Sapa or the touristy shores of Ha Long Bay, you might want to familiarize yourself with Cao Bang, an equally breathtaking alternative.

Far from the strictly managed tours and selfie sticks, Cao Bang offers a wilder, more intimate glimpse into Vietnam's raw beauty. Here, misty mountains roll into glimmering rice fields, winding roads lead to hidden caves like Nguom Ngao and Ban Gioc, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the country. 

That being said, Laos' ethereal landscapes are just a border hop away...